The indie developer behind creative tools like Mammoth and Bulletin has launched Binge, a comprehensive movie and TV tracking app that solves a common problem for horror fans: unexpected jump scares. By leveraging Apple’s Live Activities, the app provides real-time notifications on your Lock Screen and Dynamic Island, alerting you precisely when a frightening scene is about to occur.
How the Jump Scare Feature Works
To utilize this feature, users simply navigate to the jump scares detail page within the app. By tapping the clock icon, you can activate the Live Activity before starting your movie. The app even allows you to filter for “major” scares only, ensuring you only receive alerts for the most intense moments rather than every minor startling effect.
Beyond Jump Scares: A Full-Featured Tracker
Binge enters a competitive market alongside established players like Letterboxd, Trakt, and JustWatch. However, developer Shihab Mehboob designed it to be an all-in-one hub for tracking movies, series, cast members, streamers, and production networks.
The app offers extensive data integration, pulling scores from Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Letterboxd, and Metacritic. It also serves as a valuable resource for parents, providing detailed breakdowns from IMDb regarding violence, profanity, drug use, and sexual content.
Advanced Tracking and Customization
Binge distinguishes itself through deep Apple ecosystem integration, including iCloud sync, Home and Lock Screen widgets, and “add to calendar” functionality. Users can also:
- Track movies currently in theaters.
- See exactly where specific titles are streaming.
- View episode rating graphs and awards timelines.
- Add private notes and track post-credit scenes.
- Sync directly with the Trakt service.
Pricing and Availability
Binge is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. While the app is free to download, premium features—including the jump-scare warnings—require a subscription or a one-time purchase. Current pricing includes a $1.99 monthly subscription, a $17.99 annual plan, or a $49.99 lifetime license.
