AttnGrab (Attention Grabber)
Download AttnGrab (PRC)
Download AttnGrab 2.2 (PRC)
Download ATGDebug (PRC)
Download AttnGrab Sources (ZIP)
About
AttnGrab extends the functionality of the Attention Manager. It grabs your attention by emitting a beep, turning on the LED or vibrating periodically when you have pending alerts. This is most useful on a device like my Treo 650 wich does not continuously alert me to the fact that I’ve missed a call or an SMS, something I was used to from my previous phone.
I created AttnGrab because I could find no free utility that provided this functionality and I don’t like paying for software, especially simple hacks.
License
The app binary is freeware. You can do whatever you want with it (including re-distribution). The source code is covered by the GPL v2.
Installing
AttnGrab requires Palm OS 4.0 or above and the Notification Manager. The LED and Vibrator functions require a device with the Handspring extensions or support from the Attention Manager. AttnGrab was developed and tested on a Treo 650.
Simply install AttnGrab.prc onto your PalmOS device and run it.
Notes
AttnGrab relies on the Attention Manager. Apps that don’t use the Attention Manager for their alerts will not trigger AttnGrab.
- Agendus
- There is a preference to use the Attention Manager but it only works when you snooze the alarm (ie. not correctly). The recommended solution (from the Agendus folks) is to turn off the “Agendus handles alarms” option. I think that lets the built-in datebook handle the alarms so they might look and behave differently.
Some newer Treo phones support the Handspring Extension but do not honour the setting of the red LED. Affected devices include the Centro and possibly other late-model Treos.
Features
For more information see the README. To be notified of new versions subscribe to the comments feed on this page.
New Stuff
Here’s a list of things that should make their way into AttnGrab. Presented in roughly the order I’m expecting to look at them.
- Blinking LED (harder and could drain the batter a bit because I can’t get OS to do the blinking for me!)
- Use a real sound (midi, wave) instead of a beep
- Install as a preference panel instead of an app
- Exclude certain apps (assuming there’s a way to tell what app created an alert)
If you have something you’d like to see on this list let me know.
Donate
If you like AttnGrab and want to send me money you can donate money via PayPal using the button below.
If you don’t like PayPal but you want to send me money, contact me and I’ll see what can be done. Please note that donations are not required or expected and you will not receive any special consideration just because you have donated money.