New for Somnox 2: Airplane Mode

New for Somnox 2: Airplane Mode

Today we introduce to you the newest function for Somnox 2: Airplane Mode

 

What Is Airplane Mode?

Almost all smartphones and electronic devices nowadays have a setting called ‘airplane mode’. This name has come about as the function was primarily launched in the aviation industry. The function makes sure that all Bluetooth, WiFi and other data traffic on your electronic device switches off. However, you can still use your Somnox when airplane mode is enabled.

 

What Happens When I Enable Airplane Mode?

By enabling airplane mode, both Bluetooth and WiFi on your Somnox switch off. This means that you can no longer connect your Somnox to the mobile app. However, you can still enjoy your breathing program or exercise and Somnox sounds as on your Somnox saves these settings by itself.

When your Somnox is turned on, it is continually searching for a connection in the background. This uses battery power. By enabling airplane mode, your Somnox uses less battery power so that you can enjoy your Somnox longer.

And we all know: more Somnox = more rest!

 

Curious to know how you can enable airplane mode on your Somnox?

Read all about it!

 

Tip: Try airplane mode on route to your next destination!

New for Somnox 2: Audio streaming

New for Somnox 2: Audio streaming

Life is hectic. That’s why at Somnox, we’re always looking for ways to make your world a little more tranquil. And now you can soothe yourself to sleep with the sound of your favorite music, thanks to our newest feature: Audio Streaming for Somnox 2. Now available for iPhone and iPad users.

Our users love Somnox for relaxation and sleep. That’s what Somnox is all about, after all. But we asked ourselves: how can we improve your Somnox experience even more? Following a recent user survey of hundreds of Somnox users, the answer was clear: with more customization, of course!

 

Design your own experience

Evidence shows that music combined with breathing has a calming effect. And while the Somnox app comes with a variety of soothing sounds to enjoy, we know that more customization = better. So now you can personalize your moment of relaxation. Play your favorite music, sounds, meditations, podcasts, or audiobooks wirelessly on your Somnox 2 from your iPhone or iPad.

Android users, don’t despair! We’re working on this for you next.

 

streaming

 

How can I stream my audio on Somnox 2?

To stream your own sounds, connect your phone or tablet via Bluetooth to the Somnox 2 speaker. On your device, you can then choose the audio you want to play in a program of your choice such as Youtube or Spotify.

To stream your own sounds: 

  1. Connect your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth to the Somnox 2 speaker. 
  2. On your device, you can then choose the audio you want to play in any app that plays audio like Youtube, Spotify, or Apple Music.
  3. Somnox plays automatically! Enjoy!

 

 

What can I play on my Somnox 2?

With audio streaming via Bluetooth, it is now possible to play your own sounds. This includes anything you can play off your iPhone and iPad.

Stream music for meditation on YouTube or your favorite calming music playlist on Spotify. If you’re someone who finds listening to audiobooks calming, you’re in luck! Audiobooks can also be streamed on your Somnox 2. Play whatever it is you need to relax, day or night.

By combining audio streaming with a personal program in the Somnox app, you can relax even more and deepen your breathing exercises. For example, you can create a custom breathing program to go with your meditation. This way, you can tailor Somnox to your needs.

Click here to learn how to set up your own breathing program.

 

Our favorite playlists to unwind to

To give you some inspiration, we asked our team here at Somnox some of their favorite calming sounds. From there, we made this collection of playlists and meditations that help us unwind. This way you can get a good start on streaming audio.

 

 

Try these playlists or create your own. If you want to share your favorite sounds to relax with the Somnox community, join our Facebook community @SomnoxSleep. Happy listening!

New: Somnox Support 2.0

New: Somnox Support 2.0

Where can I find the right information? In the app? The manual? On a website? Or should I make a phone call? Why isn’t there one central point where I can find everything?

We heard you. Therefore we are pleased to announce the Somnox Support 2.0 – a new way to support you through an updated live chat, an always up-to-date knowledge base and support messages for new Sleep Robot users.

