Xiaomi Mi Pad 4, a bargain tablet you may never see
Xiaomi Mi Pad 4, a bargain tablet you may never see
Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi makes some excellent products, such as the new Mi 8 phone. Now it's released the Mi Pad 4, an 8-inch tablet that starts at 1,100 yuan (about $170, £130 or AU$230).
The Mi Pad 4 comes with a neat list of features that includes:
1,920x1,200 display (16:10) at 283 ppi
Snapdragon 660 processor
6,000-mAh battery
Face unlock
13MP back camera, 5MP selfie camera, both f2.0
Metal back
3GB with 32GB or 4GB with 64GB options
Micro SD card slot
Dual channel (2.4/5 GHz) 2x2 Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi plus 4G LTE
Adding LTE increases the price to only about 1,500 yuan ($230, £175, AU$310 converted).
Given the current politically charged economic climate, we may unfortunately never see it in the US. But the company has stated its plans to come to the US by the end of 2018 or beginning of 2019, so there could be hope for Xiaomi's fans in the west.
Amazon boxes + Transformers = Amazon Prime Halloween costume
Amazon boxes + Transformers = Amazon Prime Halloween costume
Earth is threatened by a malevolent species of sentient robots. You also need a refill of toilet paper and some cucumber-mint-scented hand sanitizer, and you need them fast. Who are you going to call? Amazon Prime, defender of both our planet and two-day shipping.
Caron Arnold, creative director of Fusion Marketing in St. Louis, conquered the office Halloween costume contest with a clever and beautifully built costume that combines Optimus Prime from "Transformers" with Amazon Prime's fast shipping service.
Arnold says it took her about 10 hours over the course of several days to compile a collection of cardboard boxes, complete with Amazon tape advertising the Echo voice assistant, into a wearable costume that looks like Optimus Prime in bipedal form (his other incarnation is as a semi truck).
A lot of hot glue went into the construction. Arnold took some inspiration for the build from a more traditional-looking Transformers Instructables project.
Arnold doesn't work for Amazon and the online retailing behemoth isn't one of her firm's clients. She does, however, make extensive use of Prime. She collected her Prime boxes, and co-workers contributed their own containers to the cause.
The clothing under the costume is a perfect match for the color scheme. Arnold, a Star Wars fan, says the leggings have a C-3PO design, while the turtleneck and gloves came from Amazon. The crowning glory of the outfit is the tape gun that replaces Optimus Prime's usual weapon, an ion blaster.
Arnold prefers the old-school "Transformers" animated television series to the new blockbuster movies. Her general fondness for robots (Data from Star Trek and R2-D2 from Star Wars are favorites) made the costume a perfect fit for her. And, yes, she took first place in the contest.
I Used Loop to Hack My Insulin Pump to Better Control My Blood Sugar Levels
I Used Loop to Hack My Insulin Pump to Better Control My Blood Sugar Levels
I hacked my insulin pump for more control over my blood sugar levels, and I have no plans to use an approved system anytime soon. Before I get into that, here's some background on me.
In May 2021 I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 30. This came as a huge shock with many life changes. I began using insulin, started wearing a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM, to track my blood sugar levels and got an insulin pump that I wear at all times. Soon after, I heard about an experimental open-source application called Loop that offers more flexibility and control over blood sugar levels, but it wasn't yet cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Loop was built by a community of hackers known as #WeAreNotWaiting and released in 2016. The system regulates blood sugar levels using CGM readings and an insulin pump paired with a sophisticated algorithm running on an iPhone. The connection between these devices creates what's called a "closed loop system." Other closed loop systems approved by the FDA exist, but they don't offer as much customization and flexibility.
The Loop app dashboard displays pump and blood sugar data.
Justin Eastzer/CNET
With Loop, I can control my insulin pump with an iPhone and Apple Watch, which isn't possible on other systems. I can log carb entries based on absorption time of different foods, and the app will even estimate my actual carb intake based on its algorithm and the movement of my blood sugar levels. Loop also allows for customizable temporary overrides, which adjust my target blood sugar range and insulin needs during certain activities, such as working out or drinking alcohol.
Loop gives users the ability to create and customize temporary overrides to adjust target blood sugar range and insulin delivery.
Justin Eastzer/CNET
Though Loop runs on an iPhone, it can't be downloaded from the Apple App Store. (Note: Apple recommends against this "sideloading" of apps.) I had to download files and build Loop myself using an Apple Developer account and Xcode on a Mac. As a tech-savvy person, I didn't have any trouble setting up Loop, but for others it may be a more difficult task. Luckily, that could soon change.
The nonprofit organization Tidepool wants to make Loop easily accessible to anyone who needs it. In January 2021, Tidepool submitted Loop to the FDA for clearance as what the agency calls an interoperable automated glycemic controller, an app that can be downloaded on the app store and be used with any pump. All pumps right now use their own proprietary software, but with Tidepool Loop, users would get to choose their own system.
