During CES 2009, Sony’s CEO/President Sir Howard Stringer showed off an internet-enabled alarm clock that was pretty attractive. No specifics were given, nor a release date or even confirmation that it was actually coming. Using wi-fi and enabled services, it was said that this bedside companion will collect customized content for its owner and provide everything needed to start the day – news, sports, weather, music, videos, Internet radio, alarms and so much more. It was also reported to have capabilities such as purchasing music, movie tickets, and other entertainment market aspects.
Sony had noted that it was an implementation of a next-generation alarm clock in the form factor of a digital picture frame, and a design study they created in cooperation with Chumby Industries.
During the initial presentation, Stringer had quipped – “See? Wouldn’t you like to wake up to Big Ben? The clock, I mean. I know this crowd.”
Stringer went on to say, “As part of its alarm functionality, this cool, little gadget is going to treat me to a surprise that automatically matches my own taste in music – a new music video, “My Lucky Day” by Bruce Springsteen. The device uses a service such as Pandora, which already knows my music preferences…which is strange. And Sony Music could even provide music and music videos before their release to the general public. I’ve also pre-selected the information I want to see as soon as I wake up.”
He continued by showing a stream of information that could appear upon alarm, such as news feeds that transition to sports clips, weather, and e-mail – scrolling automatically across the screen like current Chumby devices.
The alarm clock/photo frame is also on an open platform, which would allow professional developers and everyday users alike can create applications, resulting in an ever-growing set of available services. Is this device the perfect bedside companion? It sure seems attractive, but we all know that when it arrives it will be pricey. Well, maybe not the perfect beside companion. For those of you really lonely, it could be the next bedside companion. At least for you, it could be the next-generation Sony Dream Machine, if Sony chooses to actually release it.
