We researched similar solutions that had the possibility to solve the issue proposed in our problem statement. We analyzed how each device functioned and assessed the pros and cons of each device to help us go forward with the project.
HidrateSpark Smart Water Bottle | $69 99
The HidrateSpark Smart Water Bottle is a highly accurate smart bottle with a glowing bottom that lights up in different colors as a reminder to drink. It utilizes technology that tracks water consumption and an app that syncs to the water bottle via Bluetooth to manage the system, send notifications, and provide suggestions for water consumption. The water bottle can even keep drinks cool because it is made of a stainless steel vacuum-insulated material made to maintain the temperature of the drink inside.
PROS
maintains water temperature
control with a smartphone app through Bluetooth
tracks water consumption and location
gives reminders to drink
highly customizable
CONS
expensive cost
glowing bottom may become hidden
sensors are not always accurate
works inconsistently
not durable
DYLN Alkaline Water Bottle | $39 99
The DYLN alkaline water bottle is an insulated water bottle that keeps water cold, but it does not only keep the water cold. It also makes the water more desirable by infusing the water with alkaline minerals which makes hydration more effective. A pH of up to 9 helps to neutralize acids and keep people healthy through the clean water that it provides.
PROS
maintains water temperature
keeps water at a healthy pH level
has a replaceable mineral diffuser
long-lasting mineral diffuser
works with any water
CONS
people might not prefer alkaline water
mineral diffuser needs to be replaced
difficult to drink through straw
dimensions are too small
cannot track water consumption
ARC Bottle | $21 99
The ARC bottle is a plastic water bottle that utilizes time markers to remind people to drink their water. It is clear so that the water can be seen through the bottle, and the goal is to drink each amount of water by each time marker. Unlike other water bottles like this, however, the ARC bottle is much more portable because it has two-timed marker rows and is meant to be refilled, which makes it an effective water bottle for ensuring people drink enough water without having to carry around massive bottles.
PROS
provides a time tracker for water consumption
transparent design makes the water level visible
consistent water consumption reminders
smaller than other manual water tracking bottles
durable material
CONS
does not regulate temperature
requires manual tracking of water consumption
not specific to individual people
does not prevent condensation from collecting
difficult to clean
Ulla Smart Hydration Reminder | $30 00
The Ulla smart hydration reminder device can be attached to water bottles of any size, shape, or material and is helpful for reminding people when to drink their water by flashing a light when they go too long without taking a sip. It works by sensing when people drink from the water bottle to remind them to drink more often, however, it does not sense how much water someone is drinking, so its assumptions on how often someone should drink water to get enough may not always be accurate.
PROS
can attach to any water bottle
small and portable
gives reminders to drink
is fully automated
has a very long battery life
CONS
comparatively expensive cost
does not regulate temperature
only tracks water consumption frequency
not specific to individual people
requires replaceable batteries
Vapur Water Bottle | $11 99
The Vapur water bottle is a flexible container for holding water that can be collapsed when it is empty so that it can be carried around easily, which is especially helpful for active lifestyles. The water bottle is also committed to sustainability as it aims to be a reusable alternative to disposable water bottles and ultimately eliminate the need for disposable water bottles.
PROS
inexpensive price
reusable and flexible
collapsible when empty
many different colors and styles available
dishwasher and freezer safe
CONS
does not regulate temperature
floppy structure
risk of tearing or breaking
does not ensure clean water
cannot track water consumption
LARQ Bottle | $59 50
The LARQ bottle is a portable water filtration system that utilizes a high-performance filter technology, providing a clean drinking experience all while keeping the water cold. It also uses a low-pressure straw, making drinking easier, and the filter lasts a long time and is capable of filtering about the amount of 300 single-use water bottles, which generally lasts two months before the filter needs to be replaced.
PROS
maintains water temperature
easily portable because of the detachable carabiner
easy-to-drink low pressure straw design
filter cleans water of contaminants
long-lasting filter
CONS
semi-expensive cost
long filter that can get in the way
filter needs to be replaced regularly
low-pressure straw often does not work
cannot track water consumption
Waatr Bottle | $79 00
The Waatr bottle introduces an innovative line of portable water purification systems with the goal of helping people to switch to a healthier and more sustainable alternative to single-use plastic water bottles. The technology used eliminates the need for filters and instead uses a UV purification system in the cap to clean the water. In addition to the bottles themselves, however, there are also caps that can be bought separately for other bottles from many other major brands, making the technology available to even those who don’t want to buy a full Waatr bottle.
PROS
maintains water temperature
varied sizes to fit any sized bottle
many available accessories
cleans itself hourly
compact water purifier system without filter
CONS
expensive cost
needs to be charged
may break if dropped
water does not taste different
cannot track water consumption
Ember Temperature Control Mug | $199 95
The Ember temperature control mug is a cup meant for holding hot beverages that uses technology that is capable of regulating the temperature not only though insulation but through digital controls as well, which allow for users to set the temperature of their beverage to keep it at a hot temperature. These controls are also available from a smartphone app so that people can control the temperature, set presets, receive notifications, and more. The cup also has a long battery life and even has a charging coaster that comes with it for if it is to be used throughout the day so that it can last. It also can intelligently sense when to turn on and off, automatically sleeping to preserve battery life. Finally, in addition to the electronics, the mug also has a 360° leak-proof lid to prevent spills.
PROS
maintain the temperature of a hot beverage
control with touch controls or a smartphone app
long battery life and coaster charger
intelligently senses when to turn on and off
multi-angle leakproof lid design
CONS
expensive cost
limited temperature regulation range
main cup is not dishwasher safe
lid is easily broken
cannot track water consumption