alarm clock

Two 'alarm clock' stories April 2014 - October 2014

Sleep Cycle alarm updated w/ iPhone 6/Plus support & Health app integration

Sleep Cycle has updated its smart alarm app for iPhone to take advantage of the larger displays on the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus using an adaptive layout to show more content at once.

The updated version of Sleep Cycle also takes advantage of HealthKit for iOS 8 users as the app can now share sleep tracking information with Apple’s Health app. Sleep Cycle says to begin sleep tracking for at least one night before activating sharing between the smart alarm clock and Apple’s Health app.

Sleep Cycle allows iPhone users to capture sleep analysis data by placing the iPhone between the sheets and mattress where you sleep while connected to a power source to measure sleep duration and quality. Previously that data was presented only in the Sleep Cycle app, but the latest update allows iPhone users to also view that data alongside other information available in Apple’s Health app on iOS 8 like step tracking, heart rate, and more.

The app is 99¢ on the App Store and worth trying out for anyone interested in adding sleep tracking data to Apple’s Health app without buying a dedicated fitness band. For more apps that take advantage of Apple’s Health app, check out our running list of supported apps.

Pandora adds alarm clock feature for iPad, new app for Pebble users

After introducing a new alarm clock feature for iPhone users back in December, streaming music service Pandora today updated its iPad app with the same functionality. The app already let users fall asleep to music using a Sleep Timer feature, and with today’s update to version 5.3 iPad users will now be able to set song or artist stations as alarm clocks.

The alarm clock feature also packs in the usual snooze feature and can be configured from Settings inside the Pandora app. The update also includes “other improvements and bug fixes” for both iPhone and iPad users.

Also available starting today is a Pandora app for Pebble smartwatch users available through the app store within the Pebble Smartwatch app for iOS. Pandora announced the new feature on its blog today and noted Pebble is the first wearable platform that Pandora is debuting on:

Using the Pebble, you can view and change stations, thumb songs up and down, skip, play and pause tracks – all from your wrist! If you already have a Pebble that is paired to your mobile device, you should get a notification that you can install Pandora, or you can start the install process at any time from the Pebble Settings Page.

What’s New in Version 5.3

Start waking up to music you love – the Pandora alarm clock is now available for iPad
• Pick your your favorite station to play as your alarm
• Not ready to wake up? Adjust the snooze time to catch more zzz’s
• Use with the sleep timer to hear your music morning and night

Other improvements and bug fixes to give you the best listening experience