A new set of applications launched recently, or rather a new way to run applications that is, and it’s having quite an impact on the online community. This new line of platform independent shells are the new Adobe AIR releases. The Adobe AIR runtimes allow it’s users to run web based routines free of a browser, rather deploying them to directly to the desktop, granting them functionality across multiple operating systems allowing for freer and easier access to some of the user’s favorite online accessories.
Being a relatively new resource, there are only a handful of Air applications currently covering the community. But, given it’s ingenious platform independence freeing it of many restrictions that frustrate users, predictions are in that this number will grow exponentially over the course of the next couple of years. Could this be one of the revolutionary new changes that dominate and define the course of programming for the next generation of web based applications? Well, one thing’s for sure, it doesn’t seem to be slowing down any time soon. Too many avid online addicts are already singing the praises of these self-supporting shells. So we have decided to examine a few of these apps, and here are the reviews.
You will need to download and install the latest version of Adobe Air to run the following applications.
1. Klok
For most everyone, time is of the essence in almost every facet of daily life. For freelancers, especially, time is money, and keeping on schedule is the key to keeping ahead of the game. That’s where Klok comes in. Klok is a hugely convenient and easy to use time management system that makes veering off your timetable virtually a thing of the past.
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As completely customizable as it is user-friendly, Klok works in user defined categories and subcategories to track your time so you don’t have to. Either allowing the operator to intiate the timer under any particular heading as they begin working, or they can put in specific blocks of time manually, after the fact. Couple that with drag and drop Excel timesheets, and graphical reports based on any selected timeframe and this is a freelancer must. This quickly became the most used application on the PC.
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Install Klok
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2. MiniTask
Another Adobe AIR app that works hand in hand with a time management system for keeping you on task and ahead of the curve is a to-do list. And MiniTask is the best to-do list manager I’ve found, and not just because of it’s ease of use. Okay, that is a large portion of it. Staying organized is the key to staying focused on your objectives when multi-tasking life and work, so MiniTask is an efficiency expert that you need on your side.
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With customization being key, MiniTask stands up to the test, and then some. Giving the user full control over the settings and functions of the application. Operator assigned headers separate the different items on the list into the appropriate categories, grouping together all similar projects for easier management. To keep the organizational flow moving the user can drag and drop list items putting them in any order desired. Reminders can be set to automatically send up a notice to the user to keep certain items of importance from passing their due date. MiniTask is definitely a keeper from the AIR repretiore that will gracing my desktop for some time.
Install MiniTask
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3. Twhirl vs. Tweetdeck
As social media takes over the blogosphere landscape, Twitter raises tall among the media masses as the central communication hub for so many, and AIR has an answer for that as well. Twhirl. Simply a great manager for any twitterer who operates multiple accounts. All of the new updates are announced by a subtle sound effect (which can easily be disabled if so desired). The new messages posted are automatically delivered to your screen in a small pop-up window. Getting to read the incoming tweets as they go live, makes the posting more accessible than having to cycle through pages of backed up tweets from time spent away from the site. All of the site functions have been transfered to this compact companion allowing for quick follow ups to posts. The user can send direct messages, re-tweet posts they found helpful, and even reply to messages all from the desktop driven app.
Install Twhirl
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Though even with the bells and whistles that Twhirl provides, given overall functionality, I actually prefer 4. Tweetdeck. With all of the same ease of use site functions capable from this Twitter managment system, and the added bonus of being able to group other users into categories to help keep on subject, I found Tweetdeck a better application. However, it’s inability to manage multiple Twitter accounts has temporarily rendered it a secondary status for those of us who operate more than one account. That forced me to find an alternative. Though, according to an interview on Refreshing Apps with Iain Dodsworth, the creator of Tweetdeck, this is something he’s working on for tweetdeck right now and should be available soon. At that point, a re-evaluation will be in order!
Install Tweetdeck
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5. Snackr
Speaking of simplifying how you handle your feeds, developers have used the Adobe AIR framework to address this with regards to RSS feeds as well. And they’ve done it in a uniquely creative way with Snackr. The Snackr app creates a desktop crawl for the different feeds the user loads into it. Giving a continuously scrolling ticker of the different article titles filtering in from your feeder in no particular order. Adding a dab of fun into the daily managing your reads.
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At first there was the fear that the AIR app would bog down the computer and significantly slow any other processes that are running alongside Snackr. But after running it for sometime, it proved to not interfere with other operations, however Snackr itself would drag a bit, but not with any kind of disruptive regularity. The user can simply click on a headline they are interested in to stop the ticker’s movement, and to get a summary of the article. An option then allows for the reader to be taken to the post on the blog via their internet browser. Snackr conveniently tucks away behind open applications unless the user decides to bring it to the front. Though fun, it still seems a bit obtrusive, even being anchored at the bottom of the screen, and I found that I could never bring myself to focus much attention it’s way.
Install Snackr
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6. Google Analytics Reporting Suite
When making a living in the vast sea of cyberspace, keeping track of all of the traffic to your website may be of interest, and AIR has taken that on as well. Analytics Reporting works by combining all of the user’s different tracking accounts and reports them all to your desktop, rather than making you chase them down via the Google Analytics website. It’s another way that AIR developers are making your online life easier.
