BSL-Timer Now Sounds the Way You Want

When I released BSL-Timer 0.8.0, it finally had proper end-of-countdown sound settings: repeats, an interval between them, and a preview button. I thought I could take a breath. Then I realised what I still wanted as a user: the ability to choose which sound would bring me back to reality. ))

In BSL-Timer 0.9.0, you can choose one of the sounds available in Windows or select your own audio file. If a familiar system sound does the job, it is already there. If you want something personal, the program opens the usual Windows file picker.

I also took another look at the repeat settings. The previous version offered two modes, but after testing them I found one unnecessary and removed it. What remains is straightforward: the number of additional repeats after the first signal and the interval between them.

You can preview the selected sound in Settings. The preview plays it once, even if the timer itself is set to repeat the signal. All sound settings are available in both Free and Pro. The only functional difference in Pro is support for multiple timers in tabs.

I keep surprising myself with these ideas. Part of me wants to finish this project and move on to the next one. At the same time, I feel the need to make BSL-Timer convenient, capable and well designed — a program I enjoy using every day.

There is one more idea I intend to implement in the next version. After that, I want to refine a few details of the design. That means learning more about Inkscape, particularly Bézier curves. Apparently, the Timer has decided I should learn to draw as well. 😉

Version 0.9.0 is out now. I tested the online update for both Free and Pro: each edition received and installed the correct build. You can find the free edition and more details on the BSL-Timer page.

P.S. I have decided that choosing a Windows system sound or a custom file will become a BSL-World standard for programs that use sound alerts. I plan to add audio output device selection later, too. I have often wished for that option myself: for example, when system sounds should play through speakers, while music and internet calls use headphones connected to a separate sound card. I want to decide where the Timer’s alert is heard.