[SF-33] Brain.fm parity roadmap and web app tracking

[alexanderbrunker-star]

Ticket

• SF-33: https://linear.app/captain-leopard-ai-engineering/issue/SF-33/competitor-analysis-brainfm-parity-roadmap
• SF-34: https://linear.app/captain-leopard-ai-engineering/issue/SF-34/build-sonicflow-web-app-pwa-with-standalone-sessions-and-overlay-mode
• SF-37: https://linear.app/captain-leopard-ai-engineering/issue/SF-37/sonicflow-overlay-mode-for-spotify-youtube-browser-tabs-and-system

Summary

• Adds a Brain.fm parity gap audit with current SonicFlow coverage and missing parity tracks.
• Calls out External Audio Overlay Mode for Spotify, YouTube, browser tabs, and system audio as a first-class SonicFlow capability.
• Links the README documentation map to the new audit.

Linear follow-up created/updated

• Updated SF-33 competitor analysis title/state and official Brain.fm source links.
• Filled SF-34 web app/PWA ticket and connected it to SF-33/SF-37.
• Created child tickets SF-35 through SF-40 for taxonomy, modulation engine, overlay mode, personalization, offline mobile, and research/spatialization.

Verification

• git diff --check

[linear]

SF-33 Competitor analysis: Brain.fm parity roadmap

1. Executive Summary

Brain.fm is a functional audio platform that uses patented neural phase-locking technology to steer users into specific mental states (Focus, Relax, Sleep, Meditate). Unlike standard music streaming, it is purpose-built as a cognitive tool rather than entertainment. This ticket captures the full feature set, underlying science, UX patterns, and technical architecture for competitive reengineering.

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2. Core Value Proposition to Replicate

Table

Differentiator	Description
Science-First Positioning	Peer-reviewed research (Nature's Communications Biology, 2024), NSF-funded studies, EEG/fMRI validation
Patented Neural Entrainment	Not binaural beats — uses direct amplitude/frequency modulation in each stereo channel for stronger neural synchrony
Human + AI Pipeline	Real musicians compose tracks; science team layers calibrated modulations on top
Functional, Not Entertainment	Music designed to be ignored by conscious attention while actively shaping brain state
ADHD-Specific Efficacy	Research shows greatest benefits for users with higher attention-deficit symptom scores

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3. Feature Breakdown for Reengineering

3.1 Core Audio Modes

Table

Mode	Target Brain State	Key Technical Specs
Focus	Beta/gamma entrainment (13–40 Hz)	Sub-modes: Deep Work, Creative Flow, Light Work; Pomodoro timer integration
Relax	Alpha entrainment (8–12 Hz)	Post-work decompression, lunch-break wind-down
Sleep	Delta entrainment (1–4 Hz) + 3D spatialization	"Rocking" auditory motion effect; infinite play for night waking
Meditate	Theta/alpha blend	Guided (limited library) + unguided sessions

3.2 Personalization Engine

• Onboarding Quiz: Assess focus challenges, music preferences, ADHD self-identification
• Neurotype Assignment: Determines default neural effect intensity
• Intensity Slider: Low / Medium / High neural modulation per session
• Genre Selection: Lo-fi, cinematic, electronic, acoustic, nature, classical, etc.
• ADHD-Specific Tracks: Higher intensity settings recommended for attention-challenged users

3.3 Session Controls

Table

Feature	Specification
Timer	Custom duration or Pomodoro mode (work/break intervals)
Offline Access	Mobile download only (no desktop offline in current product)
Infinite Play	For sleep mode; continues until manually stopped
Session History	Track usage patterns (implied by "neurotype" system)

3.4 Scientific Validation Layer

• Placebo-controlled performance testing (attention "games")
• EEG studies measuring cortical phase-locking
• fMRI studies showing blood flow in attention networks
• Published peer-reviewed papers (not just internal claims)

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4. Technical Architecture Requirements

4.1 Audio Processing Pipeline

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Human Composition → Scientific Modulation Layer → Render Engine → Streaming/Download

Modulation Techniques to Implement:

• Rhythmic amplitude modulation at target frequencies
• Temporal patterning (not just beat-matching)
• Frequency shaping for neural entrainment
• 3D spatialization for sleep mode ("rocking" effect)
• Stereo channel modulation (not binaural — independent per-channel)

4.2 Key Technical Constraints

Table

Constraint	Implication
No headphone requirement	Modulations must work over speakers
Consciously inaudible	User should not perceive the science layer
No lyrics	Avoid language processing competition
No hooks/dynamic shifts	Prevent attention capture by music itself
Seamless looping	Long sessions without jarring transitions

4.3 Research Integration

• A/B testing framework with placebo controls (same music, no modulation)
• Performance metrics integration (sustained attention tasks)
• Optional user feedback loops for efficacy tracking

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5. User Experience Specifications

5.1 UX Principles (From Analysis)

• Zero Decision Fatigue: One-click play per mode; no playlist curation
• Minimal Interface: Clean, dark-themed, distraction-free
• No Algorithm Anxiety: No "recommended for you" — explicit mode/genre selection only
• Timer Integration: Built-in Pomodoro eliminates need for separate app

5.2 Onboarding Flow

1. Sign-up (free trial, no CC for initial period)
2. Quiz: focus challenges + music preferences + ADHD identification
3. Neurotype assignment
4. Genre preference selection
5. First session launch

5.3 Platform Coverage

• Web app
• iOS / Android native apps
• Offline: Mobile only

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6. Competitive Positioning to Match

Table

Competitor	Brain.fm Advantage to Replicate
Spotify / YouTube Playlists	Purpose-built for focus, not entertainment; no attention-grabbing elements
Endel	Deeper research validation (peer-reviewed papers, NSF funding)
Binaural Beats Apps	Stronger mechanism (direct modulation vs. perceptual illusion)
White/Brown Noise	More pleasant + more targeted cognitive effects
Headspace/Calm	Not a meditation replacement — audio-first, not content-first

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7. Monetization Model

Table

Plan	Price (2026)	Features
Monthly	~$11.99/mo	Unlimited sessions, all modes, offline mobile
Annual	~$6.99/mo ($83.88/yr)	Same + 60-day money-back guarantee
Student Discount	20% off	Email verification via .edu

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8. Open Questions / Risks

Table

Risk	Mitigation
Patent infringement on neural phase-locking	Consult IP counsel; explore alternative entrainment methods
Music library repetition over time	Plan for generative/expansive content pipeline
Efficacy claims require ongoing research	Budget for continued studies; partner with academic institutions
Desktop offline gap	Evaluate technical feasibility vs. user demand

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9. Acceptance Criteria

• Audio engine can embed sub-perceptual modulations at theta, alpha, beta, gamma, and delta ranges
• Placebo-controlled testing shows measurable attention improvement vs. unmodulated audio
• Four core modes (Focus, Relax, Sleep, Meditate) functional with genre selection
• Personalization quiz assigns neurotype and default intensity
• Pomodoro timer integrated into Focus mode
• Mobile offline download works for all modes
• 3D spatialization implemented for Sleep mode
• No lyrics, hooks, or dynamic attention-grabbing elements in any track
• Scientific claims backed by at least one peer-reviewed study or formal research partnership

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10. Next Steps

1. Engineering Spike: Evaluate feasibility of real-time modulation pipeline
2. Science Advisory: Engage neuroscience consultant to validate approach
3. IP Review: Legal assessment of patent landscape
4. MVP Scope: Define minimum viable mode (likely Focus) for initial launch
5. Content Pipeline: Establish composer + scientist collaboration workflow

[alexanderbrunker-star]

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