Venus Williams-backed WeWard can now lock your apps until you hit your steps


Source: Amanda Silberling / techcrunch.com

Introducing Walking Mode: A New Feature from WeWard to Boost Physical Activity

WeWard, an innovative app that encourages users to log their steps and earn rewards, has launched a groundbreaking feature called Walking Mode. This pioneering feature empowers users to restrict their access to chosen apps until they meet a specific step count. By incorporating this feature, WeWard aims to motivate people to engage in physical activity while also reducing their screen time.

Venus Williams-backed WeWard can now lock your apps until you hit your steps
Source: techcrunch.com

The Walking Mode feature allows users to customize their step goals and the apps they want to lock. For instance, a user who wants to minimize their time spent on TikTok or Instagram can restrict access to these apps until they reach a daily step goal of 3,000 steps. This feature is designed to promote a healthier balance between physical activity and screen time.

WeWard has been successful in encouraging users to engage in physical activity, with a staggering 25% increase in walking time among its users. The app has also received funding from tennis star and angel investor Venus Williams, which has enabled WeWard to expand its user base to 30 million users across 29 countries, including 4 million U.S. users.

Co-founder Yves Benchimol stated, ‘We believe the next generation of products should be designed to create healthier behaviors in the real world, not simply capture more attention.’ The Walking Mode feature aligns with this vision, promoting a more mindful approach to app usage.

WeWard’s approach to encouraging physical activity is distinct from other reward apps, which often collect and sell user data to third parties. In contrast, WeWard makes money through in-app purchases, affiliate marketing, premium subscriptions, and advertising. This approach ensures that users’ data remains secure and private.

WeWard’s user engagement statistics are also noteworthy, with users spending only a few minutes per day in the app. This suggests that the app is designed to be a gentle nudge towards physical activity, rather than an attempt to monopolize users’ attention.

In addition to the Walking Mode feature, WeWard offers a gamified leaderboard feature, allowing users to engage in friendly competition with their friends. This social aspect of the app encourages users to stay motivated and engaged in their physical activity goals.

WeWard’s commitment to promoting physical activity and reducing screen time is a welcome addition to the app ecosystem. As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of physical activity and digital wellness, WeWard’s innovative approach is poised to make a significant impact.

The addition of the Walking Mode feature is a significant step towards creating a healthier balance between physical activity and screen time. By empowering users to take control of their app usage, WeWard is promoting a more mindful approach to technology.

WeWard’s success in encouraging physical activity is a testament to the power of innovative app design. By focusing on promoting healthier behaviors, WeWard is setting a new standard for the app industry.