Spent too long in duty free? Airport uses AR maps so you won’t miss your flight

Why it matters to you

GPS transformed the way we move around the outside world, and now, beacons and AR tech are doing the same for indoors.

Finding your way quickly around an airport isn’t always an easy task, due to the size, layout, and the amount of other people that are often also trying to move around it at the same time. Add in that a fair percentage of them may be sleep-deprived or suffering from jetlag, and it’s a navigational nightmare. New technology installed at Gatwick, the U.K.’s second busiest airport, aims to take away some of the pain, and make getting to your flight on time (or the duty free shop) much easier.

It’s doing this with the aid of 2,000 newly installed beacons, the same technology that will eventually be used to make our cities, high streets, and shops smarter, which communicate with our phones to pinpoint location, and guide us to a destination. It doesn’t stop there. Instead of a helicopter view on a dull mapping app, you’re guided around using augmented reality on your phone. Using the camera, the app will overlay directions on a real-time view of the airport around you. It’s the first time these two systems have come together in an airport.

The beacons and mapping apps are clever, recognizing when you need to change floors, enter security, or pass new areas under construction, so they don’t guide you through restricted places. They’re accurate to around three meters, which is good enough for you to see what you’re looking for when you look up from your phone. We’re promised no personal data will be stored when using the system, but the airport may use information gathered to understand the busiest areas, ready to make improvements.

Engineers at Gatwick installed the beacons, which are battery operated to save on energy costs and to simplify logistics, in just three weeks, while testing took two months. It’s still early days for the project, and right now the airport’s management will use the app to guide passengers; but in time the beacons can also be used by retailers and airlines. For example, a shop may send offers or welcome notifications, while an airline could send a hurry-up message to late-running passengers.

Part of a massive 2.5 billion British pound investment program, Gatwick Airport worked with indoor mapping experts PointrLabs on the project. It recently introduced a similar setup, just without the augmented reality, for Virgin Trains at London’s King’s Cross station.

One phone number for all your devices? T-Mobile brings Digits service to masses

Why it matters to you

Did you ever wish you could share one phone number across multiple devices? T-Mobile’s Digits service will let you do just that.

Digits, the T-Mobile service that lets you share a phone number across multiple phones, smartwatches, and PCs, is finally hitting public airwaves. After a lengthy beta period that began in December, T-Mobile is making Digits available to all current and new postpaid, prepaid, and business subscribers starting May 31.

“T-Mobile rate customers can use Digits wherever they want,” Evan Feldman, T-Mobile’s Digits product director, told Digital Trends. “We’re making it available to all customers.”

Digits is sort of like call forwarding on steroids. Messages and phone calls are delivered simultaneously to any connected phones, tablets, computers, and smartwatches, with all Digits devices ringing at once. Call history, messages, and voicemails are collated in a single dashboard that can be viewed from any PC or smartphone.

Subscribers won’t have to opt into Digits manually. All existing T-Mobile numbers will effectively become Digits numbers, and they’ll gain a new feature: Number sharing. Starting May 31, T-Mobile customers will be able to share a single numbers with other people. “My wife and I have it set up at home,” Feldman said. “We share the same home phone number.”

Digits, which T-Mobile said took “years” to develop, taps into the carrier’s robust cell network. It uses patent-pending network tech to authenticate subscribers through Digits instead of individual SIM cards, resulting in “carrier-grade” calling features with “crystal-clear” quality.

Digits works internationally (as long as you have data), too, and stores all messages, calls, and voicemails for up to three days.

“Our team dug deep into the technology needed to free us from the one number, one phone limit. And to do it right, we built a solution into the core of our network that breaks all of the old telco rules.” T-Mobile Chief Technology Officer Neville Ray said in a press release. “To the carriers — and their telecom model — you’re just a SIM and a piece of hardware. With Digits, it’s all about you communicating the way you want. This opens up a new world of possibilities.”

Feldman characterized the Digits beta — the “first real beta in the wireless industry,” he said  — as “really successful.” Tens of thousands of customers participated, and more than 96 percent used Digits numbers from non-phone devices like smartwatches, tablets, and PCs. “We saw a lot of people using it for home scenarios,” he said, “and a lot of smartwatches.”

“There was a lot of interest,” said Feldman. “Users provided hundreds of comments and insights, [which] really helped us make improvements and get to the bottom of edge cases.”

As a “thank you” to the subscribers who participated, T-Mobile is gifting an additional Digits line at no extra charge. (T-Mobile One Plus customers will get one, too.) Subscribers new to Digits on other rate plans will have to fork over $10 per month for an additional line, which includes calling, texting, and 512kbps of unlimited data.

