For a while now I’ve been wanting to start using an alarm clock again. Over the last year or so I’ve been using my mobile phone. I personally find that there’s too much temptation to reach over and look at my phone when I can’t sleep at night and of course, to browse Instagram first thing in the morning. I’m sure I’m not alone with this, but for me it’s something I’m very keen to phase out.
I was kindly sent the iHome Colour Changing Clock* from Mobile Fun a few weeks ago and I thought it was about time I shared my experience with you.
The are just so many different features packed into this neat little orb. Not only can you use it as an alarm clock but you can also set the colour and music of your choice for when you go to bed and to wake up. You can use the wireless feature to play music from the speaker, take calls through it and you can even charge your phone through the port at the back.
I particularly enjoy the colour feature of the clock. There are 6 different colour modes to pick from which include blue, pink, purple, green and yellow. The clock can alternate between them and you’re often left with a lovely ombre shade. The snooze button allows you to dim the light on the clock with ease. I’ve recently been leaving the colour mode on throughout the evening and night to create a relaxed mood in my bedroom. Just before I fall asleep I dim the light a little but usually leave it on throughout the night.
I have the alarm clocking sitting on my bedside table. I like the sleek orb style of the clock and it fits alongside the style of my bedroom. The colour changing mode on the clock really adds character to my bedroom.
The clock is delightfully easy to read when I wake up in the middle of the night. It makes such a nice change from blinding myself with my phone when I just want to check the time. I can now look up and spot the time quickly and clearly on the large display.
You have the option to wake up to a traditional alarm, the radio or even better, the music from your phone. The clock connects wirelessly to any of your devices through Bluetooth which means you can share music through the speaker very easily. Talking of speakers, I’ve found that the sound is very good for something so small and sleek. But remember, it’s an alarm clock first and a speaker second.
I’ve been using the traditional alarm feature mostly but setting my own music to wake me up at the weekend makes a lovely change. If you didn’t want to hook your device to the speaker with Bluetooth you could use the aux port at the back of the clock.
You can set 2 alarms on the clock, just in case you can’t pull yourself out of bed for the first one. I like that it’s just an option of 2 alarms. When I set multiple alarms on my phone I never get out of bed ’til the last one goes off. I think it’s because I know I have a few more chances before I really need to wake up. With the alarm clock having just 2 its made me much quicker at getting out of bed and I really like that.
One of the features I haven’t had the chance to try is the speakerphone. If a call comes through it can be answered the phone through the speaker. I think this will be very handy, I’m just waiting for someone to call.
I adore my iHome alarm clock. It’s helped to bring more structure to my sleep routine and I’ve even managed to get up a little earlier. I’ve also enjoyed winding down at night by playing music and podcasts through the speaker instead of browsing my phone. If you’re looking for a new alarm clock then I highly recommend this one. As always, I’ll be happy to answer any questions in the comment section or over on Twitter.
My plan for the week ahead is to finally move my iPhone into the other room. There’s no need for it to be in my bedroom but it is strangely hard to do. I’ll let you know how I get on.
Do you use an alarm clock or your phone?