Tired of how the Amazon Echo looks? Try this smart alarm clock from iHome

By Lulu Chang September 7, 2017

iavs16 alexa 2 — Image used with permission by copyright holder

If the cylindrical shape of the Amazon Echo just isn’t doing it for you anymore, fret not — there’s another smart speaker by which you can access your favorite AI assistant. Meet the iAVS16 from iHome, a new bedside clock system that will not only render the rooster obsolete, but just maybe, Amazon’s own smart speakers as well. The iAVS16 features Amazon Alexa Voice Service with Far Field voice capability, which means that you can talk to the virtual assistant from anywhere in the room, and ask her to do just about anything.

Whether you want to play music, control a smart home device, or hear the latest news and weather updates, Alexa can oblige by way of this new smart alarm clock. The two-pound black box cuts quite a different figure from the more gently rounded Echo and Echo Dot, but boasts all the same features, and even a few more. The iAVS16 comes with a 2.1 amp USB port that can charge your mobile devices, as well as a high contrast display that will show you the time, the weather, and help you set an alarm.

The smart clock also boasts customizable action buttons that will allow you to control your music (you can access Wi-Fi audio from Spotify, Pandora, iHeart Radio, Amazon Music, and more) as well as wirelessly stream Bluetooth stereo audio. With its 10W stereo audio output, you may not even need an additional stereo system. The iAVS16 promises support for Amazon Smart Home Skills, and can control a number of smart home devices from various makers, including Nest, Wink, SmartThings, and others.

Moreover, the iAVS16 promises time sync via Network Time Protocol (NTP), which means that you don’t have to worry about your clock being inaccurate. Of course, as an alarm clock at its core, the iAVS16 allows you to easily set alarms, all with nothing but your voice. You can even snooze or end an alarm simply by speaking to this smart device, or if you favor more traditional methods, by pressing a button.

There’s no word yet on pricing or U.S. availability of the iAVS16, but we’ll update you once we have more information.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Smart Home

Google Nest Doorbell vs. Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen): which is better for your front door?

Ring Video Doorbell 2nd gen on doorway

Take a stroll through any neighborhood, and you're bound to encounter more than a few video doorbells. These nifty devices have grown in popularity over the years, with companies like Ring, Google, Arlo, and Wyze offering their own take on the hardware. But of all the products available today, few are as well-regarded as the Google Nest Doorbell and Ring Video Doorbell (2nd Gen).

These two devices are easy to install, capture high-quality footage, and bring an added layer of security to your front door. But which of the two is the better purchase -- the Nest Doorbell or the Ring Video Doorbell? Here's a look at both video doorbells to help you decide.
Design

Smart Home

This top-rated Anker portable power station is discounted to $199

Anker SOLIX 522 Portable Power Station

As we come to rely more and more on having a source of electricity, it can be quite difficult to deal with power cuts, especially if they end up lasting a long time. That's where a good portable power station can come in handy, giving you that extra little bit of juice when you need it the most. Luckily, there are a lot of excellent options out there, and this Anker Solix 522 is a good option, given Anker's experience and position in the market. Even better, Best Buy is currently having a sale on the Solix 522, bringing it down to $199 from the usual $269 it goes for, saving you $70 in the process.

Why you should buy the Anker Solix 522 Portable Power Station
The Anker Solix 522 has a pretty substantial 299Wh, which will easily power things like your phone or laptop many times over. Not only that, but it has a total of six different outlets for you to work with, including two AC outlets for any more substantial appliances or devices, as well as a USB-A port, two USB-C ports, and a DC car port. In fact, you can use all of them simultaneously since the Solix 522 can provide 300 watts of power in normal configuration and up to a whopping 600 watts in SurgePad turned on, so it can handle a lot.

Smart Home

Best washer and dryer deals: bundles from LG, Samsung and more

A washer and dryer sit next to each other in a laundry room.

A new washer and dryer can add some convenience and efficiency to your household routine, as many of the best washing machines and best dryers offer a wide variety of smart features. They can also get costly, which is why we’ve tracked down some of the best washer and dryer deals you can shop. They include top washing machine brands Samsung and LG, as well as some other quality options. You can often find some great washers and dryers bundled with appliance package deals as well, and if you’re looking to upgrade kitchen appliances you should check out the current refrigerator deals, dishwasher deals, and oven deals.
Best LG washer and dryer deals

LG makes some awesome appliances. We've picked some medium-sized options, including a fairly cheap package deal available at Best Buy.