The Philips Wake-Up Light alarm lamp is one of the most interesting finds by the Dutch company and one of the best products currently on the market in the sector. Characterized by innovative and modern design, it is available in many colors and can function either as a standard bedside lamp or as an alarm clock.
The peculiarity lies in the fact that it is the first alarm designed and scientifically tested for a gentle and gradual awakening with ” the light of the sun. ” The basic principle is to go from darkness to light, just like in nature at dawn, of which the lamp can reproduce both the tonality and the progressiveness.
How can you do this? When the alarm is set for the next morning at 7:30 am, the Wake-Up Light starts illuminating at 7:00 am with a dim light. As the minutes pass, the alarm lamp gradually increases the intensity of the light until 7:30, when, together with the maximum brightness previously established, the alarm sounds. However, let’s examine the product’s unique features and the recommended models currently available on the market in more detail.
Philips Wake Up Light Lamp: The Features
There are different models of Wake Up Light, all very similar to each other and characterized by soft, rounded shapes, based on an essential design that is neither bulky nor intrusive, and designed to match perfectly with the bedroom environment.
The first models produced had a cylindrical vertical shape with the display of the hour in the lower part of the lamp. Subsequently, we have moved to models that are much more compact, with rounded shapes, first supported by a small back foot, and in the latest models, there are shapes similar to a small cone that help themselves.
In all cases, the time is stamped on the front of the lamp, so that it is visible at all times. On the time display, icons for the alarm, sound intensity, lighting, and nature sounds are also displayed.
The Progressive Light
Now that we have presented the external features, let’s examine the alarm clock’s real operation and all the features that make it a unique product on the market. As we mentioned, the alarm clock has been scientifically proven: a gradual awakening from intense darkness to dim light, and then to increasingly brighter light, helps to start the day in the best way and without stress. If we consider it, gradually passing from darkness to the first light is the most natural way to wake up.
The lamp completes its lighting work in 30 minutes, illuminating the room with an intense yellow light. At this point, in addition to the visual experience, there will also be an auditory experience. The sweet sound of the alarm clock will complete the awakening. Philips has thought of everything: not everyone has the same sensitivity to light so that you can customize up to 20 degrees of different lighting. The maximum available lighting will be 300 Lux. Light can also be used to help you fall asleep, using the setting to simulate a sunset.
The Sound
We also talked about the hearing experience: to complete the awakening, at the desired time to get up, a sound of nature will start: a chirping, birds in the forest, delicate plane, sea sounds, and a zen garden (in the latest models up to 7 sounds of different nature). The sound, just like the light, will gradually increase until you reach the selected level after a minute and a half. In some models, it is possible to use the “Snooze” button to reactivate the sound after 9 minutes.
In place of the sounds of nature, you can also set the radio to your favorite FM channel, which will serve as your wake-up alarm. The lamp also features, if desired, a dock for iPod and iPhone, which includes all necessary adapters, allowing you to wake up to your favorite soundtrack. Of course, you cannot expect the acoustics to be that of hi-fi, but certainly, in the early morning, there will be little chance of sound quality!
Any Defect?
Few. Among the defects, we point out the automatic start of music once you insert the iPod in the dock (and then you have to turn it off manually even when you put it in the dock to recharge it), and the inability to separately adjust the light for ” use bedside table ” and alarm clock. This means that if you are watching TV in the evening and have adjusted the brightness to a specific value. The morning will be the value that wakes you up.
Recommended models
Conical Model
The conical model is one of the most popular on the market, thanks to its neutral and soft shape, which is well-suited to a bedroom. The model we have selected is one that simulates both dawn and sunset in up to twenty different gradations, combining light and sound. In this case, you can set up to 5 sounds of nature, including chirping birds, a forest soundscape, delicate piano, the sounds of the sea, and a Zen garden, or your favorite radio channel.
A special feature of this alarm is the fact that it can automatically adjust the intensity of the time display: if the camera is very bright, the display will increase in intensity to be easily readable, otherwise, if the room is dark, the intensity it will decrease in order not to give particular annoyance.
It must be noted that individuals accustomed to sleeping in complete darkness may need to adjust to the display’s lighting, which could be disorienting. Another feature of this lamp is the “snooze ” button: touching the lamp will delay the alarm sound, which will re-activate after 9 minutes. This is absolutely recommended for those looking for the top of the range.
Model similar to the previous one, but slightly cheaper because it lacks some options, such as the gradual setting of the light that automatically adapts to the external lighting of the room, highlighting the time of the display, and the ” snooze ” button to be able to delay the departure of the nine-minute sound. Its dimensions are 7.8 x 5.8 x 7.6 inches. It is recommended for those who want a lamp at the top of the range, sacrificing some features that are not considered essential. Indeed, what makes itself felt in this case is saving.
Model with Pedestal
The shape of this model differs slightly from the previous one; the lamp is supported by a small pedestal that also serves as a speaker. The sounds of nature to be set are only two, but if you want, you can also choose a radio channel. Up to 10 intensity customizations can be set to a maximum of 200 lux.
In this case, it is not possible to simulate the sunset, but only the sunrise and the color variations to adjust with the intensity of the external light to highlight the display; there are 4. Additionally, this model features a “snooze” function to delay the 9-minute alarm sound. Ideal for those who do not want to spend an exaggeration, without sacrificing the quality and characteristics of this lamp.
