A review of iPhone interval timers

no-preservatives

2 Posts

August 09 2011 13:13 GMT

Hi Team Liquid. As my first post I thought I would write a review of interval timers for iOS devices (iPhone, iPad and iPod touch).

Lately I've been trying to get my larva injects handled. Some may argue the effectiveness of interval timers. However, I have found using it 1 game on, 1 game off to be very effective at reminding me to actively think about using my in-game energy.

As of writing there are 3 apps on the iTunes Store. 2 of them free but with ads and 1 is paid that is ad free.
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SC2Timer http://itunes.apple.com/app/starcraft-timer/id412189010?mt=8

Pros: Free. You get to set the time

Cons: Horrible sound. Ads. You have to set the time. Too easy to hit the wrong button while playing. Crashes. Times suggested are slightly off.

Conclusion: It's okay... The app doesn't offer anything over the other timers available. When you're focused on playing SC and need to reset you have to take your eyes off the screen to make sure you press the reset button and not stop or tips. It has ads, however it seems that this isn't actually set up yet but it's still there. I found the times suggested to be a little off.

Screenshots:
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SC2 Macro Timer http://itunes.apple.com/app/sc2-macro-timer/id449112706?mt=8

Pros: Very nice interface. Well thought out. Nice sounds. Features like the forewarning beep, vibrate and repeat. Reliable. No ads. Supports higher-res iOS devices.

Cons: Paid app.

Conclusion: Best app available! You can tell this developer has actually played SC and has put some time into working out the best interface that doesn't interrupt your gaming. The interface is nice, sounds are good. When you pick your race, you can touch anywhere on the screen to reset the timer and you can only exit/stop the timer by making a swiping motion upwards. You will never be able to accidentally hit the wrong thing. The forewarning timer is genius! When the timer gets down to five seconds the timer makes a slight beep every second till 0. This gives you the time necessary to finish whatever you're doing in the game and go back to base to use your energy. No ads!

Screenshots: (images are bigger as the app supports the higher-res iPhone)
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SC2Timer http://itunes.apple.com/app/sc2timer/id436125763?mt=8

Pros: Multiple timers. Free. Uses speech instead of an alert sound.

Cons: Horrible interface. Ads that also cover info button. sound volume is average. No reset. Time is way off.

Conclusion: Give it a miss! This app has completely wrong times which makes it completely unusable. Having multiple timers is an interesting idea, however I have never needed MULEs, Inject larva and Chrono boost at the same time. One timer that reminds you to use your energy, spread creep and build supply works fine for me. The app doesn't use a sound effect at 0, it uses speech to tell you what to do. My personal preference is a sound effect.

Screenshots:
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