It syncs when you plug it to the iPhone or iPad so no need to set the time.
The volume of the sound is powerful, put at 1 to listen to the radio for sleep is quite sufficient.
In case of failure the time remains intact with long battery by cons to replace, unscrew the lid.
Small downside it sizzles when reloading the iPhone coming to an end so not obvious if we decide to charge the notebook overnight so I recommend to do it at least two hours before bedtime.
And finally, what is bad for me I did not used it myself, it is no small remote control as in the previous iHome.
I recommend it to those who own both devices plus it recharges pretty fast.