I love field recordings. They allow me to explore the globe without leaving my desk. Earth Garden uses sounds from Freesound to offer a virtual tour, from the burbling of an Atlantic island to the chirping of Tanzanian crickets. The experience is soothing, but the sound quality can be hit and miss, and the recordings are concentrated in the US and Europe. Still, it’s a tranquil way to pass the time.

The app rotates the globe, transitioning to new sounds as you approach different locations. You can even add ambient drones for a more immersive experience. It’s a fascinating way to spend a few minutes or a few hours, and it’s great for when you need to focus or just unwind.

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