Countdown utility

Countdown is a simple alarm clock and a countdown timer. It has advanced options for signaling the end of a timed period: you have the option to play a sound, execute a script, or perform an action (e.g.

start playback in iTunes). The program's cost is 8 to 10 dollars and it is no longer developed, according to the program's website info.

The website of the program claims that it costs 8 dollars, while the trial license information at the beginning of the program claims it is actually a 10-dollar program. On the website, when you are trying to purchase the program, you can read the statement that the developers, after 8 years of working on software under Waterfall Software, decided to pursue other projects. So, it is actually not clear if you can still buy the software, but the site claims that you can connect the respective developers for the support.

The program's interface is very outdated and, frankly, could use some more development. The countdown is indicated by a percentage slider without any indication or an option to indicate exactly how much time is left. You can set the countdown time in seconds, minutes, and hours, or you can choose a specific date and time in the future. One good feature is the track button when you hit the clock button on the main interface. You can track the time a particular event has happened at and manually compare it with the current clock time. It may be useful to some people.

The alarm action by default is some sort of an alarm sound, but you can change it to more advanced functions. For example, you can execute a particular script, written on your own, of course, or you can perform an action: connect to/disconnect from the Internet, shut down the computer, or play and stop iTunes playback. There is no option for a pop-up window nor ability to snooze.

Overall, this is not a 10-dollar program, it is 50-cent at best. Examples of scripts would be great, and cleaner and updated interface would also benefit the application, should future development occur.