HTC through the ages: A brief history of HTC’s Android handsets

HTC, above and beyond any other manufacturer, has done more than its fair share of popularising Android. 

HTC was there at the beginning, producing some of the first Android handsets, the first Nexus handset, and launching the first handset that really added refinement to Google’s new mobile operating system.

It’s a company that’s known for two things: design and its Sense user interface that is layered over the top of Android. The company hit it big, moving from OEM (i.e., making phones to order for other people) into a global mobile brand. 

• HTC U 11 ‘Ocean’: Release date, specs and rumours

That meteoric rise was followed by fall, bringing us to today’s position where HTC stands as a warning to ambitious rising stars: the tide can turn quickly and when it does, the fall will be a hard one.

But along the way, HTC has delivered some outstanding handsets. Not all fully appreciated in the face of rising competition and wider exposure by other brands like Samsung, this is a brief history of some of HTC’s most significant Android handsets, from the HTC Magic though to the anticipated HTC U 11.

HTC Magic

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Having made the first Android handset in 2008 – the T-Mobile G1 – it wasn’t until the HTC Magic appeared in 2009 that HTC had its logo on the back. It took second place to Vodafone on the front and “with Google” on the back, but this is where HTC’s identity as a power in Android really started.

The HTC Magic launched on Android 1.5 Cupcake, while many of us were still trying to get to grips with the sweet treat names, and saw its unveiling at Mobile World Congress 2009. It offered a 3.2-inch display and had a 3.2-megapixel camera. Many of its rival devices weren’t smartphones and those that were mostly offered physical keyboards.

It was a raw Android experience, a slightly bumpy introduction to a full touch world for the Google OS.

HTC Hero

HTC

With the Magic out in the wild, HTC made its big move, launching the most significant handset for both HTC and Android. The HTC Hero took the raw Android experience and added HTC Sense over the top. HTC Sense was loosely derived from much of the work that HTC had been putting into its Windows Phone experience, but in Android it found a natural home.

Sense introduced things like customisation and personality, adding polish to Android that was missing from an OS that still felt rough and experimental. The HTC Hero also reinforced HTC’s passion for design, with a pronounced chin and tactile back, resulting in a lovely handset.

The Hero was essentially just a repackaged HTC Magic, but bumped the camera to 5-megapixels. The HTC Hero launched in London in a fashion that revealed that HTC knew how to have fun. 

Google Nexus One

Google

With the calendar rolling forward to 2010, Google made a significant move: it launched the Nexus programme. The Nexus One was built by HTC and it saw Google creating a handset to run on stock Android where all other manufacturers were skinning its operating system.

HTC managed to keep its logo on the back however, and there was a lot of HTC design in the Nexus One. The trackball was lifted from the Hero and the design shows hallmarks of HTC phones that followed, particularly the metal band reaching around the rear, reflected later in the Sensation.

The Nexus One launched on Android 2.1 Eclair and had a 3.7-inch display, and featured capacitive controls rather than physical buttons for navigation. There was a 5-megapixel camera and it came with a microSD card slot.

The Nexus One caught the eye of Philip K Dick’s estate who claimed the name infringed on its intellectual property, while Apple also took HTC to court over the design. Something of a hot potato, but important both for HTC and Android.

HTC worked with Google again on the Nexus 9 tablet, but the Nexus One remains HTC’s only Nexus smartphone so far. Fittingly, it was followed by the Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus, as Samsung began its mighty Android rise. 

HTC Desire

HTC

While HTC was enjoying the Nexus limelight, it trumped the Google phone with the launch of the HTC Desire. This swapped the trackball for an optical system instead, leading to a sleeker phone. 

The HTC Desire was the flagship at launch, but also saw HTC fragmenting its smartphones into many different lines and models. It was launched alongside the HTC Legend (and next in our gallery), but there was already a hint that HTC was launching too many phones.

Arriving with Android 2.1 Eclair with Sense over the top, the HTC Desire offered power and refinement, with a 3.7-inch display and 5-megapixel camera. It borrowed from the Nexus One design in some areas, but returned to physical navigation keys underneath the display.

The HTC Desire HD followed later in the year, with a larger 4.3-inch display, as well as the Desire Z, which offered a slide-out physical keyboard. The Desire name still survives today as a mid-range category of devices. 

HTC Legend

HTC

The HTC Legend was launched alongside the HTC Desire, but was something of an oddity. It was lower powered with a smaller 3.2-inch display, but offered a far more important design. This was the first time that HTC really went to town with metal bodywork.

The results were stunning. The HTC Legend retained an insert in the rear and a removable bottom section, but essentially took the HTC Hero design, slimmed it down and made it a metal unibody. Some saw this as the company trying to design a phone to appeal more to the female market (and we’re not including the HTC Rhyme on this list), but the Legend made its mark, a mark that still ripples through HTC’s handset design today. 

HTC Evo 4G and HTC ThunderBolt

GSM Arena

The ascent of 4G sees two handsets sharing this section of HTC’s history. The HTC Evo 4G was launched onto Sprint’s network in the US in 2010. It was close to the Desire HD which launched a few months later globally. Importantly, however, the Evo 4G is credited as being one of the first 4G handsets, sitting on Sprint’s WiMax network.

However, there are those who will argue that that credit should go to 2011’s HTC ThunderBolt, the first LTE handset launched onto Verizon and again a reworking of the Desire HD. At this time, sticking 4G or LTE on the name was an important factor as next-gen networks pushed faster speeds and the entertainment or business benefits that came with them.

But these two devices serve as an illustration of the sort of approach that HTC was taking: it was building smartphones for individual networks, resulting in an explosion of different hardware configurations and ever expanding software offerings. 

HTC Sensation XE

HTC

Meanwhile, HTC was looking for adjectives to push its handsets on and Sensation was the flagship for 2011. The regular model launched in Spring, but towards the end of the year HTC launched a more significant version: the Sensation XE. It was this model that saw the first integration of Beats Audio.

The HTC Sensation launched with a 4.3-inch display and introduced a wonderful design with a wide metal band reaching diagonally across the back. It also had a concave edge to the display. HTC’s design panache was unquestionable in the Sensation, but it was the XE that really pushed things forward. 

The Sensation XE carried Beats branding and came with iBeats headphones in the box, as well as boosting the hardware slightly over the original version. The Beats integration ran across a number of subsequent handsets before the companies parted ways.

Beats Audio is now a part of Apple. 

HTC One X

HTC

In 2012 and towing a very fragmented collection of handsets along behind it, HTC redesigned its flagship positioning. It launched the HTC One branding saying that this was one way of thinking about phones, but then launched the One X, One S and One V in three different positions and confused that message.

The One X was the flagship and offered a polycarbonate unibody design. It launched on Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich, with Sense 4.0, and came with a 4.7-inch display. To further confuse things, the One X was powered by a quad-core Nvidia chipset, but a separate version known as the One XL carried a Qualcomm dual core chipset and offered LTE connectivity.

The One X was a great handset, again pushing design, but the One branding wasn’t very clear: HTC was telling us what the message was, but was doing something else, namely launching lots of handsets. 

HTC One

HTC

With HTC’s One branding getting lost in 2012, it repeated the process in 2013, launching a phone that was actually called the HTC One. This phone, above anything else, showcased a precision of manufacturing and skill in design that’s still aped elsewhere.

Using a metal body, and aiming for a zero-gap construction, the One came with a 4.7-inch full HD display, a quad-core processor and included 4G/LTE as standard. It pushed the latest methods in a number of areas, offering sophistication in build, clarity in naming and bags of power.

The biggest hit was BoomSound. Giving over space for two front-facing speakers, BoomSound universally impressed everyone, out-performing the sound quality of all smartphones at the time and many since. The One also offered Beats tuning for the headphones.

It then introduced the UltraPixel camera. As HTC looked to differentiate, it opted for a 4-megapixel camera, stepping down from the 8-megapixels of previous handsets, and jumping out of the megapixel race against companies like Samsung. It was a gamble that didn’t pay off, with many saying that the camera changes were a mistake.

The HTC One also leaked heavily prior to launch, where the M7 working name fell into common usage, with then CEO Peter Chow filmed chanting “M7” on stage at a company party. The name stuck and is now retrospectively applied.

HTC One (M8)

HTC

With a HTC One handset on the market, HTC moved to officially accept that it couldn’t avoid the M names. It launched the HTC One (M8) throwing the model number into brackets, following heavy leaks where the phone had been identified as the M8, or “mate” adding to confusion.

The One (M8) offered staggering design. It progressed HTC’s unibody to be entirely metal and offered a finish that was unrivalled in its quality, at least until the launch of the iPhone 6 6-months later in 2014. It launched on Android Lollipop with Sense 5.0.

But the One (M8) didn’t stand still on the camera and its most talked about feature was the dual camera on the back. Rather than addressing the criticisms of the M7, it added a second sensor to the UltraPixel camera and offered a range of novelty effects, which didn’t really help the camera’s fight against the Samsung Galaxy S5.

It did step the display up to 5-inches, however, and stuck to a full HD resolution. 

HTC One M9

HTC

HTC officially dropped the brackets and launched the One M9 with a flourish, proclaiming a jewellery grade finish for its 2015 handset. It undoubtedly poured more attention into the details than any previous handset, but by this time it felt like the third iteration of the same phone, but progressively losing the impact of the M7 and M8.

In many cases it felt like an incremental update of the One (M8), sticking to a 5-inch full HD display and presenting itself visually in much the same way as the previous handset, so there wasn’t anything hugely noteworthy aside from the refinement in design, which for many went too far.

To make matters worse, the M9 dropped UltraPixel and Duo Camera for a straight 20-megapixel camera as the company jumped back into the megapixel race. But that camera failed to impress critics, seeing HTC stumble.

The M9 no longer felt competitive against rivals, like Samsung’s redesigned S6 edge launched at the same time, that stole headlines for its refreshing design and excellent camera performance. The M9’s position was then questioned with the launch of the One A9, a lower-tier handset with a radically different design, making the M9 feel like the last of a line.

HTC 10

HTC

HTC 10 is a return to form for HTC, with a serious, bold, design that harks back to the M7, but fuses in the modern looks of the One A9. But it drops the One and M branding, for something of a reboot.

There’s a 5.2-inch Quad HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 chipset with 4GB RAM and 3000mAh battery. There’s a 12-megapixel rear camera with optical image stabilisation, which the front 5MP camera also offers. BoomSound has evolved to BoomSound Hi-Fi, with Hi-Res support across the handset.

The HTC 10 makes a departure from old HTC Sense, with a new lighter version that’s closer to the Android foundation that it sits on. The aim is optimisation, efficiency and reducing bloat. It’s been well received by reviewers, but standing in the face of fierce competition, feel like it’s lost out to Samsung innovation and cheaper rivals like OnePlus.

