This Smart Mug Keeps Your Coffee at the Perfect Temp

We already have smart forks and smart plates, so it was only a matter of time before someone made a smart travel mug. Now a startup called Ember has done just that.

Ember was designed to solve the extremely first-world problem of keeping your coffee hot. According to the company, it has a built-in heating system controlled by a dial on the bottom of the mug. You simply set the dial to your desired temp and Ember will keep it there.

The mug also connects via Bluetooth to Ember's smartphone app, which can notify you when the temperature changes, remotely adjust the temperature, and even store temperature presets for all of your favorite drinks. Ember can stay at its target temperature for up to two hours on battery power, but can heat indefinitely if you place it on its included charging coaster.

Thus far, Ember seems to have plenty of appeal. The company's Indiegogo campaign has raised more than $115,000 in just three days, pushing it well beyond its $50,000 funding goal.

{{amazon name="Contigo Autoseal West Loop Stainless Steel Travel Mug with Easy Clean Lid, 16-Ounce, Black", asin="B00HZI5XBG", align="right"}} To its credit, the mug does seem to be well-designed, featuring a capacitive logo button that powers the mug on and off, as well as a small display that shows the target temp and battery level. And even with all of the hardware packed inside, Ember still manages to hold 12 ounces.

The only downside to all the high-tech hardware? You can't put the mug in a dishwasher or microwave, unless you're okay with turning your expensive smart mug into an old-fashioned dumb mug.

If you're looking for something a little more sophisticated than your basic double-walled travel mug, you can pre-order Ember at Indiegogo for $129. According to the company, the mug will eventually retail for $149. Preorders are expected to ship in April 2016.