The Future of Clock Radio in a Networked World

“MoCo” is a modular alarm clock specifically designed for single people living alone. Some people have trouble waking up to present-day alarm clocks or the soft alarm of cell phones, while others are stressed by its sudden alarming sound. MoCo accommodates all users and has a simple interface.

"MoCo" has a simple interface. It is shaped like a cube and has one switch. It operates wirelessly and is programmed using voice recognition and text messaging. Each MoCo has one speaker and its volume is fixed. The speakers can be strategically placed around the bedroom by the user, and these modular pieces together wake the user using a polyphonic system. They wirelessly communicate to each other (randomly) when the snooze button is activated, so the alarm sound is gradually amplified, and it forces the user to physically get up to turn off all the clocks. If you had trouble waking up, you could buy eight speakers, whereas a light sleeper may need just two.

MoCo is programmed using voice recognition technology. There is just one button to set the time, alarm, and snooze functions. For more complex programming, text messaging feature is available. Also, because they are wireless, they do not look messy, and can easily be hidden. MoCo does not have a time display, which helps the user to focus on the present time.

Here are some preliminary sketches of MoCo:

Planter shape

Spherical

Cube

Several MoCo clocks stacked

Future Possibilities for MoCo

Possible wireless technology used could be bluetooth, radio antenna, and WiFi. Also, MoCo may be able to parse out keywords in text messages to prioritize alarm commands.