Ember’s new temperature-controlled mug makes my nightly tea ritual even better
News Source
•Sat, 17 Oct 2026 15:30:00 +0000
📰 What Happened
Ember released the Mug 3, the third version of its heated smart mug. The biggest change is a button on the bottom that cycles through five heat settings, from 125 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can change the temperature without opening the phone app.
The mug holds a drink at the set heat for up to three hours on one charge. It has a sliding lid, it is safe on the top rack of a dishwasher, and it comes in many colors. The 10-ounce size costs $129 and the 14-ounce costs $149. Ember also launched a Tumbler 2 for car cup holders at $179.
🔍 The Backstory
Ember started selling its first smart mug in 2016. The idea was simple: coffee and tea go cold when you get distracted or take a call. A battery and heating coil keep the drink at the temperature you choose.
Earlier versions were controlled only through a Bluetooth app, and some owners had trouble pairing the mug. The new model puts the controls back on the mug itself. The reviewer liked that, but said the button is awkward to press when the mug is full of hot liquid.
🎯 Why It Matters
It is a small gadget, but it shows how everyday objects keep getting chips, batteries and apps. It also shows a common fix: when an app gets in the way, put the controls back on the product.
Ember released the Mug 3, the third version of its heated smart mug. The biggest change is a button on the bottom that cycles through five heat settings, from 125 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you can change the temperature without opening the phone app.
The mug holds a drink at the set heat for up to three hours on one charge. It has a sliding lid, it is safe on the top rack of a dishwasher, and it comes in many colors. The 10-ounce size costs $129 and the 14-ounce costs $149. Ember also launched a Tumbler 2 for car cup holders at $179.
Ember started selling its first smart mug in 2016. The idea was simple: coffee and tea go cold when you get distracted or take a call. A battery and heating coil keep the drink at the temperature you choose.
Earlier versions were controlled only through a Bluetooth app, and some owners had trouble pairing the mug. The new model puts the controls back on the mug itself. The reviewer liked that, but said the button is awkward to press when the mug is full of hot liquid.
It is a small gadget, but it shows how everyday objects keep getting chips, batteries and apps. It also shows a common fix: when an app gets in the way, put the controls back on the product.