Renewed Support Center

A large part of our Somnox Support 2.0 is our renewed Support Center. The latest information is now always available through the app. You can look up a question in the app:

 

 

Or you can use your browser of choice on your phone, tablet or computer to go to https://support.somnox.com and type in your question:

 

 

Get direct help from us

You want help. By real people. We understand that. You can now reach us on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00 CET via our renewed chat. Click on the chat icon in the lower right corner of your app and start a conversation with one of our Sleep Supporters:

 

 

Improved experience for new users

For the past few months, we have only sent messages via e-mail to help you and other new users on their way. The biggest stumbling block was that we didn’t reach you in the right place or when you were actually using your Sleep Robot. That’s why we found a solution that allows us to send messages to new users at the right time and the right place: via the app when you’re actively using the Sleep Robot. By doing this, we want to make it easy for everyone to understand the Sleep Robot.

“I like the fact that everything is now in one central place.” – 100% of test users

Start your sleep adventure

If you are a Sleep Robot user, you can make use of all the benefits of Somnox Support 2.0. Download the update on iOS (click here) or Android (click here). If you don’t have one yet, you can order the Sleep Robot with our 30-night sleep trial. You will be actively supported by our new Somnox Support for 30 nights, so that you can finally feel rested again.

Somnox Sleep Robot Updates

Somnox Sleep Robot Updates

We value your feedback a lot. That’s why these updates are a direct result from your input.

To update your Sleep Robot, you have to have a stable connection between your Sleep Robot and your mobile phone. Make sure that your charger is not connected with the Sleep Robot while updating. Read an extensive guide on how to update your Sleep Robot:

You can download the latest update here on iOS and Android.

 

✨ 04/20: Adjust your speed in adaptive breathing

Our redesigned breathing screen allows you to set the start speed and end speed when adaptive breathing is on. This allows you to better adjust the robot’s breathing to your own rhythm!

 

pas-snelheid-aan-gesynchroniseerde-ademhaling

 

✨ 02/20: Renewed introduction screen for new users

This update is focused on giving new users a better experience when introducing the Sleep robot!

 

introductiescherm-nieuwe-gebruikers

 

✨ 12/19: New breathing programme designs

In this update we’ve improved the design and user experience of the breathing program selection, added more information about the breathing programs. Next to that, we’ve added the user’s name to the Hello message at the home and breathing tab. The lightning icon is now replaced with a standard Bluetooth icon!

 

nieuw-ontwerp-ademhalingsprogrammas

 

✨ 11/19: Accessibility update

The application is now automatically adjusted based on the accessibility settings of your device.

 

toegankelijkheid-update

 

📱 11/19: Somnox Support 2.0

Where can I find the right information? In the app? The manual? On a website? Or should I make a phone call? Why isn’t there one central point where I can find everything?
We heard you. Therefore we are pleased to announce the Somnox Support 2.0 – a new way to support you through an updated live chat, an always up-to-date knowledge base and support messages for new Sleep Robot users. Have all information available in one central place.
  • ✨ Added: Somnox Support for improving communication between you and Somnox
  • ✨ Added: Audio will fade out when the Sleep Program is ending

Read more on the different ways you can use this: https://somnox.com/blog/new-somnox-support-2-0/

 

 

🔨 10/19: New Welcome Screen

In this update, we focused on improving the existing features of the mobile application. We directed our efforts on improving stability, performance and the first user experience.

Both:

– Brand new first-time experience with the Somnox Companion App
– Logging in and signing up user experience and interface has been improved
– Improved Bluetooth communication with Sleep Robot in terms of stability and performance

🍎 iOS:
– When creating an account with Somnox, you will receive onboarding emails based on your phone’s language settings now
– Fixed bug where Serial Number registration prompt-up was unnecessary
– Fixed a crash when no account is logged in somehow

🤖 Android:
– Sleep Robot updates can now be performed on the background
– Fixed a bug where performing a Sleep Robot update for the second time would result in a crash
– Fixed some translations issues

Important: Don’t swipe away the update notification on your Android phone, because this disrupts the update. Wondering how the notification will look like? See the image down below.

