Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

Calm Home Screen

$1.99

Calm Home Screen is an app that transforms your smartphone interface into a serene and organized space, promoting mindfulness and reducing stress.

Our take

An excellent app for a serene digital space.

Alright, so the "Calm Home Screen" app is supposed to help you keep your phone screen organized and, well, calm, but I found it a bit hit or miss. On the plus side, it does a pretty good job of simplifying your home screen by automatically grouping your apps into categories. This definitely cuts down on the clutter if you're someone who tends to download apps and forget about them. It's like Marie Kondo came in and tidied up your phone. But here's where it gets a little iffy — the categories aren't always spot on. Sometimes, it lumps apps into weird groups that make no sense unless you're some kind of digital mind reader.

There's a minimalist vibe to the design which is refreshing if you’re sick of your screen looking like a chaotic explosion of color. The aesthetic is clean and easy on the eyes, which is kinda the point, right? But, while it’s easy enough to navigate, it might feel a little too barebones if you're used to having more control over how your screen looks. I guess it’s all about what you’re into. If you’re cool with letting the app do the heavy lifting, you’ll probably dig it. If you're more of a control freak, you might find it a bit limiting.

When it comes to notifications, the app is pretty decent at keeping things under control. It doesn't overwhelm you with alerts, which is a sweet relief if you’re drowning in notifications all day long. But, and this is a big but, it occasionally misses some important ones. If you’re someone who needs to stay on top of every little ping, this might be a dealbreaker. It's like the app's too calm for its own good sometimes.

Now, on the personalization front, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. You get a few themes and color options, but nothing that’ll blow your mind. It’s more functional than fun, really. If you're into customizing every pixel of your phone, you might feel a bit boxed in. But if you’re looking for something that just works with minimal fuss, this could be your jam. It’s like choosing between plain toast and a loaded bagel — both have their merits, but it depends on what you're craving.

Overall, the "Calm Home Screen" app is a decent tool if you're seeking a more streamlined and less hectic phone experience. It’s got its strengths, especially in decluttering and simplifying things, but it isn't without its quirks. If you’re okay with a few trade-offs in exchange for a calmer home screen, give it a shot. Just go in with realistic expectations, and you might find it a nice little addition to your digital life. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that sometimes less is more, even if less can occasionally be a little too little.