Amazon Echo Time wants to wake you up at just the right moment

Amazon has introduced the Echo Time, a bedside smart clock powered by Alexa+ that uses ultrasound to monitor breathing-related movements and estimate sleep stages. Instead of sounding the alarm at a fixed moment, it can wake users during lighter sleep within a configurable window of 10 to 60 minutes.

The spherical device features a 3.2-inch (8.13 cm) circular touchscreen with hundreds of customizable clock faces, including weather themes and licensed characters. Its display automatically adjusts throughout the day, gradually brightening like a sunrise before an alarm and dimming at night.

Amazon's Omnisense technology combines ultrasound, presence detection and room temperature information to support its sleep-related features. There is no camera, and sleep sensing is optional. A dedicated button disables the microphones, although doing so also prevents sleep tracking and smart alarms from working.

 

Alexa+ handles voice commands, reminders, music and compatible smart-home devices. Certain advanced features require Alexa+, which Amazon includes with a Prime membership. The Echo Time is available in the US for $199.99 in Graphite, Glacier White and Coral Pink. An adjustable stand costs another $39.99, while the Kids version starts at $209.99 with a year of Amazon Kids+.

The concept is appealing, particularly for anyone who dislikes wearing a tracker to bed. However, Amazon's sleep-stage estimates and claimed wake-up benefits still need independent testing. After all, waking up at the right moment is only useful if the clock actually gets it right.