Summary
- Mira Dial is a physical productivity device with a timer
- It can block apps, websites, notifications and devices
- Turning it off before the timer ends is intentionally difficult
- It targets creators, photographers and videographers
- It is available through Indiegogo at a backing price of $114
Mira Dial is a new physical device designed to help users stay focused by blocking distractions across devices, apps, websites and notifications.
Mira Labs has introduced Mira Dial, a round physical controller with a display and timer that lets users set focus sessions and limit access to screens, apps, websites and notifications.
The device is particularly interesting for photographers, videographers and content creators, since photo and video editing require long periods of attention, while the same platforms used professionally can easily become a source of wasted time.
How Mira Dial works
Mira Dial works with a companion app, where users choose which devices, apps, websites or notifications will be blocked during a work session.
The basic idea is simple: the user turns the physical dial, sets a timer and starts a focus period. From that point on, the device creates a practical barrier against distractions.
According to Mira Labs, disabling the restriction before the timer ends is not immediate. It requires a series of annoying menu steps, so users have to think twice before abandoning their task.
Why it is different from productivity apps
Most productivity solutions rely on apps that can be easily turned off when users feel the urge to check their phone or social media.
Mira Dial tries to solve this problem in a physical way. It is not limited to a single phone, but promises to block multiple devices at once, making distraction less immediate and less impulsive.
For emergencies, the device includes a limited number of quick exits each month, so users can unlock their devices quickly when there is a real need.
Use by photographers and videographers
For creators who spend long hours in editing software, Mira Dial can work in two ways.
On one hand, it can lock out distractions so users can finish editing, file management or business tasks faster. On the other hand, it can be used for real breaks, preventing endless continuous hours in front of the screen.
This is especially important for those working in photography, video or social media, where the line between professional use and aimless browsing is very thin.
Price and availability
Mira Dial is available through a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo, with a backing price of $114. The expected final retail price is listed at $199.
The company says there is no subscription or additional app cost. If the campaign is successfully funded, the device is expected to ship early next year.
As with any crowdfunding product, interested users should know that backing a campaign is not the same as buying a finished product, and there is always a risk of delays or changes.
You will find it here.
What we think
Mira Dial is an interesting idea because it does not simply try to add yet another productivity app to the user’s daily routine. Its physical presence on the desk may help those who struggle with digital distractions, as long as the final implementation proves reliable and multi-device support works as promised.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mira Dial?
Mira Dial is a physical productivity device with a timer that blocks selected apps, websites, notifications and devices during focus sessions.
Who is it for?
It is aimed at users who want to reduce digital distractions, such as photographers, videographers, content creators and professionals who spend many hours in front of screens.
Can it be turned off easily?
According to Mira Labs, turning it off before the timer ends is intentionally difficult and requires several steps, in order to discourage impulsive use.
Is there a subscription?
The company says there is no subscription or additional cost for the app.
When will it be released?
If the crowdfunding campaign is successfully completed, the device is expected to ship early next year.
