Amazon’s New Alarm Clock ‘Knows’ if You’re in a Deep Sleep and Lets You Sleep Longer

Amazon is revamping its smart home devices, and it’s adding a new smart alarm clock to the lineup for the first time. Called the Amazon Echo Time, this alarm clock with unique AI sleep features is designed specifically for bedrooms — and bucking Big Tech’s “pervert tech” trend, it includes no cameras. It’s available now for $200 and starts shipping in December.

Amazon’s first clock is smart and customizable

The Echo Time looks like a regular Alexa speaker with one key difference: a 3.2-inch screen. You can customize the display to show an analog or digital clock, including themed variants from popular franchises, like Harry Potter, the DC Universe and Scooby-Doo. It’s one of many devices that Amazon dropped on Wednesday, including a revamped Echo Show, Echo Studio and a first-ever smart picture frame.

Inside, the device uses tech that adapts to your daily routines. For example, it can gradually get brighter in the morning to support your wake-up routine and reduce blue light at night to help you fall asleep. Those features are similar to other smart clocks, like the popular Hatch Sleep Clock. The clock also comes in two versions built specifically for kids, with controls parents can use, including Amazon’s Sleep Studio for bedtime-routine management.

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A wild (opt-in) AI feature pushes the alarm back if you’re in a deep sleep

Like nearly every piece of tech these days, the Echo Time has optional AI features. If you don’t need to jump out of bed at a certain time, you can let the Echo Time handle your alarm. The clock then uses sensors that monitor room temperature and movement, including ultrasonic detectors for your breathing, to decide when to wake you. It works within a 60-minute window around your wake-up time, letting you get a deep sleep or waking you early if it detects your sleep is no longer “restful.”

If that sounds creepy or like something that will make you run late in the morning, don’t worry: It’s optional, and it requires an Alexa Plus subscription.

While this feature could be dangerous during workdays or before a flight, it sounds perfect for sleepy weekends when you’re trying to catch up on rest.

There have never been more smart home tech options. Earlier this month, Apple revamped its options and introduced a brand-new device called the Home View. Apple’s new devices impressed CNET reviewers, particularly with their easy-to-use setup. But families that already use Amazon devices will likely want to stay within the same ecosystem.

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Katelyn is a reporter with CNET covering artificial intelligence, including chatbots, image and video generators. Her work explores how new AI technology is infiltrating our lives, shaping the content we consume on social media and affecting the people behind the screens. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in media and journalism. You can reach her at kchedraoui@cnet.com. See full bio