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
Reader comments
ZBand - The Windows Phone compatible silent alarm clock accessory
First. Interesting, but I'm not going to buy.
LOL!
The most useless accessory ever...
There should be a rule that if anyone posts "first" that its deleted. Its getting stupid.
"First world problem" solution/expensive accessory. Im pretty sure there is a market for it and I am glad they are supporting WP platform.
That's a fantastically high amount to pay for a glorified snooze button.
Though I like the idea $52 is a bit much for just an alarm. Smart watches would probably offer the same functionality so its a tough sell for me.
Yeah. I could see using this, but $52 (or whatever the amount would be in $USD) might be a little high. Maybe once Amazon starts selling it, it may be closer to $40 or lower.
It might be nice for when I am on call if it also alerted you to text/email and wouldnt wake my wife up when I got an alert.
Free solution: sleep in something with a pocket and put alarm on vibrate.
Accessories are good❕
As far as accessories go, I would like to see more things in the line of audio equipment, and powered speakers...
I'd actually like it more as an actual ringtone/notification alert, since I often had trouble with the buzz of the 920, and the 1020's vibrate is even weaker. Might be the only reason for me to like a fashion-based piece of tech.
loooks sooo cheep and not original :S
Why do you have to wear it all day? Can't you just put it on at night?
Or you can put the phone under your pillow on vibrate mode.
Fitbit Flex - HAs the same silent alarm setup, and actually does activity monitoring and sleep analysys. If you are already spending that kind of money, go big!
Also - the Flex doesn't look like garbage and can be worn all day easily.