The future: HTC U 11 ‘Ocean’

@evleaks

HTC’s next flagship handset is thought to be launching on 16 May and it’s thought to be called HTC U 11. It’s been codenamed HTC Ocean and has appeared in a number of high profile leaks, so we already have a good idea about what it might feature.

The standout feature is something called Edge Sense, but this isn’t a copycat Samsung feature, it appears as though the device will be pressure sensitive. This fits with HTC’s social media campaign showing lots of squeezing, suggesting that this will be a phone that offers a new method of interaction.

It’s thought to offer a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, carry the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset for plenty of power, but not feature a 3.5mm headphone socket. 

Soon all with be revealed.

Fujifilm X-T20 review: The retro touch

When we reviewed the Fujifilm X-T10 compact system camera, we felt that its retro style was just right. Now Fuji has introduced the X-T20 which maintains that touch of retro appeal – and you can take that “touch” aspect literally, thanks to the addition of touchscreen controls this time around. 

The X-T20’s arrival was no surprise, fresh off the heels of the higher-end X-T2 launch in the middle of 2016. And with that higher-end camera setting a new benchmark for the mirrorless market, just how well does the X-T20 handle?

We’ve been living with the X-T20 for a couple of weeks, taking it in tow with us on a trip to Utah, USA, to see whether this is the most logical Fuji compact system camera to plump for or whether the stiff competition have affected Fuji’s power.

Fujifilm X-T20 review: What’s new vs X-T10?

• Adds touchscreen control
• New 325-point autofocus system
• Higher-resolution 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor

The X-T20 isn’t drastically different looking to the X-T10. The movie button has moved from the dedicated button up top to the drive dial, while the easy-to-knock function button on the rear takes over that former movie button up top. That’s about it.

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The most critical change to the X-T20 are the addition of touchscreen controls on the tilt-angle LCD screen on the rear. The latest camera doesn’t embody the tri-angle hinge of the X-T2 for the screen can move in any direction, but its vertical motion is plenty good for us – we’ve been using it lots to get that flat-on, waist-level position nailed when shooting; it’s easy to pull away from the body thanks to small protrusions to the upper and lower left-side corners.

Under the hood there’s a new 24.3-megapixel sensor, of the X-Trans CMOS III variety – a push on from the second-generation 16.2MP sensor in the earlier X-T10 model. That 50 per cent bump in resolution puts the X-T10 in line with both the X-Pro2 and X-T2 cameras also in the range; Fuji doesn’t differentiate by resolution across its range, rather by other defining features. The new sensor means a more powerful processor, too, which also unlocks the door for 4K movie capture.

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Just like with the also-announced X100F the X-T20 comes with Fuji’s latest autofocus setup. That means 325 focus points, available in full or 91-point arrangements; 49 of which are phase-detection points arranged to the centre 40 per cent of the focus area. That’s a big jump compared to the X-T10’s 15 phase-detection points and it can be felt in use.

Fujifilm X-T20 review: How does it perform?

When we first tested out the X-T20 it was on a pre-launch preview day. Having then also handled the rather excellent X100F compact and GFX 50S medium format system cameras, the X-T20 didn’t feel quite as up to things – but, in hindsight, we suspect that was simply down to fading light on the day. Having taken the X-T20 to Utah, where there’s very little light at night, we’ve not had such issues.

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While we originally sampled the XT-20 with a 50mm f/2.0 prime lens attached to the front, for this review we’ve been handed the 18-55mm f/2.8-4 kit lens. Now, typically speaking, kit lenses aren’t the best. But, tell ya what, this kit lens is really rather good: its distortion control is great even at wide-angles, while sharpness is impressive for a not-too-expensive optic, plus that wide aperture betters its equivalent competitors.

Fuji’s new autofocus system is an impressive arrangement, too. Of its 325-points, there’s a 91-point option, while the centre-most 49-points are phase-detection based for optimum performance. The more sensitive points are outlined as distinct, larger squares so you know what’s what, while that touchscreen control makes it ultra-easy to nab the focus position as you please – and it’s not rigidly restricted to just those points, you can touch anywhere on the screen.

That’s what really makes this Fuji standout from its peers. Even the higher-end X-T2 lacks the touchscreen provision, so it’s obviously viewed as a more “entry” feature by the Japanese company, for whatever reason (or perhaps not, as, bizarrely, it’s also featured in its £6,500 medium format camera). Either way, we’re glad it’s here and think it should be in all of Fuji’s cameras.

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The key thing the X-T20 lacks that the X-T2 and X100F feature is a focus lever to the rear, thus touchscreen is made all the more important. It’s a shame both features aren’t available, as this little (absent) thumbstick is really handy for delicately sifting between focus points.

The rear thumbwheel does double-up as a secondary control, however, as it is depressible and can be used to zoom-in on the action to 100 per cent scale (at the given focus point). So if you press on the screen to select the focus area, then press the rear thumbwheel, the whole screen will be filled for more precision focus. It’s not quite as adept as Panasonic’s Pinpoint autofocus mode, as found in the G80, but it goes some way to ensuring accuracy. We would also like Fuji to implement smaller focus point options, as the current smallest available box is a little too large in our view.

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When it comes to continuous autofocus the X-T20 packs in many of the moving subject presets that are featured in the X-T2 (only custom lacks), for impressive capability when it comes to keeping up with things on the move. No skimping here.

Fujifilm X-T20 review: Built-in viewfinder

• Built-in 0.39in 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder
• 3-inch LCD tilt-angle screen resolution now 1.04m-dot

With its centrally-aligned viewfinder, you might be looking at the X-T20 and wondering what makes it different to the pricier X-T2. It looks the same, but the X-T20’s viewfinder has a slightly lower magnification (0.62x instead of 0.77x) so it doesn’t appear quite as large to the eye. It’s still a decent sized image, though, and nothing like looking at a TV screen down the end of a coridoor.

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There’s plenty of resolution, given the OLED panel’s 2.36-million dots, too, while a refresh rate of up to 60fps (this can be limited to benefit battery life) ensures preview remains smooth. Not quite as impressive as the 100fps special from the X-T2, but if you want that kind of ultra-smoothness then you’ll need to pay the extra cash for the more advanced model.

Fujifilm X-T20 review: X-Trans image quality

• 24.3MP X-Trans CMOS III sensor
• 4K (30fps) / Full HD (60fps) video capture
• Film Simulation modes

A huge part about any camera is the quality of the images it can produce. You might think the X-T20, being further down the pecking order of the X-T-series, might not produce images as high-end as its pricier peers. But you’d be wrong.

Despite the odd autofocus hiccup during testing, it’s since looking at the cameras’ full-size images on a computer screen that we’ve been most impressed – especially, like we say, given the kit lens in use.

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Images are every bit as quality as those of the X-T2 in the X-T20, meaning great sharpness, dynamic range and colour at your fingertips. We rather like that there’s no discrimination between the camera range. This is all thanks to the 24.3-megapixel X-Trans CMOS III sensor at the camera’s heart, paired with X-Processor Pro.

Sometimes we’ve been caught out by low-light rendering a low shutter and, thus, soft results due to a fixed ISO sensitivity being selected. A few adjustments, however, and the ultra-high shutter speed values available can handle just about anything you need to handle (mechanical is to 1/4000th sec, while electronic is available to 1/32,000th sec).

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The lowest ISO sensitivities hold the most detail, although it’s a shame ISO 200 is the base level sensitivity for this camera. There is a low “L100” setting within the quick menu, but you won’t get the same dynamic range from such shots, which could be a problem when shooting raw and hoping to make adjustments.

Fuji’s handling of dark shadow areas even at high ISO sensitivities is excellent, keeping colour noise at bay and maintaining richness and contrast that some competitors lack. That stands true right through to ISO 6400, as can be seen in the example shot of our “mega movie mug”.

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When it comes to detail the full-scale 24MP shots look great. It’s only when zooming in to inspect detail much closer that you’ll spot any degradation in quality due to processing as the ISO sensitivity rises. It’s only really by four-figure ISO sensitivities that you’ll start to see mottled textures or processing artefacts around defined subject edges, or heightened softness as a result of processing.

Even mid-ISO shots hold up elegantly, though, with an example shot of flowers at ISO 800 (below) maintaining heaps of detail and colour that can’t be matched by the nearest competition in our view.

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In addition to stills, the X-T20 also includes 4K video capture at 30fps maximum. After the X-T2 it’s the second time it’s been offered in a Fuji camera. So it’s odd, then, that there’s no one-touch movie button control like the earlier X-T10 – instead you’ll need to twist the top dial all the way to the movie symbol to capture. Full HD resolution at 60fps is also available. The quality for both is great, even if the focus can wander off from time to time.

Verdict

The Fujifilm X-T20’s biggest issue is nothing to do with its own performance: it’s the presence of the Panasonic Lumix G80, which can be bought with a lens for the same body-only price as this Fuji. That makes for a tough decision.

But while the Panasonic is like the brains of the mirrorless camera world – it’s hugely capable, with 4K modes, Pinpoint autofocus and weather-sealing – the Fuji X-T20 is the heartfelt, retro-styled champion. And sometimes it’s better to listen to your heart, right?

As a standalone camera, the X-T20 delivers the optimum image quality in our view. It’s the same quality as you’ll find from X-T2 or X-Pro2, which is nothing short of exceptional (although 24MP is heavier to work with on a laptop).

Sure, it might lack the weather-sealing or the lower price-tag, but the overall look, feel, performance and results make for a surefire success – even with just the kit lens attached to the front.

Just like its X-T10 predecessor, the X-T20 is retro done right, with all your modern technological wants embedded within.

The alternatives to consider…

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Panasonic Lumix G80

If you’re after a DSLR-style mirrorless camera than, pound for pound, Panasonic offers the most viable option on the market in the G80. It’s feature packed, just like the Fuji, which makes the choice between the pair all the trickier.

Read the full review: Panasonic Lumix G80 review: Affordable foray into 4K

Pocket-lint

Fujifilm X-T2

The bigger brother model might be pricier than the X-T20, but it comes with a handful of higher-end features that may be of more interest: weather-sealing, twin card slot, a more substantial buffer, plus with the optional grip attached a burst mode and continuous autofocus ability like no other mirrorless camera on the market (we’re ignoring Sony’s A99 II as that has a mirror…)

Read the full review: Fujifilm X-T2 review: A new benchmark for the mirrorless market

Pocket-lint

Canon EOS 80D

Ok, ok, so it’s not a mirrorless camera. But whether you use the 80D via its rear LCD screen or via its viewfinder the results are still great. If you’re more finder inclined then perhaps this is the savvier option to choose of all, given just how snappy its to-the-eye autofocus setup is. You’ll have to forego the 4K capabilities which all the others above include, however.

