Windchime

Repo

Windchime is (going to be) a Linux desktop app that reminds me to take breaks. I often lose track of time while working and need an automated remider to pause, breath, and look away from the screen. There are already several open source break apps out there, but I have found them to be a bit obtrusive and bloated. Most of them are Electron apps. All of them decide that they need to block your screen to force you to take a break.

My goal with this project is to make a lightweight, native application using the handmade ethos. This means starting from the basics to better understand how the Linux desktop works. The end result should have:

  • Notifications
  • Gentle sounds
  • Pause and skip options
  • A settings window to tweak certain features

Devlog

Apr 18, 2025

Windchime now respects idle time on Wayland. After 5 minutes of idle time, Windchime will now pause notifications and wait for the Wayland seat to send an resumed event.

Mar 21, 2025

Windchime is working! It sends a notification every 20 minutes. This is hard coded right now, but that will change in the future.