Can AI replace Opal?
KINDA · weekend projectThe visible screen-time control loop is buildable, but a credible replacement needs more than the first screen. Opal earns its keep through polish, OS integration, so expect a weekend or multi-day build and a narrower personal scope.
Build a deliberately narrow personal substitute for Opal, not a full clone. Use exactly this stack: Tauri 2 + React + TypeScript + SQLite. Primary job: Build a local desktop utility that captures the essential screen-time control workflow with keyboard-first controls and local storage. Start from an empty folder and create the complete working project. Make the default mode single-user and private. Store user data locally unless the core job requires the declared self-hosted database. Do not add analytics, telemetry, ads, or third-party accounts. Put every secret and external credential in .env and provide .env.example. Use realistic sample data that is clearly labelled and easy to delete. Implement the smallest polished interface that completes the core loop end to end. Include clear empty, loading, validation, success, and failure states. Add import and export so the user is not trapped in the app. Use accessible keyboard navigation, labels, focus states, and sensible contrast. Validate untrusted input and never log secrets or private file contents. Deliberately exclude these paid-product advantages: cross-device sync; deep operating-system edge-case coverage; polished shortcuts and accessibility. Do not fake integrations, network effects, proprietary data, model quality, compliance, or security claims. Where an external API is optional, keep the app useful without it and explain the degraded mode. Write focused unit tests for the data model and the most important workflow. Add one end-to-end smoke test that proves the core loop works. Create a README with setup, permissions, architecture, data location, backup, and limitations. Add scripts for install, development, test, build, and a production-style local run. Run the tests and build before finishing, then fix errors rather than merely describing them.
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Opal: People keep paying because a utility used dozens of times a day must be instant, predictable, and compatible with every OS update.
xcross-device sync
xdeep operating-system edge-case coverage
xpolished shortcuts and accessibility
xvendor-maintained updates
Can AI replace Opal?
Kinda. The core of Opal is buildable in a weekend with the prompt on this page, but there are real gaps: cross-device sync, deep operating-system edge-case coverage. Read the honest list above before committing.
How much does Opal cost?
Opal costs about $8.33/month (Pro, checked 2026-07-31), which is $99.96000000000001 per year.
What do I lose by replacing Opal?
Honestly: cross-device sync; deep operating-system edge-case coverage; polished shortcuts and accessibility; vendor-maintained updates. If any of those are load-bearing for you, keep paying.
Is there an open-source alternative to Opal?
Yes — ActivityWatch (Local-first automatic time tracking with an extensible event model.). Using prior art is also a valid exit; the prompt is for when you want it exactly your way.