Download

Please note that Awasu is still in beta. There is no online help yet nor proper install and this page is draft copy for the web site. Apologies for everything still being a bit rough... :-)

The full public release is scheduled for early February. I am still in the process of setting up mailing lists, bug tracking database, etc. so in the meantime, if you would like to be informed of updates, send me an email and I'll keep you in touch.

You can download the software here.

Feature list

• Monitor any site that provides an RSS feed. Channels are available for all the major news sites and blogs.
• Monitor anything else, even if it doesn't provide an RSS feed. This includes web sites, databases, web services, even running applications! Writing a plugin is easy if you have done any programming before and can be done in any language you choose. Some simple examples are given here.
• Awasu will let you know when new content is found. You can customise each channel to show a balloon, play a sound or animate the system tray icon. Or all three!
• Awasu will keep track of what you have already read so you don't waste time looking at the same thing twice.
• You can control how often each channel is updated.
• Channnels can be added to the system tray menu for quick access.
• Fully customizable and skinnable user interface. You can create your own keyboard shortcuts, toolbars and menus.
• Choose between a one-channel-at-a-time mode (SDI) or have multiple windows open simultaneously (MDI).
• Optimized keyboard interface for the fastest possible browsing. Or if you prefer the mouse, a one-click mode is provided to speed navigation.
• Supports the use of advanced HTTP headers to ensure the most efficient use of bandwidth.

Main window

This is a screenshot of the main window:

You can see:

• The list of channels that have been subscribed to in the docking window on the left.
• Each channel opens in its own window. Or you choose to have a single window that is re-used (SDI).
• Each channel has its own integrated browser pane.
• Channels highlight which items you have already read and which are new.
• The activity log at the bottom lets you monitor which channels are being updated and when.

Keeping you informed

Awasu will notify you when it finds new content. This feature can be turned on or off for each channel individually so you won't be disturbed un-necessarily. You can also animate the system tray icon or have a sound played.

Add your favourite channels to the system tray menu for quick access:

Customization

Each channel can be individually customized:

• Specify how often a channel should be checked or turn off automatic updating altogether.
• Choose how you want to be notified when new content is found.
• Add your favourite channels to the system tray menu for quick access.

This screenshot shows some of the program options:

• Choose one-click operation for faster browsing with the mouse
• Specify where the notification balloons should appear and for how long.
• Choose if you want each channel to open in its own window (MDI) or use the simpler, single window interface (SDI).

Plugins

One of the most powerful features Awasu offers is the ability to have scripted channels. You are no longer restricted to channels from web sites that provide an RSS feed. With scripted plugins, you can scrape web site, monitor a database, extend the functionality of Awasu itself, anything you like.

A few simple examples are given here; more samples are provided with the release and documentation.

Customizing the channel summary pages

A number of people have asked if it is possible to change the appearance of the channel summary page that is displayed when you first open each channel. Well, it is, and you can find details here.