T-Mobile sees Digits as an alternative to landlines and business numbers. Roughly 43 percent of U.S. landline subscribers say they’d cut the cord if they could keep their number, according to T-Mobile, and 31 percent of business owners carry two phones.

“[You can] assign Digits as your sales number so that, even when it rings, everyone in sales gets the call,” T-Mobile said. “Businesses can also keep those Digits — and all associated contacts and recent history — if an employee leaves.”

T-Mobile stresses that Digits is a long-term investment. It’ll continue to roll out new features over time, and solicit feedback from subscribers. “We’re testing different ways and different functionality,” Feldman said. “We have plans for more betas and features.”

The Digits app is available from the iTunes App Store for iOS devices and the Google Play Store for Android devices. It’s compatible with Android devices running Android 5.0 and newer, iPhones and iPads running iOS 9.0 and newer, and Mac and Windows devices running Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Some Samsung devices integrate it natively. The Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge, and Galaxy Note 5 support multiple Digits lines, which you can use by heading to Settings, then Multiline Settings, and logging in with your T-Mobile ID.

Xiaomi unveils the Mi Max 2 with a massive 5300mAh battery

The Mi Max 2 delivers two-day battery life, will be able to charge other phones.

At a media event in Beijing, Xiaomi unveiled the Mi Max 2. The phone retains the 6.44-inch Full HD display, and the highlight this time around is the 5300mAh battery, 450mAh more than what was included in its predecessor. Xiaomi is claiming a battery life of two days, touting over 18 hours of video playback, 21 hours of GPS navigation, and 57 hours of talktime. More importantly, the phone offers Quick Charge 3.0, allowing you to charge up to 68% in just an hour.

The phone features an all-metal unibody design, and is powered by a 2.0GHz Snapdragon 625 SoC. There’s also a 12MP camera at the back (Sony IMX386 sensor), 5MP front shooter, microSD slot, rear fingerprint sensor, and an IR blaster. On the software side of things, the Mi Max 2 runs the latest build of MIUI 8 atop Android 7.0 Nougat. With dimensions of 174.1 x 88.7 x 7.6mm and an overall weight of 211g, the Mi Max 2 isn’t that much larger or heavier than the first-gen model.

Like its predecessor, the Mi Max 2 is targeted at users that consume a lot of multimedia on their phones. The device offers stereo speakers that activate as soon as you switch to landscape mode, and the 6.44-inch display is ideal for watching videos and movies on the go. There’s also a one-handed mode that shrinks the screen down to a more manageable size, and split screen functionality.

As it has a huge battery, the Mi Max 2 doubles up as an external power bank. You’ll be able to charge other devices by hooking them up to its USB-C port. The variant with 4GB of RAM and 64GB storage is set to go up for sale in China starting June 1 for ¥1,699 ($250), and a model with 128GB storage will be available for ¥1,999 ($290).

If a tweet sent out by Xiaomi India head Manu Kumar Jain is any indication, the Mi Max 2 will make its debut in India on July 23. Xiaomi is doing very well in India, with its latest phone — the Redmi 4 — clocking over 250,000 sales earlier this week. By introducing the Mi Max 2, Xiaomi will be looking to cater to mid-range buyers looking for a device that delivers a great multimedia experience.

What do you guys think of the phone?

Samsung DeX review: This isn’t a replacement for your laptop

It’s useful, but it isn’t practical, and you should only consider one if you’re into the novelty.

Admittedly, I’m in a bit of disbelief that I’m writing a review for a desktop operating system that’s running off of the Galaxy S8+. Who knew this would be our future? I certainly didn’t. I knew computers were getting smaller, particularly when netbooks and tiny little Chromebits were introduced to the market, but I never imagined it would be the smartphone doing the heavy lifting.

Alas, here we are, and I’m typing this to you via a keyboard connected to the Galaxy S8+. There’s no doubt that if any other company had put out a product akin to this, it would have been considered nothing more than a gimmick. (Microsoft actually did and we saw how that went.) Granted, I initially thought the same about the DeX when I was first introduced to the concept, but now that I’ve been using it for some time, I appreciate the alternative way to use the Galaxy S8+.

Meet the Samsung DeX

I already gave a quick rundown of my first few hours with the Samsung DeX, but it’s after a few weeks with it that I’ve finally landed on the idea that it’s more of a additional gadget rather than a replacement for a full desktop workstation. But let’s talk about the hardware first.

