Autonomous Gadgets has launched Autonomous Key, a £9-equivalent NFC device intended to make app blocking harder to bypass. Users must physically scan the key to unlock selected distracting apps for up to 60 minutes, adding friction that may help reduce habitual use of services such as Instagram and TikTok.

The compact key works with Android 8.0+ and iOS 15+, can pair with several phones, and includes app-based AI habit insights without a subscription. It is cheaper than rival products, though testing found NFC scans sometimes needed repeated attempts; losing the key currently requires reinstalling the companion app if apps are locked. The product is in beta after a Kickstarter campaign and began shipping in five colours earlier this month.