A Blog by Scott Isaacs

Event Timer – Windows Store App

Update 5/4/2013: Source code now available on GitHub.  

Download Event Timer from the Windows Store I just spent a couple hours writing a Windows Store application for use at our Deeper in .NET conference this weekend.  It’s a simple app that displays the time remaining until the next session starts, and also allows you to cycle through slides (image files only) during the countdown.  Event Timer was initially published on 4/4/13.  You can find it and screenshots in the Windows Store.  For now, and for the foreseeable future, it will be free.

I already know of a few feature improvements I’d like to add to a future release, such as:

  • Moving the controls to an app bar (done, you can now view the controls by right-clicking or swiping from the top edge)
  • Adding some configuration options that persist, such as default slide interval and foreground/background colors.
  • I have some other ideas for subsequent releases as well, but will hold off on thinking too much about those to see if anyone else asks.  Why waste my time on something no one wants, right?

If you use Windows 8 or Windows RT, please give it a try and let me know what you think.  I’d be interested in any feedback.  However, since this is a free app, support will be limited and may be slow.  While no guarantees are made about this software, I have recently used it at a large developer event in Milwaukee.  I had zero issues and actually had several attendees compliment the app.

If you are a developer and are interested in seeing the very simple source code, you can find it on GitHub. Remember, I only spent a couple hours on the initial version for my own use, so be kind.  šŸ™‚

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2 Comments

  1. Thanks for posting the source to this simple and useful app. Could you allow the possibility of customizing the text reading "We'll get started in" in a future update? This would make the application useful in a wider range of contexts… (i. e.: The bread dough will be ready for kneading…, The class will be over…, The whale show starts…, Intermission ends…)

    In your description, mention that you right click to set the timer. I will admit to not being very smart when it comes to Metro Apps, but this would have helped me.

    Thanks again!

  2. Thanks, James. I'm glad you found it useful. I see your point about the top AppBar. I mention it in the image caption in the Windows Store, but it's not in the descriptive text. The next time I make an update, I will add that description. That's also a good suggestion about making the text customizable. I'll look into adding that at some point.

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