Read the full review: Canon EOS 80D review: The mid-range master

Microsoft Cortana skills: Which are available now and how do they work?

Microsoft has launched the first set of skills for Cortana.

During the company’s annual Build developers conference this week, Microsoft announced a Cortana Skills Kit so that developers could create Amazon Alexa-like skills for Microsoft’s voice assistant. A number of partners are already developing skills, and some of them are even available now as an early preview. Here’s everything you need to know about Cortana skills, including a list of the ones out.

• Microsoft unveils the Surface Laptop, a Windows 10 S device
• Microsoft will now release major Windows 10 updates twice a year
• Windows 10 S is a streamlined version of Windows for education

What is Microsoft Cortana?

Cortana is Microsoft’s assistant, sort of like how Apple has Siri, Google has Assistant, and Amazon has Alexa. Cortana is available on Windows 10 devices, as well as Android and iOS devices via the Cortana app.

What are Cortana skills?

Well, before we get into Cortana skills, you should keep in mind that Amazon’s Alexa was the first assistant to provide a set of built-in capabilities referred to as skills. While Amazon itself can create skills, it also opened up Alexa so that third-party developers can build skills for Alexa. Popular Alexa skills include the ability to hail a ride from Uber, post a message to Slack, order a pizza from Domino’s, etc.

Microsoft’s Cortana skills are essentially new skills that are similar to Alexa’s skills. The company has allowed developers to integrate their apps and services into the Cortana voice assistant. One of the first supported skills is the popular Dark Sky weather notification service. So, with it, you can say, “Hey Cortana, ask Dark Sky for today’s forecast,” and then you’ll get a weather forecast via Cortana.

There are actually a variety of other skills available, including iHeartRadio, TuneIn, OpenTable, and even a cute one like Cat Facts. Cortana’s skills are only available in an early preview right now, but many more are expected to launch in full in the coming months.

Which devices can use Cortana skills?

Remember, Cortana is cloud-powered. That means Cortana’s skills will work across any device that use Cortana – whether that is Windows, iOS, or Android. New Cortana-powered devices like Harman Kardon’s Cortana speaker and HP’s Cortana device can also use them. While at Build 2017, Microsoft said consumers can expect many more Cortana-powered devices to arrive later this year.

Microsoft

Which Cortana skills are available?

Microsoft published a list of 46 skills now available in early preview.

• Dark Sky: “Hey Cortana, ask Dark Sky for today’s forecast.”
• Domino’s Pizza: “Hey Cortana, ask Domino’s to place my Easy Order.”
• Food Network: “Hey Cortana, ask Food Network for recipes by Ina Garten.”
• OpenTable: “Hey Cortana, ask Open Table to reserve a table at Palomino.”
• Progressive: “Hey Cortana, ask Progressive for tips to save money.”
• Skyscanner: “Hey Cortana, ask Skyscanner if the flight to Edinburgh is on time?”
• TuneIn: “Hey Cortana, play 90.3 on TuneIn.”
• iHeartRadio: “Hey Cortana, play Z100 on iHeartRadio.”
• Akinator: “Hey Cortana, ask Akinator to start.”
• Bartender: “Hey Cortana, ask Bartender how to make a Manhattan. ”
• Gigseekr: “Hey Cortana, ask Gigseekr for information about Ed Sheeran.”
• Intelligent Inbox Assistant: “Hey Cortana, ask Knowmail for my emails.”
• MyTime: “Hey Cortana, ask MyTime to book a hair coloring in Bellevue.”
• Porch: “Hey Cortana, ask Porch to fix my roof.”
• TalkLocal: “Hey Cortana, tell TalkLocal that I need a plumber to repair a broken water heater.”
• VentureBeat News: “Hey Cortana, ask VentureBeat to read me the news?”
• Baby Stats: “Hey Cortana, ask Baby Stats to add poop and pee.”
• Celtics Fan: “Hey Cortana, ask Celtics Fan to give me a flash briefing.”
• The Pledge of Allegiance: “Hey Cortana, launch the Pledge of Allegiance.”
• Applause: “Hey Cortana, ask Applause to give me some applause. ”
• The Name Game Song: “Hey Cortana, ask Name Game.”
• Short Bedtime Story: “Hey Cortana, tell Bedtime Story.”
• Starfish Me: “Hey Cortana, Ask Starfish Me for my Wi-Fi pass.”
• Starfish Dico: “Hey Cortana, ask Starfish Dico to say dinner is ready.”
• Inspire Me: “Hey Cortana, launch Inspire Me.”
• My Therapist: “Hey Cortana, ask My Therapist for some conversation.”
• Starfish Messenger: “Hey Cortana, Ask Starfish for my messages.”
• Starfish Peeps: “Hey Cortana, ask Starfish Peeps who is Ryder?”
• The National Anthem: “Hey Cortana, open The National Anthem.”
• Haunted House: “Hey Cortana, ask Haunted House to scare me. ”
• Presidents Trivia: “Hey Cortana, open Presidents Trivia.”
• A Magic Trick: “Hey Cortana, launch Magic Trick.”
• Warriors Fan: “Hey Cortana, ask Warriors Fan to give me a flash briefing.”
• Woman of the Day: “Hey Cortana, ask Woman of the Day who’s the woman of the day?”
• Bargain Buddy: “Hey Cortana, ask Bargain Buddy for the Woot deal.”
• Sound Effects: “Hey Cortana, ask Sound Effects to play air horn.”
• Tact: “Hey Cortana, ask Tact what is the latest on Globex opportunity.”
• Cat Facts: “Hey Cortana, open Cat Facts.”
• Washington State Ferry: “Hey Cortana, ask Washington State Ferry when is the next ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island?”
• Spurs Fans: “Hey Cortana, ask Spurs Fan what is the Spurs conference standing?”
• Cavaliers Fan: “Hey Cortana, ask Cavaliers Fan to give me a flash briefing.”
• Ghost Detector: “Hey Cortana, launch Ghost Detector. ”
• Powerball Helper: “Hey Cortana ask Powerball Helper for lottery numbers. ”
• Internet of Things Facts: “Hey Cortana, ask Internet of Things for a fact. ”
• Ask My Buddy: “Hey Cortana, ask My Buddy to send help.”
• WebHR: “Hey Cortana, ask WebHR about the upcoming birthdays.”
• Headline News: “Hey Cortana, ask Headline News to get me the latest headlines from Asia. ”
• Starfish Band: “Hey Cortana, ask Starfish Band for my activities.”
• Word of the Day: “Hey Cortana ask Daily Word.”
• Bucket List: “Hey Cortana, ask Bucket List to give me a good idea.”
• Boo: “Hey Cortana, ask Boo. ”

How do Cortana skills work?

Some skills may need to be setup before you can invoke them. Domino’s has created a Cortana skill, for instance, but you need to link a Domino’s Pizza account before you can start ordering pizza through Cortana. You can learn more about each Cortana skill now available, including the phrases that invoke them, how to set them up, and which devices they support, on this Microsoft website.

Mother’s Day 2017 (US): 14 best tech gifts for mom

You only have a couple more days to pick out a gift for mom.

Mother’s Day is 14 May in the US this year, which is Sunday, but it’s not too late to figure out and buy the perfect gift for her. To help you quickly find something she’ll absolutely love, we’ve rounded up 14 tech-themed presents to consider. But let’s get one thing clear before we dive into this list: technology isn’t exclusive to one sex or the other. Moms like smartphones and gadgets just as much as dads do.

And they don’t need their technology to be pink-coloured or bedazzled or feminised in anyway. So, for the record, much of the stuff on this list will work not only for moms, but also for dads, non-binary parents, or anyone. And we’ve included gadgets at a range of price points.

Mother’s Day 2017: Best tech gifts for mom

Amazon

Amazon Echo Show

• Amazon Echo Show: Everything you need to know

Amazon has a new Echo device called Echo Show. It’s the perfect Echo for a mom because it can be used to display everything from family photos to recipe instructions. Parents can also use it to video or audio call their kids who also own an Echo device but don’t live at home. Unfortunately, the Echo Show doesn’t start shipping until this summer, but you can pre-order it now and tell mom it’s coming.

Buy Amazon Echo Show (US)

Tile

Tile Slim

• 5 things you didn’t know you could do with a Tile

Tile is a Bluetooth tracker with a built-in speaker. Moms can use the Tile – in conjunction with an app – to find lost items. People use Tile to track all sorts of objects, such as stuffed animals, keys, wallets, cars, laptops, and even smartphones. There are different versions of the Tile. The Tile Slim is as thin as two credit cards and costs only $30, though for Mother’s Day you can find it for just $24 on Amazon.

Buy Tile Slim (US)

Pocket-lint

Amazon’s 7-inch Fire

• Amazon Fire tips and tricks

Amazon’s 7-inch Fire tablet starts at $49.99 for the 8GB version. It offers access to the Alexa assistant, so she can use its Alexa Calling feature to phone her new Echo Show at home (if you got her that too). Moms can also use it to enjoy movies, TV shows, songs, Kindle ebooks, apps, and games. It’s available in four colours and has a plastic body, too, so it’s more durable than pricier tablets.

Buy Amazon Fire (US)

Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite

• Which Amazon Kindle is best for you?

If your mom loves to read but doesn’t necessarily desire a full-fledged tablet experience, consider the Kindle Paperwhite e-reader. It’s the perfect companion with thousands of titles available for download, and it’s easy to read in every type of condition. Its lighting shines across the display so she can read in low light or the dark. It’s on sale right now for $99 through Amazon.

Buy Kindle Paperwhite (US)

Pocket-lint

Fitbit Charge 2

• Fitbit Charge 2 review: Taking charge

Amazon has discounted several Fitbit activity trackers for Mother’s Day. The Fitbit Charge 2 is available for $130, down from its regular retail price of $150. The Fitbit Blaze is also going for $150, a $50 savings. But the Fitbit Charge 2 offers more advanced activity tracking again, thanks to the continuous heart rate monitoring, along with VO2 Max, Guided Breathing, and Connected GPS.

Buy Fitbit Charge 2 (US)

Pocket-lint

Apple Watch Series 2

• Apple Watch Series 2 review: Fitness first

If our mom is active but would love a full smartwatch, then look no further than Apple Watch Series 2. It features a different spec list to the Series 1 in that it has a different processor with built-in GPS, as well as a waterproof body. The aluminium models start at $269 for the 38mm size. And like any Apple Watch, you can customize it for mom, with different cases and band styles.