The $150 DeX is merely a dock that props up the Galaxy S8 or S8+ and hooks it up to a variety of peripherals. It offers no additional internal components unless you count the pop-up fan that’s meant to keep the GS8 cradled by cool air while it’s in its desktop mode. The DeX offers an HDMI-out port, an ethernet jack, and two full-size USB ports. USB-connected mice and keyboards work almost instantly once you plug them in, though I preferred Bluetooth peripherals since it requires fewer wires. Note that it’s best to pair everything to the Galaxy S8 before it’s plugged into DeX.

Meet the Samsung DeX, posed here for your imagination.

To that end, DeX doesn’t always play nice with all USB-connected things. For instance, I tried plugging in a separate Logitech webcam to use inside a group Hangouts meeting, but it didn’t register. I even tried employing my fancy microphone for recording some real deep thoughts, but the DeX didn’t work with that either. It’s fine with USB-connected card readers and flash drives, however, so if picking off files from antiquated hardware is in your realm, you’ll be covered by that here.

It’s important to note that the DeX is not a traditional standalone computer. If you’re planning to use this thing on the road, for example, you’ll have to remember to pack the necessary add-ons and enhancements. You won’t have to worry about the monitor, however, as DeX works just fine with hotel room TVs. While on the road for Google I/O, I also discovered that leaving the included charger at home meant I couldn’t use the DeX dock at all. DeX requires a lot of power, and you can’t get away with packing light if you plan on packing it, too.

All set up to work with Samsung DeX.

Perhaps the biggest inconvenience of the DeX is that there is no additional headphone jack. The Galaxy S8+’s headphone jack is on the bottom, so it’s obstructed when the phone is docked. You could use a set of Bluetooth-enabled speakers, or perhaps the headphone jack through an external monitor, but otherwise, you’re relegated to listen to music and conduct interviews through the Galaxy S8’s built-in microphone and speakers.

A different kind of desktop

DeX’s desktop interface looks like something you’d use on a full-size Mac and PC.

DeX’s desktop interface looks like something you’d use on a full-size Mac and PC, save for the instances when it’s not. Like Windows, it has a start menu of sorts — the app drawer, essentially — in addition to a taskbar (or the status bar on Android). Individual windows are maneuverable in every which way unless the apps were specifically coded for use on a smartphone. In some instances, you’ll even get a marker to let you know that an app can be used in landscape mode if you require.

I was pleased with how compatible the DeX operating system was. I’m new to the Chromebook world, and I’ve had my fair share of issues since adopting Chrome OS a mere four months ago. But I’ve hardly had as many headaches with DeX, and even managed to fulfill an entire news shift with it. Our CMS worked just fine — as it does on the Chrome browser — and I was able to easily edit RAW photos taken with my DSLR with the Samsung Gallery’s built-in photo app. If anything, the DeX’s app capabilities seem to be more of a statement of what’s capable with the Galaxy S8. After all, the apps and services that are running here are all installed on the phone.

The Samsung DeX desktop interface.

Of course, not everything is perfect. Eventually, I ran into reminders of DeX’s limitations as a desktop experience fueled by a smartphone. For example, any games that rely heavily on touch input won’t work at all, while web apps like Spotify won’t even launch. And if you’ve too many tabs or apps open at any given time, DeX will give you a memory warning — don’t even think about having more than two instances of Chrome running at any given time. There’s also no drag-and-drop between folders like there is on a regular desktop operating system, either, and some apps won’t even know how to register a mouse pointer. Overall, it will require a bit of a learning before you’re truly in a meditative state of use with Samsung DeX’s interface.

At present, there are 16 different applications optimized for use with Samsung DeX sprinkled throughout the Play Store and Galaxy Apps store. If you use Microsoft and Adobe’s products, take heed knowing you’re covered for the most part, even with Skype. There are even a number of remote desktop apps and VPN clients available from the like of Amazon and Cisco to use for more productive functionality. But any apps that aren’t optimized for this sort of experience will have some relative dreadfulness in using them, in the sense that they clearly weren’t made to run on a smartphone disguising itself as a desktop operating system.

Just buy a laptop, people

Don’t forget to bring a mouse!

I’m not saying you shouldn’t purchase the Samsung DeX dock if you’re interested in the experience. Quite the contrary: I’m suggesting you weigh the pros of cons of this sort of desktop interface and whether it will suit your needs. For instance, if I were still in college and traversing the world with my best friend in tow, both of us with reckless abandon, it would have been more convenient to carry this little puck than the oddly-shaped netbook I carried around, wedged in between piles of dirty clothes. Not every computer situation requires a desktop computer; it simply requires a desktop interface, and with how powerful smartphones are in this day and age, it makes sense to run it off of one.

