Life has taken on a fuzzy nostalgic feel recently, prompting spur of the moment self-reflections as we walked down the streets, choked up with pent-up emotions.
Okay that was mainly a pile of exaggerations. But there are grains of truth in that description; mainly the fuzzy nostalgic feel and the choked up sensations. Stripped out of the pensive gloomy mise en scène, here’s the hard truth:
The haze is blurring our vision. Everything looks dingy now. And the air feels really suffocating at times. We missed being able to admire the cityscape at broad daylight without experiencing any eye, nose or throat infections.
Hence, it’s time to gear up with information in order to survive.
4 Apps that will let you know if it’s time to mask-up
1. myENV, Available on iOS and Android
National Environment Agency’s myENV app provides comprehensive information about the PSI readings, among other information.
What we like about the app:
The app provides a lot of information – the weather, tidal information, PSI readings, the number of dengue hotspots based on your location etc.
What we like about this app is that it provides detailed information about the air quality. If you’re interested in the PM2.5 readings or the air composition at your location (i.e. how much sulphur dioxide or carbon monoxide you are currently breathing in), this is the app to go for.
Additionally, the app allows you to receive alerts and notifications when the PSI readings have reached a certain range based on either a 24-hour or 3-hour measurement. It’s completely customisable based on the user’s preference.
What we don’t really like about the app:
Information overload! This might not be the app for you if you’re just looking for simple updates on the PSI readings.
2. Nebulo, Available on iOS and Android
Nebula is a free app that provides PSI readings for Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
What we like about the app:
A minimalistic app that provides PSI readings with a single tap, we love the app’s clean and simple interface.
What we don’t really like about the app:
It would cost $1 to receive push notifications and alerts about the PSI readings. Other than that, we felt that the app should state the time of the last update for our own reference.
3. Haze@SG, Available on iOS and Android
A simplified user-friendly app, Haze@SG provides PSI readings with tips from a Merlion avatar based on those readings.
What we like about the app:
Like Nebulo, Haze@SG has a simplified user experience. The main page will provide information on the PSI readings based on the 3-hour or 24-hour measurement. Other than that, Haze@SG states the time of the last update for our own easy reference and allows you to share the information on social media. Sharing is caring, right?
Oh and have we mentioned that we like the app’s Merlion avatar.
What we don’t really like about the app:
The app is currently sending us notifications when the air quality has taken a turn for the worse. While we appreciate the gesture, we have not yet figure out how to disable this function.
4. SG Haze PSI Monitor, Available on iOS and Android
If the usual PSI readings are not sufficient for you, SG Haze PSI Monitor provides Air Quality Index (AQI) readings as well.
What we like about the app:
SG Haze PSI Monitor has a high level of user customisation and provides simplified information from just a single tap – from the type of air quality measurements to setting alerts and notifications. It’s not heavy with information, but its ability to switch between PSI to AQI provides a sense of flexibility. Similar to Haze@SG, the app states the time of the last update.
What we don’t really like about the app:
Hmmm. Hard to say. We’ll get back to you on this.
