For Subscribers

4 'Smart' Objects That Have Earned the Name Maybe the future is finally here.

By Maggie Wiley

This story appears in the December 2016 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »

Catfi
Catfi

We know, we know -- plenty of "smart" objects out there are pretty dumb. (Parents don't need a sensor-laden diaper to know when their baby needs a change; a baby can sound that alarm on her own.) But the industry is evolving. "The problem isn't delivering solutions as much as discovering opportunities," says Nick Jones, an industry analyst at Gartner. Sensors, processors and networking chips are now fairly cheap, and the opportunities for thoughtful entrepreneurs are countless. Says Jones: "This space is more limited by imagination than by technology." These four products hint at our smarter future.

Related: What's Ahead in 2017? Six Experts Share Predictions.


Eko Core Digital Stethoscope

Eko Core Digital Stethoscope

For centuries, doctors relied on hollow, sound-amplifying tubes in stethoscopes to hear a patient's heartbeat. The Eko Core Digital Stethoscope streams the sound waves to the cloud, where they become part of a larger database of medical records, helping doctors detect patterns and abnormalities.

Related: Trends 2017: Opportunities Entrepreneurs Are Chasing Now


June Intelligent Oven

June Intelligent Oven

The June Intelligent Oven looks like a high-tech Easy-Bake Oven, but it functions like a souped-up computer. The cavity contains a scale, a camera and a smart thermometer. Pop a tray of cookie dough inside and the oven's bank of algorithms and preloaded recipes can decipher what it is and how to best cook it. Replacing home-cooked meals with home-programmed meals might sound like culinary sacrilege, but hey, it's still better than Seamless!

Related: 4 Experts on The Trends They Hope Are Nearly Over


CatFi

CatFi

The CatFi cat feeder uses facial-recognition technology to identify your cat (versus your neighbor's pesky cat). The idea is still in beta testing, but a fully realized model would also include a scale to assess exactly how much food your cat needs, based on weight. "Complex and sophisticated pet feeders appeal to owners willing to spend a lot of money on their pets," says Jones, who is a fan of the smart feeders. "The Internet of Things is enabling all sorts of new gadgets that never existed before."


Ember Mug

Ember Mug

It's a fact of life: Coffee gets cold -- unless it's poured into an intelligent mug designed by a thermal engineer.

Ember can keep coffee hot for two hours via a heating-and-cooling storage system hidden in the mug's walls, which communicates with temperature sensors and a microprocessor. At $150, it's a pricey way to drink coffee -- but if it takes off and the tech becomes more accessible, expect future versions to cost less.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

This One Leadership Move Will Transform Your Team's Loyalty and Performance

Most leaders focus on technical skills, but this lesser-known trait quietly shapes team loyalty, engagement and long-term performance.

Science & Technology

We Spent a Decade Building Virtual Worlds — What We Discovered Could Reshape the Future of Business

What we learned about scale, AI and ownership when we tried to connect thousands of people in real time.

Side Hustle

7 Ways Ecommerce Is Helping People Rebuild Their Lives

Ecommerce is more than just a business model. For many, it's about finding stability, freedom and a way to feel in control.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Science & Technology

The Hidden Dangers of Using Generative AI in Your Business

Rushing to adopt generative AI can derail your business. Here's what leaders need to know.

Leadership

Why the Most Powerful CEOs Today Lead With Authenticity, Not Silence

The most effective CEOs today build trust and brand value by leading with authenticity and personal conviction.