Conversely, if you’re looking for a desktop experience but don’t want to spend that kind of money, the DeX won’t do it for you. It’s still too nascent to be considered as such, and you’ll find yourself missing out on some things with the DeX operating system in its current implementation. You simply need more power and app compatibility than the Galaxy S8 or S8+ can offer, especially at its current stages.

For the most part, I see the Samsung DeX as an extension of what Samsung’s flagship can already do. It’s not the most efficient way to travel with the Galaxy S8 in tow, but it is an impressive feat managed by one smartphone alone. If you’re dying to try life with this souped-up little hockey puck, the $150 price tag isn’t too bad as long as you’ve already got all the cords and peripherals lying around.

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Motorola Moto G5S and G5S Plus with dual-camera on their way according to leaked photos

Motorola could be either adding to, or already replacing, the G-series of smartphones. The company only recently launched the G5 and G5 Plus, but images of two new phones, purporting to be the G5S and G5S Plus have appeared online, courtesy of AndroidAndMe.

• Motorola’s 2017 smartphone strategy revealed, Moto X returns
• Motorola Moto G5 vs G5 Plus: What’s the difference?

The eagle-eyed among you may have noticed that the ‘S’ version of the Moto G phones were mentioned in Motorola’s 2017 smartphone presentation slide that leaked last week. We missed it to be honest, assuming they were the G5 and G5 Plus. Upon closer inspection, the slide clearly shows a GS and a GS+.

The two phones look largely the same as the regular G5 and G5 Plus, with all-metal bodies, front-mounted home button/fingerprint scanner and circular camera housings on the rear. The main difference between the two is the camera itself.The G5S Plus will get a dual-camera setup, the first for a Motorola phone, while the G5S will stick with a single lens. There’s no word on how many megapixels the lenses will be, but we’d expect the 23-megapixel sensor on the G5 Plus to feature somewhere.Elsewhere both phones will have full HD displays, the G5S a 5.2-inch and the G5S Plus a 5.5-inch, octa-core processors and Android 7.0 Nougat. The Moto G5 and G5 Plus have only just been launched so it’s strange to see that ‘S’ versions are already needed. However, there is clear mention of them on the presentation slide, so there’s good evidence to suggest they’re real. It could be they’ll be released in specific countries, but without any further evidence, it’s hard to say for now.

IFA 2017: What to expect from Europe’s largest consumer electronics show

IFA, Internationale Funkausstellung, now holds one of the most significant spots on the calendar for international launches and product showcases.

The show started in 1924 as a radio show and now, hosted in Messe Berlin, it’s one of the world’s largest. Unlike many shows, IFA is open to the public, meaning anyone can go an marvel at the latest and greatest technology.

Following year-on-year growth, 2017 is set to be bigger than ever.

When is IFA 2017?

IFA 2017 will be held in Berlin from 1-6 September. These are the dates that the show is qopen to the public at Messe Berlin.

However, press days, the days that the information about new products is released falls before these days, so you can expect a lot of activity from Wednesday 30 August onwards. 

We’ll be there in force to bring you all the announcements that matter.

What will be launched at IFA 2017? 

That’s always the question on everyone’s lips – what will we see at IFA 2017? It’s a valid question too, because previous years have seen announcements of new OLED TV plans, we’ve see flagship TV launches, we’ve seen the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note family at IFA, we’ve seen tablets, smart home and a whole world of connected devices unveiled at the show. 

Messe Berlin, the organiser of IFA, has confirmed that in 2017, all the show space is going to be given over to brands, with the components nad sourcing part of the show moving to IFA Global Markets in a separate location. Essentially, this means there’s more space for final product rahter than components on the IFA show floor.

Here’s what we know and what is rumoured to be launching at IFA 2017. We’ll be constantly updating this list right up to the show opening later in the year. 

Philips at IFA 2017

Philips likes IFA. The company has already confirmed that it will be launching its new connected toothbrush at the show, as well as updating a number of small domestic appliances. We are also expecting TV updates from TP Vision, as well as audio announcements from the likes of Philips Fidelio. 

Samsung at IFA 2017

There’s long been rumours that Samsung will be launching a foldable smartphone, codenamed Galaxy X. There’s also been a rumour that prototypes would be shown at IFA 2017, although there’s plenty of doubt. 

