Eight Sleep launches outage mode after AWS outage disrupts over 4 million users

Eight Sleep, a company specializing in smart beds with temperature-regulating mattress covers called Pods, experienced significant service disruptions during a major Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage. The outage caused users to be unable to control bed settings, leading to uncomfortable situations such as overheating and beds stuck in awkward positions. In response, Eight Sleep CEO Matteo Franceschetti apologized and promised a rapid restoration of full features once AWS services resumed. The company introduced an "outage mode" that allows users to control their Pods via Bluetooth without relying on cloud connectivity, enabling basic functions like turning the bed on or off and adjusting temperature and position during future outages. Despite these improvements, some users expressed frustration over the initial lack of offline functionality and perceived negligence. Eight Sleep is committed to outage-proofing its products to prevent similar issues going forward.