THE smart alarm clock is one of those rare things -- a piece of technology that actually helps you out.

Researchers at Brunel University (www.brunel.ac.uk) have made a clock that will allow you a lie-in or wake you up early depending on traffic conditions.

The Rise alarm clock has in-built internet access and can be connected to the web via a normal telephone line.

The clock retrieves relevant traffic information from across the web based on data the users have given it.

The clock will then work out what time you need to be woken, and get you on the way on the morning.