Meanwhile, the IFA organisers are keen for Samsung to launch the Galaxy Note 8 at IFA 2017. Samsung used to launch the Note in Berlin, but in 2016 moved to a separate event earlier in the year. IFA now may be the perfect venue again. 

Sony at IFA 2017

Sony often has one of the biggest IFA stands. In 2016 it used the show to launch its ZD9 television. It’s still ranging the ZD9 in 2017, the only model about which there’s been no talk of an update for. Perhaps we’ll see a new flagship LED TV from Sony at IFA 2017. 

Sony Mobile has also been making noises about smartphone plans: we’ve heard that the company is dropping certain mid-range devices, but still has plans to launch two new “flagship” handsets. IFA is the most likely venue for that, but we currently don’t know what they might offer.

TomTom at IFA 2017

TomTom has often used IFA as a location to launch and showcase products. With a clearer strategy for Sport and Drive product lines, the company often chooses to release new products around this time of year. In 2016 that saw a number of updates and so far the company has been quiet in 2017.

Loewe Bild 7.77 is a gorgeous, future-proofed sliver of OLED TV

Loewe has just launched the Bild 7.77 OLED TV. At 77-inches it’s the largest screen in the Bild 7 range and will grace your front room with just under two metres of screen.

• Loewe Bild 9 is £6,990 of pure TV beauty

Loewe’s iconic minimalist design features once again, with a graphite grey aluminium on the front, and dark or light grey fabric covers on the back to hide away all those messy cables. This is a TV you’ll want to keep looking at its best, after all.For your £12,990 (yes, really), you get the very latest in TV technology. That includes an Ultra HD OLED screen which measures just 9mm on the ruler, and can handle HDR10, Dolby Vision and HLG content. Basically, it will play anything you can throw at it. Loewe’s own picture processing technology works behind the scenes to ensure that what you’re viewing is presented in the best possible way. A soundbar that pumps out 120 Watts of audio goodness slides out from underneath the screen when you turn the TV on. But if you really want to ramp up the sound, the Bild 7.77 has a built-in 5.1 surround-sound decoder, so you can directly connect it to speakers without the need for a bulky AV receiver. Loewe points out that its equally good-looking but equally wallet-busting Klang 5 speakers would be a perfect match.With a TV that looks as good as the Bild 7.77, you’ll want to be able to see it no matter where you put it in the room, or if you get up and move around. To resolve this, Loewe can supply a motorised table or floor stand, which lets you move it to any position using the remote control. Alternatively, you can get the wall mount and hang it up like the work of art it is.

• What is Dolby Vision? Dolby’s very own HDR TV tech explained
• What is Hybrid Log Gamma and why should you care?

Connections include four HDMI, three USB and Bluetooth for streaming audio to the TV, or back out to Bluetooth headphones. There’s also a built-in digital TV recorder with 1TB of storage space. If the Loewe Bild 7.77 sounds like it will be the perfect TV for your home, you can pick one up now for £10 short of £13,000.

Canon EOS 77D review: DSLR megastar, or one model number too far?

You’ve probably heard it time and again: “cameras are dying”. Well, not if Canon has anything to do with it.

The Japanese camera maker seems to be investing in a DSLR for every user level, with the latest EOS 77D fitting into the range beneath its 80D mid-ranger to carve out a new sub-category for those seeking a more affordable option. The main difference? The 77D does away with the water-resistant body.

Priced at £829, the 77D isn’t cheap, but it’s lighter on the wallet than the 80D was at launch. So if you don’t need every single bell and whistle feature, is this the most sensible sub-mid level DSLR to buy or simply an additional body to line the store shelves?

Canon EOS 77D review: What’s different vs 80D?

• Brand new 24.2-megapixel sensor
• Body is not weather-sealed
• Bluetooth control & file sharing
• 95 per cent field-of-view optical viewfinder

If you look across Canon’s DSLR range you might be befuddled by the presence of the 77D and 800D in relation to the older 80D, 760D and 750D. That’s understandable, given the relative similarities between them all.

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There are five core differences in the 77D compared to the 80D: the body isn’t weather-sealed; the sensor (while the same resolution) is an updated design; the body is slightly smaller and lighter; the viewfinder has a 95 per cent field-of-view (not 100 per cent); and it comes with built-in Bluetooth for file-sharing (and remote control if you buy the additional Bluetooth accessory control (an additional £40)).

