Image used with permission by copyright holderXiaomi has yet to hit its sixth birthday, but already, the Chinese smartphone maker has made a name for itself in domestic and foreign markets alike. After catapulting its way to the top and becoming the fifth-largest smartphone maker in the world, the Beijing-based firm is expanding its already formidable empire. No longer just a smartphone company, Xiaomi has launched its first sub-brand, and is making its way into the smart home space. And its latest product? A smart rice cooker.
The brand new “Mi Induction Heating Pressure Rice Cooker” (a lengthy but truly descriptive name), sits under the company’s brand new Mi Ecosystem brand. Attempting to highlight the notion that Xiaomi’s products have a place in many different industries and markets, this ecosystem includes such gadgets and gizmos as a scooter, a router, a water purifier, and now, of course, this rice cooker.
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While the Japanese have long maintained a monopoly over the best rice cookers in the world, the Chinese company is planning on giving its neighbors a run for their money (or rather, their business). The smartphone-controlled rice cooker will be able to change its settings based on the type of grain used. “Users can scan their pack of rice to identify the type of rice, brand, and origin, and based on that, the rice cooker can adjust its heating methodology to best suit the type of rice. It currently supports more than 200 brands of rice, and this will be expanded in the future,” Xiaomi said in a statement.
And don’t worry — if you want to cook more than rice in the Mi Induction unit, you’ll be able to make cakes, other baked goods, and more with the cooker. The latest Xiaomi product will debut on the company’s sixth birthday on April 6 for the equivalent of around $150. While it’s unclear as to whether you’ll be able to buy the cooker outside of China, if it’s anywhere near as cool as Xiaomi claims, we’ll probably want to be able to get it stateside, too.
How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription
Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.
One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.
Amazon’s Echo Pop smart speaker is 43% off, and it’s not even Prime Day
Usually we see the best Amazon Echo deals around Prime Day or other Amazon sales events. However, today, you can buy an Amazon Echo Pop for a super low price of $23. It normally costs $40 which is already pretty reasonable so being able to snag one for just $23 is pretty great. A useful addition to any room in your home, let’s take a look at what to expect.
Why you should buy the Amazon Echo Pop
One of the best smart speakers around when it comes to value and functionality, the Amazon Echo Pop is a great little addition to your home. Available in different colors to suit the aesthetic of your home, the compact smart speaker offers full sound that’s particularly well suited for bedrooms and small spaces. It’s small enough to blend in while still being pretty loud.
Blink sale: Up to 42% off home security cameras and video doorbells
To make sure that your family is safe at all times, you should think about investing in video doorbells and security camera deals. If you're thinking about buying them right now, you're in luck because Amazon just launched a sale for discounts of up to 42% on various Blink devices. As one of the most trusted names in the home security space with their compatibility with Amazon's Alexa, we don't think stocks will last long for these offers, so it's highly recommended that you choose what to purchase and proceed with the transaction as soon as possible in order to pocket the savings.
