Voice Activated Alarm Clock Buying Tips

Gone are the days when you had to fumble around in the dark, groping to find your alarm clock, knocking everything off of the bedside table. Now there are voice activated alarm clocks that allow you to tell your alarm when you need a few more minutes. You no longer have to spend time punching buttons to move the time from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. so that you can catch that early flight in the morning. Just tell your clock what you want, and be done with it.

In fact, a voice activated alarm clock will talk back to you. So if your vision isn't the best in the morning, it's ok, you'll still know the time and date. Some of these voice controlled clocks will do even more. You can learn about them and a see them in action here.

There are a few things to consider when selecting one of these devices. Here are some of the most critical differences among them:

• Display size and brightness
  Clocks designated as travel clocks tend to have the smallest displays, often with 1/2" numerals while other clocks may have 2" numerals. Certainly, travel alarms however are more portable. Some displays are backlit and others have the more traditional red LED illuminated numerals. Some even allow you to adjust the brightness of the display. Your personal preference and vision can dictate which is right for you.
• Power Source
  Batteries or AC/DC. Some voice activated alarm clocks offer both options which make them highly reliable, but many travel alarms offer battery only.
• Alarm Sounds.
  Do you prefer to wake up to a chime, a chirp, a bell, or natural sounds like the ocean, a waterfall, or some birds in spring? Some of these clocks offer 2 or 3 options others far more.
• Number of Voice Control and Talking Responses.
  Nearly all of these clocks will anounce the time and date, some will also announce the temperature. The number of vocalized commands any of these clocks can handle varies. Some allow you to set the time and turn them on by voice. Others also allow you to activate the snooze function, tell you the date, and so forth by speaking to the device.
• Additional Features.
  Some voice activated alarm clocks also offer a nightlight. There are a few of the voice activated alarm clocks that will also perform other automated functions for you. For instances they may act as a remote to turn on your TV. Clearly, additional functions such as this increase the cost.