Canon EOS 77D review: Design

• Top plate LCD
• Settings lock switch
• Mode dial for auto or full manual controls
• Rotational d-pad control

So in some areas the 77D is actually the more advanced camera over the 80D. You might not think so to look at and handle it, though, as the materials that Canon has come to use in its DSLR cameras don’t feel especially robust. That’s not the case in reality, however, as during the weeks that we’ve been carting the 77D around in a bag it’s not suffered scratches, bumps or any cosmetic wear. We just think it could be more visually appealing.

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Despite not being weather-sealed, the 77D has plenty of advanced controls, including the knobs and dials to override automatic shooting just as you’d expect of an advanced DSLR.

Like the 80D there are a number of decent higher-end features on the 77D, such as a light-up top plate LCD which can display the various camera settings. It’s useful for a glance and knowing what settings are in play. There’s also a lock switch to stop any accidental settings adjustment.

If anything it’s the simpler controls that make best sense though. The rear rotational d-pad, for example, can be rotated to make exposure compensation adjustment with ease, while the top thumbwheel is designated to control the selected mode (aperture, shutter speed and so on).

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Canon has also introduced a Guide UI (user interface) which can be activated in the camera to assist with breaking-down the meaning of those various shooting modes. It’s switched off by default (it’s on by default in the 800D), so most users are unlikely to see it — but if you’re brand new to such kit then it could be really handy to help you learn the ropes.

The addition of Bluetooth has the potential to be useful if you intend to share images from the camera directly to mobile devices. We tend to just stick with removing the SD card and then slotting it into our laptop for optimum speed of transfer, but when out and about the Bluetooth feature via the app did prove to be handy. We didn’t have the separate remote control accessory to test for this review.

Canon EOS 77D review: Performance

• 3-inch, 1040k-dot, tilt-angle touchscreen LCD
• 0.82x magnification, 95 per cent field-of-view optical finder
• 45-point Dual Pixel AF autofocus system

The core thing to take-away from the 77D is that it’s got the top-notch 45-point Dual Pixel AF system as found in the 80D (and 800D).

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That’s great for using the camera either through the viewfinder or via the rear LCD screen. Because some phase-detection autofocus pixels are positioned on the imaging sensor the camera is far quicker when using the rear screen than many of Canon’s older cameras.

Having the screen mounted on a vari-angle bracket is great for low-position work, especially as there’s touchscreen control to simply click on the screen for focus. Indeed, live view is as good as DSLR cameras get in this department — although, as we said of the 80D, it still can’t quite outsmart the likes of Panasonic’s Lumix G range of compact system cameras due to its more simplistic focus options. The Canon can either automatically select focus, or you can press the screen to acquire focus — which will then be continually tracked — but there’s no pinpoint precision on offer.

As much as we’ve enjoyed using the 77D’s live view mode — in particular in conjunction with the adjusted LCD screen position — it’s the through-the-finder focus that produces the best results, as there’s simply more control at your fingertips. Of the 45 autofocus points available through the finder, each is cross-type, meaning they’re just as sensitive whether you’re shooting in portrait or landscape orientation.

The only thing that we’d like is a toggle control on the rear of the camera to make for quicker and easier focus point selection, but this is a typically higher-end feature, so its absence is no surprise.

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To adjust the focus area type there’s a dedicated button atop the camera, positioned behind the light-up LCD panel. These autofocus modes comprise: Manual 1-point area, which uses a single point as user selected; Zone AF, which uses a user selected nine point area; Large Zone AF, which uses the 15 points to the centre, left or right sides (a third of the designation); and Auto Selection AF, which allows the camera to make automatic use of all 45 points as it judges fit.

When it’s dark enough the in-play autofocus point will illuminate red through the viewfinder so you know focus is confirmed. This doesn’t necessarily happen in dim conditions, though, so sometimes you might be left uncertain as to whether focus has been acquired or not.

On the whole, however, the 77D’s autofocus system is very capable. It’s spread widely across the subject area and quick to respond in all manner of conditions. Live view abilities are almost equally as quick, but if this is your preferred method of use then you might want to look to a compact system camera like the Panasonic Lumix G80 instead.

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As we pointed out, however, one of the disappointing things about the 77D is its 95 per cent field-of-view optical viewfinder. It’s not bad, per se, but that means you won’t see the outermost five per cent of what you’re going to capture during preview (with the 80D it’s what-you-see-is-what-you-get 100 per cent).

Canon EOS 77D review: Image quality

• 24.2MP APS-C sensor is all new
• Not a back-lit design
• ISO 100-25,600 (51,200 extended)
• Latest Digic 7 processor
• Full HD video to 60fps

On paper the 77D’s sensor looks to be the very same 24.2-megapixel one as you’ll find in the 80D. That’s not precisely the case, however, as it’s a newly constructed sensor, paired with the latest Digic 7 processor.

