We all know that being surrounded by too muchtechnologycan be soul-crushing - especially when gizmos and gadgets permeate every inch of our work and living spaces. Many of us opt for periodicdigital detoxifications, which can be a powerful digital cleanser, but there’s another solution out there that’s more practical: make tech work for you as opposed to against you.
In my personal case, I’ve been leveraging a set of carefully-curatediPhoneapps to enhance my environment, which has done wonders in fostering a comfortable and relaxing living space. Even with electronic devices in every direction, these aesthetically (and audibly) pleasing apps turn what would otherwise be acold and clinical environmentinto a warm and tranquil one. Here are five vibey apps that I launch on a daily basis, and that I simply can’t live without.
8 iOS apps that are so clean, I thought Apple published them
Some iOS developers go above and beyond in crafting native-style app experiences for the iPhone - here are some of my favorite examples.
For that iconic flip clock look
Fliqlo is an app that overlays a classic-style flip clock onto your screen, with a minimalistic appearance that can elevate any room setup.
Many are familiar withthe Fliqlo screensaver for macOS, which has long adorned college dorm room MacBooks on campuses far and wide. Lesser known is that the developer of this Mac flip clock-style screensaver has also released an iPhone app of the same name, which costs a single dollar on the Apple App Store. Fliqlo for iPhone offers a clean and minimalistic clock face with a retro aesthetic, which can elevate just about any living space out there. The clock itself dynamically adjusts, supports both portrait and landscape orientations, and works like a charm on larger-screened iPads as well.
6 Android apps that are so slick, I thought Google made them
Not all Android apps are created equal: here are 6 of my favorites that embrace the Material design language so well, they could pass for Google apps.
A stunning Standby Mode alternative
Clocks - A fun standby mode
Clocks is a third-party time and weather display app for the iPhone and iPad that serves as a supercharged version of Apple’s Standby Mode.
The third-party Clocks app takes Apple’s defaultStandby Modefor iPhone, and runs with it. At its core, the app displays the time, date, and weather information, with a series of customizable design options to choose from. Unlike Apple’s solution, Clocks works in both portrait and landscape operations, and supports the iPad. The selection of subtly swirling backdrops here is a nice touch, adding a pop of personality to any setup without coming across as garish or distracting. Best of all, the app is free with no ads, and it doesn’t require you to be connected to power to display its contents on screen.
Tired of Spotify? Mellow out with Poolsuite FM instead
Poolsuite FM is the perfect antidote to today’s dopamine-dumping music streaming services.
3Poolsuite FM
The vibiest music player of the summer
Poolsuite FM
Poolsuite FM is a free online music streaming service that plays back easy-listening tunes, and that features a retro-inspired Macintosh Computer interface.
Poolsuite FM is an aesthetically pleasing streaming app that provides access to live music radio stations. The tunes on offer are all free, with mellow and beach-side vibes across the board. The app’s aesthetic is decidedly retro, with a vinyl record motif, pixelated iconography, and stereo-style interface buttons. If you’re looking to lock in your sunny beach aesthetic from the comfort of your own bedroom, then Poolsuite FM is the way to go. The service is also available on desktop computersvia a dedicated web app.
5 lesser-known Google apps I always install on my Android phone
Google has published a staggering number of apps onto the Play Store - here are 5 of my favorites that don’t come pre-installed on Android phones.
4Dark Noise
Ambient soundscapes galore
Dark Noise: Ambient Sounds
Dark Noise takes Apple’s built-in Background Sounds feature and takes it to the next level, with tons of ambient sounds to choose from.
Apple’s mobile operating systems come with a built-inBackground Soundsfeature, which is able to play a variety of soothing nature sounds and white noises to enhance your mood or to help you fall asleep. If you’re like me and want just a little more ‘oomph’ to work with, then the third-party Dark Noise app has you covered. The app features over 40 unique sounds to choose from, with the ability to create custom mixes and to set Control Center and Lock Screen widget shortcuts. I’m a big fan of the dark purple aesthetic on offer, and the app’s minimalist user interface perfectly recedes into the background during use. Dark Noise is free to download, but a Pro subscription is required to unlock all soundscapes.
5 apps that keep me sane in our current nightmare world
The world is an unpredictable place, but these 5 iPhone apps help keep me grounded and at ease.
Nature-fueled escapism is a window away
Portal - Escape Into Nature
Portal is an app that provides access to various nature and soundscapes, with the aim of promoting focus, sleep, and relaxation.
If white noise and nature sounds pique your interest, then consider checking out Portal. This app takes the ambient acoustics of Dark Noise, and cranks the concept up to eleven. In addition to offering 3D spatial audio, Portal lets you melt right into nature via a set of glassy windows you can peer into. There’s a wide selection of locations and environments to choose from, ranging from an Amazon thunderstorm in Brazil, to a crackling log fire in Switzerland. The base experience is free to get started with, but a paid Premium tier needs to be acquired in order to unlock the full library of portals, dynamic spatial audio, smart lighting integration, and other perks.
5 default iPhone apps I ditched as soon as I tried these alternatives
Apple’s native suite of in-box apps are serviceable, but third-party developers have, in many instances, crafted superior experiences.