Buy Apple Watch Series 2 (US)

Roomba

Roomba 900 Series vacuum

• Amazon Echo: First 7 things you should do to get Alexa

Most moms don’t want a vacuum, but this is different. It’s pricey, sure, but all she has to do is yell at her Roomba while watching TV from the couch. iRobot supports the Alexa skill, so she can say “Alexa, ask Roomba to begin cleaning” to get the vacuum robot going. She will be able to use simple voice commands to start, stop, and pause cleaning jobs, all without the minimal amounts of effort.

Buy Roomba 900 (US)

Thrive

Thrive Market subscription

• Don’t fancy cooking? Here are five takeaway apps

Get your mom a subscription to the Thrive Market. It’s an online organic marketplace. If she loves Costco and Whole Foods, she’ll love this gift. For just $60 a year she can order organic food, baby supplies, home goods, cleaning products, bath products, and more – all without having to leave the house. Most moms love to shop, but if yours is also a homebody, we’re sure she’ll appreciate this.

Buy Thrive Market subscription (US)

Miniespresso

Minispresso

• Five of the best coffee machines

If your mom needs to have several cups of Starbucks coffee coursing through her veins, get her the $59 Minispresso, a to-go expresso maker from Hong Kong-based startup Wacaco. It weighs less than a single pound, fits in the palm of a hand, and makes it easy to brew fresh, quality expresso whenever, wherever. She can prepare amazing shots, with a quality close to a traditional machine.

Buy Minispresso (US)

Pocket-lint

Dyson Supersonic hair dryer

• Dyson Supersonic hair dryer review: Is it all just hot air?

A hair dryer is just a hairdryer, right? Not when it’s a $500 Dyson Supersonic hair dryer. Unlike any dryer you’ve seen before, Dyson has ditched traditional design and created a dryer that works in a similar way to the company’s bladeless fans. The motor runs at speeds up to 110,000rpm. It will dry your hair in double-quick time, and it has the design ethos of a Mercedes and BMW combined.

Buy Dyson Supersonic (US)

Pocket-lint

Bose QuietComfort 35

• Bose QuietComfort 35 review: The perfect travel companion

Every mom appreciates a little quiet time. And the QuietComfort 35 headphones are an entirely different kettle of halibut. While they look similar to former models, even feel the same on the old noggin when worn, they take Bose’s leading ANC tech and put it in a wire-free Bluetooth environment with, finally, a built-in rechargeable battery. A plane journey will never feel quite the same without them.

Buy Bose QuietComfort 35 (US)

Roku

Roku Premiere+

• Which Roku media streamer is best for you?

The $80 Roku Premiere+ supports 4K streaming at 60fps. It also has the added benefit of HDR functionality, so if your mom subscribes to the services that support it, i.e. Netflix and Amazon Video, she’ll reap the full rewards. It also offers a night listening mode, which compresses the dynamic range of sound to the same level, so loud explosions for example are kept at the same volume as everything else.

Buy Roku Premiere+ (US)

Pocket-lint

Netflix subscription

• Netflix tips and tricks

It’s Netflix. And only $7.99 a month. ‘Nuff said.

Buy Netflix (US)

Google

Google Family Link

• What is Google Family Link?

If you can’t spend a single thing, then get Google Family Link. We think it’s the best parental device control service yet. It’s currently invitation-only, so get on that waiting list, but it will give your mom all the tools she needs to manage her younger kids’ screen usage. The service is free but you need to make sure the kids’ devices are compatible. We guarantee this will give her peace of mind.

Request Google Family Link (US)

Samsung Galaxy S8 tips and tricks: An expert’s guide

The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ are Samsung’s most ambitious phones yet. While the switch to a 18.5:9 aspect display is likely to be the thing that draws you in, with its luscious infinity curves, there’s a whole lot packed into the phone that you might never find. 

The Galaxy S8 and S8+ offer the same experience, the only difference being the size of the display and battery. The user experience is the same and it’s closely related to the Galaxy S7 running on Nougat, but with a number of expansions. For Samsung users that’s useful, as it’s easy to find your way around, but even as a seasoned user, there’s likely to be things that you have never found.

Fear not, we’ve scraped through the Samsung Galaxy S8 in detail to get to the very core of this phone and unlock its secrets. What follows is an experts guide to mastering your new Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+.

Samsung Galaxy S8 top tip: If you’re struggling to find the settings you want, head into the settings menu and tap the magnifying glass at the top. Then you can type whatever you want and suggestions will appear. Alternatively, scroll to the bottom of any menu and you’ll find alternative suggestions for what you might be looking for.

Samsung Galaxy S8 home screen

Edit your home screen: A long press on the wallpaper on any screen lets you edit the wallpaper and themes, widgets, pages or further settings. This area will also let you add or delete complete screens, so if you want a widgets page, this is where you go.

Get more on your home screen: You can change the size of the screen grid on which your shortcuts and widgets sit, depending on how dense you want the home screen to be. Long press on the wallpaper and select “home screen settings”. Select 4×5 to keep things fairly clear, or 4×6 of 5×5 to cram more in. We went with 5×5 on the S8+, as you might as well use that display.

Resize widgets: Many widgets are resizable. A long press selects them. When you lift your finger, you can drag the blue box that appears and resize your widget. You can even resize the Google search box.

Customise the navigation bar: With on-screen controls, the S8 will let you customise the appearance. Want back on the left rather than the right? Head into settings > display > navigation bar and you can change the the order of buttons and the background colour of the bar they sit on.

Customise the status bar: You can change some of the options on the top display bar. Head into settings > display > status bar. You can limit notification icons to the last three, or switch off the battery percentage, something you’ll probably never want to do.

Create a folder: Simply drag one app on top of another and a folder is created. To remove an app from a folder, open the folder and long and hold an app to select it and drag it out. To add apps, either drag them into a folder, or hit the + within the folder to add apps.

Change a folder colour or name: Open a folder and enter the name you want at the top. If you don’t want a name, leave it blank. To change the folder background colour, tap the palette in the right-hand corner and select a new colour. 

Access Bixby Home from the home screen: New to the S8 is Bixby, pooling into Bixby Home which sits where Upday/Flipboard did, offering a digest of useful information a bit like Google Now. It can be accessed via a press of the Bixby button, but also a swipe from the home screen. To enable it, long press on the home screen wallpaper, swipe right and you’ll find a Bixby panel. Use the toggle switch in the top left to turn it on. You can now swipe to access Bixby Home without needing to press the physical button on the left of the phone.

Stop adding new app icons to home screen: If you don’t want new apps you install cluttering up your home screens, head into Play Store > settings and uncheck the box.

Access Google Assistant: A long press on the on-screen home button will launch Google Assistant. You can then talk to Google and get the full experience as Mountain View intended. In the absence of Bixby Voice at launch, Google has you covered.

Access the Google Search page/Google Now: Google Now was one of the highlights of Android Lollipop, with Google pulling together loads of information from search and other things going on within your Google accounts, serving up cards of information. There is much cross-over with the new Bixby Home, but if you like doing it Google style, then tapping the G in the Google search bar widget will open this page.

Change launcher (home screen): You can easily change the experience of your phone with a different launcher, such as Nova if you want a more customisable experience. Just download the launcher from Play Store and install it. When you press the home button you’ll be given a choice to select a new default launcher. Or, head into settings > apps and hit the menu button top right. Select “default apps” and then “home screen”. You’ll see your choice of launchers there.

Edit quick settings: To change the shortcuts you see when you swipe down the notifications, swipe down twice so you see the full grid, open the menu by tapping the three dots and select “button order”. You’ll be shown the full list of options across pages. You can drag to reorder, or remove shortcuts you don’t need. Top tip: remove the stuff you never use, as it just looks messy.

Change the quick settings grid size: You can change the density of the quick settings icons by changing the grid size (as you can on the home screen and the apps tray (below)). Tap the menu button as above and select “buttons grid”. Select 5×3 and you’ll get a lot more on to one page.

Instantly access device settings from Quick Settings: This is a standard Android tip, but great for accessing settings instantly. Press and hold the shortcut (for example Bluetooth) and you’ll instantly jump to the full settings menu. It’s really useful for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and power saving options.

Pocket-lint

Samsung Galaxy S8 apps tray

Show all the apps on the home screen: This is a popular option for some. If you want to remove the apps tray, long press on the home screen and tap “home screen settings”. Then select “home screen layout” and you’ll see two options, “home screen only” or “home screen and apps screen”. The former removes the apps tray completely.

Add or remove an apps tray button: Another big S8 change is removing the apps tray button and letting you open with a swipe, like the Google Pixel. If you want it back, however, head into the home screen settings as above and select “apps button”. Here you can turn it on or off.

Change the apps screen grid size: Like the home screen you can change the density of apps in the apps tray/page. As above, go into the home screen settings, and you’ll see the option for “apps screen grid”, with options for 4×6 or 5×6. The latter will pack more apps in.

Alphabetize your apps: In the apps tray, hit menu in the top right-hand corner, then “sort”. This will give you the option to have alphabetical order. Just tap that option and everything will drop into place.

Reorder apps: Hit the menu button in the top right-hand corner, then tap “sort”. This time, select “custom order”. You can now you can drag the apps to the position you want them in.

Create an apps tray folder: As long as you’re in “custom order” (as above), then you can drag one app over another to create a folder. This can then be repositioned, named or coloured to your preference.

Search your entire phone: At the top of the apps screen is a search bar for Finder. This will return search results for apps, but can also search across various apps, like Feedly, Play Music, messages, reminder, calendar and a whole lot more. Hit the menu button and you can choose where it searches.

Uninstall apps: You can uninstall directly from an app icon. Just long press on the app and a pop-up menu will give you the option to uninstall an app. If it’s a core app (which you can’t uninstall) the same option will let you disable an app.

Add apps to your home screen: Press and hold on the app shortcut in the apps tray. This will let you place a shortcut on your home screen by dragging it to the top of the page.

Use normal app icons: Samsung loves putting backgrounds on app icons, turning everything into a squircle. Head into settings > display > icon frames and select “icons only”. That will return apps to their normal shape.

• Samsung Galaxy S8 preview

Pocket-lint

Samsung Galaxy S8 lock screen and security

Change lock screen shortcuts: You can have two shortcuts on the lock screen for quick access. These are phone and camera by default, but can be anything you like. Head into settings > lock screen and security > info and app shortcuts. Here you can select the left and right shortcuts, or turn them off completely.

Enable fingerprint/face/iris security: To use your fingerprint/face/iris to unlock, head into settings > lock screen and security > screen lock type. Here you can select the biometric you want. You’ll have to set a back-up PIN or passcode at the same time to provide additional security. Iris scanning might be the popular option with the fingerprint now on the back of the phone and rather hard to find.

