Yumekobo's Yamanote alarm clock shows train schedules

You know what they say about Japanese trains being so reliable you can set a clock to it? Ironically enough, Yumekobo's Yamanote alarm clock does just that, and while we're sure the vivid green color scheme isn't for everyone, its features (feature?) are what counts. Apparently, the clock communicates via radio with the train station, and the train symbols surrounding the hands correspond to where a given train is located at a certain point in time. Additionally, it sports built-in chimes and melodies to match those played in the actual station, and of course, can wake you up at a set time so you don't miss your morning ride to work. Not a bad device to keep around for ¥7,980 ($66), and in case you're still a bit stumped on how this thing actually operates, check out a web-based demonstration here.

[Via Gearfuse]

[Simon @ Jul 28th 2007 8:49AM]

Sweet!

i live on the yamanote line, less than 1 min walk to the station, this is perfect to make sure I am not late for work! although, there is a train every 2 mins on the yamanote line in the morning, so it doesn't matter if I don't catch my train!!!

[kev @ Jul 28th 2007 9:06AM]

Now that is funny...even though the Yamanote line is like the one line that you probably don't have to care too much about.

[ahokaomae @ Jul 28th 2007 11:12AM]

I'm stunned that this story is still doing the rounds.

"Apparently, the clock communicates via radio with the train station"...

No, it doesn't! It receives a radio signal to keep it telling the correct time, but that's all.

"the train symbols surrounding the hands"

There simply aren't any, despite the "example video".

This whole thing started with a bad machine translation, with Gizmodo naive enough to swallow the story whole. The only real feature of this clock is the "built-in chimes and melodies to match those played in the actual station".

[kev @ Jul 28th 2007 10:45AM]

aho kamo... :D

I never bothered to read the original story =/

[Karan @ Jul 28th 2007 10:23AM]

note that the colour scheme is based on the colour used for the line (i.e. on the maps and the station).

I wonder if something like this could be done for the London Circle Line... :)

[Nao @ Jul 28th 2007 4:17PM]

I agree this story has received too much coverage. The damn thing was released nearly a year ago. What, are next we are going to be hearing about the new 2G nano, or wait better yet...iPhone rumours.

[ben @ Jul 28th 2007 10:55AM]

This has been on the shelf of Tokyu Hands for many years. Engadget, did someone on you team just discover this in Japan? come on.

[ahokaomae @ Jul 28th 2007 11:13AM]

The clock in the photo is telling you that it's almost 10:10. That's all. And you can get it to wake you up with one of seven melodies that are played at station platforms. That's all.

[John @ Jul 28th 2007 11:30AM]

You know, I'll settle for my regular watch and a paper schedule that I can carry in my pocket. That way, on my return trip, I can tell when the next train will come around.

[murray @ Jul 28th 2007 1:38PM]

That's not ironic.

[jack @ Jul 28th 2007 4:17PM]

Too bad it only has the Yamanote line-- imagine how big that would have to be to fit all the lines!

*sniff* I miss Tokyo!

[MeNotyou @ Jul 30th 2007 12:20PM]

This just in!!: The head designer was found to be a disgruntled ex-employee from Ortho-McNeil and thought it to be funny to design a train schedule clock around a giant pack of BC pills.

[MeNotyou @ Jul 30th 2007 10:22AM]

This just in!: The designer was found to be a disgruntled ex-employee of Ortho-McNeil pharmaceuticals and thought it to be a funny idea to design a train schedule clock to look like a giant pack of BC pills.