Awaken

Program: Awaken
Link: Awaken
Type: Trial/Purchase
Price: $8.95

If you dislike ordinary alarm clocks, this app is for you. Awaken takes control of iTunes and uses it as either an alarm clock, egg timer, or sleep timer. I'll focus more about the alarm clock in this post, but if you'd like to learn more feel free to click here . So, when you set the alarm clock you have several options. Choose the time, date, repitition, etc. Then, you choose which iTunes playlist you'd like it to play and whether you'd like it to repeat and/or shuffle. You're also able to choose a backup alarm incase iTunes bugs out or decides not to open that day. Now, here's the great part...so the alarm doesn't startle you in the morning, simply set it to fade in and its perfect. It also allows you to set the iTunes and computer volume from within the program preferences and when the alarm goes off, it will mirror those settings in iTunes. Now, I'll tell you a little bit about my set up with this program. I have my iMac G5 on the opposite side of the room from my bed. I also have my iTunes streaming to some powerful SoundSticks speakers through AirTunes. Finaly, I've rested my FrontRow remote conviniently on my night table. At my desired time, the alarm fades in and starts playing the song of my choice. As soon as I'm up, I press the play button on my FrontRow remote and the alarm either turns off or snoozes (settings in preferences). I would highly recommend this app. It's already made my morning routine a little easier.

Author's Rating: 5 out of 5
Overall Rating: Yes