Instant lock: When you press the standby button, you want your phone to lock instantly. Head into settings > lock screen and security > secure lock settings. There’s the option to lock the device as soon as the screen goes to sleep or when you press the standby button. If you do want a delay, there’s plenty of time options.

Smart Lock/Bluetooth unlock: Again in settings > lock screen and security > there’s the Smart Lock section. This is a standard Android feature and you have the option to nominate trusted devices, so your Android will unlock when connected to something else. You can nominate Bluetooth devices (like your smartwatch or car Bluetooth), location, trusted voice and so on.

Automatically wipe your device: If you’re worried about your phone falling into the wrong hands and being cracked, you can have it automatically wipe. Head into settings > lock screen and security > secure lock settings. Here you’ll find the option to auto factory reset if 15 failed unlock attempts are made.

Disable/enable lock screen notifications: If you don’t want notifications on your lock screen, head to settings > lock screen and security > notifications. This lets you hide content, only show app icons or disable notifications completely. Conversely, if you want notifications with content, don’t select hide. Don’t worry, you can choose to hide content for some apps and not others, see below.

Hide some lock screen notifications: If you never want lock screen notifications from a particular app (like a messaging app, or annoying game), head into notifications on lock screen as above, then you’ll get a list of all your apps. Switch off the apps and you’ll never get lock screen notifications from them.

Show Bixby Home on the lock screen: You can access Bixby Home from the lock screen with a press of the Bixby button, meaning you don’t have to unlock to view certain things. Head into Bixby Home, tap the menu in the top right-hand corner and tap on “show on lock screen”. This will show all the app cards that will be shown in Bixby Home on the lock screen. This can include the likes of the calendar, Facebook, Spotify, Twitter, Upday, Weather and so on. You can toggle off the things you want to keep private.

Unlock with the on-screen home button: Rather than hitting the standby button or the fingerprint scanner, you can long press on the on-screen home button to unlock. If you have security, it will go straight to unlocking, for example to the iris scanner. If you have no security it will just unlock your phone. Head into settings > display > navigation bar and select “unlock with home button”.

• Best Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus cases: Protect your new Samsung smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S8 notifications tips and tricks

Hide content in some app notifications: If you want to have notifications on your lock screen, but hide sensitive information in some of those apps (like a messaging app), first enable lock screen notifications to show content (see above). Then head into settings > notifications. Here you can manage the notifications of each individual app. You can opt to hide content from the lock screen here for specific apps.

To turn off notifications on an app: Go to settings > notifications and toggle off notifications for the app you don’t want to hear from. Or, when you get a notification you don’t like, drag it slowly to the right and you’ll see a settings icon, tap that to go to the settings for that app.

Pinch to expand: Got a stack of notifications? You can pinch to expand them, both on the lock screen and in the notifications area.

Swipe the fingerprint scanner to access notifications tray: If your phone feels too big and you can’t reach the notifications tray, then you can swipe the fingerprint scanner to make it drop down. Head into settings > advanced features > finger sensor gestures. Then you can swipe to view notifications with one hand.

Flash the LED for notifications: The LED will flash when the display is off to tell you there’s a notification. If you want to turn it off, head into settings > display > LED indicator and you can switch it off.

Get a grip on do not disturb: Do not disturb is a powerful tool for managing what notifications you get when. It’s so massive, it’s fully explored in the section below.

Pocket-lint

Samsung Galaxy S8 volume controls and do not disturb

Quickly switch to vibrate alerts: If you want silence, but are after vibration alerts still, push the volume button and tap the speaker icon on the pop-up. This will switch to vibrate. Or you can hold down the volume button so it slides all the way down to vibrate.

Set you phone to silent: The normal volume controls only go to vibrate. To make your phone silent, swipe down to the quick settings and tap the sound shortcut. This will cycle through sound/vibrate/mute. Remember to turn the sound back on, or you’ll miss all your calls and messages, or use do not disturb instead.

Turn down media volume: Hit the volume up or down button, and the volume slider will appear. Tap the down arrow on the right-hand side, and you can change the ringer, media, notifications and system volumes independently. Perfect for when you want to watch a YouTube video on the bus without disturbing others.

Engage do not disturb: Do not disturb is an Android feature that lets you silence your phone, but set up a range of exceptions. Swipe down quick settings and tap the do not disturb button to turn it on. You can also set it to a schedule, for example at night, or when you’re in the office.

Allow notifications in do not disturb: If you want silence then do not disturb is great. But if you want some notifications, then you have to designate the exceptions that are allowed. Head into settings > sound and vibration > do not disturb > allow exceptions. Here you can allow alarms (essential if you want to wake up in the morning), but also allow repeat callers or nominated contacts – such as favourites for messages and calls – as well as allowing priority app notifications. 

To mark an app as a priority app: Head into settings > sound and vibration > do not disturb > allow exceptions > priority app notifications. Tap on the app you want to mark as priority so you always get notifications from that app, including in do not disturb mode.

Samsung Galaxy S8 app management

Change the default app: Android lets you decide which is the default app if you have more than one that will do the same thing. Under settings > apps hit the menu button and then “default apps”. Here you can see what has been selected as the default browser, calling app, messaging app and home screen. Other defaults are selected by the first app you open for a particular task.

Control app permissions: Nougat lets you manage all the permissions for each app on an individual basis. Go to applications, select the app and hit Permissions. This will let you toggle permissions on and off, so you can disable location access, for example.

Samsung Galaxy S8 display tips

Make your apps full screen: With a 18.5:9 display, the S8 is taller than most phones. Some apps will fill that space having already been optimised (like Samsung’s apps, Facebook, Amazon Video), but others need to be turned on. Head into settings > display > full screen apps. Here you’ll see those that are optimised already and those you can force to work full screen.

Turn on always on display: To have the lock screen show you “always on” information, head into lock screen and security > always on display and switch it on. This shows when the phone display is in standby. If you want it to always show, scroll down and toggle that option on. If you want it on a schedule – perhaps only show when you’re at your desk – then turn off “show always” and set a schedule instead.

Change always-on display layout: You can customise what you see in always-on display by heading to the section above and tapping on it. You’ll find an option for layouts where you can customise what you’re shown and how it is laid out.

Download more always on display layouts: There’s the option to expand what’s offered for always on display. Open the Samsung Themes app, click AODs on the bottom tab. Pick the layout you like and hit download, then apply.

Change the display colours: Head into settings > screen mode and you’ll get the option to change the way the display looks. If you want something more vibrant, it’s here you can set it, or change the balance of red, green and blue in the display.

Turn on night mode: Called “blue light filter” by Samsung, this changes the colour of the display to reduce blue light, avoid eye strain and help you sleep better. Head into settings > display > blue light filter to change the times and the strength of the effect.

One-handed mode: With the Galaxy S8 and S8+ being tall, you might find it easier to use in one-handed mode so you can reach the top. You can swipe in diagonally from the bottom left or right, or head into settings > advanced features > one-handed mode and select “button”. This will mean you can tap the home button 3 times and it will shrink into one-handed mode, for simple one-hand use.

Samsung Galaxy S8 edge screen tips

Manage edge screen content: Both the S8 and S8+ have edge functions. Head into settings > display > edge screen to manage edge panels and lighting.

Enable edge lighting for incoming calls: If your phone is face down, you can have the edges light up when there’s an incoming call. Head into settings > display > edge screen > edge lighting. This is ideal for meetings. Your phone will reveal there’s an incoming call without you needing vibration or showing everyone who is calling. You can opt to have it always light up, or only when the screen is on or off.

Add or remove edge panels: Head into settings > display > edge screen and tap on edge panels. Here you’ll see the selection of panels available and you can add and remove those you don’t want. Stick to the useful, otherwise you’ll spend more time navigating and less time doing. Smart select is worth investigating.

Pocket-lint

Samsung Galaxy S8 multi-tasking

Use multi window view: To view two apps at the same time, hit the recent apps button, find the app you want and hit the icon looking like two boxes at the top of that app card. The app will occupy the top half of the screen. You can then select the second app from the apps shown on the bottom of the display. You can change the size of each app by pressing the blue line in the centre and dragging it up or down.

Use recent apps button for multi window: Rather than tapping the symbol in the app, you can press and hold the recent app button to leap into multi window view. Head into settings > advanced features > multi window to turn this option on or off.

Select a zone of an app to view: On same compatible apps (Google Maps for example) there’s also the option to view a section of an app, perhaps an address. This button is alongside the multi-window button and once you tap it, you get a box to select what you want to see. Hit done and this goes to the top of the display. It’s useful when you want a specific piece of information in view, in addition to another app.

Use pop-up view: This has been an action for a number of years and is similar to one-handed view, but you get to select the size of the window. Head into settings > advanced features > multi window and toggle on pop-up view action. This will let you swipe in diagonally from the top left or right of the display to drag into pop-up view. You can also adjust the size of the window and move it around, so you can view one thing and whatever was in the background.

Pocket-lint

Samsung Galaxy S8 camera and photo tricks

Quick launch: Double tap on the standby button to launch the camera. You can do this from the lock screen or any other location in the phone. If it’s not turned on, head to the camera app > settings and toggle on “quick launch”. Quick launching on the lock screen will still open the camera, but you’ll have to unlock to view photos.

Enable raw capture: If you want the dng files saved as well as regular jpeg, head into the settings and then picture size. At the bottom is the option to save both raw and jpeg files. To use it you’ll need to be in Pro mode, however, so swipe in from the left and tap Pro.

Control HDR: In the camera app, hit the HDR toggle button on the left-hand side. This cycles through on-off-auto HDR options. 

Enable video stabilisation: To stabilise your video on the rear camera, open settings and scroll down to find “video stabilisation”.

Quickly switch from rear to front camera: There’s a button to switch between front and rear cameras, but you can also do it with a swipe. Just swipe up or down the display to switch to the other camera.

Wide selfie: To get more into your selfie shot, select the front camera, then swipe in from the left and select “wide selfie”. Tap wide selfie and you can take a wider shot by swivelling the camera.

Identify an object using Bixby Vision: In the camera app there’s an icon that looks like an eye on the bottom left corner. Tap this and Bixby will attempt to identify anything it can see.

To take a selfie using a gesture or the heart rate sensor: In the camera flip over to selfie mode and hit settings > shooting methods. Here you’ll find the options for gestures, or using the heart rate sensor to take a picture.

To take a long exposure photo: In the camera app, swipe in from the left and select Pro. On the right-hand side you’ll see the option to change the length of the exposure with a symbol that looks like a camera shutter. Use the slider to select the length of time you want. The exposure compensation icon above will indicate whether you’re going to over or under expose, by switching from + to -.

