The vibe shift
If you’re the type of person who makes a hot tea, gets distracted for five minutes, and then realizes your drink is basically cold, I feel you. Ember is back with the Mug 3, the third generation of their "smart mug" designed to keep your beverage at the perfect temp. It’s definitely giving main character energy for those cozy fall nights in, but let’s look at what’s actually new.
The tech deets
The biggest flex here is that you don't have to use the app to control your temp anymore. There’s now a physical button on the bottom of the mug that lets you cycle through five heat presets, starting at 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Every press bumps it up by five degrees, topping out at 145. Real talk: it’s super convenient when your phone is lowkey across the room and you don't want to get up.
However, the design is a bit of a flop. Putting the button on the bottom of a mug full of boiling liquid is… a choice. It’s hard to reach and you kind of have to tilt the cup to get it to register. It’s not the most intuitive user experience, no cap.
Other upgrades
If you still love the app, it’s still there for deep-diving into custom presets (like 132 degrees for your green tea). Other notable updates include:
- Spill protection: A new sliding lid so you don't ruin your keyboard.
- Battery life: Keeps drinks warm for up to three hours on one charge.
- Cleaning: It’s finally top-rack dishwasher-safe. Just don’t put it in the microwave unless you want to see some fireworks.
The 10-ounce model costs $129, while the 14-ounce version is $149 and comes in a bunch of colors like sage green and lavender. Ember also dropped the Tumbler 2 for $179 if you need something that actually fits in a car cup holder.
Why it matters
Is a $150 mug extra? Highkey, yes. But if you’re a caffeine-dependent student or worker who hates microwaving the same cup of tea four times a day, this is a legit quality-of-life upgrade. It separates the "I need a drink" from the "I need a drink that doesn't taste like lukewarm puddle water."
