Sefiras HaOmer (ספירת העומר) Application Comparison & Reviews (updated 5773)

---------------------------------

Sefirat Haomer Widget by Android-SoftIT (version 4.0)

Type: Application and Widget
Cost: Free
Overview:
This is a full sefira application with included widget. The 3x1 or 4x1 widget shows the Arabic number and Hebrew text for the sefira. A single touch brings up the application which, in one well laid out page shows the entire Hebrew text for the Omer service (but not that night's "serfira" in the later "yehi ratzon." All of the text is in Hebrew.

+Custom alarm times, tones, and vibration options.
+Three Nusachim.
+Shows Hebrew date at top of application.
+Correctly aligned nekudos (vowels)
+Ability to turn off vowels
-This app can lead to possible confusion as to which night it is. It waits until around sunset to switch to the next day. If one forgot to count that day, and checks at around this time, he may be unsure which day it is. This should be a serious consideration when considering this otherwise well-made product.
-Default background is too busy and the text doesn't flow that nicely 


------------------------

Counting the omer Widget by Wiegand Tech LLC (version 1.04)
Type: Application and Widget (4x1)
Cost: Free
Overview: This installs as an app with Widget option. Designed for the English praying and speaking, it offers an English "Tonight is the X night" on your home screen (if you install the Widget). A single click of the widget (or a load of the app) loads a very simple English transliteration of the Hebrew blessing and the actual day stated in English.

Pros: Simple Application for those not versed in Hebrew
Cons: No reminders or check-off days aside from the home screen widget.

Verdict: Ideal for those that can't read Hebrew
------------------------

Sefira Reminders - Lite (And Sefira Reminders) by Yossie/Tizkor.com version 1.6.2

Review: Updated 04/07/13
Type: Application
Cost: Free (Lite) and $.99 (regular)


+Clean, very easy-to-read text, with clear nekudos (vowels).
+Sefira check-off list for all 49 days.
+Completely avoids confusion by showing in-line (in English), for example, "Monday night" and "Monday Before Night" on the same screen. Even other apps that attempt to avoid confusion still leave room for misunderstanding. For instance, if it's after midnight, and the app has moved to the next day, and says "today before nightfall, and "today after nightfall" what is it referring to? This app leaves no question. 
+Options for many Nusachim. 
+Allows one to choose tune for reminder.
+Later remind time for Saturday night (custom in paid version).
+Special early remind time for Friday.
+Daily (day-time) reminder option included as well
+Tested on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) as well as earlier releases.
+Includes the nightly "sefira" (kaballah) at the end.
04/19/12: Added option to silence alarm but keep reminder until count.

Cons: Requires paid version for full control of reminder times.

Verdict: Best over-all sefira app! This is the one we use exclusively.
-------------------------------

Sefirat HaOmer סדר ספירת העמר (v. 1.0) by RustyBrick

Type: Application (New for 5773)
Cost: Free, but additional $.99 for notifications (paid in app)


+Clean text with nekudos aligned properly.
+Includes the nightly "sefira" (kaballah) at the end.

-Only one nusach (custom)
-Even when one pays for the notifications, they can select the time but not for different days of the week.
-Uses a very rough sunset for the changeover to the "next day" which can lead to confusion for one who still hasn't counted the previous night
-Pretty background actually wastes screen real estate and requires more scrolling.
-No check-off list.

Note: Reminder feature not yet tested
--------------------------

Sefirat Haomer and Sefirat Haomer Pro by Chaim Turkel (version 1.18)

Review revised 04/07/13
Type: Application and Widget (Pro only)
Cost: Free and $1.00 (Pro)
Overview:This app seems a bit more suited for those living in Israel. This is a full Application with the complete text.

+Tracks days and allows you to specifically mark missed days. 
+Uses GPS to find your location and give you limited zmanim. 
+Has setting for "Diaspora" to limit alarms on days that are Yom Tov in Chutz La'Aretz. 
+Three Nusachim. 
+Pro version Includes an (untested) audio counting feature.

-Leave a little bit of doubt possible as to which day today is when one may have missed counting. 
-Now free version is advertising supported.
-Text is somewhat small and hard to read.  The nekudot (vowels) are not included for the blessing itself but only the ancillary text.
-Vowels require Android 4.0 and above


Verdict: Very nice design. Very little that I would change. Pro version includes Widget. Second best over-all Sfira app here.

--------------------------

Sefirat HaOmer by AvivoNet Software (version 1.0.3)

Type: Application
Cost: Free
Overview: This dated app works only in landscape mode and then doesn't fill the screen. It does show the full text of that day's omer using what appears to be a combination of scanned images and real Hebrew fonts. No reminder functions or options.

Pros: Does contain that day's sefira in the "Rebono Shel Olam." Does prevent confusion by explaining "today before nightfall" and "today after nightfall."

Cons: No choice of nusach. No reminders. Doesn't fill screen or work in portrait mode. Dated application from 2009-2010.

Verdict: Today, this app is a waste of time compared to much more capable free applications.

--------------------------

Omer Count Widget (עומר) by ybm dev/Kwazi (version 1.7)

Type: Widget only (1x1)
Cost: Free
Overview: This tiny 1x1 Widget shows the number of that day and also the "erev" number with simple Hebrew text.

+ Small and simple

-Possible to still get confused as to which day it is. 
-No brochos. No settings, reminders or alarms.
-Widget incompatible with ICS (Android 4.0) and above.

Verdict: Good as an adjunct to one of the full-blown sefira apps that don't have a widget.
--------------------------

ספירת העומר נוסח תימן by ami hanya (version 2.1.0)

Type: Application
Cost: Free
Overview:
This unique app is for the Teimani (Yemmenite) who says Sefirat HaOmer in Aramaic. Nicely designed with a simple interface. It does not have any reminder functions. 

+Now knows the Hebrew day and appropriate sefira
+Shows you the full text and can even  play an audio rendition on the speaker as an option.

-No checklist function
-No reminders
-Only Nusach Teimani

Note: All Hebrew interface.