 

 

📱 08/19: Status Screen

During the feedback rounds in the past month, you asked us to display more valuable information about your Sleep Robot. In the past month, we have focused on delivering exactly that. We’re introducing the Somnox Status Screen, displaying:

– The battery status of the Sleep Robot
– The firmware update changelog of the Sleep Robot
– The installed software version of the Sleep Robot

Next to that, we did some behind-the-scenes maintenance to make the app more stable. At last, we’ve improved our support in German 🇩🇪.

 

 

🔋 07/19: Battery Improvements

The July 2019 update introduced the low power mode: once your Sleep Robot is turned off, it will consume 50% less battery than before. This creates an overall battery life improvement of around 20%.

 

✨ 06/19: Adaptive Breathing

The June 2019 update introduced a beta version of the Adaptive Breathing: your Sleep Robot will measure your breathing speed and automatically synchronizes itself to you. After this, it will gradually bring you to a slower and more relaxed breathing pattern. How to turn it on? Just enable the button on your Breathing home screen.

 

 

✨ 06/19: New Design

In the June 2019 update, we did a big overhaul on our Companion App design.

We’ve updated the design to:

  1. Help you find the right settings straight away
  2. Change the overall mood and atmosphere
  3. Improve the readability for use during the evening

We did this by doing extensive research and create a more useful and intuitive navigation experience in the app. Next to that, we’ve added new icons and engaging illustrations to support you to use the app more intuitively.

 

🎵 06/19: Upload your own music 

Because everyone has a different taste, we added the ability to upload your own music, audiobooks, podcasts or any other audio file to your Sleep Robot. You can learn how to do that by following the guide by clicking here.

 

What can the Sleep Robot do for me?

What can the Sleep Robot do for me?

The Somnox Sleep Robot soothes body and mind to help you fall asleep faster, sleep longer, and start your day feeling fully recovered and energized. It’s a unique device that regulates your breathing and plays audio at just the right time.

Breathing Regulation

By hugging the Sleep Robot at night, you will feel it breathe, helping you adjust your rhythm accordingly. A few minutes and you’ll be breathing like a Buddhist monk! (For more information on breathing, click here.)

Soothing Sounds

Apart from breathing with you, the Sleep Robot also uses smart audio to enhance your sleep. Listen to soothing sounds such as meditative music, ambient sounds and cognitive shuffling. They’ll turn off as soon as you fall asleep. Just let the Sleep Robot do the worrying for you. (For more info on sounds, click here.)

Comfort First

Being huggable and soft, the robot makes the user calmly doze off again. Say hello to the newest member of the family, your new sleep companion. (For more info on comfortableness, click here.)

Personalized Experience

Personal preferences can be set, such as during the day and ensure a tailored approach to improve the user’s sleep during the night. Users can also upload their audio files to the app (read on how to do so by clicking here).

Smarter Over Time

With the use of software updates, we are continually increasing the features and benefits of the robot and thus make it smarter over time.

30-night Sleep Trial

Try the Sleep Robot in your bed. Not satisfied? Get your money back, no questions asked. (See the full conditions on our website.)

Our team has been working for the past 3 years to make our dream come true: creating a healthier and happier world, doing our best to deliver smart soft robotics that will make a major difference in people’s daily lives. Want to join our mission?

Click here to order your Sleep Robot today.

Designing The Companion App Of The Sleep Robot

Designing The Companion App Of The Sleep Robot

Similar to development of the Sleep Robot, the design of the app is a process of many iterations. Starting from the basic functionality: setting the breathing movement of the sleep robot and audio settings towards creating a personal tool that helps you understanding the Sleep Robot and improving your sleep habits. In this blog, I want to explain the challenges in our design process.

App Settings

The app will be used to set the different functionalities of the Sleep Robot to the user’s preference: the breathing movement and audio options. A brief introduction to both.

