Hawser

Hawser is an AI accountability companion for Windows. A blocker can't tell a 10 hour work day from a 10 hour binge. Hawser can, because it understands what you're trying to get done, not just which apps are open.

You tell it your goal for the day. It watches how the day is actually going and steps in with a well timed nudge when you drift, in plain language, with the benefit of the doubt when something could plausibly be work. Research for your project counts as work. The same site as a doomscroll does not. Blocking exists, but it is the last resort instead of the whole product.

Beyond nudges: body doubling sessions with check ins, an away mode that pauses everything including your stats when you step out, a brain dump for intrusive thoughts, notes, reminders, and weekly insights into your focus patterns. Optional nudge personalities range from gentle to genuinely brutal. You can also connect Claude or another AI agent to Hawser through MCP and let it manage your day.

Privacy first: screen snapshots are analyzed in the moment and never stored, screen awareness can be switched off entirely, and there is no ad tech or tracking. Windows 10 and 11. Free 7 day trial, no card required. Currently in beta, built by a solo founder who runs his own work days on it.