For someone who stays 24/7 on the internet, I’ve signed up for a lot of internet services. However, due to overlapping of functions in many of these services, it becomes difficult to keep up with everything. So I end up neglecting some (facebook) and overusing others (twitter). Someone obviously thought that all of it needs to be brought into one central location: where you can manage, update, and publish new content - all in a single windowed application.
Now that I’ve set the stage, let me introduce you to my new favourite application, EventBox. The first product out of a newly set up UK based software development company “The Cosmic Machine”, EventBox seems to want to take a very bold step. “Pack your Social Networks in One Box” says the tagline — EventBox incorporates Twitter, Facebook, Flickr, Digg, Pownce and Reddit. It can also act as your RSS feed aggregator.
A pretty bold task for a single application to manage, one would think. Each of these services has a different interface, a different way of working with content, so putting it in one box would result in chaos, or so I thought.
Six services in one box
While I will admit the interface is a little rough around the edges (beta version that it is), they have got it right the first attempt. Each service is perfectly fit into the interface, keeping a few elements of the web version while giving the entire application a consistent look.
Twitter
Let’s take twitter for instance. A fairly easy interface to implement as all it involves is 140 character updates. EventBox displays your tweets elegantly, with subtle colour variations for direct messages and replies. There’s a special section where you can view all of your DMs and @replies separate from the regular feed. EventBox will also feature a HUD styled twitter window so you don’t have to keep the EventBox window open to watch over new tweets.
Facebook
Facebook has a similar interface for updates, but also includes any photographs that may have been uploaded by you or your friends. There are separate sections for Friends Photos and your photos as well.
Digg/Reddit
Now if we move on to Digg, it is a totally different concept. EventBox displays digg updates for any sections you choose, and adds slightly modified UI elements for the articles, which let you know instantly that you’re in the digg window. You can then switch from upcoming or popular stories and use the search to instantly find any that interest you. Reddit and pownce are two services I don’t use, but the interface looks very similar (yet different and identifiable in their own way).
The RSS reader
For an application that wants to do so much, I thought the RSS reader would be just a slapped on addition. I’m surprised to say that this is the best RSS reader I have ever used on the Mac. Okay so I’m no judge for ‘good rss readers’ but in my opinion the interface design, the colour scheme, everything work together to provide a smooth reading experience. Each update is clearly separated, has a distinct title and adjustable content. Importing my feeds from NewsFire was very easy, as EventBox understands the OPML file format. You can also sort the feeds manually and organise them into groups. The team also promises RSS syncing via Google Reader and NetNewsWire in the near future, which will greatly enhance the usability.
Flickr
And lastly, Flickr. They have not only provided a definitive film strip like view for each Flickr photograph, but also included a fully featured upload tool! You can also tag and modify your existing photos. Not only that, it features your friend’s photos for which you can leave a comment. (And lest I forget, even the facebook section features the same uploader for photos.)
Talking about photos, EventBox can pop out its own picture viewer for any photographs found in any of the services. The photo viewer is barebones with literally no controls, but it is a handy tool nonetheless.
Animation Effects
The Cosmic Machine has not shied away froom using Core Animation effects. For instance, when a new twitter update comes through, it pops in and the others slide down. This not only makes the app super cool, it also gives you a visual cue as to what is happening. And I love the item dance that takes place when you type something in the search panel.
Awesome?
The team has been working hard on this application, and are very receptive to any feedback that the users throw at them. The latest update brings in individual settings for every service, a global ‘unread’ menu that displays all your unread updates from all services, as well as a bunch of cosmetic changes that didn’t make it to the screenshots. The team looks forward to adding last.fm, delicious, and orkut services and a whole bunch of features not yet ready for primetime.
EventBox is being actively developed, as can be seen by their extremely active twitter feed. The price during the beta is $15, which will go up to $20 for the finalised version. A 14 day trial awaits all those who want to try out this application, which I would highly recommend you do.
Discount!
Use the coupon code from the Smoking Apples magazine (Issue 2) for a 20% discount on the app. It’s a no-signup direct download, we promise.
The Smoking Apples EventBox giveaway!
So you love the functioning of the application, but don’t make enough to budget spending 15 bucks on it? Thanks to The Cosmic Machine Software, the guys behind EventBox, we get to offer a full license to one lucky winner. The rules of the contest are simple.
- One entry per person.
- Valid email ID required (Never ever spammed. Only required for contacting the winner)
- Download the trial and tell us what you think of it.
- Mention one other social networking service or feature that you would really like to see included in EventBox.
The winner to this giveaway is Rip Robinson. Congrats! If you don’t receive an email, please contact team SA.
