Comparison

Random Countdown Timer vs Tanaka

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Random Countdown Timer

This app introduces variability to countdown timers, allowing for random durations within a set range. It's designed to help users develop self-monitoring skills by moving away from fixed countdown intervals. Features include customizable variance, switch access compatibility, and saving/resetting timer values.

Highlights
  • Randomized countdown durations
  • Adjustable variance percentage
  • Switch access compatibility
  • Save and reset timer values
  • Customizable alarm types
  • Visual indicator for timer progress
Features
Read full description

Random Countdown Timer with Switch Access Rather than counting down the same interval whenever a timer is run, we can choose to introduce some variety. A timer that was set repeatedly for 30 minutes would normally go off after 30 minutes each time, which is fine when a student is to remain dependent on the alarm. But if the goal were self monitoring instead (i.e., developing independence from the alarm), then it would be good to have the training alarm go off with some consistent variation in time, such as between 20 and 40 minutes (while still averaging around 30). Learning to self monitor within a certain range of times is a valuable skill, as is learning to check the clock at specific times, but they are not equivalent, so they are supported by different tools. INSTRUCTIONS Slide the arrow to set the timer from 0 to 60 minutes. If you set no variation (below), then this app will act like a typical timer (albeit with some additional access features). Tap the green Start arrow to begin the countdown and display the Stop button (i.e., the red stop sign). If no variance is set, the arrow will immediately start to move as the time decreases (in intervals of one second). If a variance amount is set, then the arrow will jump to a (constrained) random starting point before counting down. When the timer is done counting down, up to three types of alarms will go off (depending on your Settings). All alarms will cease when you tap the Stop button (which in turn displays the Start button, as well as the Save/Reset buttons). There is a message displayed at the bottom of the screen that describes what the variance calculation will be, given the settings that you have chosen; for example, if you set the timer for 30 minutes, and the variance to 50%, then the message will say, “Var: 50% = 15 to 45 min.” That means that when you start the timer, the arrow will jump to a point between 15 and 45 minutes before it begins to count down. (You can choose to hide that message.) Minutes are displayed in the center of the slider during the countdown. Although seconds are not displayed (because that tends to be too distracting), a dot on the Stop icon rotates clockwise in small increments to signify that the timer is not frozen (which can be turned off in Settings if that in itself is a distraction). Tap “Save” to store the current value of the timer for later restoration. The Reset button displays the amount of time that was saved (e.g., “16 min”). Tap that Reset display to restore that value to the timer. (These buttons are hidden while the timer is running.) SWITCH ACCESS The Start/Stop button is switch accessible with: 1) a wired or wireless keyboard as a switch (type ‘space’ or ‘1’); or 2) a wired or wireless switch interface s 'space' sending '1' (or legacy '~1') with an inserted switch (e.g., jellybean, toggle, joggle, membrane, or whatever you like). SETTINGS Use Variance (%): OFF by default. Use any variance you have set. Variance Slider: 0% by default. Select an interval from 0% to 100%. Show Variance: ON by default. Show or hide the variance message. Light Background: ON by default. The display will be based on a light background rather than a dark one. Alarm Sound: “Chime” by default. This file will play if “Audible Alarm” is ON. All of the following alarms will turn off when you hit the Stop button. Audible Alarm: ON by default. The chosen sound file will play for about a minute after the timer runs out. Visible Alarm: ON by default. Every two seconds, the background color will alternate between light and dark themes. Vibration Alarm: ON by default. Every two seconds, the device will vibrate (if it has that capability). Display Seconds: ON by default. Every second, the pale yellow dot on the Stop icon rotates 45° clockwise, letting you know that the timer is running. When you turn this off, the dot does not move. Reset: OFF by default. All Settings will resume their default values the next time the app is started.

About

Tanaka

Read full description

Tanaka Sensei: Your Ultimate Japanese Learning Companion Tanaka Sensei is the all-in-one app designed to make mastering Japanese fun, effective, and accessible for everyone. Whether you’re preparing for the JLPT or just starting your language journey, Tanaka Sensei offers a personalized experience to help you reach your goals. Key Features: - All JLPT Levels Supported: Practice vocabulary and kanji from N5 (beginner) to N1 (advanced), with content tailored to your level. - Interactive Quizzes & Games: Reinforce your learning with engaging quizzes, vocabulary card games, and contextual challenges. - Smart Progress Tracking: Monitor your improvement with detailed stats and spaced repetition (SRS) to help you remember what matters most. - Instant Feedback: Get immediate corrections and helpful explanations to boost your confidence and understanding. - Beautiful, Intuitive Design: Enjoy a clean, user-friendly interface that makes studying a pleasure, not a chore. - Motivational Rewards: Unlock new stages, earn achievements, and stay motivated as you progress. - Offline Access: Study anytime, anywhere—even without an internet connection. Why Choose Tanaka Sensei? Tanaka Sensei is more than just a study tool—it’s your personal Japanese tutor. With a variety of practice modes, adaptive learning, and a supportive approach, you’ll find yourself making real progress every day. Start your Japanese adventure today with Tanaka Sensei and see how fun and rewarding language learning can be!

Screenshots

Random Countdown Timer4 screens
Tanaka4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is device support: Random Countdown Timer at 3 against Tanaka's —. Random Countdown Timer also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 18.5). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

Scorecard2 real differences · 8 level
Random Countdown Timer versus Tanaka: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterRandom Countdown TimerTanaka
PriceFreeFree
Rating1.0 (1 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews0.0% of reviews—
Number of ratings1 — better—
Update frequencyMonthly—
AdsNo—
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod — better—
Requires iOS12.0 — better18.5
Further details — not scored
Size21 MB36 MB
Age rating4+12+
DeveloperTracy MansfieldAngel Felix Gutierrez Lliulli

In-app purchases

None

Random Countdown Timer

No in-app purchases

None

Tanaka

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Random Countdown Timer free?
Random Countdown Timer is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Tanaka free?
Tanaka is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

Other comparisons