Mortgage underwriting: How long it takes and everything else you need to know

Mortgage underwriting: How long it takes and everything else you need to know

When buying a home, mortgage underwriters evaluate your risk level to help a lender decide if your application should be approved. The mortgage underwriting process happens behind the scenes after you submit a mortgage application. The underwriting decision will ultimately determine if you qualify for a home loan, so it's helpful to understand the process, how to prepare and mistakes to avoid. 

What is mortgage underwriting?

Mortgage underwriting is the part of the homebuying process when a bank assesses your delinquency risk -- that is, how likely you are to be unable to repay a home loan. During the underwriting process, you'll provide financial documents, including pay stubs, bank statements, W-9s, tax returns and profit/loss statements (for self-employed applicants) -- which will help a lender determine your creditworthiness along with your mortgage application. The more favorable your credit profile, the more likely you are to be approved -- and qualify for a lower interest rate.

What is an underwriter? What do they do? 

Underwriters determine an applicant's creditworthiness and ability to pay back the mortgage over a loan's lifetime.

There are two types of underwriters: manual, handled by a real person, and automatic, which is managed by software. In both cases, your delinquency risk is assessed by reviewing your financial information and credit history. Automatic underwriting uses an artificial intelligence-driven computer program to determine your delinquency risk. 

Although automated underwriting is faster, it's less flexible than manual underwriting. A manual underwriter can better account for inconsistent income or an error on a credit report. Some lenders use a combination of manual and automated underwriting to streamline this process.

Who pays for underwriting varies among lenders, but in most cases, the borrower (home buyer) is responsible for paying the underwriting costs during the closing process.

Five steps in the mortgage underwriting process

Step 1: Get prequalified

Before you start looking for a house, you can get prequalified to find out how much of a mortgage you're likely to be approved for. To prequalify you for a home, the lender will run a preliminary review of your financial information to determine if you can get approved for a mortgage. Be prepared to provide the following paperwork for prequalification:

• Government-issued ID
• Bank statements
• Pay stubs
• Prior two years W2s
• Prior two years tax returns
• Social security card

Once you're prequalified, it doesn't necessarily guarantee that you'll be approved for a home loan when you apply. Instead, it allows you to shop for a home within a set budget.

Step 2: Complete your mortgage application

Next, it's time to fill out a mortgage application and get preapproved for your home loan. During this step, you'll need all of the financial documents you provided when getting prequalified. The underwriter will perform a hard credit check and validate the financial information you've provided as part of the mortgage verification process.

Once verification is complete, the lender will issue a preapproval decision. If you're found to be a qualified applicant, your lender will issue a preapproval letter. Mortgage preapproval goes a step further than prequalification. When you're preapproved for a mortgage, the lender approves you for a specific loan amount, as long as your financial picture doesn't change.

Step 3: Make an offer on a home

With your preapproval letter in hand, you're ready to shop until you find the right house for your budget and lifestyle. When you do find the right home, you'll make an offer for the sellers to review. Having a preapproval letter can increase your chances of getting an offer approved quickly. It makes you stand out as a serious buyer since you're more likely to lock in financing.

Step 4: Wait for the appraisal and title search

If your offer is accepted, the lender will order an appraisal of the property. The appraisal helps determine the fair market value of a home and ensures the mortgage amount does not exceed the home's value. It's designed primarily to protect the lender, but it can also protect you from overspending on a house.

If the appraisal comes in for less than the asking price, you may need to search for an alternative property. Typically, the lender will not approve a home loan that exceeds the appraisal value. If the home has an asking price of $300,000, for instance, and appraises for $270,000, you would be responsible for making up the $30,000 difference. Sometimes, if a home appraisal comes in low, the seller will lower the asking price. Just be aware that you may have to walk away from a home that doesn't appraise as expected.

If the appraisal is in line with your offer and the loan amount, the lender will authorize a title search. The title company researches the property's history and ensures no claims exist on the property, such as a current mortgage or lien, pending legal action, restrictions or unpaid taxes. After the search, the title company issues a title insurance policy guaranteeing the search accuracy. Two title policies may be issued: one to protect the lender and sometimes, a separate policy to protect the buyer.

Step 5: The underwriting decision

Once all of the above steps are complete and your application is thoroughly reviewed, the underwriter will issue a judgment. Here are the most common underwriting decisions:

• Approved: You provided all documentation, there are no title issues, and you are approved to receive financing for the mortgage. The next step is to set a settlement or closing date to sign all paperwork and receive the keys to your new home.
• Approved with conditions: The loan is approved, but more documentation is needed. The required documentation could be a gift letter from funds received as down payment, proof of employment verification, letter of explanation or a completed and signed sales contract.
• Denied: The underwriter determined it is too risky to lend to you. This might mean your credit history has negative marks, your income is too low to qualify for the loan amount or your debt-to-income ratio is too high to qualify. Your lender should provide you with the reason for your denial, so you can work on improving any factors that impacted their decision.
• Suspended: The application has been put on hold because more documentation is needed. Once you supply the requested documents, the underwriting process can resume for a final decision.

How long does the underwriting process take? 

The typical underwriting process ranges from a couple of days to several weeks-- though the entire closing process usually takes 45 days. To make sure the process goes smoothly and quickly, respond promptly to any lender requests for information and give a heads up to any references you list (such as an employer) so they will be prepared. Many lenders allow you to check the status of the underwriting process online, so you can be proactive if any documentation is missing.

Mistakes to avoid during the underwriting process:

• Applying for new credit accounts. New credit applications and approvals can affect your DTI and change your credit score, which can impact your mortgage application. 

• Leaving a job. It could make things more complicated if you lose your job (or get a new one) during the homebuying process. If possible, wait until the mortgage process is complete before making any career changes.

• Hiding financial information. If the lender finds significant financial information you've hidden or failed to disclose, it can delay the underwriting process or cause a denial. 

