Peripheral and accessories maker iHome has taken the wraps off its new iA5 app-enhanced alarm clock and speaker system for the iPhone and iPod touch. Unlike a traditional iPod alarm and speaker combo—which essentially tap into an iPod’s playlist while offering an alarm and maybe an FM radio while charging—the iA5 integrated with iHome’s iHome+Sleep iPhone application to offer greater levels of interactivity and customizability…plus helping sleep-deprived users stay awake by constantly pulling their social media updates.
“We are very excited to introduce our first-ever app-supported speaker system for today’s connected lifestyle,” said iHome’s VP of marketing Evan Stein, in a statement. “When working in tandem with the iHome+Sleep app [..], the iA5 becomes a unique way for people to stay connected even while they’re sleeping.”
The iHome+Sleep app offers access to the alarm clock’s functions, enabling users to set up multiple user profiles with different wake and sleep sounds, messages, and reminders. The iHome+Sleep app also sports 18 alarms and polls social media sites like Twitter and Facebook so users are constantly up-to-date; the app can also keep track of sleep stats like snooze bar uses, average bedtime, how many hours of sleep—which might he zero if you pay to much attention to Facebook.
As an iPod dock, features a programmable snooze bar (1 to 29 minutes), iHome’s Reson8 speaker chamber tech for audio with more depth, bass and treble controls, and a time-sync button to match the dock’s clock with an iPhone or iPod touch. The iA5 runs runs off a power adapter, but can also run off three AAA batteries.
The iA5 is available now for a suggested price of $99.
