Gear Diary » Clocks

The ivee Flex Personal Assistant Video Review

Dan Cohen — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 19:00:03 +0000

This isn't the first time we've looked at an alarm clock that not only speaks the time but understands when YOU speak. No, two years ago we reviewed the Moshi Travel Alarm Clock, and before that we took a look at the bedside version of it. Despite some limitations both worked fairly well. Yes, voice commands were limited, but once you learned HOW to speak to the clocks they did respond properly most of the time. Fast forward two years, and a new batch of voice-controlled alarm clocks are hitting the market. They come from a company called ivee and are now referred to as "personal assistants". ivee claims they Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Holiday Gift Guide: Odds and Ends for the Still Undecided

Dan Cohen — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:15:58 +0000

From the Editorial Staff of Gear Diary: Here are a few more great gift ideas. Keep your iPad safe with the Kensington SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-Way Stand & ClickSafe Lock

Anyone who owns an iPad will appreciate extra peace of mind for his or her beloved tablet’s security. Surprise the iPad aficionado on your holiday shopping list with the easy to use SecureBack™ Security Case with 2-way stand & ClickSafe Lock to protect their tablet all year round. The thin, yet strong three-piece construction combines into a durable plastic case for iPad, while a 2-way extendable stand accommodates flexible iPad orientation for landscape or portrait viewing. An adjustable slider bar allows quick access

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Bedol Water-Powered Clock Review

Carly Z — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 18:00:59 +0000

Alarm clocks are a pretty straightforward gadget. They tell the time, they wake you up when you'd rather be sleeping, and they're slowly being replaced with cell phones. But while regular alarm clocks have become a bit boring, there's a whole subset of funky/interesting variations (remember potato clocks when you were a kid?) Bedol has a really neat, eco-friendly twist on the regular alarm clock with their Water-Powered Clock. Is it a cool new twist on the basic wake-up call, or a gimmick of form over function? Read on to find out! The main gimmick of the Bedol Water Clock is that it runs on water Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Holiday Gift Guide: For Music Lovers

Dan Cohen — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 21:00:36 +0000

From the Editorial Staff of Gear Diary: Is there someone in your life who loves music? If so, here are five gifts with which you can't go wrong. First off, Sonos. Dan hasn't stopped raving about the Sonos wireless music system he installed a few months ago. Sonos is the best way to get lots of music in lots of room at a fairly affordable price. Better still, the system can grow with you as you add more and more components. You can read our reviews here, here and here. The Play:3 is just $299 in our Amazon Affiliate Store. The Play:5 is $100 more at $399 Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Cdock Turns Your iPhone into a Fab Table or Bedside Clock

Judie Stanford — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 20:45:46 +0000

We've all seen docks that allow you to set your iPhone up as a bedside clock, but this one takes the concept to such lengths that it is worth a mention: the Cdock keeps your iPhone 4 or 4S charged while holding it so that you can glance over to get the time instead of fumbling to pick it up from your bedside table. There are different styles available, and when you add the Gorgy Timing Atomic Clock app (or any other favorite iPhone clock app), you'll have one beautifully functional setup. The only downside that I can see is you have to insert a nekkid iPhone. Is that a deal-breaker for you? Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The Night Vision LED Watch: The Latest Creation from Designers at Tokyoflash

Francis Scardino — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 02:00:38 +0000

Image courtesy of Tokyoflash

Tokyoflash has been in full production mode this year and have yet to keep us waiting long for a new LED infused masterpiece. The latest addition to their large collection of tech savvy watches is the Kisai Night Vision LED Watch. This new design sports all the LED glory you're used to along with the matte black stainless finish. The face is classic style hexagon shape with super easy to read outer ring of LED's with the minutes and date showing as numerical characters in the center. The watch comes in 3 flavors of LED colors and as usual sports a 30 day rechargeable battery. This model also sports an adjustable wrist strap which Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: ZAZOO KiDS™ Digital Photo Clock

Michael Siebenaler — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 20:00:55 +0000

ZAZOO KiDS™ Digital Photo Clock provides multiple media functions designed for simple interface and displays beginning with little tykes and transitioning into the teenage years. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Announcing the Winner of the Amplicom Alarm Clock

Carly Z — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 01:00:36 +0000

Congratulations to SLNew, the winner of the Amplicom Alarm Clock! His winning entry:

I would love this for my father. At 84 his hearing is failing and he complains that standard alarm clocks don't wake him any longer.