Tips to streamline the mortgage underwriting process:

• Review your credit report: Before you start the mortgage underwriting process, check your credit report to make sure it's accurate and correct any information that is not right. The minimum credit score you'll need varies by the loan type and lender, but generally, you'll need a score of 620 or above to secure financing. A score of 760 or better will help you lock in the best interest rates. Be sure you review the credit requirements for your loan type before applying.
• Have your financial documents ready: Gather all the documents needed and submit them with the application. Check the underwriting status frequently so you can provide additional documents requested by the underwriter.
• Respond to lender inquiries promptly: If the lender or underwriter reaches out, respond quickly and provide any requested information as soon as possible.

Make a larger down payment: The larger your down payment, the better your chances of getting approved for a mortgage loan. A large down payment increases the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, making you a less risky applicant from an underwriting standpoint.

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Best Mental Health Apps for 2022

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Best Mental Health Apps for 2022

Therapy can be a daunting step to take, but it is important for us to treat our mental health appropriately, so we can lead better lives. There are a number of mental health apps that can go a long way in helping you relieve stress, bring down your anxiety or even help you take the first steps in going to therapy and talking to someone. Research shows that mental health apps are also a great way to improve your well-being and keep tabs on your wellness journey.

There's a lot to love about mental health apps -- the variety, the affordability and the features. They also bring mental health resources to people who otherwise couldn't get help due to finances, disabilities or location. But they're not all created equal. Not all mental health apps are backed by research or clinical insights. With between 10,000 to 20,000 wellness apps out there, it can be difficult to find the best option for you. We've pulled together a curated list of our top choices to make the process easier.

Read more: Best Online Therapy Services

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Talkspace takes our top spot for the best therapy app because of its 24/7 access to medical professionals. It's an affordable online therapy option that gives you more than just helpful guides and videos to watch. You have access to a licensed therapist wherever and whenever you need them. Talkspace is a great option for someone who is not comfortable going into an office or would rather have therapy appointments online. 

A 2020 study found that messaging a therapist through Talkspace reduced feelings of anxiety and depression. A different study said that using Talkspace's voice, video and text features also reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. Note that the researchers of the studies had connections to Talkspace.

Within the app, you have access to video, text and audio chat to communicate with your therapist. However, users note there is a 5-minute cap on audio messages. 

Talkspace is significantly more expensive than other apps on the list. However, if you're looking for an app that allows you to talk to a therapist directly, it may be worth the price. 

Price: Plans start at $65/week. 

Talkspace best features:

• Talkspace offers therapy with a mental health professional. Not all mental health apps offer this feature.
• You can change therapists. 
• Access to treatment and Talkspace features 24/7. 

Things to consider:

• Since it offers therapy, Talkspace is more expensive than other apps. Which may put it out of reach for some.
• You can use insurance to pay for Talkspace, but some users have noted customer service wait times and other insurance troubles. 

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Calm is one of the most well-known mental health apps in the wellness space, with over 100 million downloads. We consider Calm one of the best meditation apps because of its comprehensive offerings, including breathing techniques and calming exercises. 

The Calm app is pretty easy to navigate and organized well. When you open the app, you are prompted to take a few deep breaths. Then you select what your main goals are so that your recommendations are tailored to your needs. You also can track statistics within the app, such as how long you have been using the app or how many sessions you've completed. 

The free version of Calm is limited, but there is a 7-day trial that helps you decide if it's right for you. After the trial, you have to pay the premium to access the 100 guided meditations, sleep library and masterclasses, which is $14.99/month or $69.99/year. If you are ready to commit to Calm, it's good to go with the full-year option since it comes out to just under $6/month instead of the full $15. Or you can always stay with the limited free version.

Price: $14.99/month or $69.99/year

Calm best features:

• Calm is simple to use and the exercises are easy to follow. It's a great mental health app for beginners. 
• Features of Calm include breathing exercises, sleep programs, relaxation and mindfulness techniques. 
• You have access to sleep stories narrated by celebrities like Harry Styles or Laura Dern.

Things to consider: 

• Calm offers a free version of the app, however, it is limited. You have to pay to access the full features. 
• You do have to enter payment upfront when you sign up, meaning you have to remember to cancel if you decide it's not for you.
• Reviews say that the app has troubles and customer service can be difficult to work with. 

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

The Moodfit app has a lot to offer, and you can choose how to use the app. You can track sleep, nutrition, exercise and more during your wellness journey. Moodfit uses tools and sessions that help you assess your feelings, recognize negative thinking and change it. 

The Moodfit app has pretty standard navigation. The "notices" tab at the bottom is what I would consider the educational section. There is a lot of good information available, like how your thoughts influence your behavior and feelings, but you will have to take the time to actually read it. Other apps have a more interactive experience with imagery, videos and readouts. 

Where I think where Moodfit really shines is its analytics. With the easy-to-interpret charts, you can spot patterns in your mood and your activities. You also can track your mood down to the hour -- analytic views available are monthly, weekly, daily and hourly. Many apps do have analytics, but Moodfit puts a lot of intention behind helping you find patterns in your behavior and moods.

Price: $8.99/month

Moodfit best features:

• With Moodfit, you can adapt what the app offers based on your goals. Daily reminders and exercises will keep you on track.
• Moodfit has some of the best analytics available in the mental health app game.

Things to consider:

• Moodfit does not offer communication with a therapist.
• The basic version of Moodfit does not include all that the app has to offer. The premium version is $8.99/month, which is a few dollars cheaper than the average cost of the best mental health apps without therapist access. 

Moodfit's home page features your progress and goals. 