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While accessing these analytical stats can be pretty handy without having to sort through the web, I found this app to be the least one used out of the set that I reviewed. The program itself was well built and overall simple and functional, however, I still find myself just going to the analytics website more often than not before even thinking of the app. Maybe it was just out of habit, but this one was accidently avoided more than it was used. Now if there was a need for having these reports constantly accessible, then this would be an automatic go to application.
Install Google Analytics Reporting Suite
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7. Remember The Milk Notifier
Back to keeping organization in the forefront, Adobe AIR has a runtime that works with Remember The Milk. The online personal scheduler now has help to keep their users alert and from falling too far behind. The Remember The Milk Notifier is another simple and useful addition to the app list. If you are currently using the website to set up and keep up with your calendar. If not, then it might prove be less useful than some of the others.
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Being a user, this was a fortuoutus find. Having an application that rests in the taskbar ready to jog the user’s memory, at a frequency determined by the operator, is handy. Any remember the milk reminder that has come due or become overdue will be cropping up on the desktop to keep it from falling from memory. Just remember to set the minutes between notifications to a high frequency or the constant reminders may render the user certifiably insane.
Install Remember the Milk Notifier
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8. Pandora
It has often been said that music can tame the savage beast, and if it hasn’t been said often, well then at least it was said a moment ago (and if you read it several times then the original statement proves true). But as someone who enjoys having music in the background as I’m working, having a Pandora app is useful. Developers have brought the online personal radio station to the web free shell, that frees up the system resources having your browser open can drain.
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The personal stations Pandora creates, based on the user’s tastes, are all available from the app window. Another bonus to having a pandora app outside of the browser, is that it doesn’t close in the middle of a favorite song ending the music because I have forgotten that the song was coming from the web, and not a media player. That is a big bonus to what is one of the less practical of the AIR applications. This runtime is more for fun, and there it succeeds.
Install the Pandora Desktop
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[...]
Rob McKeown
November 10, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I just wanted to note that there is a 1.5 RC version available from the Klok website for anyone who wants to try out some of the new features. Just go to the Klok website for more details http://klok.mcgraphix.com/klok/klok_1_5.htm
Jacob from JobMob
November 10, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I’ve been using Klok since April. It’s gorgeous but somewhat buggy and a bit slow. Still, the reporting is helpful and I’m looking forward to future releases but I’m not sure if they’re coming.
I use Twhirl all the time and the only feature it’s missing is the ability to group twitterers somehow like Tweetdeck can.
Overall, I’m glad to see developers making nice AIR but the runtime is such a memory hog…
Angie Bowen
November 10, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Rob – I’m definitely going to go download the new version of Klok, thanks for the link!
Jacob – I’ve never had any trouble with klok being buggy or slow. The only major problem I’ve seen with it is that if you’re working on a project when the day changes the timer will stop at midnight and not continue on to the next day.
SoLinkable
November 10, 2008 at 5:07 pm
While all those programs seem nice and all, I still don’t see why I should use Air over any of the programs that I already use. For instance, I don’t understand why I would use the Google Analytics Reporting Suite over the regular Google Analytics site. Sure, this one looks pretty, but other than that, it seems, well… pointless. Maybe I’m missing something and you guys can help me out? Thoughts?
Brian
November 10, 2008 at 5:26 pm
@SoLinkable – Correct me if I’m wrong Angie, but I feel that the point of these apps is to break free from your web browser. All of these apps work straight from your desktop which, in many cases, increases productivity, streamlines the workflow, and creates a uniform platform for everyone, irregardless of what browser someone is using.
Angie Bowen
November 10, 2008 at 5:37 pm
@Brian – Yes, that is exactly right. And most of them offer quite a range of options that the original browser versions are lacking.
@SoLinkable – If you notice, I did state that the analytics app ended up being my least used. However, it still has merit over the browser version for some people. Like those tracking numerous websites. I also found that the adobe air app was quite a bit faster than the analytics in the browser so that might be a draw for some people with slower connections.
Arthur Brown
November 10, 2008 at 8:54 pm
I haven’t explored all that can be done with Adobe Air but this is great way to start using Adobe Air.
Josiah Jost | Siah Design
November 10, 2008 at 9:22 pm
Great post! Thanks for sharing! I’m installing 3 of them now.
Leon Poole
November 10, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Excellent group of AIR applications!
Leezl
November 11, 2008 at 3:11 am
Also check out feedalizr, it is a great app which offers full twitter client support, facebook updates, friendfeed, jaiku, flickr and more – check it out http://www.feedalizr.com
Goran Web
November 11, 2008 at 5:13 am
Wow! These new adobe applications look great. Even the name sounds fresh, “Adobe Air”, now that’s refreshing.
Luc
November 11, 2008 at 8:52 am
Snackr is now my default feed reader – very slick!
RefreshingApps
November 11, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Read more AIR application reviews and vote for your favourites over at http://RefreshingApps.com.
RefreshingApps for more AIR news, resources and showcased apps.
Angie Bowen
November 11, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I’m so happy everyone is finding some useful apps on the list!
SoLinkable
November 11, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Ah, I see then. And I did see that you mentioned that the analytics app ended up being your least used. I think I understand a little more now, maybe I need to try it out on order to really see its uses. Thanks for the clarification!
Adobe AIR Applications
March 21, 2009 at 1:17 am
im an AIR lover!! see my blog..
Facebook Applications
November 16, 2009 at 12:27 am
Well i like the Klok application. Thanks for sharing such a nice applications.