After a very loud and semi-disastrous launch involving problems connecting to Amazon’s smart speakers through Bluetooth, Amazon has very quietly put its Echo-compatible wall clock back on the market. The device, which mirrors timers set through Alexa via 60 LED lights around the edge was pulled down from the online retailer’s store in late January for some apparently much-needed fixes.
Tellingly, there has been no price increase and the clock is now available at the same $30 price point and can be had as early as tomorrow with pricy one-day shipping or free in two days for Prime members. There’s still no word on a U.K. or European release, though.
The clock’s problems were centered on its Bluetooth connectivity to Amazon’s line of smart speakers, including the Echo, Dot, Spot, and Show, all of which could drive the Amazon Wall Clock. Amazon was pretty quiet about the pulldown, only confirming to The Verge, “We’re aware that a small number of customers have had issues with connectivity. We’re working hard to address this and plan to make Echo Wall Clock available again in the coming weeks.”
The smart home device, which oddly runs on four AA batteries for such a future-forward company, was introduced with moderate fanfare at Apple’s September 2018 hardware event but the device didn’t go on sale until a few weeks before Christmas 2018.
The clock’s primary purpose (other than telling time) was to provide a visual reminder for timers set with Apple’s Alexa-enabled smart speakers. Sixty LED lights defined the minute positions at the perimeter of the clock, while all 60 LEDs are designed to flash at the same time that the paired Alexa device terminates, which continue until the user issues a stop command to Alexa.
According to its original listing on Amazon, the wall clock was required to be paired to, and within 30 feet of, a compatible Echo device. While it will pair with Amazon’s popular smart speaker series, the clock won’t talk to several other Amazon devices currently, including the Fire TV Cube, Fire TV, Fire Tablets or Amazon Tap.
The applications for the Amazon Wall Clock are relatively limited, especially given that it’s a rare smart home device that doesn’t have a microphone or a built-in speaker, making it ineffective as a communications device or music player. However, Amazon and Echo users who are dependent on timers will likely find it a useful addition for things like cooking timers, limiting a kid’s screen time, timing workouts or meditation time.
Few things ruin a quiet evening faster than a robot vacuum roaring through the living room. Most of us end up pausing the cleaning run, which defeats the whole purpose of owning one. Matic thinks it has the answer with its new Serene robot vacuum, and the big selling point is how little noise it makes.
The Matic Serene runs at 52 decibels even when cleaning at full power. To put that in perspective, Matic compares it to the hum of your refrigerator. It is available now for $1,695, which is $200 more than the original Matic’s current price.
Outdoor security cameras are not always practical if you live in an apartment or rental. Drilling into an exterior wall may be off-limits, while pointing a regular indoor camera through a window can create another problem once reflections start showing up after dark.
Baseus is trying to solve both issues with the new PrimeSentinel W1, a $69.99 security camera designed specifically to monitor the outdoors through glass. It mounts directly to a window without drilling and uses a 4K Starlight sensor with an F1.0 aperture for full-color monitoring during the day and at night.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
Technology evolves every day, transforming how we live and work. Our devices are becoming more than tools we use. They are increasingly capable companions that help streamline day-to-day routines and spark creative ideas. If you have been waiting for the right moment to upgrade your tech setup, the Discover Samsung Shopping Event offers an opportunity to explore what connected, AI-powered living can look like.