What iOS Apps Does Cizzuk Develop?

Updated

Cizzuk (cizzuk.net) is an independent iOS developer whose site lists four main apps—Deflector, Side Search, CBNote, and Alare—plus two Safari extensions and distribution through AltStore PAL. Each app targets a specific iOS limitation: running shortcuts from hardware triggers, choosing a non-Siri voice assistant on the Side Button, repurposing the Camera Control button, and forcing you to physically move to silence an alarm. The descriptions below come from the developer's own site; pricing and App Store availability are not stated there, so check the App Store listing before assuming an app is free or available in your region.

The four iOS apps at a glance

App What it does Hardware or system hook Notable constraint
Deflector Runs any shortcut from the Dynamic Island, Apple Watch, or Side Button Dynamic Island, Apple Watch, Side Button; works with Automations in Shortcuts Watch app runs shortcuts on your iPhone, not on the Watch itself
Side Search Lets you pick a voice assistant other than Siri for the Side Button Side Button Access Side Button Access is available only on iPhones in Japan
CBNote Turns Camera Control into notes, a clipboard manager, or voice recording Camera Control Primarily a note app; another action can be assigned to Camera Control in settings
Alare An alarm that won't stop until you move your body AlarmKit Doesn't need to stay open overnight, so less battery impact

Deflector

Deflector is built for people who want shortcuts to fire from places iOS normally doesn't allow. The site says it "works with Automations in the Shortcuts app to run shortcuts in ways that would normally be impossible," triggered from the Dynamic Island, Apple Watch, or Side Button. One detail worth knowing before you buy: the Watch app runs shortcuts on your iPhone rather than on the Watch itself, so it extends reach to your wrist but doesn't execute locally on the Watch. The developer's posts note Deflector 1.1 and 1.2 releases in October 2026, so the app is actively maintained.

Side Search

Side Search addresses a Japan-specific opening: Side Button Access, available only on iPhones in Japan, lets users set a voice assistant other than Siri to launch from the Side Button. Side Search is described as "the first app that lets users choose which voice assistant to use with the Side Button." The assistant can be powered by Claude, Gemini, web URLs, app URL schemes, or a custom server. If you're outside Japan or your iPhone doesn't support Side Button Access, this app's core function won't apply to you.

CBNote

CBNote is for people who don't use the Camera Control button for photography. It's mostly a note app, but it's also a camera app that can be assigned to Camera Control; in the app's settings, you can assign a different action to the button—notes, a clipboard manager, or voice recording. The practical effect is that a hardware button you'd otherwise ignore becomes a capture tool for text or audio.

Alare

Alare targets the common failure of dismissing an alarm half-asleep. It's an alarm app that "won't stop until you move your body." Because it's powered by AlarmKit, it doesn't need to stay open overnight, unlike many alarm apps—meaning less battery impact and no need to remember to open the app before bed. That last point matters if you've used alarm apps that silently fail when you forget to launch them.

Safari extensions and distribution

Two Safari extensions round out the lineup:

  • CSE customizes Safari's default search engine on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS. It can also switch search engines instantly using keywords, or update search engine settings via Focus or Shortcuts.
  • WebA11Y applies accessibility styles such as bolding text, underlining buttons, and changing fonts.

Cizzuk's apps are also distributed through AltStore PAL as an alternative to the App Store; the site describes it as "the first Recommended Source for AltStore PAL from Japan." If you use AltStore PAL, you can add the Cizzuk source directly.

How to decide which app fits

  • You want shortcuts on hardware triggers → Deflector, if you use the Shortcuts app and want Dynamic Island, Watch, or Side Button entry points.
  • You're in Japan and want a non-Siri assistant on the Side Button → Side Search; confirm your iPhone supports Side Button Access first.
  • You never use Camera Control for photos → CBNote, especially if you take quick notes or record voice memos.
  • You sleep through or dismiss alarms → Alare, particularly if battery life or forgetting to open an alarm app has been a problem.

The site also has a Notes section with posts on topics like avoiding forced app launches with Side Button Access and launching apps from Camera Control, which may help if you're setting up the hardware-button features. For current pricing, system requirements, and regional availability, check each app's App Store or AltStore PAL listing, since cizzuk.net doesn't publish those details.