iHome pulls apps from its magic hat.

• Position: IHome iA5 speaker and alarm clock - What's New? - Brief article

There was a time when an alarm clock was just that. Not to date ourselves but, for years and years, we were awakened by the rattle of the classic Big Ben, with its ivory dial and luminous hands. These days, what appear to be timekeepers are entertainment systems all unto themselves--just attaching your iPod gives you access to huge music libraries. Now, we have the iHome iA5, which goes a step further and is app-enhanced, working with the free iHome+ Sleep app available at the iPhone app store.

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From SDI Technologies, Inc., Rahway, N.J., this device brings social media alerts, weather, sleep stats, and interactive alarm settings to your bedside. It works with the iPhone 3G and 3GS and, with iPod music playback and alarm sounds, you have full control over your personal sleep experience. The social media and notes features let your sleep habits trigger customizable messages to your friends on social networks, such as Facebook...