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Does that make a huge difference to imaging potential? Not really. After all, despite Digic 7’s higher speed as a processor, the 77D’s maximum six frames per second (6fps) is one less than the older 80D’s 7fps, so we suspect that Canon is throttling it to keep the position of each camera within the range in order.

Although we’re reaching a point where sensors of the same scale, resolution and era are rendering results much the same as one another, Canon is still at the forefront of imaging technology, which translates into the 77D enabling you to take some great-looking pictures.

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We went on vacation in Santiago, Chile, and were impressed with how well the camera handled a variety of conditions. From shooting Pisco sours at ISO 6400 in the dim evening light, to capturing sunset landscapes over the Andes mountains at ISO 500, or brightly lit cityscapes from a moving gondola at ISO 100.

The only thing we needed to do in some instances was up the contrast, but otherwise we’ve been consistently happy with the colour, quality and appearance of all the images taken with the 77D. Indeed, they’re every bit as good as the 80D.

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Lenses do come into play when getting the best quality from a camera, of course, but we were surprised with just how on-point even the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens managed to cope. When snapping a close-up of a pigeon the sheer clarity of the shot is exceptional from a budget lens. This is Canon doing what it does well: the shot doesn’t exhibit over-sharpened excess, instead presenting a natural looking, crisp image.

That’s not to say the processing is always 100 per cent perfect. Look at images at 100 per cent scale and you’ll see an increase in visible grain as the ISO sensitivity rises, with mid-greys showing the subtlest of image noise. Otherwise, however, things are very well handled: just take a look at the Pisco below, how that depth of field delivers depth beyond what you could get from a point-and-shoot, while maintaining ample clarity despite the high sensitivity. Top notch (and very tasty, too).

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Image quality, therefore, gets a big thumbs up from us. The downside? Video. Canon continues its wont-do-4K approach in its DSLR lineup — a treat it reserves for its Cinema range. The 77D can muster 1080p at up to 60fps though, which is nothing to shake a stick at, but it’s a step behind Panasonic again, a company which offers 4K capture from almost all of its compact system cameras, at a lower price point. Still, Canon’s touch focus in the 77D is handy for video, so its usability and results are perfectly good.

Verdict

It was only a year ago that we reviewed the EOS 80D, so to see what is effectively an ’80D lite’ arrive just 12-months later in the 77D is, well, both a good and bad thing. Some 80D owners who don’t go shooting in the rain might be wondering why they paid so much when a not-weather-resistant model would follow so soon after. New users, however, have a good option into Canon’s mid-level DSLR range.

Sure, the 77D’s video mode isn’t class-leading in terms of features, while Panasonic is a step ahead in screen-based precision shooting with the Lumix G80. That said, as DSLR cameras go, use the 77D via its viewfinder and that 45-point autofocus system is impressive. If screen-based shooting is more your thing then the 77D is as good as DSLR cameras can get — but, again, opt for a compact system camera in the Panasonic and you’ll get greater yet performance.

If you’ve long been pining for a quality all-round DSLR camera than Canon makes a good case in the 77D… except the cheaper still 800D, with a slightly more trim feature set, is arguably the more logical purchase point. On the other side the already masterful 80D includes weather-sealing for not much more cash, which, to a degree, see sees the 77D squeezed from both sides by Canon’s own range. It’s a great camera, just not the most necessary model in the company’s range.

The alternatives to consider

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Panasonic Lumix G80

Not sure a through-and-through DSLR is for you and want the best-in-class screen-based shooting? Then a compact system camera might deliver exactly what you’re after. The Lumix G80 is cheaper than the Canon and better specified in many areas too. Throw in pinpoint autofocus and 4K video and it’s hard to argue with Panasonic’s offering.

Read the full article: Panasonic Lumix G80 review

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Canon EOS 800D review

Looking to save even more cash and don’t need some of the 77D’s features, like the top LCD? The Canon EOS 800D is probably the more logical purchase when it comes to mid-range DSLRs.

Read the full article: Canon EOS 800D preview

The Morning After: Thursday, May 25th 2017

Hey, good morning!

Welcome to hump day, and the Nokia 3310 is back for another round. Meanwhile, we explain why the legal system is ill-prepared for the future intersection of sex and technology, and take a look at a foundation planning for a future that’s 10,000 years away.

