Nest, which makes one of the world's most popular baby monitors, has recently pitched an idea that might usher in a new era of baby-tracking technology. Called the Smart Crib, Nest's proposed device, which was recently revealed in patent documents, would be able to track numerous aspects of a baby's behavior.

The Nest Smart Crib, which is speculated to be released to consumers next year, is alleged to be equipped with a number of cutting-edge features that were never before included in a baby-tracking device.

Though the specifications of the Smart Crib have not been publicly released, it is speculated that it would include features such as cameras, microphones, an air sensor, pressure sensors, as well as motion sensors, to name a few. Apart from these, the Smart Crib would most probably also include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, in order to communicate with other smart devices in the home.

These features would work hand-in-hand in order to provide full monitoring of a baby's condition while inside the tech-filled crib. Apart from monitoring babies, the Smart Crib would also be able to perform as an entertainment device, with a projector, speakers and LED lights that could potentially soothe and entertain a baby, just in case the infant wakes up too early, for example.

Though the Smart Crib does include a number of very useful innovations, the initial reaction to Nest's upcoming device have been polarized for the most part. While some parents were quick to embrace the new innovations, such as the air sensors which are designed to warn parents if the baby vomits or needs a diaper change, other, more conservative parents have bashed the device for essentially taking away a significant part of the parental involvement in taking care of a baby.

Plus, other critics of the upcoming device have pointed out that Nest, the company which is set to manufacture the device, does not have a very good track record of supporting their devices. Thus, it would be a rather risky scenario if Nest suddenly decides to stop supporting older versions of the Smart Crib without much notice.

Regardless of the criticisms about the device, however, it is undeniable that the Smart Crib is a device that would definitely make it easier to take care of a baby. In today's world, such products are always welcome.