Dumb Gift Guide: Clock That's Smarter Than You
The holidays are coming! I know that because commercials starring Santa began at the end of August.
And like every year, all I wanna do is buy everything online without having to schlep out and set foot in a loud swine-flu infected store full of screaming brats. I want to buy crap people don't need, but that once they see it they think "wow, that's clever and fun" -- and then I will bask in the item's reflected glory. Isn't that the true meaning of the holidays?
So when I saw an alarm clock that tells you the weather, I thought, "Wow! That's totally unnecessary, but cool." So I spoke to Mark Prince, VP of Sales and Marketing at Ambient Devices, and asked him a few stupid questions about the new Flurry Alarm Clock.
This fancy schmancy alarm clock with weather forecast... why'd y'all call it the "Flurry"? That makes me feel like it's gonna wanna tell me it's snowing 24/7. Why not name it something chirpier like the "Sunny Skies 3000" or something?
We went with "Flurry Alarm Clock" because it's the little brother to our "Mist Clock Radio". Watch for future products such as "Squall" or "Sun Shower." We like to keep things interesting.
The description says it has two different alarm tones. Can you describe them?
Actually, as a special bonus, we decided to include three alarm tones. They are called "Sway," "Chime," and "Pulse" and they each owe something to Kraftwerk, if you know what I mean.
Which is least annoying?
Since these alarms are intended to interrupt your slumber, it could be argued that they are equally annoying.
If you live in a rainy climate, like Seattle, and the perpetually gloomy forecast bums you out and you take a bat to your Flurry, can one get a replacement at a discount?
This decision would be at the discretion of the bat manufacturer. However baseball fans should check out the Ambient Centerfield Baseball ScoreCaster.
The tagline for this clock is "Wake up, Smarter" -- I like it. And from a copywriter like me that's a rave. No question other than: Who wrote it?
We're based in Cambridge, MA, and surrounded by a lot of really smart people. So there's a fair chance that it came from a local source.
This clock is adorable. Seriously, cute as a button. But will it make my other non-weather-predicting clocks feel insecure?
Now that you mention it, there is a strong chance that other clocks will run for the hills. For one thing, the Flurry will become fast friends with your raincoat, your umbrella, your hat... since you'll be much less likely to forget them at home. And for frequent travelers and anyone prone to variable hair conditions, the Flurry simply exists on a higher plane. Those other clocks can't compete.