When a feature phone gets resurrected and it’s still a feature phone.
The new Nokia 3310 is too basic for 2017

Ignore the hype.

Paypal has harsh words for the music streaming service.
PayPal sues Pandora over confusingly similar logos

Pandora recently donned a new look, with a new logo that looked very familiar to anyone who’s ever used PayPal. Now the online payment system is taking Pandora to court, accusing it of ripping off its iconic logo to ride on its popularity. It had some savage words in its lawsuit, telling the court that Pandora decided on a logo design similar to its own to overcome “serious commercial challenges that threaten its very survival.” After all, the filing reads, “Pandora has no obvious path to profitability” as a streaming website known for free service, and it also faces “overwhelming competition from Spotify, Apple Music and Amazon Music.” Snap.

Xbox Live subscribers can try it for free right now
Xbox’s Netflix-like Game Pass offers 100 titles starting June 1st

If you don’t mind playing older games, Microsoft is testing the waters with a new subscription service. Netflix-like in its operation, Game Pass costs $10 per month and offers access to over 100 games. Right now, that list includes some nice-but-dated selections like NBA 2K16, Halo 5 and Gears of War: Ultimate Edition.

Comcastroturf.com received a cease-and-desist notice for being “confusingly similar”
Comcast tries to shut down pro-net neutrality site

Internet advocacy group, Fight for the Future, says Comcast sent it a cease-and-desist order demanding the group take down Comcastroturf.com on the grounds that it violates the company’s “valuable intellectual property.” Evan Greer, Fight for the Future’s campaign director, said that the cease-and-desist order is indicative of why net neutrality is needed: “If [FCC chairman] Ajit Pai’s plan is enacted, there would be nothing preventing Comcast from simply blocking sites like Comcastroturf.com that are critical of their corporate policies.”

No-hands selfies
You can control DJI’s palm-sized Spark drone with a few gestures

This cutesy Spark drone from DJI is a lot smaller than its Phantom cousins, but it has a cool trick: you can control it with gestures. Maneuvering it into position for a pic couldn’t be easier, but it has one drawback — gesture control only works within ten feet. Beyond that, you’ll need to use the app or remote control, but for close-up shots, you’ll have everyone wondering who was holding the camera.

Hint: It’s not 5G
What is mobile gigabit?

The gigabit phone rollout started with Samsung’s Galaxy S8, and will continue with more new devices arriving later this year. The problem, unfortunately, is that you won’t be able to take advantage of any fiber-like wireless connections until carriers open up access. AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon all plan to roll out the tech by the end of this year so sit back and let Cherlynn Low explain how it all works (and why it’s still not 5G).

What happens when our most intimate devices get hacked?
The law isn’t ready for the internet of sexual assault

If the Mirai botnet taught us anything, it’s that no device connected to the internet is safe from hacking. In that incident, malware hijacked thousands of devices, including DVRs, modems and security cameras. As the worlds of sex and technology begin to intersect, the threat of hacking will enter a new, potentially more dangerous realm. Already, one connected vibrator has had its security called into question, and it won’t be the last. When the inevitable happens, is there a legal framework to deal with such a crime?

The RNC has written to the FCC in support of Ringless Voicemail for robocalls.Republicans back straight-to-voicemail robocall plan

Because everyone loves voicemail. Especially robocall voicemail.

But wait, there’s more…

• The Long Now: Planning for a future 10,000 years away
• FCC stonewalls demands for evidence of cyberattack
• Attackers can use video subtitles to hijack your devices
• Apple launches free courses for the next generation of app coders
• Doomed Mars lander wasn’t equipped for supersonic conditions

Netflix cancels Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Get Down’

Netflix won’t be renewing The Get Down after just one season. With filmmaker Baz Luhrmann at the helm, the show cost $120 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive TV productions in Hollywood history. There wasn’t enough bang for all those bucks, however. It’s also rare to hear of Netflix canning one of its original shows after a single season — especially when The Get Down was announced and launched with the full support of the streaming service. Variety reports that some third-party viewing metrics show that the debut series drew roughly a fifth of the audience that watched Orange is the New Black in its first month. Only Netflix knows the true popularity of its series, however, and a cancellation isn’t a good sign — it’s probably the worst one.

Luhrmann pulled in opera and musical influences to tell a story about growing up in the ’70s Bronx, and said in interviews that he felt overwhelmed by the new role, and had considered dropping the show. Other behind-the-scenes production woes extended filming on a project that was setup over three years ago — with things getting so bad that some writers started calling the project “The Shut Down”. Which is now, sadly, true.

Source: Variety