Breathing Settings

Someone’s breathing rate depends on physical and mental state as well habits. Some examples:

  • Professional athletes often breathe at a slower pace compared to those who never exercise.
  • Those who smoke a lot or consume high amounts of caffeine are more likely to breathe at a higher frequency
  • The level of stress is one of the most important variables for breathing rate. You might have experienced a stressful situation in which you noticed your breathing becoming faster or irregular, or even started to hyperventilate.

Thus, since the breathing rate is dependent on many different personal aspects, we want to provide the user with the possibility to adjust this setting. Next to that, there’s the breathing ‘ratio’, which is often described as a certain ‘pattern’ or implemented in a breathing exercise. Normally, you inhale, exhale and have a natural ‘pause’ in before you inhale again. When enlarging the duration of the exhalation, body and mind will relax.

 

Ratio

 

These patterns have been implemented in breathing techniques as well. Do you know the breathing exercise of Dr. Andrew Weil? It’s slightly different with a pause in between the in- and exhale. By focusing on this pattern, people often fall asleep within no time. You might want to try that one tonight.

 

Ratio2

 

We are working on integrating different breathing patterns (created by experts and based on literature) as well. Do you think you want to use a validated pattern or create your own? We’d like to hear your preference. This feature will be included in a later update of the app.

Audio Settings

There are tons of music genres and everyone has a different preference. Personally I like jazz, but you might like classical music, the latest pop-hits or easy listening.. Does it make you fall asleep? I like to listen to a bedtime story, while my mother likes to listen to Chopin’s piano pieces.

Since everyone’s preference is so different, we cannot provide standard audio settings along with the breathing settings. Therefore, we will integrate playlists with music and sounds that, based on research, be relaxing and soothing to your ears and mind. We are currently co-developing a set of music samples, natural sounds (such as rain, wind and thunderstorms) and voice samples (such as someone that tells you random words that prevents your mind to think about personal issues, similar to the cognitive shuffling method by Dr. Luc Beaudoin).

Next to that, we want to provide you with the possibility to add your own music to the Sleep Robot’s SD card. Which music makes you fall asleep? Let us know!

Challenges

We have been brainstorming and iterating on how to translate the above story into an understandable app design. We want to design an app that doesn’t overwhelm you, and still provide you with the possibility to adjust everything to your preference.

But do people want to adjust it, or do we have to tailor everything automatically? How do we find a balance between those who want to be guided and provided with standard settings, and those who want to be in control of every detail? Do we have to make different versions of the app (e.g. a basic- and advanced version), or keep it simple in general? And how to provide enough information in the app or via a manual?

All challenges are related to the user experience and interaction with app and robot. We have done many tests and interviews to find out what people want. Some responses:

Breathing

  • “I want to practice the breathing techniques during the day as well”
  • “I want the robot to adjust to my own breathing rate”

Audio

  • “I love to listen to the sound of a storm in the rainforest, a playlist that I have found on Youtube”.
  • “It sounds weird, but I actually fall asleep by listening to rock music”
  • “Actually, I believe that silence has been proven the best to fall asleep”

 

App ontwerp

 

Iterations And Testing

We have tried many things in our process of designing the companion app. Different colours, different configurations, different ways to present the settings. We iterate a lot and test the designs in our team and during user tests (do people understand the interfaces, do they like it or get lost?). We have invited future users to come over to Delft, present the new designs to friends and family and have seen the design developing over time.

0806 App design

Final Design Or An Ongoing Process?

Currently, we are working on the software implementation of the final design. The design is based on the Somnox brand identity (soft, comfortable and clear) and the user’s desires on how to set the robot. We will guide the user by asking about the purpose of use (do you want to sleep or have a relaxing moment?) and desired duration of the movement. Not satisfied about the Sleep Robot’s movement? You will always be able to customize the breathing rate. In the future, we aim to add options if the user’s desire is there.

Some (pipeline)-ideas: adjusting the colour theme, adjusting the breathing movement, an integrated sleep diary, breathing exercises.. What (else) would you like to use?

Of course, we have not tested this app with all future users of the Sleep Robot yet. We will keep on asking for feedback to make sure we will update it. I’m curious to your opinion, let us know what you think.