Private Face Memo vs Cognitive Shuffle
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Private Face Memo
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This app lets you record your facial changes over time without saving any photos to your camera roll. Perfect for those who want to track progress without worrying about privacy. Features: * Log face photos securely and privately * Watch your transformation with time-lapse-style playback * Compare before and after shots with ease * Photos stay in the app — not in your camera roll
Cognitive Shuffle
This app uses a cognitive technique to help you fall asleep faster by listening to random words. It creates simple images in your mind, breaking anxious thought loops and easing you into sleep. Designed for darkness with a pure black interface, it offers a unique approach to combatting insomnia.
- Cognitive shuffle technique
- Random word visualization
- Gentle whisper voice
- Dark interface design
- Multiple shuffle modes
- Soundscape mixer
- Guided breathing exercise
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Stop counting sheep. Start shuffling words. Cognitive Shuffle uses the cognitive shuffle technique — also known as cognitive shuffling — a method developed by cognitive scientist Dr. Luc Beaudoin — to help you fall asleep faster. Instead of lying awake with racing thoughts, you listen to random, unrelated words whispered at a gentle pace. Your brain creates simple images for each word, naturally breaking anxious thought loops and easing you into sleep. HOW IT WORKS Tap play. A soothing voice whispers a random word every few seconds — "lighthouse… marble… penguin…" — and your mind drifts. Most people fall asleep before the timer ends. WHY IT WORKS When you can't sleep, your brain gets stuck in repetitive worry. The cognitive shuffle gives it just enough to do — visualizing simple, unrelated images — without the emotional charge that keeps you awake. It's like a lullaby for your thoughts. FREE FEATURES - Classic cognitive shuffle with 567 words - Gentle whisper voice - 15-minute sleep timer - Works in the background — set your phone down and listen PREMIUM FEATURES - 4 shuffle modes: classic, letter-based, themed, and silent (on-screen only) - Soundscape mixer: layer rain, white noise, brown noise, and ocean waves - 9 unique voice packs — from deep and calm to soft and story-like - Adjustable word pace to match your relaxation style - Customizable sleep timer (5 to 60 minutes) - Guided breathing exercise to prepare your body for sleep - Sleep insights and trends to track what works for you BETTER THAN SLEEP STORIES & MEDITATION Sleep stories engage your brain too much. Meditation requires practice. The cognitive shuffle is effortless — just listen and drift. It's the sleep aid that works from night one. DESIGNED FOR DARKNESS Pure black interface. No bright screens. No distractions. Just words and sleep. FOR ANYONE WHO: - Lies awake with a racing mind - Has tried white noise and sleep sounds but needs something different - Struggles with insomnia or anxiety at bedtime - Wants to fall asleep without medication Cognitive Shuffle Premium is available as a monthly ($3.99/mo) or annual ($24.99/yr) subscription with a 7-day free trial. Payment is charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Manage subscriptions in your Apple ID account settings. This app offers auto-renewable subscriptions. Terms of Use (EULA) apply: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Private Face Memo at none against Cognitive Shuffle's 2. Private Face Memo also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.0). Cognitive Shuffle's advantage is ads (none vs shown). On price and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Cognitive Shuffle sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month. Private Face Memo asks for nothing beyond the download.
Private Face Memo ships an update weekly, Cognitive Shuffle every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 30, 2026 and October 31, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Private Face Memo | Cognitive Shuffle |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | — | 5.0 (2 ratings) — better |
| Number of ratings | — | 2 — better |
| Update frequency | Weekly — better | Every 3 months |
| Ads | Yes | No — better |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | — | Freemium |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 12.0 — better | 17.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 106 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | TAKUYA JIMBO | Max Apps |
In-app purchases
Private Face Memo
No in-app purchases
Cognitive Shuffle
- Pro Monthly7 Days trial$3.991 Month
- Pro Yearly7 Days trial$24.991 Year
Questions
Is Private Face Memo free?
Is Cognitive Shuffle free?
Do Private Face Memo or Cognitive Shuffle have ads?
Which is updated more often, Private Face Memo or Cognitive Shuffle?
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