We reached out to the FDA for comment and are awaiting a response.
Tidepool Loop isn't cleared for use in the US or outside the US. Displayed is a conceptual rendering of a product currently under FDA review.
Tidepool
Loop currently works with the Omnipod Eros and older Medtronic insulin pumps, with support for the Omnipod Dash pump arriving in an upcoming app release. Supported CGMs include the Dexcom G4, G5 and G6, as well as Medtronic sensors connected to Loop-compatible Medtronic pumps.
Find out more about Loop's unique features and its origins by watching the video at the top of the article. And as a reminder, this is a DIY application that's not cleared by the FDA. Until it is, Loop will remain an "at your own risk" product. You can learn more about Loop here.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Last minute shopper? These stores offer same and next-day delivery
Last minute shopper? These stores offer same and next-day delivery
This story is part of Gift Guide, our year-round collection of the best gift ideas.
If you haven't finished up your holiday shopping, you may be noticing that it's becoming harder and harder to find gifts that you can get delivered in time. We've passed the shipping deadline for several online retailers already, and if you're against going to an actual store to shop you may be feeling a bit hopeless.
There are some stores out there that offer same-day and next-day shipping options in certain areas, so you may be able to pull this off. Keep in mind that these services are not available in all locations and often have specific requirements for order amounts and daily time deadlines.
Below is some information that may be able to help you get the perfect gift for that special someone in time for the holidays.
Read more: Holiday shipping deadlines expired: Do Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Apple curbside pickup instead
Amazon
Amazon's same-day delivery service is available to Prime members in various ZIP codes across the country. To qualify for free same-day shipping you'll need to spend $35 on qualifying products, which are marked as "Prime Free Same-Day Delivery." There is a daily cut-off time and the listing will tell you how much time you have left to order it so you can receive it the same day.
Best Buy
Some Best Buy locations offer same-day delivery on in-stock products. You need to place your order by 5 p.m. local time daily (except Sunday, which is 3 p.m.) to qualify. This service is far more limited than Amazon and Walmart's, but be sure to check and see if you can get anything delivered the same day, otherwise you may want to opt for curbside pickup.
Walmart
Walmart offers free same-day shipping on orders of $35 or more as part of its Walmart Plus subscription. The items will need to be available in your local Walmart for the same-day shipping to happen, otherwise there are a ton of items that are available with free next-day shipping. Walmart Plus members can have anything shipped to their home for free without limits.
Target
Target's same-day delivery service is powered by Shipt, which is a bit different from the others in this list. Shipt is a third-party service that requires a membership in order to get the benefits. One great part of the service is that you can schedule the delivery (within available times) and in some locations you can get the order as soon as 60 minutes after placing it.
Sephora
Sephora has partnered with Instacart for its same-day deliveries. If you're a member of Sephora's Beauty Insider program you can get free same-day delivery through Christmas using code SAMEDAY.
Macy's
Through a partnership with DoorDash, Macy's is able to deliver a lot of items to you the same day or the very next day. Eligible items have a special icon next to them so you can easily identify these as you shop. You will need to pay a $15 fee for orders that would qualify for free standard shipping, or $26 for any other order.
GameStop
For orders placed on GameStop's site or mobile app you can get same-day delivery when you pick "Deliver Today" during the checkout process. It's available up until three hours before your local store closes, and does vary based on inventory at that store.
Costco
While it's mainly for groceries, Costco does offer same-day delivery through Instacart for orders of $35 or more. It's worth noting that the price in the app and the price in Costco's warehouse are often different, so you will likely be paying a little extra on each item for the convenience.
Bed Bath & Beyond
Bed Bath & Beyond may not be the first place you think of, but it offers thousands of items with same-day delivery for a $10 flat-fee. Availability will vary based on local inventory, but it's worth checking to see what it has if you can't find what you want elsewhere.
How to Change Your Windows 11 Wallpaper in 5 Easy Steps
How to Change Your Windows 11 Wallpaper in 5 Easy Steps
Microsoft's Windows 11 operating system came with a ton of new features like Android apps on your Windows PC, natively supporting Microsoft Teams and a cleaner, more Mac-like design. But Windows 11 also gives you options for new wallpaper.
If you're not a fan of Microsoft's new default wallpaper -- a blooming, abstract flower shape that pays homage to Windows 10's royal blue colors -- you can change it up. Windows 11 has other default images, or you can change your wallpaper to a photo you've saved or uploaded to your PC.
Read more:Windows 11 is Familiar but Fresh
We'll show you how to switch your wallpaper to a background you're fond of with just a few steps. You can also create virtual desktops and a breakdown of our favorite features. This story was recently updated.
The default Windows 11 wallpaper features an abstract blue swirl design.
