Nintendo Unveils Sound Clock Alarmo: A Smart Bedside Companion for Gamers
A Nintendo-created illustration showing Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo tracking sleep movements. Credit: Nintendo
Nintendo has officially announced the Sound Clock Alarmo, a $99 bedside smart clock designed to track sleep patterns using advanced motion sensors. This innovative device will be available exclusively to Nintendo Online subscribers until January 2025.
Design and Features
The Alarmo clock offers a unique twist on traditional alarm clocks by changing its appearance based on the selected alarm theme. Users can choose from various clock faces inspired by popular Nintendo games such as Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon 3.
Unlike conventional sleep trackers that require users to wear devices like the Apple Watch, Alarmo utilizes millimeter-wave presence sensors to monitor movement during sleep without the need for physical contact. The data collected is processed internally, allowing the clock to track sleep duration and the time taken to rise after the alarm sounds. Notably, Alarmo does not transmit any sleep data to Nintendo, prioritizing user privacy.
Motion Detection and User Interaction
A photo of Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo. Credit: Nintendo
The clock’s sensors are designed to work with various bed sizes, from twin to king. As users shift positions in bed, the clock’s display interacts by moving on-screen characters and playing sound effects from Nintendo games, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, users can activate the snooze function with simple gestures, eliminating the need to physically touch the device.
Yosuke Tamori, the Alarmo project manager, emphasized the importance of privacy, stating, “This sensor can detect the movement of a person in bed even when they’re covered with a duvet, and it doesn’t need to use images or video like a camera.” This design consideration makes Alarmo a suitable option for private spaces like bedrooms.
Setup and Usability
Setting up the Alarmo involves a detailed process to calibrate its motion-detection features, which cannot be skipped. This may pose challenges for younger users, as they are required to input necessary information such as the date, time, and bed-related details. Chris Welch from The Verge noted that, despite the setup complexity, there are “small, thoughtful Nintendo touches throughout the experience.”
Additional Features
A promotional image for a Super Mario Odyssey theme for the Nintendo Sound Clock Alarmo.Nintendo
In addition to motion tracking, Alarmo boasts several other functionalities. Its screen brightness automatically adjusts based on surrounding light levels, and users can navigate the device using buttons on top, including a large dial for selections.
The full-color rectangular display features 35 different animated scenes showcasing beloved Nintendo characters from titles like Pikmin 4 and Ring Fit Adventure. Alarmo also includes sleep sounds to aid users in falling asleep.
Nintendo plans to expand the device’s offerings by releasing additional downloadable sounds and themes in the future, accessible via built-in Wi-Fi after linking a Nintendo account. Upcoming themes are expected to include content from Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
As of now, Nintendo Online members can order the Alarmo online, with broader availability set for January 2025 through other retailers.
Relevant Keywords: Nintendo, Sound Clock Alarmo, smart clock, sleep tracker, motion sensors, Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon 3, privacy features, gaming accessories.