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Sanvello is the best mental health app for stress relief thanks to its full meditation library, guided journeys, health tracking and cognitive behavioral therapy tools. I was pleasantly surprised when using Sanvello. For me, it was a lesser-known option on the list, and it did not disappoint. You can choose what goals you want to target -- reduce anxiety, feel happier, build confidence, etc., and you can select as many goals as you want.

One of my favorite parts of the Sanvello app was how connected it felt when using it. Like other apps, there is an education section. What's different is how it is presented. Sanvello uses text, videos and audio for a multimedia experience that is much easier to follow and digest. This comes down to preference, as some people prefer to read at their cadence. 

The basic version of Sanvello is free. However, there are additional features that the app offers -- like coaching and guided journeys -- that are not available on the free version. There is a premium option of $8.99/month and a premium plus coaching option for $50/month which offers a coach with live connection capabilities. 

Price: $8.99/month or $50/month

Sanvello best features:

• You can choose which areas you want to target, which allows for personalization. 
• Unlike other apps, Sanvello has an option to connect with peers who are going through the same things. 
• Sanvello does have a therapy subscription that connects you with a licensed therapist. 
  

Things to consider: 

• Unfortunately, the therapy option is not available in all states, and if not covered by insurance, it can get expensive. 
• There are limitations to the free app. You have to pay a subscription to access advanced features. 

The Sanvello app allows you to select which goals you want to target. 

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Happify is a free mental health app that focuses entirely on your mood and helps relieve anxiety. Developed by mental health professionals, Happify's strategies are derived from cognitive behavioral therapy that helps you learn how to recognize and reorient negative thinking. 

Happify had the most thorough questionnaire when signing up. I was asked about relationships, employment and medical conditions to help personalize the service. As the name suggests, Happify focuses on positivity and tries to make your journey fun with engaging games. With the relaxation and mindfulness techniques Happify offers, you can boost your mood and relieve anxiety. 

The app has a different navigation setup than other apps. Instead of having the navigation bar at the bottom, there's a three-bar dropdown you have to tap to bring up the menu at the top left, making it just a little more difficult to find things. 

Price: $14.99/month or $139.99/year. You also can purchase "lifetime access" for $499.99. 

Happify best features:

• Happify was developed by therapists. It's one of the most robust mental health apps on the list. 
• You can personalize how you use the app by selecting what your goals are. 
• When using Happify, you have access to a community forum or you can keep your account private. 
• Happify also has a digital coach feature available. 
  

Things to consider:

• The free features available are limited. To access the digital coach and advanced features, you have to pay for a subscription. 
  

Various tracks are available from Happify.

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

MindShift is a free mental health app specifically designed to target anxiety. Categories within the app are broken down into general worry, social anxiety, perfectionism, panic and phobias. This allows the user to personalize which type of anxiety they want to work through.

As the name suggests, MindShift targets your mindset, meaning that it helps you identify what is making you anxious and helps you redirect your thinking to positivity. When you open the app, you're prompted to rate your daily anxiety score to track over time. The app is pretty easy to use and easier to navigate than other options simply because there is less available. One tool that stood out was the "thought journal" that helps you work through what you're worried about and how to overcome negative thoughts. "Coping cards" are also available to help you ease anxiety in the moment. 

MindShift is much more interactive than other apps, as it relies on you to add anxiety scores and type responses to get the best experience. Other apps are mainly reading-based. If you want the best out of MindShift, you need to interact with the app.

Price: Free

Mindshift best features:

• MindShift is a very interactive app that allows you to choose which type of anxiety you target. 
• It's a free app that used psychotherapy techniques. 

Things to consider:

• Because it's free, you have a limited number of entries a day. 
• The app may have technical difficulties. 

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

The unique experiences of people of color are often excluded from traditional mental health resources. The wellness app industry is traditionally not inclusive and mainly focuses on experiences that white people encounter. Only one in three Black Americans get the mental health care they need. That's why Shine is the pick for the best mental health app for people of color. 

It's specially designed to target the needs and struggles of people of color, making mental health resources more accessible and inclusive. Shine offers meditations, self-care courses led by experts and monthly virtual workshops. You are also prompted to add a wellness check-in each day and are greeted with motivational messages. 

Price: $14.99/month

Shine best features:

• The topics and practices offered are focused on BIPOC mental health. This is unique to the mental health app space.
• You have access to a peer community that offers support and empowerment.  
  

Things to consider:

• Shine offers a free app version, though you will not have access to all the features offered. 
• The price is about average when compared to the other options on the list. 

Selection of choices for Shine app. 

Screenshot by Taylor Leamey/CNET

How we chose the best mental health apps

The apps included on the best mental health app list have the best features supported by research. When selecting our picks, we examined each app's user experience, features and pricing. We also read through user reviews to tease out pain points and what people value in mental health apps.

Frequently asked questions

What are mental health apps?

Who doesn't want therapy from the comfort of home? Mental health apps are tools you can use to improve your well-being. While not all offer online therapy, they're simple to use and make managing your mental health easy. Each app will vary in what it targets. For example, Calm specializes in relaxation and breathing. Moodfit focuses on tracking your mood and finding patterns. 

Mental health apps are not intended to diagnose conditions or be a replacement for therapy. Instead, they are a great tool to use for continued support daily. They offer encouragement, education and helpful activities you can use to improve several areas of your mental health.   

Read more: Tips to Find the Right Therapist For You

Are mental health apps effective?

Experts are split on the effectiveness of mental health apps. Some studies have not found "convincing evidence" that apps greatly improve outcomes related to disorders like anxiety, depression or drinking. However, other research has suggested that mental health apps have potential in managing and improving symptoms of select disorders. 

The research on the effectiveness of long-term treatment with apps is young. Most experts agree that they are a great tool to support your mental health, especially when you use them in addition to other treatment options. They are not intended to diagnose conditions and should be viewed primarily as a complement to traditional treatment options.

What are the benefits of mental health apps?

