This is a rather long winded review, but I feel it is necessary to point out- and it can all be easily addressed so it is not in any way meant to be more than constructive criticism. At times the app will completely freeze and connectivity fails without a complete removal of the connected profile from the Bt setting as well as the app itself. I have experienced times when connectivity will work and then eventually no longer connect to the app without redoing the setup process completely.Other issues include: no confirmed way to set the pendulum animation, nor instructions on how to do so- if it is even possible. I would say that an official YouTube channel dedicated to ALL the functions and the key presses to invoke specific functionality seems prudent and necessary. Also, time zone settings will at times not automatically sync with your smartphones current settings, and despite being set to the correct regional time zone, the clock displays time an hour earlier than it actually is; the only fix is to set your region to a zone that is an hour behind your own. (North American mountain standard time was the region I personally had issues with.) Another concern is, can the battery be replace when the time comes, and is the clock and it’s battery able to function as intended plugged into a usb charger on a long term basis- than just what is required to replenish the battery itself? I am unable to confirm this and will reach out to USA Balmuda customer support again, via phone and email this time since I missed their return call the first go around. Next: app availability, and product registration. It would seem only logical that the BALMUDA connect app be available to other parts of the world other than the USA and Japan app stores. Particularly in Canada, if this app is supposed to support multiple connected product devices you offer, why on earth can we not have this free app available in our native Canadian app store? I can only wonder if the EU and other regions face the same challenges. I would have to assume it is not just Canada that will have this issue as more global distribution continues. If launching the app in more regions is not ideal, may I suggest a web app to serve as an alternative to replace the apps intended purpose with all the same functionality instead. Product registration and support. My “the clock” was a gift from Japan. I cannot register it and warranty is apparently not available, nor will it be from the sounds of the documentation with regards to this matter, outside of Japan itself. Considering the device is about to launch in the USA, I find this policy to be counter productive and, quite honestly, a major let down for your international customer support program if it is not ultimately addressed; I am not sure I’ve ever encountered a consumer electronics product of this value to be so wanting for certain basic assurances, support as well as overall software stability and functionally. The app itself should have an option for product warranty registration, with a website to also serve as a primary or secondary source to do all this. On a more positive note: The product otherwise is outstanding, fit and finish build, as well as design, packaging is all very inspired and apple-esque in nature; the app also has great potential, but clearly a thorough public or rigorous internal beta program was seemingly absent based on some of the basic functional shortcomings necessary for daily use and consumer confidence in your support structure, globally speaking. I have every confidence that these issues can all be improved with very minimal effort on the part of Balmuda, but until they are, it is impossible to give a 5 star rating until each of these issues are properly resolved.
