Nintendo on Wednesday released the Sound Clock Alarmo, a revolutionary bedside smart clock, that combines motion-sensor sleep tracking with beloved Nintendo game characters.
Priced at $99, the device goes beyond a regular alarm clock, offering users a unique way to monitor their sleep without wearing any gadgets.
The clock is available exclusively to Nintendo online subscribers until January 2025.
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Motion-sensor sleep tracking without wearables
One of Alarmo’s standout features is its ability to track sleep patterns using millimeter-wave motion sensors. Unlike traditional sleep trackers that require users to wear smartwatches or fitness bands, Alarmo tracks movements during sleep without physical contact.
This technology enables the clock to detect subtle movements, such as a user turning over in bed, even through blankets. The clock logs how long the user has slept and how long it takes them to get out of bed after the alarm sounds.
Importantly, Nintendo ensures that no personal data is shared—Alarmo does not send sleep data to Nintendo servers, safeguarding user privacy. According to project manager Yosuke Tamori, the system does not rely on cameras, making it a more private option for monitoring sleep in bedrooms.
Gaming-themed clock faces and audio
For gaming fans, Alarmo offers an extra touch of fun with customisable clock faces inspired by popular Nintendo games such as Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Splatoon 3, Pikmin 4, and Ring Fit Adventure.
The clock’s appearance changes based on the alarm theme, and animated characters from these games move across the screen in response to user movements while emitting game-inspired sound effects.
The clock’s gesture-based snooze function allows sleepy users to wave their hands to snooze the alarm, making mornings more interactive. The display responds to shifts in position during sleep, with characters on-screen moving from side to side, creating a dynamic visual experience for users.
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Setup and functionality
Some include the following: Alarmo has extra functions that add to what you must do in a day, and setting up this application is a comprehensive procedure. The motion-detection sensors have to be set up by the users, including basic information that ranges from the bed size (single, double, king-size, etc.) to sleep time and preference.
Such an arrangement is required to track sleeping patterns appropriately; however, due to its complexity, it could slightly be instrumental in misleading young people.
However, like any other gaming console, the clock is rather detailed in setup and has Nintendo touch feelings.
At the top of the device are navigation buttons and a prominent and grooved dial that can be rotated to change some values or make choices. This means that the screen’s brightness is controlled so that it does not become too bright or too dark according to the surrounding light conditions.
Privacy-centric motion tracking technology
A key highlight of Alarmo is its focus on privacy. The motion sensor technology is designed to work without cameras or video feeds, unlike some smart home cameras that might feel invasive in a bedroom setting. The sensor can detect movements even when the user is covered with a duvet, allowing continuous and discreet sleep tracking.
Nintendo’s Sound Clock Alarmo brings a playful twist to sleep tracking, making it appealing not just for gamers but for anyone seeking a non$-invasive way to monitor their rest. The clock’s fun, interactive nature, combined with its privacy-conscious design, positions it as a standout product in the growing market of smart home devices.
Whether waking up to the sounds of Zelda or sleeping with a simple wave of your hand, Alarmo makes the experience more enjoyable.
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