Mental health apps bring resources to those who otherwise may not have had access to them, whether because of financial standing or regional location. And while they are not a true replacement for therapy, mental health apps are a great way to self-regulate and be mindful of how you're feeling.

• Convenience: You can track your mood, talk to a counselor or read about mental health topics from anywhere. 
• Price: Mental health apps are significantly more affordable than traditional therapy. Many are available for under $20/month.
• Consistency: You want to be as consistent as possible during your wellness journey. With push notifications and props to check in, mental health apps ensure that you are being mindful of patterns in your behaviors or moods and how to meet your goals. 
• 24/7 access: With a mental health app, you can access resources whenever you need them. While some of the counselors may not reply immediately, you have access to the app's other features 24/7. 
• They can help: Wellness apps can help you achieve your goals, whatever they are. For example, they can help you recognize patterns in your mood or improve your coping skills. 

Will mental health apps be the end of therapy?

Mental health apps are great tools that supplement your experience. However, it's unlikely they would ever replace traditional therapy, even the options that offer virtual therapy. Mental health apps have limitations in crises, and there are questions about effectiveness when used alone. Mental health apps aren't the best option for everyone. While the apps are typically user-friendly, some people still prefer to meet in person and have their therapists' undivided attention. It's all a matter of preference.

Read more: What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? 

Do mental health apps share your data?

With mental health apps, you can't assume that everything is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Mental health apps fall in a gray area. HIPAA only protects information collected by "covered entities," including healthcare providers and insurance companies. Many of the best mental health apps on the market operate without connection to covered entities, meaning your information isn't completely private. 

HIPAA applies to conversations with your therapist on an app. So you don't need to worry about what you disclose in those sessions. However, the apps' additional features -- guided meditations, CBT exercises and mood logs -- are not always kept confidential. Neither is the fact that you use a mental health app. The data you give the apps outside of therapy sessions can be sold for targeted advertising. And it's not just Facebook; your information can be shared with public health and academics for research.

Privacy will vary by platform. Make sure you read the privacy policy of each app to fully understand your protection.

Should you use a mental health app?

For many people, apps are an important tool to guide their wellness journey. While they are not a replacement for therapy, mental health apps are a great way to check in on yourself. My advice is that mental health apps are what you put into them. Many of the free ones offer helpful, educational content. But you need to take the time to read it. Others allow you to work through stressors with open-ended answer boxes. But you have to interact with the app to truly benefit from it. 

A wellness app won't give the client's relationship with a counselor that traditional talk therapy offers. And for some, that's not something they are willing to give up. But if therapy is currently out of your reach, especially due to cost, then mental health apps may be a good option. You won't get the highly personalized experience you could get with another person, but you can still learn healthy habits and skills.

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.

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These Tricks Will Help You Fall Asleep in 10 Minutes or Less

These Tricks Will Help You Fall Asleep in 10 Minutes or Less

Sleep latency is a term used to describe the amount of time it takes for a person to fall asleep. The average person takes around 10 to 20 minutes to conk out at night, but as some know far too well, it can take much longer after what seems to be an endless fit of tossing and turning. This is especially true if you suffer from anxiety or stress. 

It turns out you may be harming your quality of rest if it takes you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep. And in turn, poor rest can have a negative effect on your mood, metabolism, cognitive skills, your immune system and overall health. So it's important to find ways to calm your body and mind long enough that you feel relaxed enough to take a snooze. 

Continue reading to learn how the military method, meditation and muscle relaxation can improve sleep latency and lull you to sleep faster than you ever could counting sheep.

See more: Best mattress of 2022

Falling asleep with the military method

Individuals in the military have irregular sleep schedules, early morning rises and not-so-cozy sleeping quarters. In response, members created the "military method" to quickly and efficiently fall asleep.

• Step 1: Lie in your ideal sleeping position. Starting with the face, relax the different muscles, including your brows, lips, eyelids and mouth.  
• Step 2: Move down to your arms. Start with the shoulders and keep them relaxed, followed by your elbows and then wrists.
• Step 3: Relax your chest and take deep, rhythmic breaths.
• Step 4: Move down your body and focus on relaxing your bottom-half, from your waist down to your feet.
• Step 5: Use guided imagery to imagine a tranquil scene that makes you feel relaxed and happy. This might be on a beach by the ocean, a quiet and breezy meadow or even a comfortable room. If stressful or anxious thoughts disrupt your flow, attempt to move past them by reshifting your focus back to visualization or muscle relaxation.



RyanKing999/Getty Images

Fall asleep using progressive muscle relaxation

One study involving 32 young volunteers analyzed the effects of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR). The results revealed that PMR was successful in lowering the heart rate, improving sleep efficiency and sleep latency. The goal is to use mindfulness, breathing techniques and muscle relaxation to relieve stress and promote a restful sleep.

• Step 1: Lie in a comfortable sleeping position and close your eyes. Take deep breaths and slowly inhale and exhale.  
• Step 2: Scrunch your face and tense the muscles for 10 seconds. After, release tension and return to taking slow, deep breaths.
• Step 3: Move down to the shoulders and flex them for 10 seconds. Release and return to taking deep breaths.
• Step 4: Like the military method, repeat this with the other parts of your body ending with the feet. Avoid any areas where you might experience pain when you tense your muscles.

See more: Best mattress for back pain 

Always follow the 20-minute rule

If you're lying in bed trying to fall asleep and 20 minutes pass, don't keep lying there. The longer you lie in bed without falling asleep, the more you stress that you aren't falling asleep. Get out of bed and practice a relaxing activity or hobby until you feel yourself getting drowsy. This may include:

1. Reading
2. Listening to soft music
3. Gentle yoga stretches
4. Taking a bath
5. Drinking herbal tea 

See more: Tips on getting the most out of your sleep

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.

