Many apps deliver soothing sounds to help you relax, focus or sleep. But Endel is one of the few with an algorithm smart enough to customise soundscapes for you, and it’s been completely redesigned and optimised for Mac.

What we love: How Endel helps you focus by mixing synths, bass and other instruments with targeted sound effects – like crickets after sundown. Have a major deadline? Fire up Focus mode for a custom soundscape optimised for concentration. Pick Relax for calm and comfort or Recovery to soothe anxiety and stress – the app adapts its programmes to the time of day, the weather and more.

Quick tip: Head to the Scenarios section for a variety of short soundscapes designed for your daily activities – power naps, chores and meditation sessions now have a new ring to them.

Don’t miss: Comforting soundscapes co-created with members of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) community. For example, Coloured Noises aims to mask distractions using steady, customisable noise, while Solfeggio Tones lets you jump between frequencies believed to impact relaxation and focus.

Meet the creator: Endel was founded by a collective of creatives and artists with a goal of making AI-powered soundscapes available to all. CEO Oleg Stavitsky is – unsurprisingly – a longtime admirer of ambient-music pioneer Brian Eno. “I’m a fan of not just Brian’s music but his philosophy that the composer should let go of control,” Stavitsky says.