Apps and tools for a calm, enjoyable life

f.lux

Free

f.lux is a software tool that adjusts the color temperature of your computer's display based on the time of day. This helps reduce eye strain during night-time reading by reducing blue light exposure.

Our take

A must-have for late-night screen users.

So I tried out this app, f.lux, and it's basically supposed to adjust your computer screen's color temperature based on the time of day. The idea is to make your screen easier on the eyes, especially at night. It kind of gives your screen a warm, yellowish tint in the evening to supposedly help with sleep. I was skeptical at first because, let's face it, how much can changing colors really help? But surprisingly, it did make staring at my screen late at night less glaring.

One thing I noticed right off the bat is that f.lux is super easy to install and set up. You just download it, and it starts doing its thing without much fuss. The simplicity is a big plus because nobody wants to fiddle with complicated settings right before bed. However, if you’re the kind who likes to tweak every little detail, you might find it a bit basic. There are some settings you can play with, like adjusting how warm you want the colors, but don’t expect a ton of customization.

Here’s the thing, though: it doesn’t work magic. If you’re expecting it to solve all your sleep problems, you might be barking up the wrong tree. It’s not going to suddenly make you fall asleep faster or give you the best sleep of your life. What it does do well is make your screen easier on the eyes in low light, which, let’s be honest, is kind of the point. It’s a nice-to-have tool rather than a must-have miracle worker.

One of the tradeoffs I found is that the color change can be a bit jarring if you’re working on anything that requires accurate colors, like photo editing or design work. If color accuracy is crucial for you, you might need to switch it off now and then. But for most everyday tasks, like browsing or streaming, it’s barely noticeable after a while. It’s all about tradeoffs, right? You gain comfort but might lose a bit of color precision.

Overall, f.lux is a handy little tool if you’re often glued to your screen at night. It’s not without its quirks, but if your eyes are tired from bright screens, it’s definitely worth giving a shot. Just keep your expectations in check. It’s a small step towards making your screen time a bit more bearable after dark, and sometimes, that’s all you need.

Free with in-app purchases

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Free with premium options