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Lenovo X1 Fold hands-on: A first step toward the next big thing in PCs

Lenovo X1 Fold hands-on: A first step toward the next big thing in PCs

"This is the most innovative thing I've seen all year." That was what my wife said when I demoed the Lenovo X1 Fold and all its tricks and extras. She's a former tech and games journalist, so she's seen a thing or two. She's not one to be taken in by hype. 

But that reaction is warranted, especially in a year when most of the big product releases were slight upgrades to existing lines, or in the case of Apple's new Macs, a purely internal chip upgrade deliberately designed to be nearly invisible to the user. This, on the other hand, is a real step in a new direction, combining a kitchen sink full of ideas into a new take on the traditional Windows PC. 

The Lenovo X1 Fold feels like an updated version of the laptop-tablet two-in-one hybrid.

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Like the Samsung Galaxy Fold or Motorola Razr, the X1's screen is made of a flexible material that can fold in half. Unlike those phones, the big benefit here is not necessarily access to a larger screen, but the ability to set up and use the X1 Fold in a variety of different ways. It's more like an updated version of the classic laptop-tablet two-in-one hybrid than a Windows version of a folding-screen phone.

I actually saw the X1 Fold for the first time back in May 2019, as an early prototype. Even then, it worked well enough, although in the wake of the original Samsung Fold launch debacle, there was a lot of concern about the longevity of folding-screen devices. I saw it again at CES 2020 in January, along with several other interesting new laptop and PC prototypes. But of those, the X1 Fold is the first to actually go on sale, starting at a hefty $2,499 (or five PS5 consoles). 

The Lenovo X1 Fold starts at $2,499.

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Having spent a couple of days with the final retail version of the X1 Fold, I can definitively say a few things about it. It is indeed one of the most interesting new tech products of the year. It's also a first-gen product that only the bravest early adopters will want to buy, especially at that price. The accessories (it's an extra $300 to get the stylus pen and Bluetooth keyboard) are a must-have, especially the keyboard, which -- as with the Microsoft Surface Pro -- is the cleverest part of the whole package. 

The system has four basic setups that it can jump between. It starts as a 13-inch OLED-screen Windows tablet, powered by a low-power Intel Core i5-L16G7 CPU. It's limited to 8GB of RAM with either 256GB or 512GB storage options. 

The outer shell has a leather cover with a built-in kickstand. Turn the tablet to landscape mode, fold out the kickstand and sit the Bluetooth keyboard in front of it, and you've got a mini desktop PC with a 13-inch screen. It feels like using an iPad with a keyboard, especially now that iPadOS supports touchpads.

Lenovo has added a software overlay to control what happens when the system detects you folding the screen.  

Dan Ackerman/CNET

But it's when you fold the screen that things start to get interesting. As Windows has no native support for folding-screen devices, Lenovo had to add a software overlay to control what happens when the system detects you folding the screen. A small pop-up menu asks how you'd like the open windows arranged -- split into the top and bottom halves, or full-screen, taking up the whole display. If you choose to send your active window to the top half of the folded screen, you can now pull up the Windows on-screen keyboard on the bottom half and use it to type. Is typing on an on-screen keyboard ever a fantastic experience? No, and that doesn't change here, but I loved the feel of turning a slate-style tablet into a mini laptop. 

But wait a minute. Wasn't there a Bluetooth keyboard involved? Can't I use that instead of the on-screen keyboard? Yes, and that's my favorite part of the X1 Fold so far. The thin keyboard is the perfect size to fit over the bottom half of the screen when it's folded into a clamshell shape. In fact, the keyboard attaches via magnets and inductively charges itself when sitting on top of the screen. 

The Bluetooth keyboard is my favorite part of the X1 Fold so far.

Dan Ackerman/CNET

No, it's not like typing on a MacBook Air, but it's a big step up from the on-screen keyboard. It even has a small, finicky touchpad built in. Even better, when you fold the screen all the way down, as if closing the lid of a laptop, the keyboard fits perfectly inside, allowing you to carry it easily. 

It's all these little clever touches and engineering feats that make this feel more like a promising first-gen product instead of a not-fully-baked prototype.

Here are a few areas where the X1 Fold feels like it still needs some work:

• The stylus has nowhere to live except in an elastic strap on the side of the keyboard. 
• The keyboard's compact design means a lot of layout compromises. Good luck hitting the semicolon, em dash or question mark without hunting.
• Like all folding-screen devices, there's a distinct crease in the middle. It's barely visible when the screen is bright, but you can definitely feel it. 
• The overall design makes a few compromises, with a thick screen bezel and awkward webcam placement. 
• In slate mode, I was able to fold it like a half-open book and use the Kindle reader app to get one page on each side of the screen but it required messing around in the app settings and still felt awkward as an ebook reader. 

I'm currently benchmarking the Lenovo X1 Fold and will report the results soon in an expanded review. In the meantime, I'm enjoying it as a fun end-of-the-year surprise, and it reminds me of what I used to call a "CEO laptop." Something clever and new, but not entirely practical, that your status-obsessed CEO would see and say, "Somebody get me one of those things!" 

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Is the Crypto Market Bouncing Back? Here's What You Need to Know

Is the Crypto Market Bouncing Back? Here's What You Need to Know

This story is part of Power Money Moves, CNET's coverage of smart money decisions for today's changing world.

In July, the cryptocurrency market bounced back to a $1 trillion market capitalization (the total dollar market value of crypto today) for the first time in recent months. But while the market looks healthier than just a couple of weeks ago, it's still far from last November's peak, which reached $3 trillion. In an economy with high inflation and recession risks looming, is crypto still a worthy investment?

After bullish highs in 2021, cryptocurrency dropped to pessimistic lows this year, tumbling into bear market territory which investors are dubbing another "crypto winter." The $2 trillion crypto market crash wiped out investor gains, cost thousands of people their jobs and obliterated once staple digital currencies, including the crypto token luna, which lost all of its value following stablecointerraUSD's collapse in May. 

