ClearGrass CGD1: Bluetooth alarm clock with app support for $11.66

Since the smartphone has become an indispensable part of our lives, reports of possible disadvantages of permanent use have increased. Many experts recommend banning the smartphone completely from the bedroom, the bright light of the display disturbing the night’s rest. However, since many use the mobile phone as an alarm clock, one could revert to the old wireless alarm clock. Or the ClearGrass CGD1, which not only wakes you up, but can also be integrated into the Xiaomi Smart Home.

ClearGlass CGD1 Alarm Clock at AliExpress from $11.66

ClearGlass CGD1 Alarm Clock at Banggood $13.99

Minimalist design & smart home features

Once again we have one of the infamous Xiaomi partner companies, sold through Youpin and often associated with Xiaomi by many shops. In fact, the minimalist design language of the ClearGrass CGD1 alarm clock also supports this assumption. It’s almost surprising not to find a stamped Mi logo here. The alarm clock measures 80.3 x 41 x 83 mm and is based on a square 2.4″ display. The alarm clock is available in blue, green and white.

The plastic used has a very high-quality appearance. Everything is cleanly processed and there are no manufacturing defects. Only the screen is unfortunately quite susceptible to stains and fingerprints, so it’s best not to tap directly on it, but that doesn’t affect the readability of the display.

Integration into the Xiaomi Home App

The ClearGrass Alarm Clock is, like almost all devices from the Xiaomi ecosystem, controlled via the Xiaomi Home App (Android | iOS). Simply press and hold the alarm clock for 3 seconds to activate the Bluetooth search and select “Devices nearby” in the app. The connection will then establish itself within a few seconds and you can start setting it up. If the alarm clock can’t be found this way, you can also connect it using the manual search, but this will take much longer.

Once the alarm clock is connected, you can assign it to a room or a predefined group. This allows different devices that belong to the same groups to communicate and exchange data with each other via the app. This then allows you to pair the alarm clock with, for example, the heater, so that if the room temperature drops below 20°C, for example, the heater will be turned on. This works the same way with a humidifier. Of course, these devices have to be controllable with the Xiaomi Home app for this to work.

The alarm clock itself does not offer too many setting options. Besides the screen brightness and the volume of the eight different alarm tones, you can also decide whether to use a 24 or 12 hour system and whether to use °C or °F. However, as you are only limited to Chinese displays, the operation is based on the hit-and-miss principle. So try it out until you find what you are looking for.

Functions of the ClearGrass “Smart” alarm clock

Of course the alarm clock functions as an alarm clock, no question about it. As soon as you synchronise your mobile phone with the alarm clock via Bluetooth, the time is updated automatically. You can set a total of 16 different alarm times, a snooze function is also on board. The alarm clock of ClearGrass is equipped with eight different alarm sounds. If you look at the alarm clock, you will notice that it is equipped without buttons. All commands run through the foot of the alarm clock. If you press it briefly, the night light is activated, if you press it for 3 seconds, the search for Bluetooth devices is activated and if you press it for 6 seconds, you stop all set alarms.

The night light, has a very pleasant brightness. You can see everything very well in the dark, but it is also not too bright, so you could be dazzled.

The special feature of the alarm clock is the integration into the Xiaomi ecosystem. The alarm clock contains a Swiss Sensirion temperature & humidity sensor with an accuracy of plus-minus 0.2°C. So you can use the alarm clock instead of a Xiaomi temperature sensor and link it to your heater or humidifier as mentioned above. The alarm clock is powered by 2 AA batteries, which are not included.

Assessment

To speak of a smart alarm clock here would probably be a bit too pompous. But the integrated temperature sensor and the modern minimalistic design are cool features and the price isn’t set too high in our opinion, because comparable devices quickly cost more. But if you are missing some features here, you should take a look at the Anker Soundcore Wakey, which is much more expensive, but also offers a lot more.

Unfortunately, the language setting is limited to English or Chinese, whereas in the English setting, only the display of the day of the week on the alarm clock itself changes. In the Mi Home app, everything remains in Chinese and is therefore a little difficult to use.