Check your email for more details, and I hope your father enjoys the alarm clock! Remember, for everyone who didn't win you can purchase your own Amplicom Alarm Clock here Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Turn Your iPhone/iPad Into a Grandfather Clock; SBSH Launches Cuckoo for iOS

Dan Cohen — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:15:39 +0000

SBSH Mobile Software has released Cuckoo. Cuckoo has been available for S60 phones and now it is available for iOS devices. In fact, in the first few months it was available on the S60 platform it was downloaded by more than half a million people. The idea of Cuckoo is rather simple – it gets your iPhone/iPad to chime hourly. It runs in the background and, like a grandfather clock, lets you know when another hour has passed. Here's the App Store description...

Keep track of time with Cuckoo! Turn your iPhone or iPad into a grandfather clock or electronic desk clock or wristwatch! Choose from several sound options, and Cuckoo will chime every hour

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Giveaway: Amplicom Alarm Clock

Carly Z — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:00:20 +0000

Recently I reviewed the Amplicom TCL200 alarm clock, designed to assist hearing and visually impaired individuals by vibrating and talking to wake you/tell you the time. Now, thanks the generosity of the folks at Amplicom, we're giving away one of these amazing alarm clocks to one lucky reader! All you need to do to enter is leave a comment below and tell us why this clock would help you or a loved one. Pretty simple! You have until Monday, February 6th, so get your entries in now! Here's the fine print: You MUST leave a comment explaining why the clock would help you (or someone you love). A comment that just says Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tokyoflash Releases Some Fancy New Wrist Candy; Another Wallet Friendly Kisai Masterpiece

Francis Scardino — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:15:53 +0000

Image courtesy of Tokyoflash

The amount of new watches being put out by Tokyoflash this holiday season is pretty spectacular. They must have their elves working overtime there to get us the latest and greatest designs in ultimate geek apparel. In the past two weeks, 4 different watches were announced and now we have a 5th design called the Kisai Satellite. The Satellite is similar to the RPM in that it is the second user submitted design to emerge from the concept blog. From looks alone I have to say the Satellite is one of my favorite designs from Tokyoflash. It almost reminds me of the wrist computer the Predator has that he used to Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tokyoflash Announces the Kisai Traffic Watch, More LED Glory on Your Wrist

Francis Scardino — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:30:18 +0000

Original Image courtesy of Tokyoflash

Once again Tokyoflash puts out another watch masterpiece for the classy Geek in you. This time they have announced the Kisai Traffic watch that sports the super bright LED tubes that we know and love from their previously released line of watches. The Traffic design is to simulate the busy the city streets with intersections, overpasses, and single one way traffic. You can expect the same great quality and features as in all their watches, with a price tag that makes it hard to beat. The large square watch face is made of tinted black glass and uses green, orange, and blue LED tubes to illuminate the face. The different colors Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Giveaway Winner- Moshi Voice Control Alarm Clock

Dan Cohen — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 12:30:01 +0000

The Moshi is “The first ‘listening clock’ that allows you set the time and alarm by your voice alone”. The clock is activated by user saying “Hello Moshi” so there is no need to push any buttons. The clock responds to 12 voice activated commands: time, set alarm, today’s date, temperature, and more. It features snooze, 3 sounds for alarm and sleep, volume control, and night-light. The Moshi Voice Control Alarm Clock has an MSRP $39.99 and is available at Bed Bath & Beyond, Dillard’s, Brookstone and www.moshilifestyle.com. We had one to give away and that Moshi VC Alarm Clock is going to... Melanie Lopez! Thanks to everyone who entered Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Giveaway!! Moshi: Voice Control (VC) Alarm Clock

Dan Cohen — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 17:00:51 +0000

A while back I reviewed the Moshi: Voice Control (VC) Alarm Clock. I even did a video of it in action...

The Moshi is "The first 'listening clock' that allows you set the time and alarm by your voice alone". And it really does work. The clock is activated by user saying "Hello Moshi", no buttons needed for functionality. It responds to 12 voice activated commands: time, set alarm, today's date, temperature, and more. It features snooze, 3 sounds for alarm and sleep, volume control, and night-light. The clock is recognized by the World Blind Union since Moshi can be operated without ever seeing the clock. Best of

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: iLuv iMM190 App Station Dock for iPhone

Dan Cohen — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:00:45 +0000

From iLuv-

With its stylish oval design and alarm clock functionality, the iLuv App Station Alarm Clock Stereo Speaker Dock for iPhone 3G and 3GS or iPod is the ideal desktop sound system. The speaker dock stands horizontally or vertically, thus accommodating your device's touch-screen view. The App Station's key feature is its sophisticated alarm clock functionality with the iLuv App Clock for iPhone--available from the Apple iTunes Store. With the excellent speaker chambers, the App Station is powerful enough to deliver rich dynamic sound, while it charges your iPhone or iPod as you listen. The App Station shows great versatility and enhances the user's experience of other iPhone 3G, 3Gs, and iPod functions such as

