Archive for: alarm
- December 31, 2010 9:36 pm
Tonight, Twitter is quickly filling with reports of a new iOS alarm bug plaguing Apple’s iOS devices. Specifically, single-use alarms are failing to work once the calendar rolls around to 1/1/11. If you recall, back in November after Daylight Savings Time went into effect, we saw a similar alarm issue. Though at that time it was the exact opposite scenario — only recurring alarms were broken.
For now, users can get by the problem by setting recurring alarms and then deactivating it when not needed — not ideal, but better than nothing we suppose. We’ve shot off an email to Apple for clarification as well as to inquire about any ETA on a fix.
With the last DST bug, Apple wasn’t particularly quick to issue an update as they allowed the bug to live on several weeks until the iOS 4.2.1 update dropped. Hopefully they don’t take the same approach again.
Update:
Looks like we won’t have to wait for Apple to fix this alarm issue. 9to5Mac is reporting that come January 3rd, the alarm bug will apparently fix itself. There isn’t any exact explanation as to how it fixes itself, but January 3rd is now less than 48 hours away. Stay tuned…
European users, beware: Your iPhone is out to get you fired. Ok, it’s not really possessed, but it sure will seem like it thanks to a DST bug. You’ll recall that Australia and New Zealand were having issues a week or so ago with their alarms going off an hour early following a DST switch. ***Special note: this bug only affected recurring alarms. In much the same fashion, all of Europe and the Middle East are seeing the same issue today. However, instead of being an hour early for everything, countless users are going to be late, as the DST bug affecting Europe and the Middle East is causing alarms to go off an hour later.
Apple has already stated that the fix would be coming in iOS 4.2. However, that is a stupid solution seeing as how it won’t actually be rolled out in time to help anyone before they switch over to DST. The issue should have been made the first priority within the iOS team at Apple, and worked on tirelessly until they could have pushed it out — preferably before millions of people faced the possibility of losing their jobs for being tardy.
But life goes on. For now, there are two work arounds: (1) Set your alarm an hour early or (2) set a separate alarm for each day at the “normal” time. Any European/Middle Eastern users want to weigh in?
There are numerous types of alarm clocks coming in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and alarm types. The market is literally flooded with sleep killing devices all doing the same thing in the same basic manner. If you’re looking for something a little more unique and happen to have a fairly fixed schedule, the Woodpecker Alarm Clock is worth your gaze.
The biggest thing you’ll notice right off the bat is the lack of any clock face. That way you haven’t the slightest idea when the time of reckoning is coming. As touched on earlier, if you have irregular wake up times or contain the ability to sleep through nuclear holocaust, you may want to look elsewhere as this alarm clock isn’t the loudest. A simple wood tapping sound subtly eases you from your unconscious slumber.
[Product Page]
Ubergizmo
Amassing a ginormous collection of LEGOs — good. Amassing an equally large assortment of Star Wars memorabilia — also, very good. Blending the two together over and over again — geek sensory overload. Geeks like gadgets. Geeks like Star Wars. It’s actually a well known yet scientifically undocumented fact. So you could imagine that an alarm clock with a Star Wars theme completely constructed out of LEGOs would be a smashing hit? Well, what do you think about this — a Star Wars Lego Alarm Clock? Feature nuts will be let down as basic snooze and alarm functions are about as complex as it gets. But that isn’t the point here now is it? Sometimes it’s the simplest things that are the most sought after.
[Product Page: Star Wars Shop]
Gizmodiva
- December 21, 2009 12:48 pm
Some people pride themselves in their ornate and sophisticated plans and schedules they lay their lives out in. Such ways to approach the daily grind aren’t necessarily bad, they just don’t allow for any flexibility in my opinion. Others however find a kind of rush by “flying by the seat of their pants” into any and all situations. Which one are you? It really doesn’t matter. The Robot Alarm knows no right or wrong. Whatever type of person you are, organized or completely chaotic is nothing to this little alarm. The only thing it longs for is a loving (or not) touch from you each morning letting it know you’re still alive. $13.69 for waking up a little nerdier and a little happier. What say ye?
[Product Page]
- December 16, 2009 7:40 am
Be daring. Be different. Wake up in a whole new way with the Alarm Clock Tuna Can! If you crave individualism and long for expressing yourself in ways that are new and untapped by the masses, using a not so common alarm clock could be the first of many ways to shake up your life and those in it.
For the first few seconds, an alarm clock modeled after a can of tune (WTF?) seems pretty funny and cool. Then you come to the realization that the clock is hidden under the lid. Granted you can always pull the tin shroud back revealing the ultra econo-display that adorns the face of the clock. Hear that? It’s the sound of another novelty gift getting tossed into the bottom of someone else’s stocking. All jokes aside, it would be pretty funny to replace a tuna lovers cabinet with a collection of these and watch their face as they realize their entire stash has been compromised. Such a joke would be hilariously funny though cost prohibitive.
In the end, opening a can marked tuna without getting that clingy stench stuck to your ham fists is something we can all appreciate. $7.95 and it’s yours. Get ‘em while they’re hot cold!
[Product Page]
Dvice > Nerd Approved
Love to travel light and efficient? Have a knack for novelty flash drives/gadgets? Look no further than the Washing Machine 3-Port USB Hub Card Reader Clock Combo. Whew! It’s quite a mouthful to say yet the entire package is roughly the size of a rubiks cube. Obviously this USB appendage won’t wash your laundry. Why someone would want a miniature washing machine sitting next to their computer is beyond me. Hey, I won’t judge you. We all have our crutches. Moving on, this buffet of words does manage to fulfill the rest of it’s promises with 3 USB ports for whatever other crazy house hold appliances turned flash drive you may have, a card reader that supports XD, M2, T-Flash, SD/MMC, MS card, and finally — the most important of all — a clock. Green isn’t your thing? Sorry guys and gals, that’s your only choice.
As weird and awkward as this meshing of various forms of life is, I still kinda want one. Yes, I’m weird…
- September 15, 2009 5:42 am
While I have generally not been to interested in the various Steampunk products that have been circulating around the inter webs the last several months, one in particular caught my eye just because of it’s sheer beauty. The Steampunk + Nixie Clock is all about what geeks stand for. Antique and ancient designs come together in perfect unison giving 10 lucky (and deep pocketed) individuals a chance to own a true piece of geeky gadgetry. Constructed from vacuum tubes, this clock features an alarm as well as options to set the choice of time or date to be displayed. While not loaded with features of most of todays alarm clocks, most of todays alarm clocks don’t take 4 months to craft out of solid brass (gold optional) and copper adding to the exclusivity. As previously hinted, there will only be 10 of these little wonders created meaning the price will certainly be a small fortune. Place your order and get ready to wait four months before touching your prized possession.
Source: Dvice, Geeky-Gadgets, Unobtanium
Heavy sleepers and those who generally aren’t the best morning people have a harder time than most kicking the sandbags off of the eye lids and getting their carcasses out from underneath their nice, warm, comfortable bed. *Raises hand*. While there are many different types of alarm clocks you can buy that offer various sounds, colors, effects, or even alarm clocks that shoot of sound emitting projectiles forcing you to get up and find them, none of them will work quite like this next alarm clock – the Vibrating Alarm Clock Pillow. This pillow is comfortable and functional, featuring an alarm clock built right into the pillow ensuring you don’t miss it. How much is your job, marriage, *insert other time sensitive event here* to you? $80.58? Second picture inside.
