Sono - Time Telling by Sound
Hourly ambient soundscapes
About
This app offers a unique way to track time through ambient soundscapes. Assign a different sound to each hour of the day, or use the speaking clock feature for audible time announcements. It's designed for glance-free timekeeping and a distraction-free experience.
What's New in Sono
2.0.0
November 3, 2026
Sono 2.0 is rebuilt with a native interface for iPhone and iPad on iOS and iPadOS 27. • Assign one of fifteen ambient sounds to any of the 24 hours, including new Night Insects, Dawn Chorus, Frog Chorus, Windy Marina and Train. Unassigned hours play the new Background loop at Quiet or Very quiet level. • Sounds loop and crossfade. Sono starts paused and remembers Play/Pause. Ambient playback can continue with the screen locked; after an interruption, open Sono and tap Resume sound if playback stays paused. • Choose a sound for this hour from Now. • See the current sound and use Play/Pause in the standard system Now Playing controls. • Hear the local time on demand or at a chosen interval while Sono is on screen and playback is running. • Choose an available speaking voice and hear the current time when you select it. If your saved voice becomes unavailable, Sono uses System default. • Use bedside mode: tap anywhere to hear the time, and press and hold to exit. Keep screen awake is optional and Off by default on new installations. Earlier versions’ settings are not carried over. After updating, assign your sounds in Schedule and tap Play sound.
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FAQ
What is Sono?
Sono is a soundscape clock for iPhone and iPad that assigns a unique ambient sound to each hour of the day. It offers a glance-free way to perceive time and includes an optional speaking clock feature. The app is designed for privacy and does not collect user data.
How does Sono tell time with sound?
You can assign one of fifteen ambient sounds, plus a background noise loop, to any of the 24 hours. As each hour changes, the assigned sound plays, creating an hourly soundscape. The app also features a speaking clock that can announce the time at chosen intervals.
Can Sono play sounds in the background?
Yes, ambient playback in Sono can continue when your device is locked or when you switch to another app. If playback is paused by a phone call or another app, you may need to reopen Sono and tap 'Resume sound' for it to continue.
Does Sono have ads?
No, Sono is private by design and does not include advertising, analytics, or tracking. All your settings and preferences are saved locally on your device.
What devices is Sono compatible with?
Sono is available for iPhone and iPad devices running iOS or iPadOS 27 or later. It utilizes native Apple frameworks for its functionality.
How often is Sono updated?
The latest version of Sono is 2.0.0, last updated on November 3, 2026. The app was initially released on October 5, 2014, indicating a history of development and updates.
What is the price of Sono?
Sono is a paid application, priced at $0.39. This one-time purchase grants you access to all its features without any in-app purchases or subscriptions.
What is the age rating for Sono?
Sono has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for a wide range of users. Its simple interface and calming nature are appropriate for younger audiences as well.