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Review: iLuv iMM178 Vibe Plus- Dual Alarm Clock w/Bed Speaker Shaker for iPhone

Dan Cohen — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:00:17 +0000

iPhone/iPod speaker docks are multiplying around my home and at the office. And for good reason. Since I'm not an audiophile the music that is pumped out of a relatively inexpensive speaker dock is usually just fine for me. But while a simple speaker dock is fine for my office (I use a bluetooth system that I love... more on that another time) in my bedroom I want something that also includes an alarm clock. The other day I took a look at one that offers good sound. It costs $150, sounds good but isn't compatible with iPhone due to a lack of GSM shielding. Today let's look at the iMM178 Vibe Plus Dual Alarm Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Cambridge SoundWorks i525 iPod/AM/FM Clock Radio System – Review

Dan Cohen — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:00:37 +0000

If you're an audiophile you still want to have a fancy powerful stereo system home. But for many of us the sound coming out of our iPhones, iPods or iPads is good enough when they're connected to some sort of a speaker system. Since I am not an audiophile I'm perfectly happy having a dock in my home office, in the bedroom, and in my study at work so I can listen to music whenever I want. Over the next few days I'm going to take a look at a number of different docks that are currently available. Some have more bells and whistles than others but all of them are reasonably priced and currently available Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tokyoflash adds “Changing Lanes” Watch to the Lineup, No Road Rage Required

Francis Scardino — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:30:40 +0000

Image courtesy of Tokyoflash

Function, style and glorious LCD's pretty much can describe any watch in the Tokyoflash lineup, the latest model "Changing Lanes" is no exception. The new watch sports an all stainless steel band and bezel, rechargeable battery and of course follows suit with an animated LED light show every 15 minutes between 6:00 pm and midnight. The face has a smoked black design and illumination comes from Blue and Orange digital LED tubes. The rechargeable battery takes about 3.5 hours to charge but should get you a solid month before having to juice up again. The Changing Lanes is no exception when it comes to actually learning how Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Need Help Finding The Right Father’s Day Gift For Your Music-loving Dad? How About These…

Dan Cohen — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:15:47 +0000

Does dad love music? Do you love dad? Well Father's Day is coming up, and if dad likes to get his groove on here are a few items you might want to consider getting him (or yourself for that matter...) Dad's not wicked (we hope), but these noise isolating ear-buds from Wicked Audio are... Wicked Audio's Wicked Little Buds are Design-forward, noise isolating earbuds that provide an edgy look and great sound. They are available at: EmpireBrandsInc.com, Amazon.com, Fry's Electronics, Airport Wireless, and other select international retailers MSRP: $29.99 If you music-loving dad Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tokyoflash Announces the Escape C, A Bluetooth Device Co-Designed by their Fans

Francis Scardino — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 15:51:31 +0000

Images courtesy of Tokyoflash

TokyoFlash launched a campaign a few weeks ago that puts the power back into the hands of the consumer allowing us to choose what products they bring to market. As a result of this campaign they are pleased to release their first customer co-designed product, the Escape C. As a result of the feedback on their concept blog, they designed a Bluetooth fashion accessory that connects to your phone, laptop or MP3 player and of course still tells the time in the usual Tokyoflash fashion. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

iLuv’s Vibe Plus The Antidote To Chronic Oversleeping

Dan Cohen — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 16:00:47 +0000

I have a 7am flight to Florida tomorrow morning. That means I have to be at the airport by 5:45am. That means I have to leave my house by 5am. That means I need to get up at 4am. And THAT means I am a bit worried about oversleeping and missing my flight. To help avoid that I will be setting five different alarms and putting them in various locations to help ensure I don't hit the snooze button and oversleep.

I really wish I had one of iLuv's new iMM178 Vibe Plus vibrating iPod/iPhone dock/alarm clock's and its "Shake and Awake" alarm clock feature since it would let me feel far more confident that I won't miss my flight. This is an update of the iMM153 which Michael posted about last June, and which did not list support for the iPhone; a touch was shown in the dock, which at first glance probably confused many hopeful iPhone owners. It's a shame that the ability to work with an iPhone added $40 to the MSRP, however.

The $99.99 unit features

...a sleek and slim black body design with a bed shaker that includes a speaker and volume control. iPhone and iPod users now have ten ways to wake up to their favorite music and this dock provides a 7 day – 5 day – 2 day alarm option for waking at a set time everyday, weekdays only or weekends.

The Vibe Plus is now available and is a great solution for any of you chronically late, "I love the snooze button" over-sleepers.

Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Tokyoflash needs your feedback to decide on which concept models hit production

Francis Scardino — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:08:30 +0000

If you think you're the Ultimate Geek because you're sporting a new Nexus One or can read binary like a second language, think again. Nothing says Super Geek like a Tokyoflash watch wrapped around your wrist. They have some of the Geekiest designs humanly possible with crazy lights and colors. They've recently launched a new campaign on their site so that they can collect user feedback and comments on future upcoming designs. The new blog has over 20 different watches styles for you to look at and then decide which should go into production. The website itself is absolutely beautiful; it has tons of great pictures and renderings showcasing their entire lineup. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Moshi Voice Control Travel Alarm Clock – Review

Dan Cohen — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 22:07:03 +0000

I reviewed the Moshi Voice Controlled Alarm Clock a few weeks back and was rather impressed. It really works and makes setting the time or the alarm as easy as speaking. Love it! Well, turns out the company also has a travel alarm clock that uses the same voice technology. Here is a look. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Sony Dream Machine ICF-CL75iP Alarm Clock for iPhone and iPod Touch – Unboxed

Dan Cohen — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:40:46 +0000

Sony just released their Dream Machine ICF-CL75iP Alarm Clock for iPhone and iPod Touch. It is a pretty impressive unit that works well as an alarm clock but has the special quality of working with your iPhone, iPod touch and just about any other iPod with a dock connector. At an MSRP of $149.95 is is not cheap.At the same time it offers a huge amount of functionality including a gorgeous screen that makes watching video from your iPhone or touch a pleasure. We unboxed one. Here's a look... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock – Contest Winner Announced

Dan Cohen — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:27:22 +0000

We reviewed the Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock. We liked it a lot. Then we had one to give away. Nice! To enter it was quite simple... you just had to ask Moshi a question. We got some good ones. Questions like "Is it really Monday again?" and "Should I even get out of bed today?" Questions like the one our reader Augie Asked...

Hello Moshi, I’m wondering… will you’ll answer my question with another question?

We aren't quite sure what Augie's next question was but we have a guess... He probably would have asked... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

idox Offers Innovative Case/Stand Combos For iPhone and iPod touch and nano

Dan Cohen — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:30:02 +0000

I have reviewed a lot of cases in the past two years. I have reviewed a lot of device stands as well. But iDox's Traveler series of case/stands for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPod nano... these caught my eye. The cases offer...

on-the-go protection in your briefcase, pocket or purse. Flip Traveler open to a perfect angle to browse music and photos, view movies and Podcasts.

For details and more images read on... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

“Got Moshi?” Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock – Give Away

Dan Cohen — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 18:07:58 +0000

The other day we reviewed the Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock. It works quite well, has some neat voice response technology that makes it simple to set, use and control ... and it offers a big, easy to read display too. I really like it, and I am glad to have it on my night table now. The clock has an MSRP of $49.99. You can ordered one directly from the company website... OR... you can enter to win one right here on Gear Diary. That's right, we're giving away a Moshi! Read on to find out how to enter and win! Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Moshi Announces Voice Control Travel Alarm Clock

Dan Cohen — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:45:33 +0000

I reviewed the Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock yesterday. I like its use of voice recognition a great deal and am finding it a nice addition to my night table. Now Moshi has released a travel version of their clock that employs the same voice technology. It is smaller but packs the same technology- perfect for travel... or daily use. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock – Review

Dan Cohen — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 02:30:35 +0000

This is one of those products that kind of snuck up on me. It looked like it was one of those electronic curiosities that catches your eye, leads to an impulse buy and then, within a week, is in a box collecting dust. As it turns out the Moshi Voice Response Alarm Clock works quite well, is remarkably useful and the review unit I was sent can will remain on my night table once this review is done. Lets take a look at this unusual, and useful, clock. A video demo follows... Continue reading on Gear Diary ...

The Flurry Alarm Clock Wants to Wake You With Weather

Judie Stanford — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 01:45:15 +0000

As much as I love living in the rural countryside, there are certain products and services which I would like to use - but simply can't. One of them is the new Ambient Devices Flurry Alarm Clock, which not only tells the time with dual alarms, it also wakes you to an animated weather forecast for that day and the next. Features include: • Intuitive "Pop-Up" alarm buttons are visual status indicators, easy to set and use. • Network connected clock is always accurate and never needs setting. • Integrated 2-Day weather forecast provided by AccuWeather.com for 150 U.S. locations. • 25 character text display provides additional weather information and details. • No PC, WIFI, or Internet connection necessary, automatically receives data from the FREE Ambient wireless network. If you are curious about whether the Flurry will work where you live, you can check forecast locations here, and check to see if you'll have signal coverage here. If you're good to go, then you can get yours at Best Buy now, for a suggested retail price of $129.99. Continue reading on Gear Diary ...