To save photos to the microSD card: There’s a microSD card slot, so you might as well use it. Head into the camera app > settings > storage location and select SD card.

Change gallery view: If you’re looking at your photos and you want more or less on display, you can pinch zoom, to change the thumbnail view.

Add a Google Photos thumbnail to your camera: By default, Samsung’s camera previews thumbnails with a link to Samsung’s Gallery app. If you’d rather use Google Photos for all your viewing, you can enable a thumbnail from Google’s app within your camera app. Head into Google Photos > settings > camera shortcut. Toggle this on and when you take a photo, a thumbnail that links to G Photos will appear for you.

• How to take long exposure photos on a smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S8 screenshot 

Take a screen shot: Press the volume down and standby buttons at the same time. A screenshot will be captured. 

Palm swipe for a screenshot: If you don’t want to press the buttons to take a screenshot, head into settings > advanced features > and turn on palm swipe to capture. This saves you having to press two buttons at once.

Use smart capture: Samsung gives you more options for screenshots. Head into settings > advanced features > smart capture. This will let you scroll to get more of a page, with instant edit and share options too.

Capture a gif from the screen: You can create a gif instantly from anything that’s playing on your phone, like a video in Twitter, Instagram or YouTube. Enable the smart select edge panel. Then, once your video is on the display, swipe to smart select from the edge and select animation. A preview window will appear which will let you record video to create a gif.

• How to take a screenshot on the Samsung Galaxy S8, including smart select and smart capture

Samsung Galaxy S8 managing calling, data and networks

Smart network switching: If you want to let your phone switch to mobile data when a Wi-Fi network is poor, enter settings > Wi-Fi > advanced > Smart network switch to enable or disable. There’s also the option to do this aggressively, so if there’s the slightest wobble in Wi-Fi, you’ll go back to 4G. 

Set a data limit: If you don’t want to exceed your contract data, head into settings > connections > data usage and you have the option to set the data limit and the date your contract renews.

Restrict Wi-Fi hotspots: Phone always jumping on Wi-Fi networks you don’t want it to? Head into settings > data usage > restrict networks and you’ll get a full list of recognised Wi-Fi networks. Here you can limit those annoying hotspots when you’re walking down the street.

Enable download booster: If you’re looking for download booster (to use Wi-Fi and mobile networks simultaneously for big downloads, head into settings > connections > more connection settings and you’ll find the option for the download booster. 

Identify incoming calls: If you want the phone to identify who is calling you, head into phone and open the menu, tap settings and select “search for places nearby”. You’ll then be shown any information that can be found on incoming callers.

Turn on Wi-Fi calling: If your network supports Wi-Fi calling, you’ll have to turn it on on your phone to place calls over Wi-Fi. Head into the phone app > settings and scroll all the way to the bottom to find Wi-Fi calling. Turn that on if you want it. 

Samsung Galaxy S8 storage tips

Explore what’s on your device storage: Head to settings > device maintenance > storage and view the internal storage and SD card. This will give you a breakdown of what’s taking up your storage. In this new device maintenance app you’ll have the option to clean up trash files. To see the actual file content, head to the My Files app.

Move an app to SD card: If you want to move apps to the microSD card to make more space on your internal storage, head into settings > applications and tap on an app. Within the app details you’ll find a storage section. Tap this, then “change” and you’ll be able to select the SD card. The phone will then move the app to external storage – but the app has to be compatible, some apps you can’t move.

Auto restart to keep things fast: If you’re a power user and want to restart your device to flush out the caches, you can do it automatically. Head into settings > general management > reset > auto restart. Here you can set the day of the week and the time you want your phone to restart itself.

Samsung Galaxy S8 battery tips

View what’s eating battery: Head into settings > device maintenance and tap battery. This will show you the predicted battery usage based on your 7-day averages, and tapping the “battery usage” will show you what’s using up that battery.

Engage power saving mode: Either hit the shortcut in quick settings, or head into settings > device maintenance > battery. Here you can engage mid or max battery saving, with the option to change the settings for each mode. 

Enable fast charging: Head into settings > device maintenance > battery > advanced settings > fast cable charging. If this is not turned on, the phone won’t use fast charging.

Manage app power saving: In settings > device maintenance > battery you can see the app power monitor. Here you can select apps to have the phone save battery on those apps in the background.

Use Android Doze: Android Doze is a low power state that lets apps sleep when your device isn’t being used. It saves a lot of battery in quiet times, for example over night when you don’t have a charger. It’s part of Android Nougat and is automatic – so you don’t have to do anything – it just works.

Time till fully charged: Charge time is displayed when connected to a charger. Look at the bottom of the lockscreen and in the battery status screen. If you’re fast charging, it will say so, and the estimated time left.

Best upcoming smartphones: The future phones of 2017

With the pace of smartphone evolution moving so fast, there’s always something waiting in the wings. No sooner have you spied the latest handset, then there’s anticipation of something else, the next big thing.

We’ve rounded up the best smartphones for 2017, those we consider to be the best across all platforms, and we’ve regularly updated that list as the smartphone world has evolved.

You can find those in our Best smartphones 2017: The best phones available to buy today feature. If your budget is a little smaller, there is also our Best budget smartphones 2017: The best phones available to buy for under £250.

Here we’re looking at those phones that haven’t yet launched, the best upcoming phones for 2017. We’ll be updating this list on a regular basis, with those device rumours we think are credible and exciting, and devices just announced but yet to hit the shelves.

Best upcoming phones 2017

Before we dive into the detail, here are some of the anticipated upcoming handsets for 2017:

• HTC U 11/HTC Ocean
• Samsung Galaxy Note 8
• Motorola Moto X4
• Apple iPhone 8
• Apple iPhone 8 Plus
• OnePlus 5
• Google Pixel 2

@evleaks

HTC Ocean / HTC U 11

HTC’s next flagship handset is thought to be going under the name of HTC U 11, previously known as HTC Ocean. HTC launched its first handsets for 2017 in the form of the U Play and U Ultra, but at the time said this wasn’t the flagship and there was more to come.

It’s now thought this more will be coming on 16 May 2017 after the Taiwanese company sent out a save the date to press. The new device is rumoured to offer new methods of interaction, with suggestions of a touch-sensitive frame called Edge Sense, and HTC’s social campaign promoting squeeze.

According to the speculation, the HTC U 11 will have a 5.5-inch Quad HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, a 12-megapixel rear camera, 16-megapixel front-facing camera, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, microSD card slot, Android 7.1 Nougat and HTC’s own Sense 9 UI.

• HTC U 11 ‘Ocean’: Everything you need to know

Slashleaks

Samsung Galaxy Note 8

Sure, the Note 7 didn’t go so well, but it seems that the family isn’t dead: the Note 7 is getting refurbished and released as the Note 7R in some territories and it looks like Samsung still has plans for the next model, the Note 8. This was confirmed by Samsung soon after the Note 7 failed, suggesting an upgrade programme to the new model when it launches. 

That launch is expected to be some time in August or September, with IFA 2017 getting a recent suggestion. There’s very little detail to go on in terms of what to expect, but we’d expect the S Pen to come back, we’d expect software upgrades and there’s talk of the introduction of a dual camera system.

Exactly how large the Note 8 might be if it adopts the 18.5:9 aspect display like the Galaxy S8, we just don’t know.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 8: What’s the story so far?

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Motorola Moto X4

Motorola, under the stewardship of Lenovo, is planning to update the Moto X in 2017. Previously called Moto X (2017), it now has some branding in the form of Moto X4. We’re expecting a mid-range handset, which will likely mean a metal body and more powerful hardware, with screen sizes somewhere around 5.5 inches. 

There’s no knowing if Moto will include compatibility with the Moto Mods of Moto Z 2016, with early leaks suggesting an entirely different design. Exactly how Motorola will keep distinction between E, G, X and Z remains to be seen, but there’s a growing body of evidence to suggest the Moto X4 is coming. 

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Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus

The iPhone 8 is reported to shake things up completely when it appears later this year. The iPhone 7, surprisingly, didn’t make a huge change over the iPhone 6S, but the biggest hint at what to expect from the iPhone 8 might have come from Apple Watch.

With the release of the Series 2 device, Apple introduced a ceramic version. This, paired with the jet black colouring for the iPhone 7, might point to future changes in materials for the iPhone 8. Some are suggesting that the iPhone 8 will be mostly glass and introduce wireless charging, but there’s expected to be a special edition ceramic version too.

There have also been talks of an OLED curved display for the iPhone 8, as well as a rear mounted fingerprint sensor. Taking it further, it’s suggested that there will be an iPhone 7S and 7S Plus too, alongside this roaring iPhone 8, with the iPhone 8 being the more premium of the three.

• Apple iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus: What’s the story so far?

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OnePlus 5

Wait, what? No, you’re not going mad. There’s a rumour that OnePlus will be skipping the 4 number and heading straight to OnePlus 5.

The OnePlus 5 could land with a glass or ceramic body, moving on from the OnePlus 3T to present something a little different. It wouldn’t be the first time that OnePlus has used something different, as it did in the OnePlus X.

A 5.3-inch display might meet a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset for loads of power. This could all be heading your way in May or June.

• OnePlus 5: What’s the story so far?

Pocket-lint

Google Pixel 2

The Google Pixel has received great acclaim for it’s pure Google phone approach, with a lot of people really loving the camera experience. 

Rumours are light on the Google Pixel 2 – we don’t even have confirmation of the name – but it has been confirmed that there will be a new Pixel device in 2017. That was confirmed by Rick Osterloh, SVP of hardware at Google, i.e., the chap who will be responsible for it. Other details are light, but Osterloh also confirmed that the Pixel 2 would retain its premium positioning.

That’s about all we know so far, but you can expect Android O, and potentially another phone manufactured by HTC. We’d expect it to launch about October time, about a year after the original.

• Google Pixel 2: What do we want to see?

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Nokia 8

Nokia made it’s play at Mobile World Congress 2017, launching three Android devices. The lead device was the Nokia 6, but notably missing was a true flagship smartphone, colloquially dubbed the Nokia 8. 

Originally leaking as the P1, and then finding itself levelled with the name Nokia 8, we’re expecting a premium build, with an IP68 rating, a 5.5-inch display with 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution.

Most of the hardware rumours have said Qualcomm Snapdragon 835, but with plenty of mixed messaging coming from the flagship rumours and those wrapped up in the Nokia 6/5/3, we’re going to be watching and waiting to see how the story of Nokia’s flagship unfolds.

