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Portal Whisks You Away from Your Surroundings
I always like testing out relaxation apps. They usually put their own twist on some calming music and more often than not, they do the…
I always like testing out relaxation apps. They usually put their own twist on some calming music and more often than not, they do the job. Portal, of course, has some features I haven’t seen before that make the experience more immersive than others.
Portal promises to sweep you off your feet and transport you to a serene location far away from your worries. It wants to help you relax, to sleep, to focus, and to reduce anxiety. The app is full of calming music and audio that is coupled with high-quality visuals of various locals. It’s fun to play some calming music while looking and listening to a remote beach under the stars. Especially on a larger-screen iPad.
To bolster that audio, Portal is able to use Spatial Audio. It mixed several of its tracks to take advantage of the 3D audio features on Apple’s latest devices. AirPods Pro, AirPods third-gen, Beats Fit Pro, and AirPods Max can all track your head in 3D space and adjust the audio around you. Especially as you focus on your breathing and the accompanying audio, it’s far more immersive as you try to escape.
The app also ties into smart home services. If you have Philips Hue lights or Nanoleaf light panels, they can adjust to the session you’re in. Otherwise, they can tie into HomeKit — Apple’s smart home platform. HomeKit doesn’t have as many animations as the others do, but it is still welcomed.
To keep you coming back, Portal is regularly updated. They take advantage of the new App Store feature to promote new or limited-time content. Currently, you can jump into a collection of escapes from Devon and Cornwall England. These sharp coasts overlooking the water look incredible as you listen to the sounds of the waves breaking against the rocky structures.
I totally understand that not everyone finds a benefit in meditation or deep breathing exercises. But the more I’ve tested these apps, the more I’ve come to appreciate what they offer. Among them, Portal has offered the most polished and robust feature set yet.
But enough about other people's apps.
