TECH SPOTLIGHT

iHome’s latest system impresses with alarm features

The iHome IDL45 dual alarm system works with the latest iPhones, iPads and iPods that feature the Lightning connection.
The iHome IDL45 dual alarm system works with the latest iPhones, iPads and iPods that feature the Lightning connection.

It’s never easy to wake up in the morning, but one company is hoping to change that.

The company is iHome, makers of speakers, stereos and alarm clock systems. It recently introduced a new system designed for the latest iPhones, iPods and iPads. The new system uses the Lightning dock connection to not only play music off the devices but charge them as well. The only hiccup is the dock isn’t elevated, so if you have your music player in a protective case, it’s likely you will have to remove it.

This isn’t the first product I’ve seen from iHome, so I had pretty high expectations. After all, iHome had impressed me in the past and I expected it to do the same this time around.

It didn’t disappoint.

The iHome IDL45 is a dual alarm clock system made for iPhones, iPods and iPads. It includes sleep and nap functions, six radio presets and the ability to use auxiliary devices. It includes an FM radio that uses a wire antenna. It’s a loose wire, so itcan be adjusted, but the radio doesn’t always get the greatest reception.

Let’s start with the basics: the alarms. The IDL45 features two alarms that can be set separately to wake on weekdays, weekends or seven days a week. Each alarm has its own button, so the alarms can be set and turned off with one touch. The system also includes a sleep button that lets music play for up to two hours.

My favorite feature is the nap button, which lets you set an alarm for up to two hours later. You can take a nice nap and wake up when you want without having to tinker with the regular alarms.

The alarms have several functions. Each alarm can wake using the radio, a standard buzzer, music from a device connected to the dock or even another music player connected via USB. The alarm has a gentle wake feature. Instead of suddenly blaring on, it slowly fades in. It’s much better on the heart first thing in the morning.

The device uses music from an iPod, iPhone or iPad when set via Dock. It will either play the last song played on the device, or it will play from a special playlist. The playlist must be named “iHome,” and once added to the music player, the alarm will randomly pull songs from that playlist. It was very easy to set up.

The alarm clock system also works with the iHome app. The app provides weather information, more alarms and the ability to wake to specific playlists, reminders, news and other features. It has a lot of nice features that aren’t required when using the IDL45.

It’s a good thing because the app does have a major flaw: It won’t work properly if the iPad or iPhone is in sleep mode or if the app isn’t running in the foreground. That means you have a bright screen staring at you all night - even dimming the screen doesn’t eliminate the light completely. Unless you like a really bright nightlight, it’s a nasty distraction. I gave up the app after the first night.

Frankly, you really don’t need the app. The IDL45 does just fine on its own. Of course, the real question is the sound. Normally, you wouldn’t expect much from an alarm clock, but the sound is what impressed me the most.

The iHome IDL45 has amazing sound.

Though it’s one solid piece, it has a speaker on each side of the clock face that provides full stereo sound. The sound is surprisingly rich, with decent bass and deep, warm midtones. The treble is a little muffled, but not enough to really take away from the rest of the sound. It’s a pretty amazing feat for what’s supposed to be a simple alarm clock and iPad charger.

Once again, iHome has done a great job with something as simple as an alarm clock. This one is loaded with features, not to mention incredible sound. It provides a great way not only to wake up but also to go to sleep and even enjoy music whenever you like.

A product like this can make it easier to wake up in the morning. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Melissa L. Jones can be reached via email at [email protected].

Where it’s @

The iHome IDL45 Dual Charging Stereo FM Clock Radio with Lightning Dock works with an iPod, iPhone and iPad with a Lightning dock connection; or other music players that are USB compatible. The product retails for $99. More information is available at ihomeaudio.com/iDL45BC.

Business, Pages 19 on 07/08/2013

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