Recently we had an opportunity to speak with Felix Biego, the Embedded Software Developer at LVGL about Chronos
Please share with us the backstory of what motivated you to create this app.
I bought a smartwatch in 2020, but the companion app lacked essential features, especially the ability to send notifications from all installed apps. Only a few apps were supported, and there was no customization at all. I contacted the app developers but never received a response. That motivated me to research, learn, and eventually build something myself to solve the problem. Chronos was created directly from my own frustration as a user.
How is your app different than the rest of the market? Which unique need does it fill?
Chronos allows notifications from all installed apps, and users can customize notification icons based on what the smartwatch firmware supports. It also offers filters so users only get alerts for what truly matters instead of being constantly buzzed by non essential notifications. Chronos specifically targets watches in the WearFit ecosystem and gives new life to devices that often lack good software support. Recently, Chronos has also expanded to support open source smartwatch projects, increasing its reach and flexibility.
What is the coolest or most innovative feature of your app?
Watchface installation and editing. Users on supported devices can install custom watchfaces and even modify them to their liking. Chronos also includes a resizing feature that automatically adjusts a watchface if it doesn’t match the watch’s display resolution. The original companion apps do not provide anything close to this level of creativity and freedom.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of the creation of this app?
Seeing it grow to over 100,000 installs on the Play Store and building a global community around it. When users message me saying Chronos made their smartwatch useful again, that is incredibly fulfilling. It shows that independent, user-driven innovation can make a real impact.
What surprised you most in your journey to create this app?
I initially expected a small niche audience. Instead, I found a passionate group of users and developers from around the world who contribute ideas, testing, and support. Their engagement transformed Chronos into something much bigger than a personal project.
How did you decide which platforms to release your app on and do you plan on releasing your app to other platforms?
Android was the ideal starting point because of its flexibility and its notification system. The advanced notification control that Chronos provides is made possible by the Android ecosystem. On iOS, the system directly handles notifications which makes it impossible to customize them in the same way. While iOS has limitations that affect the core features, I am exploring ways to expand Chronos to other platforms in the future.
Which other mobile apps or technology have inspired you?
GadgetBridge has been a big inspiration since it proves the value of open and user-friendly wearable software. LVGL has also influenced a lot of my work on watchfaces. Bluetooth Low Energy technology has enabled me to unlock new device features that manufacturers never exposed.
What features do you hope to roll out to your app in the future?
- Health Connect integration for better health data syncing and insights
- More open-source hardware compatibility
- Enhanced watchface editing tools
The goal is to continue expanding what affordable wearable tech can do for users.
Do you have any recommendations or advice for others wanting to create a mobile app?
Start with a real problem, ideally one you have experienced yourself. Build step by step, listen to your users, and stay open to change. And remember, the first version does not need to be perfect. What matters is creating something that truly helps someone.