While crypto is starting to trend upward, volatile highs and lows are nothing new in the crypto markets -- and skeptics have long characterized crypto as an empty bubble destined to burst. Critics have called bitcoin, stablecoins and NFTs simply a new digital version of an old con primed to swindle and scam. But investors see the world of digital coinage as a step forward, a kind of "Money 2.0" that will democratize finance and power the metaverse. Amid the seesawing prices and teetering sentiments, one thing hasn't changed: Cryptocurrency remains controversial, risky and wildly volatile. 

Read more: The World's Biggest NFT Festival vs. the Crypto Crash of 2022

In simple terms, cryptocurrency is a digital token, ownership of which is recorded on a blockchain, a distributed software ledger that no one controls. This is designed to make it more secure, in theory. bitcoin and ethereum are the two most widely known cryptocurrencies, but more than 18,000 tokens are traded under different names (dogecoin is one famous example). 

Despite gyrating prices and a relative lack of regulation, cryptocurrency is seen by many as the next financial frontier. Developments like President Joe Biden's desire to explore a digital US dollar to multimillion-dollar Super Bowl ads underscore a growing desire from powerful government and corporate institutions to quickly legitimize crypto in much the same way as stocks and bonds.

But it's worth considering whether cryptocurrency is a smart investment for you... especially in light of the current downturn and the ever-present potential for a major crash (in crypto and the US economy, generally).

"Cryptocurrency is one of those categories of investing that doesn't have those traditional investor protections," said Gerri Walsh, senior vice president of investor education at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. "They're outside the realm of securities trading. It's an area that's in flux, as far as regulations go."

Professionals caution that investors shouldn't put more than they can afford to lose into crypto, which offers few safeguards, plenty of pitfalls and a spotty track record. If you're thinking about adding crypto to your portfolio, here are five key questions to consider before you begin.

What are the risks of investing in crypto?

Before investing in crypto, you should know there's almost no protection for crypto investors. And since this virtual currency is extremely volatile and driven by hype, that's a problem. It's easy to get caught up in tweets, TikToks and YouTube videos touting the latest coin -- but the adrenaline rush of a market spike can easily be washed away with a dramatic crash.

You should be on the lookout for crypto scams. One often-used scheme is a pump and dump, in which scammers encourage people to buy a certain token, causing its value to rise. When it does, the scammers sell out, often pushing the price down for everyone else. These scams are prominent, and they took in more than $2.8 billion in crypto in 2021.

From the US government's current policy perspective, you're on your own. At this time, the government provides no deposit protection for crypto as it does for bank accounts. This may change following Biden's March executive order, which directed government agencies to investigate the risks and potential benefits of digital assets.

So far as we can tell, only one company offers crypto insurance: Breach Insurance, with a Crypto Shield offering that promises to cover your accounts from hacks. Other companies, such as Coincover, provide theft protection, which alerts you if there's suspicious activity on your account. Coincover maintains an insurance-backed guarantee that if its technology fails, it will pay you back up to the amount you're eligible for, which depends on the level of protection the wallet you use offers. (Neither Coincover nor Breach Insurance will cover you against scams.)

Despite all the hype, scams, periodic crashes (and persistent risks) in this market, Cesare Fracassi, who runs the Blockchain Initiative at the University of Texas, Austin, still thinks crypto has a viable future.

"I think crypto holds a possible solution to some of the problems of the traditional financial sector," Fracassi said. "The current, traditional financial system is noninclusive, it's slow and expensive and incumbents, including large banks and financial institutions, basically have a lot of control. I think crypto is a venue through which you can actually break the system."

How do I start investing in cryptocurrency?

If you're considering buying crypto now, as prices have dipped, it's worth noting that there's no guarantee the market will recover. But the simplest way to get your feet wet with crypto investments is to use US dollars to buy a cryptocurrency using a popular exchange like Coinbase, Binance or FTX. A handful of well-known payment apps — including Venmo, PayPal and Cash App — will let you buy and sell cryptocurrency, though they generally have limited functionality and higher fees. 

Whether you're using Coinbase, Binance, Venmo or PayPal, you'll be required to provide some sensitive personal and financial information... including an official form of identification. (So much for bitcoin's reputation for anonymous transactions.) 

Once your account is set up, it's simple to transfer money into it from your bank. And the barrier to entry is quite low: The minimum trade amount is $2 on Coinbase and $15 on Binance.

Read more: Best Bitcoin and Crypto Wallets for 2022

What percentage of my portfolio should be in crypto?

Crypto is so new, there isn't enough data yet to decide how much of your portfolio "should" be in cryptocurrency, according to Fracassi.

"We need decades of returns in order to understand whether a specific asset is good in a portfolio," Fracassi said. "We know that on average stocks return about 6% more than bonds. That's because we've had 60 to 100 years to see the average returns on stocks and bonds."

Like all investment decisions, how much you pour into crypto will depend on your risk tolerance. But investment professionals suggest that investors keep their exposure low, even for those who are all in on the technology. Anjali Jariwala, a certified financial planner and founder of Fit Advisors, recommends that clients allocate no more than 3% of their portfolio to crypto.

If I make money on crypto trades, do I have to pay taxes?

Yes. Whether you're buying, selling or exchanging crypto, the IRS wants to know about it. Your tax liability depends on your particular situation, but crypto investments are broadly treated like other investments, including stocks and bonds. 

You don't need to report crypto on your tax return if you didn't sell or exchange it for another type of crypto. Buying and holding also doesn't need to be reported. If you did sell or exchange crypto, though, you'll need to report any gains or losses realized, just like you would for stocks and bonds. 

Adding crypto trades won't make your tax return any easier. But popular tax software like TurboTax, CoinTracker and Koinly now connect with wallets and exchanges to automatically track your cryptocurrency holdings, sales and transfers.

