breathing.ai

BreathingAI (breathing.ai) develops bio-adaptive software intended to reduce digital burnout and eye strain for people who spend long hours in front of screens. Its first product is a browser extension for Chromium browsers that adjusts screen color filters, delivers guided microbreaks, plays ambient soundscapes and surfaces analytics on screen time and well-being metrics. The extension can use a webcam to monitor vital signs such as stress and energy levels and adapt the on-screen environment in real time. Marketing for the product frames it around countering "dopamine addiction" from scrolling, multitasking and screen overstimulation, alongside reducing Computer Vision Syndrome.

The company positions the extension as integrating into an existing workday rather than requiring additional app time, and offers a free tier with in-app purchases. Feature sets listed include bio-personalized screen filters, a library of more than 50 guided microbreaks covering breathwork, mindfulness and movement, break reminders for posture and hydration, and AI-driven productivity insights. The company states it holds three patents covering its bio-adaptive "Adaptive Interfaces" technology and describes a longer-term vision of bio-personalizing IoT, screen and audio devices.

Founding story

Before founding BreathingAI, Hannes Bend developed what the company describes as the first adaptive heart rate biofeedback virtual reality experience, built with neuroscientists, computer scientists, psychology researchers and creatives at the University of Oregon; the team received an award for Wellbeing Computing from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence at Stanford. Bend also developed an early breath biofeedback experience in virtual reality during a residency at Thoughtworks. The company lists an August 2021 founding date and is incorporated as a C-corp.

Business model

BreathingAI distributes a freemium browser extension with in-app purchases, and also addresses companies as customers, offering demo requests and a business-oriented offering alongside the individual consumer product.

The Chrome Web Store listing indicates the extension offers in-app purchases; the company also markets to employers via a business track with demo requests.

Traction

The company reports roughly 10,000 users across 156 countries (elsewhere stated as clients in 138 countries) and one million minutes of use. The Chrome Web Store listing shows 1,000 users and a 4.8 rating across 70 ratings, with the listing marked Featured. Stated user outcomes include an 11% increase in productivity, a 50% reduction in stress and a 20% boost in energy levels.

Latest developments

The Chrome extension was updated to version 2.0.10 on July 15, 2025, with messaging centered on "dopamine reset" tools, bio-personalized screen filters, microbreaks, ambient soundscapes and real-time vital-sign monitoring, and a Spanish-language listing alongside English.