I built an AI news app that gets you informed in 30 seconds (here's what I learned)

After getting frustrated with news apps designed to keep me scrolling forever, I built Trace - an Android app that aggregates news from 100+ sources and uses AI to create 30-second summaries.

The app is free, no ads, no subscription. Just news that respects your time.

The Problem

Every morning I'd open Google News or Twitter and 30 minutes would vanish. Not because I was learning anything useful, but because the algorithms were designed to keep me engaged, not informed.

I'd end up reading the same story from 5 different angles, missing important things entirely, and feeling anxious about stuff that didn't matter.

So I asked myself: what if there was a news app that actually respected my time?

What I Built

Trace is an Android app that does one thing well: gets you informed fast.

How it works:

1. Set your role once (developer, founder, designer, PM)
2. Pick your interests (AI, startups, world news, etc.)
3. Every hour, Trace aggregates from 100+ sources and creates 30-second summaries
4. You read the highlights, tap into any story for full context, done

The features I'm most proud of:

• Story Timelines - When a story breaks, Trace groups every angle across publications into one timeline. You see how the story developed without jumping between apps.

• AI Summaries - Not clickbait headlines, not full articles. Just the facts, summarized into 30-second reads.

• Streak Tracker - Gamification that actually works. Track your daily reading habit and stay disciplined.

• Multiple Reading Modes - Scroll through your feed for a quick overview, or tap into a story for full context. Your choice.

What I Learned

Free Gets 10x More Downloads

I initially thought about charging $2.99. Then I made it free and downloads jumped immediately. The Play Store algorithm favors free apps, and users are more likely to try something with zero friction.

ASO is SEO for Apps

App Store Optimization is the Play Store equivalent of SEO. Your title, description, and keywords determine if anyone finds your app.

I rewrote my Play Store description to include specific keywords: "AI news app", "tech news aggregator", "daily news summary". Small changes, big impact.

Reddit is the Best Channel

For indie Android apps, Reddit outperforms everything. r/androidapps, r/androiddev, r/SideProject - these communities actually want to discover new apps.

The key: be genuine. Don't pitch. Share what you built and why.

Building in Public Creates Accountability

When I started sharing progress on Twitter and Reddit, I found myself more committed. Public accountability is a powerful motivator.

Reviews Matter More Than Downloads

The Play Store algorithm weighs ratings heavily. Getting 10 5-star reviews is worth more than 1000 downloads with no reviews.

I added a gentle in-app prompt after users complete their 3rd day streak. Conversion rate: ~8%.

Current Stats

• Downloads: 100+ (just launched)
• Rating: 4.8 stars
• Sources: 100+
• Cost: Free forever
• Ads: None

What's Next

• iOS version (coming soon)
• Browser extension for desktop
• More AI features (personalized insights)
• Newsletter integration

Try It

The app is free on Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=online.yourtrace.app