ZBand - The Windows Phone compatible silent alarm clock accessory
ZBand (www.zband.biz) is a silent alarm wristband that's compatible with Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Android. The device is an interesting accessory as it connects and synchronises with a Windows Phone 8 smartphone running the ZBand app - there's no need for a PC or web service. So what does the wristband do? It essentially acts as a silent alarm clock, replacing that pesky mobile phone ringtone.
The ZBand is perfect for those who require a silent way to wake up. While other products already support this feature, including the popular fitness device Fitbit, if you're looking for a solution without forking out for an expensive fitness product, the ZBand may be right up your street. Setting an alarm on a Windows Phone and synchronising with the ZBand will then have a time for when the device will vibrate in the morning. Job done.
It's simple, user friendly and will help prevent you from disturbing those nearby. Hit the "Z" and the wristband will snooze. Hold that same button down for three seconds when the alarm goes off to turn it off and reach out to the big, bad world. Available in black and white, it's a striking design, but we're also talking about limited functionality here.
Can you justify wearing an alarm clock on your wrist all day? That's what the likes of Fitbit has as an advantage - you're getting more out of the product when out and about. But what's to say the ZBand team won't add more features in the future? A clock, simple UI, or something similar. There are foundations here that could well be worked on for ZBand v2 and it will be interesting to see where the team takes the product from what's currently available.
You can download ZBand from the Windows Phone Store (only available for Windows Phone 8) and order a ZBand from the official website for €39.99.
Source: ZBand, via: Ireland's Tech Blog
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Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.