Ember Launches Smaller iPhone-Controlled Coffee Cup With Temperature Control

[MacRumors]

Ember this week expanded its lineup of temperature-controlled mugs with a new 6-ounce Ember Cup designed for espresso-based drinks such as cappuccinos, cortados, and flat whites. Ember Cup pricing starts at $99.95 in the United States, making it the cheapest option in the Ember lineup, but it is also quite small.

With a built-in battery, the Ember Cup keeps your coffee or other hot beverage at your desired drinking temperature for up to 90 minutes, or for as long as necessary when placed on the included charging coaster. The cup can be connected to an iPhone via Bluetooth, allowing it to be controlled with the Ember app to set your preferred temperature between 120°F and 145°F, preset temperatures based on drink type, and more.

When used without a smartphone, the Ember Cup keeps beverages at 135°F by default. A smart LED on the bottom of the cup indicates when the beverage has reached the desired temperature, which is then maintained by the cup.

While the Ember Cup is the most affordable Ember model today, it is worth noting that the original Ember Mug used to start at $79.95 when we reviewed it several years ago. Ember Mug pricing has since increased to $129.95 for the 10-ounce option and to $149.95 for the 14-ounce option. There is also an Ember Travel Mug available for $199.95.

Ember Cup can be ordered through Ember's website, with a black model available for $99.95 and a copper model available for $129.95. Apple also sells Ember Mugs through its online store, but it does not yet carry the Ember Cup.

Article Link: Ember Launches Smaller iPhone-Controlled Coffee Cup With Temperature Control

 

[SW3029]

Come on stop

 

[SSDGUY]

When my coffee stays hot, Safari seems snappier. Win-win.

 

[montuori]

Am I the only one who sees this as a solution in search of a problem?

 

[Nicole1980]

"While the Ember Cup is the most affordable Ember model today, it is worth noting that the original Ember Mug used to start at $79.95 when we reviewed it several years ago. Ember Mug pricing has since increased to $129.95 for the 10-ounce option and to $149.95 for the 14-ounce option. There is also an Ember Travel Mug available for $199.95."

I'm guessing that they discovered their only buyers were rich folks who make frivolous purchases and they realized that's the kind of customer base who would still buy it whether it's $80 or $200.

 

[mister salty]

I literally created an account to say:
I hate this. I hate everything about it.

 

[Ice-Cube]

I got the first version many years ago and was disappointed by the charging mechanism. The charging prongs were exposed on the dock and lost connection after weeks of usage. Never understood why didn't they go with the same charging approach used by electric toothbrushes - those things can take a beating.

 

[mister salty]

I got the first version many years ago and was disappointed by the charging mechanism. The charging prongs were exposed on the dock and lost connection after weeks of usage. Never understood why didn't they go with the same charging approach used by electric toothbrushes - those things can take a beating.

The people must know: Why? Why spend money on such a thing?

 

[imdropbear]

10oz? How long do you guys typically need to keep your Espresso warm? Maybe it’s just me but I usually… just drink before it’s too cold.

 

[HorstBockman]

One consideration with coffee is, if not sealed from air (oxygen), it goes bad in about a half hour whether hot or cold. If you enjoy and paid good money for fine coffee, drink up.

 

[KaliYoni]

Anybody who drinks espresso shots or slightly enhanced espresso shots (e.g. espresso machiatto), not candy bar-equivalent "espresso" concoctions invented by fast food chains, knows that espresso is meant to consumed immediately after it is extracted. Waiting even a couple of minutes, or, worse, cooking it with a heater gadget and then drinking it half an hour later, is a waste of money...both on the coffee and on the gadget.

 

[jarman92]

The people must know: Why? Why spend money on such a thing?

Because it's amazing. I thought it was ridiculous at first too, but then I got one and now I literally can't drink out of anything else. It's just great to have a cup of coffee/tea at the perfect temperature at all times.

 

[Corsig]

I would love this as a gift with someone else paying this amount but oh helllls no buying it myself

 

[GDF]

I drink my cappuccino’s so fast, that I can not see a need for this.

 

[robertcoogan]

Well, another invention to place on the shelf. Right next to the Bluetooth-controlled shower.

 

[sigmasirrus]

Why not just use an insulated mug with a lid? Like $20 or less…

 

[6787872]

Because it's amazing. I thought it was ridiculous at first too, but then I got one and now I literally can't drink out of anything else. It's just great to have a cup of coffee/tea at the perfect temperature at all times.

wait until you find out about the miracle of insulation

 

[szw-mapple fan]

I get the existence of the larger cups to some extent but 6oz is essentially cappuccino size. I don't know if such a small drink needs to kept warm for so long.

 

[macrumors3131]

The copper one looks really nice.

 

[mingoglia]

I have one of the larger ones. I bought it because I'm the ultimate consumer and can easily be separated from my money. LOL. it's really not a bad cup though, it's just expensive. I used it during the winter for hot chocolate at the office. Our hot water dispenser is super-hot so I'd bring my cup back to the office and it would send me a notification when my drink got down to 134 degrees, which is the temp I set. It's expensive, and to most it is not worth it, but it does work and feels quality made. Now that it's over 100 degrees in AZ I have it in a box somewhere and will likely forget/lose it before next winter.

 

[jdclifford]

Am I the only one who sees this as a solution in search of a problem?

It's not a solution to anything!

 

[rpmurray]

Now they just need to make one that keeps your beverages cold.

 

[szw-mapple fan]

Why not just use an insulated mug with a lid? Like $20 or less…

Or at most if you really want the functionality get a cup warmer that lets you use any cup you want and does the same thing.

 

[tweaknmod]

I feel the need to chime-in, as I absolutely love my Ember Mug. (I have the 10 14oz one, I think Edited)

Though I was initially hesitant, due to the price, I couldn't be happier with my purchase. I drink my coffee and tea relatively slowly, and having it at the perfect temperature - no matter what - is fantastic.

Considering how much coffee and tea I drink, and how much it improves my day-to-day work and/or relaxation time, it's a small price to pay, really - I've paid far more for gadgets, clothes, and other bits that I use far less often.

If you drink your hot drinks a bit slowly, yet like them hot, this is the product line for you, my friend.

Note: I find the irony of people freaking out about other people spending more than average on a gadget, while on an Apple-based forum, to be deliciously hilarious.

 

[sta66s]

It's not a solution to anything!

Yea I gotta agree. Yet another app controlled battery powered thing that is literally LESS useful than a YETI.