How it works

Begin with ease.

The entry point is intentionally light. A topic, a chip, or a random start is enough to turn curiosity into calm listening.

Three easy ways in

umbra does not ask for a big decision up front. You can search directly, drift through a theme, or simply begin with something unexpected.

Getting started

Three ways in.

You can begin with intention or simply drift into it. What matters is that the first step stays light.

Type any topic — from black holes to Roman bread — and start listening in seconds.

Topics, suggestions, and clear entry points help you start listening without friction.

Transcript

Use themed chips when you want to browse without needing the perfect search term first.

Short transcript sections keep the experience grounded and let you jump to the right moment with one tap.

Flow

Open something unexpected and let the next suggestions carry you forward.

Soft suggestions and smooth transitions turn one article into the next without making the app feel like a feed.

Stay in the flow

The ease is not only at the beginning. The listening flow itself is built to stay low-friction and lightly guided.

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Designed for listening

Immediate playback, background audio, and lock screen controls create a calm, seamless listening experience.

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Follow along lightly

Short transcript sections keep you oriented and let you tap directly to the part you want.

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Save what stays with you

Keep the articles you want to return to and find them again later in your favorites.

The public beta is available on iPhone and free to try.

Still evolving, already useful

The beta is still evolving, but the core is there: pick a topic, put your phone face-down, and let Wikipedia send you to sleep.

Directly on iPhone via TestFlight. Feedback to hi@augustellison.com.

A quieter close

One last calm look at the app, then the screen can fade into the background and the listening can continue.

iPhone via TestFlightPublic betaFeedback welcome