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eight sleep adds outage mode to smart Eight Sleep has introduced an “outage mode” for its smart beds to mitigate issues experienced during a recent AWS outage that left many users unable to control their mattress settings.

eight sleep adds outage mode to smart

Background on the AWS Outage

On Monday, a significant outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) disrupted various online services, affecting numerous companies that rely on AWS for cloud computing. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities associated with cloud-dependent technologies, particularly those that control essential home devices. Eight Sleep, a company known for its innovative smart mattress toppers, was among the affected businesses, leading to widespread user complaints about their products.

Impact on Eight Sleep Users

During the AWS outage, users of Eight Sleep’s Pod mattress toppers reported severe issues. Many found their beds stuck at uncomfortable temperatures and incline positions. The Pod mattress systems, which are designed to enhance sleep quality through temperature regulation and adjustable elevation, rely on cloud connectivity for their functionality. As a result, when AWS servers went down, so did the ability to control these features.

Victoria Song, a senior reviewer for The Verge, experienced this firsthand. She woke up to find her Eight Sleep Pod 4 stuck in an upright position, underscoring the real-world implications of such outages. This incident was not isolated; users took to platforms like Reddit and X to express their frustrations. One user reported that their bed had “set itself to 110F and won’t turn down,” while another complained that their bed was stuck in an inclined position.

Response from Eight Sleep

In response to the situation, Eight Sleep CEO Matteo Franceschetti acknowledged the impact of the outage on users. In a post on X, he stated, “The AWS outage has impacted some of our users since last night, disrupting their sleep. That is not the experience we want to provide and I want to apologize for it.” This acknowledgment reflects the company’s awareness of the importance of user experience, especially given the premium price point of their products.

Introduction of Outage Mode

To address the challenges posed by the AWS outage, Eight Sleep has rolled out a new feature known as “outage mode.” This mode allows users to control their Pod mattress toppers via Bluetooth when cloud connectivity is unavailable. According to Eight Sleep spokesperson Nadine Hachicho, this update enables users to perform essential functions such as turning the Pod on or off, adjusting temperature levels, and flattening the base, all without needing an internet connection.

The rollout of this feature began shortly after the outage, demonstrating Eight Sleep’s commitment to quickly resolving issues that affect customer satisfaction. Hachicho noted, “During an outage, you’ll still be able to open the app, turn the Pod on/off, change temperature levels, and flatten the base.” This enhancement is particularly significant for users who have expressed frustration over the lack of offline controls for several years.

Customer Reactions and Implications

The introduction of outage mode has been met with mixed reactions from customers. While many appreciate the swift response from Eight Sleep, others remain concerned about the reliability of cloud-dependent technologies. One user on Reddit expressed their dissatisfaction, stating, “It would be somewhat understandable that Autopilot stops working because Eight Sleep’s backend is down but not being able to even adjust the temperature locally is ridiculous and completely unacceptable for such a high-end (and expensive) product.”

This sentiment highlights a broader concern regarding the reliance on cloud services for critical home devices. As smart home technology continues to evolve, users are increasingly aware of the potential pitfalls associated with connectivity issues. The AWS outage serves as a cautionary tale for companies that prioritize cloud-based solutions without providing robust offline alternatives.

Long-Term Considerations for Smart Home Technology

The incident with Eight Sleep raises important questions about the future of smart home technology. As more devices become interconnected and reliant on cloud services, the potential for outages and disruptions increases. Companies must consider how to balance innovation with reliability, ensuring that users have access to essential features even in the event of connectivity issues.

For Eight Sleep, the introduction of outage mode is a step in the right direction, but it may not be enough to fully alleviate customer concerns. Many users have expressed a desire for more comprehensive offline capabilities, particularly given the high price of the Pod mattress toppers, which start at $2,000. Additionally, the monthly Autopilot subscription, which begins at $17, adds to the overall cost, making it imperative for the company to deliver a seamless user experience.

Future Developments and Industry Trends

As Eight Sleep continues to refine its products and features, the company may look to expand its offline capabilities further. The introduction of outage mode is a promising start, but ongoing user feedback will be crucial in shaping future updates. The company has indicated a commitment to improving the user experience, with Franceschetti stating, “We will work the whole night+24/7 to build an outage mode so the problem will be fixed extremely quickly.”

This proactive approach reflects a growing trend in the smart home industry, where companies are increasingly prioritizing customer feedback and responsiveness. As users become more vocal about their needs and expectations, businesses must adapt to meet these demands. This shift may lead to a more robust set of features that enhance user control and mitigate the risks associated with cloud dependency.

The Role of Consumer Education

Consumer education will also play a vital role in the adoption and satisfaction of smart home technologies. As users become more aware of the potential limitations of cloud-dependent devices, they may seek out products that offer greater flexibility and offline functionality. Companies like Eight Sleep must not only innovate but also educate their customers about the capabilities and limitations of their products.

In addition to enhancing product features, Eight Sleep could benefit from transparent communication regarding the risks associated with cloud reliance. By providing users with clear information about how to manage their devices during outages and what to expect from future updates, the company can foster a sense of trust and reliability.

Conclusion

The recent AWS outage has underscored the vulnerabilities associated with cloud-dependent smart home technologies, particularly for Eight Sleep users. The introduction of outage mode is a significant step toward addressing these concerns, allowing users to regain control over their mattress toppers during connectivity issues. However, the incident has also highlighted the need for ongoing improvements and customer education in the smart home industry.

As Eight Sleep continues to evolve its products and features, the company must remain attuned to user feedback and industry trends. By prioritizing reliability and user experience, Eight Sleep can position itself as a leader in the smart home market, ensuring that customers can rest easy—both literally and figuratively.

Source: Original report