• Nokia 8 Android phone: Release date, rumours and specs

facebook/designer

Microsoft Surface Phone

The Surface Phone is something of a Windows phone holy grail. With Nokia then Microsoft Devices producing plenty of Windows Phones, the spectre of the Surface Phone has been hanging around as the idea of the ultimate Windows mobile device. Given the recent sale of virtually all of its phone patents, and announcement that it’s no longer focusing on Windows Phone development, the Surface Phone may never see the light of day.

It’s rumoured that the new premium device will be Surface branded and Intel powered, possibly coming in three different variants. Given the same team behind the Surface Tablets are said to be behind the Surface Phone, you can expect a solid build if it ever does appear.

There’s also the suggestion that Surface Phone will run a brand new update of Windows 10, aiming to capitalise on the branding and offer the ultimate experience. Launch originally wasn’t expected until the latter half of 2016, but this has since shifted to 2017. That’s if it appears at all.

• Microsoft Surface Phone: What’s the story so far?

Upcoming phones already announced…

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Nokia 6

The Nokia 6 is now a global device, offering a lovely build on mid-range specs. It has an aluminium body, fronted by a lovely 5.5-inch Full HD display. It’s powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 chipset and offers a 16-megapixel camera on the rear, 8-megapixel on the front. Most attractive, however, is that it’s pure Android, with no bloat at all – the only thing Nokia changes is the camera app.

The Arte Black special edition (pictured) is only €299, the normal version is €229, meaning this is a serious bargain for Nokia’s return to smartphones. There are also Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 handsets, which drop the specs down – the Nokia 6 is our star pick, however.

• Nokia 6 preview: A solid start for the new Android Nokia

You will need to register and sign in for BBC iPlayer: Here’s why

Back in September last year, the BBC announced that a BBC account would eventually be needed to access some of the Beeb’s online services, including iPlayer and iPlayer Radio. That day will come soom.

You will need to sign in with a registered account when accessing BBC services online through the web or via the mobile and tablet applications and the prompt to do so will now appear when you open the app.

Smart TV BBC iPlayer apps don’t yet require sign up but you’ll be missing out on some features if your TV does allow you to sign in.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new BBC iPlayer sign-in, including how to register for an account and the benefits it brings.

Why do you need to sign-in to use BBC iPlayer?

In September 2016, the BBC outlined changes to its online strategy that included mandatory BBC account registration to use some of its services. BBC iPlayer and BBC iPlayer Radio are two of the main services affected.

The BBC explained then that by getting users to sign-in it could make the iPlayer platform more personalised, offering recommendations to users based on their viewing habits, alerts about specific programming or events and even watch a programme on one device and pick it up on another at the point you left off.

That means, because it knows who you are, it can sync your watching, enabling the popular “resume play” features that other commercial platforms offer. These are features other video streaming services offer, like Netflix, but they generally require a subscription fee.

The BBC doesn’t require payment beyond the standard television licence fee that you need to pay to watch BBC broadcasting through TV or online. However, it does need to know who is watching the service, otherwise it cannot personalise it.

Critics suggest that it also enables the BBC to find and penalise those not paying their licence fees and while that is possible, with the Beeb itself admitting that email accounts can be cross-referenced to find those who are watching but not paying for the privilege, that isn’t the main reason.

It promises that online surveillance is not being adopted and IP addresses of those watching will not be sought. In future it might implement systems whereby those not paying the licence fee cannot access BBC iPlayer, due to a Government request, but that is still in the discussion phase.

What is a BBC account?

Formerly known as BBC iD, a BBC account has been a feature of bbc.co.uk for some time. You can register on the site and have your bbc.co.uk homepage customised to your own interests, including localised information, such as the weather.

The same account is now being used to sign into iPlayer and other online services.

Is a BBC account free?

A BBC account is totally free to sign up for. You need to pay the TV licence fee, which costs £147 a year, in order to watch BBC iPlayer or any other TV programming in the UK, but that is required to legally watch television in this country, even if you never use iPlayer.

How do I get a BBC account?

All you have to do to get a BBC account is register for one at bbc.co.uk here.

If you already have an account, which you’ve used for the Beeb’s website before, that will work. It doesn’t require all of your personal details, just your date of birth, email address, gender and a password to use when you sign in each time.

You can also flesh out your profile with your name if you like.

One other benefit to having a BBC account is that you can link a child’s profile with your own for parental controls.

Full OnePlus 5 specs leak in retail listing

The OnePlus 5, its specs and features may have just leaked in all their glory on Chinese retail website Geekbuying.com. Interestingly, at the time of writing, the page still hasn’t been taken down.

• OnePlus 4/OnePlus 5: What’s the story so far?

The listing confirms many features we’ve come to expect already, such as dual cameras on both the front and back of the phone 23-megapixel on the back and 16-megapixel on the front. It also shows a front and rear-view of the phone; the rear panel looks similar to what we’ve seen before, with a vertically arranged dual-camera, but doesn’t obviously show the dual front camera is alleged to have. We’re sold on the idea of a dual front camera, but not convinced by this photo.

Elsewhere, the OnePlus 5 should come with a 5.5-inch 2560 x 1440 ‘2K’ display, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor and 8GB of RAM. Storage is marked down as 64GB, but there’s a microSD card slot for expanding that, although the listing doesn’t say how much you can expand it up to.

Finally, the battery is a 4,000mAh unit and while it doesn’t say on the listing, we expect it to feature Quick Charge technology.

All in all, the OnePlus 5 looks every bit the “flagship killer” that it has been in recent years. The inclusion of dual cameras both front and back will help it, on paper at least, to more than hold its own against the likes of Samsung, LG and even Apple. Of course, we’ll have to wait until a full review to see just how well they work.

• OnePlus 5 may have double dual cameras according to leaked sketches
• OnePlus 5 confirmed following official teaser from CEO

The listing lets you choose your local currency to buy the phone, and asks for £360 to have it sent to the UK, or $450 for US customers. It’s not available to ship just yet, but you can register your interest, but the website doesn’t say when it expects to have stock. The OnePlus 5 still hasn’t been officially unveiled, but we expect it to launch sometime in June.

The Legend of Zelda coming to iPhone and Android

Nintendo is planning to release a Legend of Zelda game for iOS and Android and it is likely to be released in 2018.

The Wall Street Journal reports the Japanese gaming giant will follow its next mobile release, based on Animal Crossing, with a Zelda game thanks to the phenomenal success of Breath of the Wild on Nintendo Switch and Wii U.

Sources claim that the game is being developed by DeNA, the mobile-specific studio that Nintendo entered into partnership with in 2015. The same developer created Super Mario Run, the recently released Fire Emblem Heroes and Miitomo.

It is also working on a mobile version of Animal Crossing, which was due this March but was put back to “the next fiscal year”. That could mean a release from now until early 2018, although it is expected to be sometime in 2017.

Certainly Nintendo needs to get a wriggle on if it plans to meet a promise by company president Tatsumi Kimishima. He stated in December last year that the firm would release two to three mobile games a year, starting in 2017.

So far we’ve had Fire Emblem Heroes in February, so a second game is forthcoming. The Android version of Super Mario Run doesn’t count.

Samsung QLED Q7F 4K TV review: QLED gets off to a flying start

The flagship 2017 Samsung TVs carry the QLED name, a new branding for the company’s top-tier tellies.

QLED has been called many things, but there are two important things to consider: firstly, QLED is the third-generation of Quantum Dot; secondly the naming is really there to resonate with customers.

Although the technology in the TV is enhanced over previous years (and some similar rivals), it’s not a new tech. Instead it’s one aiming to compete with OLED in the premium TV stakes, which is where this Samsung is pitched. 

The Q7F sits just down from the true flagship, the Q9F, but offers much the same experience: it’s fully connected, fully featured, and a fully worth your attention.

• What is QLED? Samsung’s new TV tech explained 

Samsung Q7F review: Design

• Separate-to-panel One Connect box for connections
• New cable-routing stands, invisible cable
• Zero-gap wall mount
• Invisible Cable

Samsung continues the idea of 360 design with the Q7F. This is a TV that looks great from the back as well as the front. Sculpting to the top and sides appear to give the TV a slim look, while the whole of the back is a striated textured plastic.

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The advantage this offers over smooth plastic is it doesn’t look as dirty. Should you have your TV standing in a location where you can look at the back of it, it will always look clean, whereas TVs have a habit of attracting a lot of dust to their back surfaces, even if this surface still clings onto fingerprint grease.

The screen is framed with a simple chrome strip around the edges for a premium look, something that’s also carried into the stand design. Following the lead of Sony, Samsung is now also offering hidden cable routing – not that this Samsung really needs it in the way that many TVs do. 

As with the 2015 and 2016 flagships, the brains of this TV is the in the separate One Connect box. As all inputs connect to that, the only wires you need to run to the TV are the power cable and the new Invisible Connection cable. Both of these connect to the bottom rear of the TV and can be hidden with a cover. Some of the stand options, like the standard pedestal, can also accommodate these cables, so they aren’t left draped over surrounding areas.

Samsung has created a range of stand options, as well as a bespoke wall mount for this TV, alongside a standard Vesa mounting option. You can use a standard TV wall mount which you might already have, or you can use Samsung’s own mount designed to get the TV as close to the wall as possible.

The advantage that Samsung’s mount offers is that it’s designed to fit right into the back of the TV, whereas many Vesa mounts have a stand-off, meaning a larger gap between TV and wall. As there are no cables to worry about with the QLED models, option for Samsung’s mount potentially gives you a much cleaner solution, even if it does cost an extra £129.

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There’s one problem: the fairly short length of included power cable. This is coloured off-white which potentially matches most people’s décor, but unless you’ve mounted the TV close to a socket, it simply won’t reach. 

All said, the Q7F is nicely designed. Although there’s minimal bezel around the display, but it doesn’t quite have the wow factor of LG’s picture-on-glass design for its OLED TVs.

• Samsung 4K HDR TV choices for 2017: QLED Q9F, Q8C, Q7C and Q7F compared

Samsung Q7F review: Setup and connectivity

• 4x HDMI, 3x USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, optical
• One Connect box requires separate mains power to panel

Initially setting up Samsung’s new QLED TV couldn’t really be easier. The stand attaches simply if that’s what you’re going to use and you then only need to connect the power cable and the Invisible Cable.

This Invisible Cable is so-called because it’s essentially a translucent optical cable, meaning that if you are wall mounting, it’s just this thin cable that you need to hide. This, unlike the power cable, comes with decent length (there are 5m or 15m options) and you practically can’t see it from across the room if it’s hanging down the wall.

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The Invisible Cable is all you need to connect to the One Connect box. Like previous years, this has all the wired connections for this TV. It also now has to be powered independently, so this is a TV that needs two plug sockets before you add any peripherals.