Is there a way to learn about crypto without investing in the currencies themselves?

Buying tokens is the most straightforward approach to experimenting with cryptocurrencies. But other opportunities exist for exploring the crypto world while potentially protecting your money from seesawing swings. 

Here are a handful of alternatives:

Buy shares of crypto companies. Many companies in the crypto space are publicly traded. Buying shares of Coinbase Global or PayPal Holdings rather than of the coin itself allows you to benefit from the business proceeds of these companies, which are in part generated by crypto. You can also buy shares of companies that make crypto-related hardware, such as Nvidia and AMD.

Invest in crypto ETFs or derivatives.Specialized exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, are available for crypto. ETFs are baskets of securities, such as stocks, commodities and bonds, that follow an index or sector, in this case, crypto. Futures and options are also available for some crypto products, though these advanced types of investment vehicles come with their risks.

Get a job in crypto.LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster list thousands of jobs in crypto. Whether you've got a traditional finance background or you're a software engineer, there's a boom in the blockchain labor market. There's also Cryptocurrency Jobs, a job board dedicated to blockchain careers.

Whether you'll plunge into crypto waters is ultimately up to you, but bear in mind it isn't the only place to start your investing journey. And beyond crypto, there are other digital assets to consider, too, including NFTs. But if you do take the plunge, be sure to invest in a good wallet to keep your digital currency safe.

Read more: Air Travel Is More Expensive in 2022: Here Are Smart Ways to Save Money When You Fly 

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

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Use your GoPro as a webcam for your Zoom meetings

Use your GoPro as a webcam for your Zoom meetings

It's been almost two years since so many of us started working and socializing from home. And while coronavirus vaccines are now being distributed, chances are that not much is going to change for a while in terms of how often we use video chat apps and services -- so it may be time to upgrade your webcam to make sure you look your best as you virtually meet with coworkers and friends (changing your Zoom background and turning on the beauty filter can only do so much). 

If you have a GoPro camera, this handy software upgrade will turn it into a webcam compatible with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet and virtually every other major video chat service you can think of. (And if you don't have a GoPro, you can also turn your phone camera into a webcam.) 

Here's exactly how to do it. 

Read more: Ultimate webcam tips: How to look and sound great online

Turn your GoPro into a webcam: What you'll need

You'll need a GoPro Hero8 camera or a GoPro Hero9 camera -- the latest versions of the popular sturdy camera, which came out in 2019 and 2020, respectively. You can pick up the Hero8 on Amazon for $300. You'll also need a USB-C cord (there's one that comes with the camera that will work) to plug the camera into your computer. 

For the initial setup, you'll need a microSD card and card reader to update your camera. If your computer doesn't have a built-in USB port, you'll need a dongle, too. 

This trick only works for Mac users right now, though a Windows version is in development. 

Finally, you'll need something to mount your GoPro on to use it as a webcam. You've got a lot of options here that you can purchase from GoPro, like the JawsFlex Clamp ($49.99), the Magnetic Swivel Clip ($24.99) or the Suction Cup ($39.99).

It's not required, but this handy Ulanzi G8-7 Battery Cove ($19.95 on Amazon) lets you access the camera's USB port while covering the battery and SD card, so you don't have to worry about anything falling out while you're in webcam mode. 

Read more: Best gear for video chats from home: Webcams, lights, mics and more

How to turn your GoPro into a webcam

Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to update your Hero8 camera into a webcam, according to GoPro.

Step 1: Update your camera

1. Download the GoPro Webcam Beta Firmware to your computer. (This download contains the update folder that will update your camera to support the webcam feature.)

2. Insert your camera's microSD card into your computer using a microSD card adapter or USB reader.

3. Transfer the update file to your microSD card. To do this, open a new Finder window and select Downloads on the left to find the UPDATE.zip file. Double-click the UPDATE.zip file, which will create an UPDATE folder.

4. In the Devices section of the sidebar, look for your microSD card, which will be listed as Untitled. Drag the UPDATE folder to your microSD card.

5. Eject your microSD card by selecting the eject icon.

6. Update your camera: Make sure your camera is turned off. Insert your microSD card, and turn it on. The camera will automatically start updating, and will beep and turn itself off several times. When it's done, you'll see a check mark on the front screen. (If you get a message saying that the update failed, remove and reinsert the battery, and start the update again from the beginning.) 

Step 2: Install the GoPro Webcam app and connect your camera

1. Download GoPro Webcam Desktop Utility, and install the software on your computer. In the Status bar, you'll see a GoPro icon.

2. Power on your camera, and connect it to your computer with the USB cable. In the Status bar, you'll see the GoPro icon display a blue dot, which means you've successfully connected. You'll also see the camera go into USB mode, with a red light and an image of a USB cable appearing on its screen. 

Step 3: Preview your webcam

To get a preview of what your webcam setup will look like, click on the GoPro icon in the Status bar, and click Show Preview. This will help you make sure your shot looks good before you start webcamming. You can also switch between mirror mode and flip mode, depending on which you like better. 

Step 4: Launch your GoPro Webcam

Open the video chat service you want to use. GoPro's webcam software is compatible with Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Twitch, BlueJeans, GoTo Meeting, Snap Camera and Facebook Rooms. It's also compatible with YouTube Live and Webex if you're using a Google Chrome browser. 

When you open your video chat service, select GoPro as your preferred camera. That may be an option when you first log in, or you might have to go to Settings to do so. For example, in Zoom, go to the Start Video icon at the bottom of the screen, click the up arrow, and select GoPro Camera. If you don't see the GoPro camera option right away, you may need to exit and restart the video chat app. 

Once the webcam is running, in the Status bar, the GoPro icon will show a red dot to indicate that it's on. 

