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Sleep Cycle Alarm for iPhone (My Review)

Usually when it comes to Apps like "Sleep Cycle Alarm Clock" I'm a pretty big sceptic.  However since this app was only 99 cents and I've been having to wake up early lately I decided to give it a try.

The developers say:  "Waking up in the lightest sleep phase feels like waking without an alarm clock - it is a natural way to wake up where you feel rested and relaxed."

When you first install the App it displays a welcome screen explaining how to place your iPhone next to your pillow and on top of your mattress:
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After doing this you then test it by tossing and turning and listening for a tone, this lets you know that it's working ok:

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Once you've gone through and tested everything, I recommend putting your iPhone in airplane mode.  This keeps cellular radiation away from your body and makes sure the app doesn't close when you get a phone call.

Once you're all done setting everything up and testing everything, simply choose the time that you want to wake up and press "Start"
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After pressing start simply place your iPhone face down on your bed next to your pillow and Sleep Cycle Alarm for iPhone measures your sleep cycles.
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The app will not wake you up at exactly the time you specify, however it wakes you up at your optimal sleep cycle so you feel refreshed and relaxed.  I told it to wake me up at 10:30AM, however the app determined by actively and accurately monitoring my sleep patterns that the optimal time to wake me up would be 9:57AM.  This was actually quite true and I instantly awoke as soon as I heard the slightest ring.  This is extremely rare for me as I am a very hard sleeper.  As soon as the alarm went off I was fully awake.

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I highly recommend giving it a try, however if you have a Tempur-Pedic® mattress or futon then this app isn't for you.  It works best on a normal mattress.  Also, if you share your bed with someone else then this will also interfere with your results.

If you want more info on the technology and how the app works, check out the LexwareLabs page:  http://www.lexwarelabs.com/sleepcycle/howitworks.html

Shock Value II Review

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1: Intro (By DJ Felli Fel) -  3/5 stars.

- Good intro, reminds me of some of the video games I used to play when I was a kid.

2: Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake) - 4/5 Stars

- I was hoping for a good track with Justin Timberlake and this album delivers.  Great to dance to, great percussions, definitely a fun classic Timbaland track. 

3: Lose Control (feat. JoJo) - 3/5 Stars

- This track is alright, it's a good filler track.  It doesn't bother me, it's alright.  Nothing to get excited about though. 

4: Meet In Tha Middle (feat. Bran' Nu) - 4/5 stars.

- I love the Piano and percussions on this track, very cool.  This track is good to work to and has a great rhythm and sound.  Another unique aspect of this track is that it features Brandy (Bran' Nu) rapping! Bran' Nu = Brandy like Sasha Fierce = Beyonce

5: Say Something (feat. Drake) - 1/5 Stars

- I absolutely can't stand this track, I skip it after 10 seconds.

6: Tomorrow In the Bottle (feat. Chad Kroeger & Sebastian) - 4/5 Stars

- This track features vocals from Chad Kroeger (lead singer of Nickelback) and they blend perfectly with Timbaland's famous percussions.  This is definitely well done and is one of my favorites on the album. 4/5 Stars

7: We Belong to the Music (feat. Miley Cyrus) - 3/5 Stars

- I hated this track at first, however the beat is something that you can workout to and has a solid rhythm. 

8: Morning After Dark (feat. Nelly Furtado & SoShy) - 4/5 Stars

- This track has very different/experimental vocals that I think work well with the track.   The synths are incredible and I think Timbaland has figured out some kind of formula to make the chorus very catchy.  This track definitely shines on the album.

9: If We Ever Meet Again (feat. Katy Perry) - 2/5 Stars

- I really haven't had a chance to thoroughly listen and review this track, but based on the two times that I have listened to it so far it's alright…

10: Can You Feel It (feat. Esthero & Sebastian) - 2/5 Stars

- This song has more of an experimental techno feel to it and flows from the previous track, the chorus and bridge are kinda cool cause the synths synced with vocals, definitely a cool effect.  Expect more artists to start doing this in the future.  Over time this track may even grow on you.

11: Ease Off the Liquor - 3/5 Stars

- Now before you hate on this track, it too flows from the previous two tracks and it's mostly just Timbaland playing around.  Listen to it all the way through, it's got some fun latin stuff at the end that is fun to dance to.

12: Undertow (feat. the Fray & Esthero) - 3/5 Stars

- Not much to say about this track, if you're a fan of "The Fray" it's worth purchasing.

13: Timothy Where You Been (feat. Jet) - 4/5 Stars

- This song is about Timbaland's life experiences and growth from just starting out to a mega star that he is today.  The guitar and strings are very smooth and flow very well with "Jet".  It starts off a little slow but the lyrics are great and it's very smooth to listen to.

14: Long Way Down (feat. Daughtry) - 5/5 Stars

- I didn't like the track at first, but it's truly epic.  Great guitars, great bass, AMAZING percussions, and Chris Daughtry's vocals are amazing.  This track is definitely worth picking up and definitely shines on the album.

15: Marchin On (feat. OneRepublic) [Timbo Version] - 3/5 Stars

- This song takes a second to grow on you, Timbaland has his own verses and courses as well and it builds up fantastically towards the end of the track.  Give this track a chance!

16: The One I Love (feat. Keri Hilson & D.O.E.) - 5/5 Stars

- This track has a very experimental/new sound and I love it! It works very well with Keri Hilson's vocals and D.O.E.'s rap.  This song is very likely to become a hit and it's definitely worth purchasing if you don't wanna buy the entire album.

17: Symphony (feat. Attitude, Bran' Nu & D.O.E.) - 4/5 Stars

- Classic Timbaland beat and style, fans should love this track, it's definitely got a fantastic beat and chorus, great to dance to.  This track also features Brandy rapping on it and it's definitely fun to listen to.

Timbaland had a few problems getting this album out but the album is definitely worth a purchase.  It goes from great rap, dance, techno, rock and more.  Timbaland's percussions are spot on throughout the entire album and it's sure to keep your head bopping for a while to come.  Enjoy!
Posterous theme by Cory Watilo