The One Connect box offers four HDMI, all of which support the latest Ultra HD and HDR standards, one used for ARC. There are aerial connections and a satellite connection (no pass-through), alongside three USB connections (all USB 2.0, one rated at 1A and designed for HDD connection), Ethernet for physical network connection, and optical for audio.

The TV offers Wi-Fi for network connection too, as well as wider connection to other devices like smartphones. It favours Samsung’s own phones, but offers connected apps for Apple and other Android devices. Experience says that opting for the Ethernet connection is the better choice, resulting in much more stable connections – we found the Wi-Fi to be a little temperamental and suspect it was causing our router to crash.

• When QLED meets Galaxy S8: A guide to Smart View, Samsung Connect and controlling your Samsung TV with your phone

Samsung Q7F review: Smart remote and connected device control 

• Smart remote with voice control
• Universal controls
• Auto device detection

Samsung’s new QLED TVs all come equipped with a new smart remote. There’s a wonderfully premium feel to this remote, with its metal finish and compact dimensions. There’s no gimmickry in terms of motion control, instead you’re presented with minimal buttons. 

That keeps things tidy, offering you home, volume, channel, a four-way controller and OK button, plus a couple of other universal buttons, like back. We’ve not always been fans of this smart remote system, because it assumes that minimal controls will do everything you might want to – but if you feel the same then there’s a fully buttoned remote also included in the box, giving you access to everything, but minus that premium feel. 

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The thing that Samsung is pushing to ease away the pain point of having no buttons on the smart remote is universal device recognition. When you connect a new device to your TV, the Q7F goes off to identify it and opens up a connection wizard to take you through the process. The idea is that you connect, for example, a BT YouView box, and the TV sees it, asks you to confirm what it is and then guides you to testing the remote’s controls.

That not only sets up the remote, but identifies the device in the sources list and in some cases, pulls information into the TV’s Tizen user interface. This is where things get more interesting, because you can then have, for example, those TV channels from the connected BT YouView box appearing as shortcuts in the TV’s interface when you press the home button.

This is really a measure to counter the TV becoming just a display while your connected devices take over the interface, making Samsung redundant. The same method is used for apps like Netflix: recent programmes are displayed so you can immediately resume what you were watching.

Pocket-lint

The downside to this whole system is that the TV really doesn’t like it if it doesn’t know what is attached. You can’t connect something to HDMI and just get the TV to switch inputs. It wants to run through the connection wizard for each device. If that wizard doesn’t identify the connected device or you can’t get the remote setup, you’re essentially forced to lie to the TV and say it’s all fine before it will let you watch that device. We connected a Blu-ray player and after some time trying to setup the remote, we decided it was too long and basically just had to say it was working when it wasn’t, just so we could watch that input.

One thing that Samsung offers to make general access to the TV easier is voice control. This is via a button the remote control, letting you press the button and then say just about anything you like. That might be to launch an app like Netflix, to search for content or to change a particular setting. 

Like Samsung’s Bixby, voice designed to make interaction easier, although it’s not fully universal. While it will launch Netflix, it won’t control it; while it will search for content, it’s only on YouTube; while it will attempt to change the channel on a connected set-top box, it doesn’t always get the right one – neither is it completely savvy with the channels from its own tuner.

Pocket-lint

For example, having setup the TV with a YouView box as detailed above, asking to “watch BBC One” by voice control sees the request recognised, but not always executed. We were offered the BBC red button channel, BBC Two and BBC Two HD, but not BBC One.

Voice can be mastered, however. If you know the channel numbers “watch 105” then the performance is flawless, but that makes it feel essentially gimmicky – plus you have to press a button to activate voice, so you might as well just use the remote that in your hand to do what you want instead.

• What is Bixby? Samsung’s smart AI explained

Samsung Q7F review: Picture and performance

• 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Edge-lit LED (bottom edge illumination)
• High Dynamic Range (HDR) support
• No Dolby Vision, HDR10+ incoming
• 40W 2.2 channel speaker arrangement

Samsung has talked up QLED a lot since launch. The message is about delivering wonderful colours (high colour volume as Samsung calls it) thanks to the enhancements to the Quantum Dot layer, increased contrast and the most impactful high dynamic range (HDR), thanks to the 1500-nits brightness this TV can achieve.

The Samsung Q7F is an edge-lit LED panel and those LEDs are arrayed across the bottom of the display. It then has dimming blocks to control the spread of light across the display. This is really where it differs from the Q9F which has LEDs top and bottom and greater control of the light on the display and how it is used.

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However, even without the hardware advantages that the Q9F offers, the Q7F offers wonderful quality. It offers realistic colours throughout the spectrum, it offers brilliant clean whites and deep blacks. 

The best quality is reserved for Ultra HD and that HDR content – which looks exceptional. HDR has punch when coming from a native source, like Netflix. Jessica Jones not only offers great visuals, but some of the noise that’s common to a lot of streaming content at top quality levels if deftly handled by the TV, leaving you with glorious HDR imagery. 

Ultra HD Blu-ray has the edge, however, delivering solid visuals for the very best Ultra HD and HDR experience. Blu-ray is equally well served with detail and clarity. There’s no Dolby Vision support from Samsung, but the company is pushing a new standard with dynamic metadata called HDR10+. We’re yet to see this in action, but Amazon Video has announced support, so we should see more enhanced visuals in late 2017.

• What is HDR, what TVs and devices support HDR, and what HDR content can I watch?

Samsung very much wants you to leave the picture settings alone on this TV. It’s been designed to work optimally out of the box, without needing you to alter the brightness or backlight. For quality HDR sources that rings true and we’re impressed with the out-of-the-box experience in these cases, where the source controls the display’s output. 

As the quality of the source drops, there’s the temptation to swing in and make alterations to get the type of picture you want. On lower quality sources, such as SD broadcast TV or streams like Now TV or All4, we found that with the contrast enhancement set to high that some shadow detail could be crushed, while other areas of colour get the pop you want. Turn off the contrast enhancer and shadow detail will return, while highlights can lose their bite. It’s here that striking a balance on contrast and tweaking the gamma to help brightness can improve the picture.

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Part of Samsung’s control comes from a built-in light sensor that’s aiming to detect the room’s lighting and make changes to the TV’s backlight to suit. That should avoid previous complaints about needing different settings based on the time of day, to reduce the backlight in the evening, for example, due to it being so bright. 

The ambient light sensor controls live in the eco settings in the “general” section. It’s worth looking at, too, because you can set a minimum backlight brightness – so if you’ve blacked out the room and feel the TV is dimming too much, you can change this setting.

Note that this is separate from power saving options, it’s specifically about adapting the backlight for the room. However, we also noticed that brightness was sometimes changing within scenes, when one character was in shadow and the other in bright conditions, which we assume is because the bright scene was illuminating the room more. Switching off the ambient sensor seems to solve this.

It’s in dark scenes where you’ll notice the effect of that bottom edge illumination and see where this TV is weaker than OLED equivalents in the same conditions. Take a scene where you have mostly darkness and one bright point – perhaps credits or backlit subjects – and you’ll see the screen lighten around the width of that highlight from the bottom, spreading up. OLED, as it emits the light from the pixels themselves rather than having to manage the light path from a source at the edge, will give you that clean credit in an ocean of black with more impact. That has an impact on letterboxing bars too: in dark scenes changing from light to dark, you’ll notice that the black bars top and bottom can change brightness too.

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That’s not something that blights regular watching, with rapidly changing scenes, full of colour and so on. And that’s where Samsung’s QLED TVs triumph over OLED: while OLED TVs are getting brighter, they can’t match the punch that this Samsung TV will put out. It’s proper smack-you-in the-face with a colour punch when HDR swings into full effect. It’s visually staggering.

Viewing angles are pretty good, too, but you will notice a drop in contrast as you move to a more extreme angle away from the centre point. If you’re in the unfortunate position of having to watch the TV from that corner chair that’s at 90-degrees to the screen, then it’s a problem, but on the whole, in a regular setup with the sofa in front of this TV mounted at the right height, viewing angles are perfectly acceptable. 

The Samsung Q7F’s onboard speakers are reasonable too, certainly adequate for anyone after a general TV watching experience. They don’t give you any subtlety or sophistication when it comes to presenting a wider sound stage, so they’re not great if you’re planning to listen to music, for loud gaming or if you spend most of your time watching movies.

Verdict

Samsung’s QLED adventure takes a step up over its flagship SUHD TVs from 2016. The interface is simplified, lightning fast and easy to use. The connectivity is good and the One Connect box is practical to keep everything looking cleaner. The choice of stands and bespoke mounts give you options, with that neat Invisible Connection cable allowing for a neat installation – as long as you can accommodate that short power cable. 

Samsung’s smart TV features give you all the apps and services you’ll need, offering plenty of 4K HDR content from a variety of subscription services and negating the need for other devices in many cases. Those devices you do connect get smartly setup and controlled by the smart remote, although that process might irk some. 

The screen’s performance is excellent with HDR getting all the glory with wonderful impactful colours and great highs. There’s skill in handling blacks and plenty of contrast, although the single edge illumination can lead to some light bleed in extreme dark/light scenes. Lower quality content can struggle to pull out darker detail, but you do have options to edit the settings on each input to suit your preferences.

Overall, there’s plenty to keep you entertained with the Q7F as the centre of your home. Perhaps the only stumbling block is the price: at £2,299 for the 55-inch model on review here, you can get last year’s excellent KS8000 in 55-inches for about £800 less. The Q7F is a great TV, but it seems that moving to the QLED branding has also jacked the price up too.

Alternatives to consider…

Pocket-lint

LG OLED B6

Time is a double edged sword in TV ownership, but the falling price of LG’s “entry-level” OLED TV makes it a realistic proposition for anyone looking for a premium smart TV. OLED technology has some distinct advantages when it comes to illumination of dark scenes and excellent viewing angles. This is a very refined package, but perhaps the most appealing thing is that you can now get this OLED TV at 55-inches for under £1600. Downsides are that the HDR delivery doesn’t quite have the punch and this TV has all the connections on the back, meaning cables everywhere.

Read the full review: LG OLED B6 review

Pocket-lint

Samsung SUHD KS8000

Samsung’s QLED TVs now sit in a category above the SUHD TVs of 2016, but there’s no getting away from the fact that the new models are very much an evolution of last year. That poses something of a problem, because you can get yourself a TV that’s almost as well connected and almost as capable, but for a lot less money. The KS8000 is a great TV and wonderfully capable. It suffers some of the same shortcomings as the Q7F in dealing with extreme dark/light scenes. You don’t get the latest smart remote with voice control or the Invisible Connection, but you still get a cracker of a TV, with a 55-incher costing you around £1400.

Read the full review: Samsung SUHD KS8000 review