Step 5: Perfect your webcam setup

Now that your webcam is up and running, you can make adjustments. 

Resolution: To change the resolution, click on the GoPro icon in the Status bar, and select Preferences. You can change from 1080p (the default) to 720p if you want to.

Field of view: To adjust your field of view, you can change to different digital lenses. Click the GoPro icon in the Status bar, and select Digital Lens. Choose from wide, narrow or linear lenses. 

There are lots of other ways to repurpose the equipment you already have, like your old phone and old laptop. Once you get your setup going, you can also check out the online classes and equipment you need to become a YouTuber, or just pick up the best gear for online meetings. 

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What the Future of Health Looks Like for Apple

What the Future of Health Looks Like for Apple

Apple's Health app keeps evolving, with aspirations to be a complete combination personal data archive, medical liaison and insight engine. But the goals, while ambitious, aren't fully realized yet. iOS 16 and WatchOS 9 are adding medication management and multistage sleep tracking to a growing list of features. But what comes next, and will it start to become a tool that interfaces with doctors even more than it has?

Apple just published a multipage health report (PDF), which aims to detail where the company sees its health focus heading on the iPhone and the Apple Watch. The report covers the app, research studies and initiatives with medical organizations.

As Google prepares to release a Pixel Watch that will connect to Fitbit's features and services, Apple looks to be strengthening its position by expanding beyond the watch to a larger spectrum of health services. Already, Apple Health and Fitness Plus are evolving into services you don't need an Apple Watch to use.

When will Health start to become an extension of how I connect with my own doctors? Will sleep tracking offer a doorway to other health insights? And why doesn't Apple have its own equivalent of the "readiness score" used by Fitbit and Oura?

Apple's vice president of health, Dr. Sumbul Desai, spoke with CNET about the goals of Apple Health and where goals are being set next. She sees the blend of lifestyle with clinical data, medication data and an increasing number of metrics in one place as helping future insights in other health measurements over time. 

"You have to do it in a really thoughtful and meaningful way," Desai said. "Because there are also correlations you can make that are incorrect. That's where the work is, making sure that when you make those connections that they are correct, grounded in the science and make sense to the user."

Medication tracking on iOS 16 looks like another step to bring medical histories onto Health.

Apple

Where does Apple Health meet your doctor?

As I've found over the last few months, over several surgeries and doctor visits, my own medical care doesn't often connect with my wearable and phone apps. Apple's been aiming to make strides to connect Apple Health with medical providers, but the framework isn't fully there yet for digital health platforms. A lot of Apple's promised benefits are in identifying long-term data patterns and insights.

"I do think how they interact with each other is really important," said Desai, who points to the new tracking of atrial fibrillation patterns over time in Watch OS 9. "We are actually taking how much time you're in AFib and correlating it to your lifestyle. How much you're sleeping. How much you're moving, you'll see the changes in AFib. If you're using Mindful Minutes, do you see a change."

Apple has tried making data sharing easier with doctors, but right now it still doesn't go far enough. At the medical group where I'm a patient, for instance, there's no obvious way to share the data I'm collecting in Apple Health through the patient portal.

Sleep tracking is gaining sleep stages in WatchOS 9. Will that bring a wave of other health insights down the road?

Apple

Sleep as the next frontier?

Apple's addition of sleep stage-based sleep tracking in the upcoming Watch OS 9 looks to close the gap on other fitness trackers like those from Fitbit, Samsung and Oura. Apple's been pulling new features for the Apple Watch from work in some of the company's ongoing heart research studies, and sleep could end up being a place that evolves next.

"What I'm really excited to learn from a scientific standpoint is, does the amount of sleep that you're getting in certain stages, like core [replenishing sleep], does that actually translate to benefit during the day when you're moving?" Desai said. "Are there certain phenotypes of certain people who have more benefit versus others? There's so much to tackle from a research standpoint there. We would never put anything out until we knew we kind of had some scientific grounding. The whole causation-correlation thing can get very tricky."

Desai suggested future research combining sleep stage data with Apple's ongoing heart and move data from its ongoing study will possibly provide more insights, "but we're still a ways away from that."

Could Apple ever develop its own readiness score?

One thing Apple's evolving and elaborate set of Health insights currently doesn't have is any sort of attempt at a distilled score, or personal health rating. Fitbit, Oura, and a number of other wearables have daily personal scores derived from a variety of individual metrics. I asked Desai whether Apple might pursue a similar idea anytime soon. While it sounds like a direction Apple Health could head in, it also seems like Apple is still trying to lock down the best path to get there.

"It's a really good question. I think the answer is, to be honest, is we don't have a firm POV yet," Desai said. "We want to understand the science behind that, and what can we understand and glean from a scientific standpoint."

Desai suggests that the health measurements, and their meanings, can vary. "HRV [heart rate variability] is a great metric. I'm super fascinated by HRV. But HRV can be changed based on multiple reasons." She suggested that Apple's eventual evolution of its insights will need to come with clear guidance, too.

"I think for us, we want to be able to provide actionable information. So to understand to do that, you actually have to be able to draw it back to, what we think is actually causing that? We are really trying to understand the science behind all of these different metrics and focus on how we provide insights that we know we can back up."

On whether Apple Health could come to other non-Apple devices

Apple's aiming for Health to be a comprehensive, secure system for anyone to use, but it still flows through Apple hardware, which means a portion of the population will always be left out. I asked Desai whether Apple Health might ever be available beyond iPhones.

"We're always looking at ways to support the ecosystem. We just want to make sure we can support that in a private and secure way. That's fundamentally what drives our decision making," Desai said. "We have a ton of things in the App Store ecosystem that are super interesting that people are doing, and we're very supportive of supporting that work.

"Honestly, we make a lot of decisions driven by privacy. And there's a lot of things we choose not to do and choose to do, based upon that."

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.

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