Start with the task and the room
For repetitive tasks, a steady sound may make the environment feel more consistent. For language-heavy reading, writing, or listening, even gentle music may compete with the work. Try silence first if you are unsure, then add one sound and see how it feels.
Choose one layer at a time
- Rain or flowing water: a natural, relatively continuous texture.
- Brown or pink noise: a steady noise bed without a melody.
- Instrumental sounds: may suit some work but can still draw attention.
- Silence: a perfectly valid choice; keep only the timer alert if that helps.
These are listening options, not guarantees about focus or performance.
Keep volume comfortable
Start quietly, and lower or stop the sound if you notice discomfort, fatigue, or difficulty hearing your surroundings. Consider your environment and whether you need to remain aware of nearby people or alerts.
Separate ambience from timer alerts
Background audio and timer notifications serve different purposes. The alpha offers separate controls for the ambient player and its phase-change chime. A quieter soundscape should not hide an alert you depend on; mute either independently when needed.
A note about this alpha’s audio
The current launch slice synthesizes its soundscapes locally in the browser using Web Audio. It does not provide a large licensed music catalogue or stream third-party recordings. Browser audio normally requires a clear user play action, and sounds can stop when the browser or device restricts audio.
Build a personal sound routine
Try the same sound for a single task, then compare it with silence or a different texture another time. Keep the option that is comfortable and useful for you. You do not have to use audio to use the timer.