Online Alarm Clock

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Real Time in US Time Zones

City	Time
New York (Eastern Time)
Chicago (Central Time)
Denver (Mountain Time)
Los Angeles (Pacific Time)
Phoenix (Mountain Time, No DST)

How To Use The Free Online Alarm Clock

Our Online Alarm Clock features a minimalistic interface that’s both easy to use and easy on the eyes. Here’s how you can get started:

View the Current Time: As soon as you open our page, the current time is prominently displayed in a large, clear font.
Set Your Alarm: Use the intuitive time picker to select the exact time you want to wake up or be reminded. Just scroll to your desired time.
Activate Your Alarm: Click the “Set Alarm” button to activate. Our system will take care of the rest, ensuring that your alarm goes off at exactly the right moment.

The Evolution of the Alarm Clock

A Journey Through Time

The alarm clock, a ubiquitous item in households worldwide, has a fascinating history that spans millennia, reflecting human ingenuity and the evolution of technology. The concept of an alarm for personal timekeeping has transformed from rudimentary setups to sophisticated gadgets over centuries.

Ancient Origins

The journey begins in ancient China with Yi Xing, a multifaceted scholar and Buddhist monk, who in 725 AD crafted an intricate device known as the “Water-Driven Spherical Bird’s-Eye-View Map of the Heaven.” This early alarm clock not only kept time but also tracked celestial movements with puppet shows and gongs marking significant times. Around the same period, in the West, the great philosopher Plato used a water clock to ensure he woke up in time for his dawn lectures. These early devices underscore a longstanding human quest to measure and manage time.

Medieval and Renaissance Advances

During the Middle Ages, European innovations led to the creation of town square clocks with chimes, which were eventually miniaturized for personal use. Historians trace the first personal mechanical alarm clocks back to 15th century Germany. However, for many centuries, such luxuries were beyond the reach of the average person, who relied on more primitive methods like the sun or church bells.

Industrial Revolution and the Rise of Personal Alarms

The industrial age brought about a need for punctuality in masses, leading to the invention of the alarm clock as we know it. Levi Hutchins of New Hampshire created a rudimentary alarm clock in 1787 to wake himself at 4 a.m., not out of necessity, but due to personal principle. This innovation, however, remained a personal project.

The concept saw significant commercial advancement in 1847 when Antoine Redier of France patented the adjustable alarm clock, allowing users to set their wake-up time. This innovation crossed the Atlantic, and by 1876, Seth Thomas had patented an American version, making the personal alarm clock accessible to the masses.

The Role of "Knocker-Uppers"

Before the widespread adoption of alarm clocks, industrial towns in Britain and Ireland employed “knocker-uppers” who would wake workers by knocking on their doors. This practice was especially common among shifts of policemen, postmen, and railway workers who had to wake before dawn. This method persisted until the 1920s when alarm clocks became more commonplace.

Wartime Production and Innovation

The World Wars significantly impacted the alarm clock industry, with production shifting to support the war effort. Despite metal shortages, the need for timely coordination meant that alarm clocks were still manufactured, albeit in reduced quantities and often with alternative materials like pulped paper and pressed wood.

Post-War Innovations and Modern Day

Post-World War II saw a resurgence in the alarm clock industry with innovations such as the snooze button introduced by General Electric-Telechron in the 1950s. The concept of gently waking up users became popular, and this feature remains a staple in alarm clocks today.

The Digital Age and Smart Alarms

Today, traditional alarm clocks face competition from digital alternatives, with smartphones replacing them for many. According to a 2012 survey by UK carrier O2, more than half of their customers used their phones instead of a traditional alarm clock. Nonetheless, the intrinsic value of these timepieces, now often embedded with smart technology, ensures they retain a place in modern homes.

Time in US Cities

City	Time
Atlanta (Eastern Time)
Miami (Eastern Time)
Boston (Eastern Time)
Detroit (Eastern Time)
Minneapolis (Central Time)
Houston (Central Time)
Salt Lake City (Mountain Time)
Seattle (Pacific Time)
San Francisco (Pacific Time)
San Diego (Pacific Time)

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