Smart
homes are turning out to be the new cool and most homeowners are already
utilising smart gadgets which bring interconnectivity to the gadgets we use
daily at home. The result is a band of connected gadgets that can be controlled
right from a smartphone or other smart devices. Japanese watchmaker Citizen has
ventured into the smart IoT gadgets business with the launch of its smart wall
clock.
Citizen
is known for its range of mechanical wristwatches and wall clocks. This new
wall clock retains the design of the traditional mechanical wall clock but it
is a smart wall clock. The watchmaker partnered with Amazon to bring Alexa
support to the device. However, the wall clock will need to be paired to the Amazon
Echo smart speakers in order to use the smart clock like a timer to control
other gadgets. The clock helps manage your time and you can set multiple timers
at the same time.
The
clock comes with the usual protective glass at the front to protect the clock
hands and to keep dust out. The 60 seconds markers are studded with 60 blue LED
markers as there is no seconds hand. The blue LED lights up according to the
minutes set but on the final minutes, all 60 blue LEDs light up for a 60
seconds countdown.
The
clock itself uses 4 C batteries which aren’t part of the package. You’ll need t
get that yourself but the battery is said to last up to one year.Citizen smart
clock In terms of usability, the Amazon
Alexa-enable smart clock is easy to use. You simply say: “Alexa, set a timer
for 8 minutes”. The timer function requires a compatible Echo device and will
automatically sync for Day Light Savings Time with Alexa. It comes with
Bluetooth connectivity with which it is paired with an Echo device.
The
clock comes in a metal frame and wooden frame variants. The silver-coated metal
frame version is priced at US$ 79.99 while the wooden frame version comes in at US$ 89.99.
