Amazon launches Echo Time smart alarm clock with sleep detection
Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 28 Oct, 12:16 · Archive
Amazon has unveiled the Echo Time, a bedroom-focused smart alarm clock with a 3.2-inch touchscreen that detects lighter sleep phases to wake you more gently.
Amazon has announced the Echo Time, a $199.99 smart alarm clock that uses sensors to detect when you are in lighter sleep before waking you. The spherical device is designed specifically for bedroom use, with a 3.2-inch circular touchscreen that displays hundreds of customizable clock faces, ranging from traditional analog designs to seasonal themes and characters from franchises like the DC Universe.
The device's main innovation is its sleep-sensing technology. It uses room temperature sensors, presence detection and ultrasound to detect breathing, allowing it to determine your sleep routine and wake you within 10 to 60 minutes of your set alarm time during lighter sleep phases. Amazon says this approach helps you feel more rested without requiring a wearable device.
Privacy features are prominent for a device designed for the bedroom. The Echo Time has no camera, includes visual indicators when Alexa is listening, and has a dedicated button that switches off its microphones completely. The display dims to under 0.3 nits at night while showing enough brightness to see the time, and brightens gradually as your alarm approaches to mimic a natural sunrise.
The device includes controls for volume and microphone mute positioned at the top, and the touchscreen allows you to set alarms without using your voice, avoiding waking a partner. You can customize the clock face by telling Alexa, 'change to a seasonal clock face' or request other themes. The Time also prioritizes the clock display at all times—when you ask Alexa to perform other tasks like turning lights on or playing music, the screen reverts to showing the clock once the action completes, though small icons let you access other functions.
Amazon has also released a children's version of the Echo Time. The device is available to order now.
How it is being reported
- Amazon's new Echo Time smart alarm clock tries to make waking up less painfulAmazon has launched a new smart alarm clock that can determine when you're in lighter sleep before waking you up.Engadget · 28 Oct, 12:00
- All the Amazon Echo devices announced today: Echo Time, Alexa Photo Frame and moreAlong with speaker and Echo Show upgrades, Amazon unveiled a smart alarm clock and photo frame.Engadget · 28 Oct, 12:00
- Spending time with the Echo Time — a smart clock that senses you sleepingAmazon just announced its newest smart alarm clock - the Echo Time. The baseball-sized smart speaker with a screen, the Time looks like an Echo Dot with Clock and an Echo Spot had a much bigger baby. It features a 3.2-inch touchscreen that prominently displays your choice of a huge selection of clockfaces and includes […]The Verge · 28 Oct, 12:00
- Amazon’s new Echo Time has a surprisingly good reason to existThe Time is an intriguing smart displayTechRadar · 28 Oct, 12:00
In this story: Amazon · Alexa · Apple · DC Universe
This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log
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