VersaTimer

Note! Some of the timer features will only work in foreground mode, i.e. when the app is active. Please be aware of this before buying, as some might find this limiting. The app was designed to be used in foreground mode, there are many other apps out there if you need a background timer.

VersaTimer is a simple-to-use timer/stopwatch, with some very powerful and unique features that makes it different from other timer and stopwatch apps. The display uses big easy-to-read digits, and if you rotate the device to landscape mode the digits are even bigger and could easily be used on an iPad in a public event (fully supports all the new iOS devices). It is primarily designed to be used in foreground, although it will keep track of timers also in the background, with some limitations (see end of the description).

At the basic level, it works as a normal timer or stopwatch. In timer mode it can be set to play a sound and/or vibrate when the timer reaches zero. You can also add an interval sound that will be played at a certain interval, like every minute. There are a selection of sounds to choose from, ranging from beep-sounds to fanfares. Instead of the sounds, the time that is left (or has passed) can be announced. In stopwatch mode you can also keep track of lap times (current, previous, fastest and slowest).

At the most complex level, up to five rules can be defined, and each rule can play a different sound (or announce the time left/passed) at different intervals. Using rules, you can “build” the timer functionality that you need. You can for example create a timer that plays a sound every minute, then a different sound every 15 seconds for the last minute, and finally count down the last seconds from ten to one. There is also a cycle option, so that you can set a shorter cycle within the standard timer cycle and the rules will then be applied on the shorter cycle and therefor repeat as long as the timer is running.

Another neat function is the repeat mode, where the timer will repeat (restart) the timer when it reaches zero, or start to count up so that you can see how long time ago the timer reached zero. There is also an option to start and stop by shaking your device – could be convenient when your hands are busy with other things. And if you suspend the device, or switch to another, the timer will keep track of the time and alert you with a notification when the timer reaches zero.

Finally, you can define as many different timers as you need (called profiles), each one with up to five rules. Timers are assigned a name, making it easy to re-load the timer you need.

VersaTimer works very well as a game timer - you can for example use it in Diplomacy tournaments, where each player has a limited amount of time for each move and needs to be reminded that his or her time soon will be up. It's is also the ideal sports timer for sport events, for example when you need to release a runner every minute, with audible signals the last ten seconds of every minute.

Note! The timer will keep track of elapsed time when the device is "sleeping" or if you jump to another app when the timer is running. It will alert you with a notification if the timer reaches zero, but it will not trigger all interval actions in the background and it will not play the various interval sounds. If you are primarily looking for a timer app that runs in the background, then you should probably look for other apps.