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UPDATE: Canon has announced that its EOS Webcam Utility Beta software is now available for macOS as well, allowing more customers to use their Canon camera as a webcam. We've updated our original article to reflect these changes.

In April, Canon USA released a new software to help some users overcome the global webcam shortage caused by an increase in demand due to Covid-19. Our dependency on video calls for work or personal reasons made us realise that not all webcams are made equal, with video quality not always being up to scratch, particularly when the lighting is poor.

While it's possible to set up a camera you own to double as a webcam, it does require additional hardware and, in some cases, third-party software that you'll need to pay for.

However, if you're a Canon user, you may be in luck as the camera maker's new EOS Webcam Utility Beta may be an easy-to-use, plug-and-play, free alternative.

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As the name suggests, the software is still in beta and, at launch in April, would only work on PCs running the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Now, though, Canon has released the macOS version as well, also in beta.

EOS Webcam Utility Beta is only able to convert some Canon cameras – DSLRs, mirrorless and PowerShot compacts – into webcams for video conferencing. 

While the software was only available to Canon users in the US a month ago, it's now possible to install it no matter where you are. The software is still only hosted on Canon USA's website but there doesn't seem to be any geoblocking. We were able to download and install the package on a MacBook Pro in Australia (although we are yet to test it).

List of supported Canon cameras

How to get Canon's EOS Webcam Utility Beta

Downloading the software is easy: plug your camera into a Windows PC or a MacBook with a USB cable, then head to the dedicated page on Canon USA's website. Scroll down to the list of supported cameras on that page and select the model you own. Then head to the Drivers & Downloads tab.

Your operating system will likely be detected automatically and you will be presented with a list of available software and drivers for the model you've selected, with EOS Webcam Utility sitting right on top. If your OS isn't detected, then select 'Software', followed by the operating system you are currently running. Then click on the 'select' button beside EOS Webcam Utility Beta and your download will start automatically.

Follow the prompts to install and that's it: it will be business as usual with high quality video (be sure to change your camera settings to suit your needs, though, in case you're livestreaming in low-light conditions).

Since the software is still in beta, Canon is asking users for feedback and has set up dedicated community forums for Mac users and one for Windows for just that purpose.

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If you’re in need of some fresh audio gear, you’ll be happy to hear that Amazon has slashed the price on a range of headphones – from Sony over-ear cans to workout ‘buds from Bose. That includes savings on some of our favourite products, including the best-in-class Sony WH-1000XM3 and the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700.

To save you sifting through all the deals on offer, we’ve handpicked some of the best discounts going below, though we must note that stock is low on many of these at the time of publication. Having said that, Amazon has been known to restock sale items on occasion, so check them out before this sale ends on May 31.

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The OnePlus 8 and costlier siblings that released last month have both the power and the screen chutzpah to take them into any best gaming smartphones lists. Now things got better as these models support 90 frames per second (fps) gameplay. 

And Epic Games Fortnite would be the first game where mobile gamers will experience the highest-ever frame rates. The rollout of the 90 fps is currently underway with the One Plus 8 series becoming the first line of smartphones to run Fortnite on the Unreal Engine at 90 fps. 

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Announcing the partnership between OnePlus 8 and Epic Games, Pete Lau, Founder and CEO of OnePlus said his company has the best devices for mobile gaming as a result of its display, speedy performance and overall user experience that is designed for power-users. 

The 90 fps is a first on smartphones at present, but it would not be long before other brands pick up the gauntlet, given that gaming as a service is something that most mobile networks are banking on while moving from 4G LTE to 5G in the weeks and months ahead. 

It is not as though there aren't smartphones capable of a 90Hz refresh rate, however when it comes to the Indian consumer, this gives another reason for them to buy the OnePlus 8 (Pre-book on Amazon) which launched in the Indian markets earlier this month. 

Is there a catch though?

However, there is a small catch. While the smartphone may be compatible, the game itself is currently undergoing upgrades to accommodate the higher refresh rates that devices will now be offering. Whether it requires an update or not, we will know soon. 

Even if there is one, it is hardly a price to pay for the much smoother and subtler experience that the higher screen refresh rate provides. Of course, the upgrade isn't going to enhance the resolution graphics. Gamers prefer smooth animations, lower latency and the least distractions to get best results and high frame rates provide this. 

Though no exact date for the changeover has been mentioned, the fact remains that the decision to enter a partnership between a gaming company and a mobile player could be the harbinger of many more such deals to come and gamers should be a happy lot for this change. 

A joint operation for the future

Currently, OnePlus users with the OnePlus 7, OnePlus 7 Pro, OnePlus 7T and OnePlus 7T Pro can play Fortnite at a maximum of 60 FPS, the previous highest performance for the mobile game.

The exclusive partnership between Epic and OnePlus means that both companies worked together to optimise the refresh rates for a specific brand of smartphones and even more specifically focused on a single series. Going forward, gaming companies may well work on building such optimisation with other brands or a uniform build that works with every smartphone. 

The takeaway from this move is that the future looks bright for more such associations between smartphone makers and gaming companies. 

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Leading ruggedized smartphone maker Blackview has slashed the price of the BV6100, the world’s largest rugged mobile, from nearly $200 to just under $110 (roughly £90/AU$165).

With a 6.88-inch display, the BV6100 is not dissimilar to popular non-rugged tablets like the Amazon Fire 7. While it is still a little more expensive, it has a few extra features that make it a compelling purchase.

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A phone like no other

The BV6100 (which sits is somewhere between a phone and a tablet) can make calls and access the internet without Wi-Fi connectivity. It also has one front and two rear cameras, although none surpass 8 megapixels, so are only suitable for casual snapping.

The AMOLED display has a 1440 x 720 pixel resolution, which is likely to lack sharpness, and the pixel density (234ppi) is also far lower than the 400+ ppi we’re used to seeing on mainstream smartphones.

On the other hand, a lower pixel count will improve battery life (it comes with a 5.58Ah battery) and graphical performance (it's powered by the entry-level MT6761 chip, which uses a PowerVR GE8300 GPU).

A tablet with a difference

The BV6100, like most Chinese smartphones, can accommodate two SIM cards and supports dual standby.

It comes with only 3GB of RAM and 16GB onboard storage, which can be increased using a microSD card. The rest of the specification includes Android 9.0, IP68/MIL-STD-810G/IP69K, reverse charging, FaceID, four global navigation satellite systems, NFC and a covered microUSB port.

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