EarSaver

Reviewed by Alecia Dixon
Published by Simon & Schuster Interactive

Age Group: Adults
Type: Computer Toolbox
Price: $20

PC version requires:
5MB HD, 3MB RAM, Windows 95/98/NT, 256 Color, Pentium

Mac version requires:
5MB HD, 3MB RAM, System 7.0 or higher, 256 Color, Power PC, PowerBook and Mac Clone compatible

Description:

EarSaver, by Simon & Schuster Interactive, is a software program that once downloaded onto your hard drive, does not require further use of the disk. The program is designed to provide an audio backdrop that increases concentration and productivity for those working at the computer. Advertised as a virtual ambient soundscape player, EarSaver combines natural sounds and subtle music textures to create an "enhanced sonic environment".

EarSaver features two albums: Other Places Volumes 1 and 2. Additional albums may be purchased at http://www.earsaver.com and added to the original program to create greater variety. A "personal" album of favorites can also be created from albums owned.

To minimize screen usage, EarSaver provides a console image that allows adjustments in volume, album and/or track changes, etc. There are three visual styles of consoles to choose from, all offer the same options. The consoles can be minimized, collapsed, or hidden to allow for complete screen usage, and yet remain accessible.

Features:

  • Three graphic control panels
  • Two albums: Other Places Vols. 1 & 2
  • Nine tracks that provide over four hours of soundscapes and music.
  • Personal album
  • Four background images for the computer.

Technical Aspects:

EarSaver loaded and ran smoothly providing clear audio and visual. The program will not interfere with other programs or with the computer's ability to perform tasks. EarSaver is designed to be played in the background; the volume should be set just above the sound of your fan and hard drive.

Report and Conclusions:

With tracks such as: New Lands, Ghost Fire, Drifting, and ChordFalls EarSaver is quite relaxing. There are several pluses to the program that go beyond what you see and hear. I particularly like that the console may be hidden from view. I also enjoyed perusing the website and viewing ten additional albums that may be acquired for greater audio selection. Additional albums are only $4.99 each and some albums may be purchased in bundles of three for $12.00.

If you spend a lot of time at the computer, personal or professional, EarSaver is a great title for increasing productivity, and relaxing and clearing your mind.




Warning: main(kidsdomain.inc) [function.main]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /data/sites/network/public_html/omniture/omnitureTag.inc on line 20

Warning: main() [function.include]: Failed opening 'kidsdomain.inc' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/local/lib/php:/www/sites/kaboose/php:/www/sites/kaboose/php/include') in /data/sites/network/public_html/omniture/omnitureTag.inc on line 20