Kern vs BetterCal

We have all experienced the frustration of finishing a phenomenal book, feeling deeply impacted by its contents, only to realize a month later that we can barely recall three key takeaways. Kern is an innovative productivity and education tool designed to solve this exact problem using the power of spaced repetition.

Built by independent iOS developer Josip Petric, Kern removes the tedious friction usually associated with memory retention tools. You don't need to manually highlight passages, export notes from your e-reader, or write flashcards yourself. Instead, you simply add a book by its title. The tool automatically generates a tailored deck of recall cards: non-fiction titles focus on core ideas, while fiction books target characters, plot turns, and pivotal moments.

Reviews are scheduled based on spaced repetition principles—timed precisely to catch your memory right before you are about to forget. Best of all, Kern works seamlessly with traditional paper books and library copies, features zero streak tracking to keep your learning stress-free, and lets you try your first two books for free.

BetterCal is a modern, budget-friendly, and stylish alternative to traditional scheduling tools like Calendly. Designed to help you simplify your schedule without breaking the bank, BetterCal combines high utility with a distinct neo-brutalist aesthetic.

Developed by Sijin T V, BetterCal focuses on the core essentials of calendar and meeting management, eliminating the bloat and high costs often associated with mainstream scheduling software. It falls under the productivity and calendar categories, serving individuals and teams who want to stop playing calendar ping-pong efficiently.