Microsoft/Screenshot by Sarah Tew/CNET
Once you have access to Windows 11, here's how to change your wallpaper:
1. Click the on-screen Windows button or press the Windows button on your keyboard.
2. Click Settings.
3. Go to Personalization.
4. Choose Background.
5. Select an already available image or click Browse to search for an image you've saved to your PC.
Changes to the default wallpaper only scratch the surface of the design and feature changes found on the Windows 11 desktop. For example, you'll also find ways to customize your Windows 11 desktop with widgets, virtual desktops and Snap Group layouts.
For more, check out the big changes between Windows 10 and Windows 11 and where you can find the new Start menu.
Instant Pot's Vortex Plus proves 2019 really is the year of the air fryer
Instant Pot's Vortex Plus proves 2019 really is the year of the air fryer
Earlier this year, my colleagues and I scoured the aisles of the International Home and Housewares Show in Chicago looking for the hottest kitchen innovations. What we found were air fryers. Everywhere.
Now, Instant Pot has released its own air fryer (with six other functions, of course), called the Instant Vortex Plus. Looks like the combination cooking trend isn't going away anytime soon.
Air frying is moving from a dedicated special appliance to a mode on your toaster oven or even your full-size oven. Other cooking functions might soon follow, too.
Read more:Best air fryers of 2019: Philips, Cuisinart, Black and Decker and more
Cuisinart's newest toaster oven includes an air fry button.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Combining multiple cooking functions in one device isn't new. We've seen products like the Thermomix TM5 attempt it in years past. Adding an air fryer to a toaster oven isn't breaking news, either. Breville was the first to introduce the air fryer-toaster oven concept in 2018.
But the trend is exploding this year. At the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Las Vegas, Frigidaire and Bosch both announced air fryer buttons on their newest full-size ovens. Cuisinart, Galanz Americas, Hamilton Beach and De'Longhi all showed off new air fryer toaster ovens for 2019 at IHHS.
And of course, there's Instant Pot. The brand known for its countertop multicookers released the combination air fryer in early July. The $119 Instant Vortex Plus is only available at Walmart and has a seven-in-one design with air fry, roast, broil, bake, reheat and dehydrate. There's also a rotate option for rotisserie cooking.
Chris Monroe/CNET
It's sensible enough, given that many toaster ovens already perform a myriad of heating tasks such as baking, broiling, reheating and even rotisserie-style cooking. Most models we saw included the classic wire frying basket in one form or another, and other specialty functions like modes specifically made for pizza and cookies.
Combining (or as I affectionately call it, "Frankensteining") multiple functions in one device is more popular than ever before. Some companies are taking a simple approach. Black & Decker is releasing a sous vide-slow cooker combination device this year that's fine-tuned for those two functions.
Others are more ambitious when it comes to how many tasks one appliance can perform. Galanz, a Chinese company bringing its brand to the US for the first time this year as Galanz Americas, showcased a four-in-one appliance called the ToastWave that can microwave, convection bake, air fry and toast your food.
It's not just the heating element. Gourmia recently announced a new CoolCooker line that includes a pressure cooker and a multicooker with built-in refrigeration to keep foods cool until scheduled cooking begins.
The Black & Decker Sous Vide Slow Cooker performs both functions and includes a temperature probe.
Chris Monroe/CNET
Is it great to have fewer small appliances cluttering up your countertop? Yes. Is it cost-effective (in most cases) to buy a combo device rather than two separate appliances? Yes. Still, those perks aren't enough to convince me that a combination cooker is a smart buy.
For these to really be the right choice for most homes, they need to work well. I don't mean a passing C- grade for adequately accomplishing the tasks they advertise. I mean really work well. That's what will make these options truly worth it. After all, I'd rather have a great air fryer making an extra crispy batch of snacks and a great toaster oven for my morning bagel than one below-average combination of the two.
If small appliance makers can master the all-in-one style appliance, how does that affect their bottom line? Are they hoping these multitaskers will sell well enough to offset the demise and discontinuation of all their single-function models? Clearly, I have questions.
For now, I'll keep my task-specific workhorses around until a worthy jack-of-all-trades comes around.
I think it's safe to say that Samsung's The Frame is unlike any other TV on the market right now. With a sleek, customizable bezel, it's designed to blend in with your home's decor and looks like a large piece of wall art when it's not in use. It doesn't skimp on the specs for the stunning QLED display, either. As you might expect for an ultramodern TV like this, it usually comes with a pretty hefty price tag. But today only at Woot, you can snag a 43-inch model for $850, a 15% discount off the usual price. This deal runs through the end of the day, or until stocks run out.
Don't be fooled by its rather quaint appearance -- The Frame is a high-tech powerhouse of a TV. It boasts a dazzling 4K resolution, HDR support and an AI processor that automatically optimizes you content's picture and sound. When it's not in use, The Frame shifts into "art mode" where it acts as stunning digital picture frame. You can either upload your own pictures and artwork, or choose from hundreds of preset options in Samsung's digital gallery. It's even equipped with a built-in motion sensor so it can automatically turn itself off when you're not at home to help save on energy costs. The interchangeable bezels snap into place magnetically and come in lots of different colors and finishes so you can find one to match your home's style.
