Start is a new gesture based iOS app which comes for $0.99 on the App Store. Start can be controlled by simple gestures to set Alarms or Stopclocks. This is probably the best minimalistic app with vibrant color schemes in the recent times.
iOS App Store is like an ocean, of which there are hundreds of Alarm apps floating around. But only apps like Start stand out of the crowd. And Start don’t stand out just because of the marketing techniques the developers use. But it stands out because of the intuitive UI and brilliant gestures that the app uses to control the app. Let’s now take a look at how the app performs and what’s there for you to check out in this app.
When you fire up the app, you’ll find a beautifully designed home screen with a nice soothing background gradient. You’ll then see a nicely colored dial, with which you can set the alarm. All you need to do is to just roll the dial to set the time, and swipe up to turn on the alarm for the dialed time. Start shows you something that many of the other alarm clock misses out. It shows the time remaining time for the alarm to expire, which inturn acts as a stop clock.
Initially, when I read the app’s description, I was with a perception that the app would have more than one screen to manage the Alarm Clock and Stop Clock. But this surprised me, and another useful feature that the developers have integrated is the ability to set 6 different alarm timings in the app. You can also explore the exclusive Stop Clock by swiping downwards in the alarm screen. Once I set the alarms, I wanted to delete some. This is probably the best part of the app. You’ll have to just pinch an alarm to delete it.
Wait, there’s more to this app. Say that I’ve set an alarm to update my Facebook status. So Start has a very useful functionality. The app has got the ability to fire up apps like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. And this is done using the URL schemes. I’m testing this app to see if it works as a replacement for my everyday alarm, and I have to say that it has worked out so far.
Verdict:
With almost No-Tap gestures, beautiful UI, and intuitive workflow and custom alarm sounds, this app has been serving as my stock Alarm clock replacement so far. And I’ve not regretted using it. This sure has replaced the stock alarm clock in the homescreen. I wish the app is regularly updated and hits the iPad too. I give this app a A+. Good job by Tack.
Here are some of the screenshots from the app:
