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Simplifying My Digital Life: 5 Apps to Get Back to Basics

Ditch the complexity with these simple apps
24 January 2026 by
TechStora Editorial Board

Are Complex Apps Really Necessary?

Do we really need all those features in our apps? I used to think so, but now I'm not so sure. I've spent countless hours setting up my systems in Notion, choosing the right icons, and making sure the colors match. But the more I use it, the more I feel overwhelmed by its complexity.

Back to Basics with Google Keep

I'm switching back to Google Keep, a simple note-taking app that gets the job done without all the frills. It's free, syncs across my devices, and doesn't stress me out when I open it. I can create labels, set reminders, and even integrate it with Google Tasks.

Niagara Launcher: A Breath of Fresh Air

I've also discovered Niagara Launcher, which has helped me reduce doomscrolling on my phone. It's a list-based launcher that keeps me focused on what really matters. The feature set is limited, but every feature is carefully thought out and provides value.

Microsoft To Do: Simple Task Management

Microsoft To Do is another app that's won me over with its simplicity. It's free, with no subscription plans, and sticks to the basics. I can create tasks, set due dates and reminders, and sort tasks into custom lists.

Simplenote: Distraction-Free Writing

For long-form writing, I've found Simplenote to be a great option. It has a distraction-free interface, a simple tagging system, and even provides basic details about my documents, such as word count.

Feedly: A Curated News Feed

Finally, there's Feedly, an RSS reader that lets me create a curated list of sources. It's a bit more hands-on to set up, but the end result is a clutter-free, minimalist experience. I can create custom feeds for specific topics and even save articles to read later.