1st Impressions

I have just a touch of OCD in a couple of areas. The biggest one has to be with punctuality which probably accounts for the dozen different clock and alarm apps that I have purchased and tried out.

About three weeks ago I found what I thought was the perfect alarm application – an application called Nightstand Weather Clock. (http://www.1stImpressions.mobi/2010/09/08/nightstand-weather-clock/)

Well, for those if you that followed my advice and purchased it I have some good news and some bad news. the bad news is that Nightstand Central ( actually listed as “Nightstand Central – Music Alarm Clock with Weather, Sleep Timer, and Flashlight” in the iTunes Store) is a far better app then original Nightstand Weather Clock. The good news is that it is basically an upgrade (and a free one at that) to the old app that was so big that it came with a name change.

Still listed for only $0.99 in the iTunes store, there have been numerous upgrades to the old app including 20 beautiful backgrounds (with the ability to add your own) and a timer which will allow you to swap them on a regular basis.

As well as keeping the flashlight when you shake your phone the new app also adds a sleep timer which will not only allow you to set a timer and listen to over a dozen different internal sounds (although I have to admit that some are better used as alarm sounds) but also music including complete playlists for as long as you have the timer set for.

Another huge improvement has to do with the alarms. You not only have the option of fading in the alarms over various periods of time but you can also add a push alarm that will work even if the app is not running.

Now for the first time, you can also listen to music from other sources such as Pandora or other online music streaming services. This was a big improvement for me.

As with the old app, this one also displays a “widget” that not only contains the time and weather info but the update contains the ability to not only resize but also relocate the widget to virtually anywhere on the screen that you like simply by tapping on it with two fingers. The brightness is also adjustable simply by swiping your finger up and down the screen.

When it comes to the weather icon, tapping on it will provide you the forecast for the next 36 hours.

If I haven’t already talked you into spending less than a buck for an app that I literally use at least 22 hours a day then there is a free version that provides most a taste of some of these features as well as some advertisements that can be eliminated for the low low price of $0.99. Did I forget to mention that the price is less then a dollar? LOL

If all this wasn’t enough, the developers are extremely responsive to any inquiry whether it be suggestions or bug reports. I, for example, have asked about a couple of issues and have been assured that an update has already been submitted to Apple that will take care of some of these issues both with the iPhone as well as the iPad.

I have reviewed dozens of apps and have yet to find one that I would recommend higher then this one. Anyone that knows me knows that that is high praise indeed.