Acer has introduced two new lines of monitors with Google TV built-in, offering a versatile solution for entertainment, work, and gaming. The Acer DA1 series caters to those who prioritize high-resolution visuals and productivity features, while the Nitro GA1 series focuses on providing a smooth gaming experience. Both series come in space-saving 27-inch and 31.5-inch models.
High-Resolution Displays and Integrated Entertainment
The Acer DA1 series, including the DA271K and DA321QK models, boasts 4K UHD resolution for crisp visuals and vivid details. Conversely, the Nitro GA1 series, including the Nitro GA271U P and Nitro GA321QU P models, features WQHD resolution with a high 180 Hz refresh rate for smooth gameplay and minimal input lag. Both series come with HDR10 and 250 nits brightness for enhanced image quality and colour accuracy. Additionally, they are compatible with AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-SYNC, minimizing screen tearing for a smoother viewing experience.
Acer Nitro GA1 (Source: Acer)
The star feature of these monitors is undoubtedly Google TV integration. This allows users to access popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, and YouTube directly on the monitor, eliminating the need for a separate streaming device. Casting movies, shows, and photos from smartphones or tablets to the monitor is also effortless using Google Cast.
Enhanced Convenience and Versatility
For added convenience, both the DA1 and Nitro GA1 series come with wireless projection and screen mirroring capabilities, reducing cable clutter. Bluetooth connectivity allows for connection to speakers, peripherals, and other devices. As internet-connected devices (IoT), these monitors can integrate seamlessly with smart home ecosystems.
Acer DA1 (Source: Acer)
A noteworthy feature for multitaskers is the Multiview function, which allows users to split the screen into sections and view content from different sources simultaneously. The monitors also include a built-in stand that allows for ergonomic adjustments and VESA wall-mount compatibility for a more streamlined setup.
Pricing and Availability
The monitors are expected to be available in North America and EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) in Q4 (October-December) 2024. Here’s a breakdown of the starting prices:
Samsung is preparing to upgrade your visual experience with its upcoming 2024 monitor lineup. Whether you’re a passionate gamer pushing your reflexes to the limit, a creative professional demanding colour accuracy, or simply seeking an immersive entertainment experience, Samsung promises a monitor tailored to your needs.
Source: Samsung
The upcoming 2024 Samsung Monitor One series boasts a diverse range of models, each equipped with cutting-edge technology designed to maximize your productivity and enjoyment. For gamers, the upcoming Odyssey OLED series offers stunning visuals and lightning-fast response times, ensuring you never miss a critical detail. For creative professionals, the incumbent ViewFinity series prioritizes exceptional colour accuracy and intricate detail, guaranteeing your work is displayed flawlessly. And for those seeking a more versatile experience, the forthcoming Smart Monitor series integrates smart features, blurring the lines between productivity and entertainment.
To celebrate the launch, Samsung is offering an exclusive pre-order promotion from May 17th to 31st, 2024. Register your interest and receive a voucher code redeemable during the pre-order window from June 1st to 16th. This voucher entitles you to significant savings of up to RM1,000 on select 2024 monitor models during the pre-order period.
Stay tuned for further announcements as Samsung unveils more details about the exciting new lineup.
Monitors aren’t just empty displays anymore. They’re becoming miniature Smart TVs that are optimised for work. LG is just the latest one to bring brains to its monitors with the new LG MyView smart monitors. The new MyView smart monitors come equipped with webOS 23 which allows it to bring all the software you need for basic productivity.
Source: LG
The new lineup of LG MyView smart monitors consists of three models: the 32SR85U, the 32SR83U and the 32SR70U. All three come with a 31.5-inch screen size and 4K UHD resolution. They are also equipped with IPS panels that support HDR 10. That said, they only sport a 60Hz refresh rate and a 5ms response time – not ideal for gaming. However, more than enough for day-to-day tasks and remote work.
The monitors adopt a similar design aesthetic to the LG TV lineup with virtually borderless displays and a slim form factor. There are two distinct designs for the MyView smart monitors. The 32SR85U and the 32SR83U come with a height-adjustable stand with a circular cutout. The 32SR70, on the other hand, comes with a low-profile base making it more compact.
The webOS-based software allows you to leverage Bluetooth and USB 2.0 to connect a keyboard and mouse. This will help with remote work as you will be able to use applications like Microsoft 365 (office) and the Google Productivity suite remotely or on the browser natively – no computer needed. The 32SR85U can even be paired with an optional detachable webcam which has Full HD resolution for video conferencing.
The MyView smart monitors also come equipped with a remote control. Of course, since they run webOS 23, you’ll also be able to use them as smart TVs to watch your favourite shows on apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney+.
Pricing & Availability
LG hasn’t announced any pricing or availability details just yet. However, the MyView smart monitors will be on display at CES 2024.
Samsung’s Smart Monitor lineup created quite a stir when it was announced in 2020. The new monitors delivered a remote work experience that was seamless and did away with the need for bulky desktop setups. It brought a new approach with a sleek, self-contained environment that was able to run crucial apps like Microsoft 365 and the Google Productivity Suite. Albeit, the latter was run via Samsung’s DeX feature. However, these monitors made us rethink the monitor and how we’re using them.
Source: Samsung
Running on Samsung’s Tizen OS – just like their Smart TV counterparts – the Smart Monitors brought a suite of ready-to-go apps that not only made the need for laptops moot, it also made sure that work from home was a viable reality in the midst of chaotic times. They also allowed space-restricted quarters to become more efficiently used with built-in entertainment apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Samsung TV+, Amazon Prime Video and more.
This year, Samsung is looking to refine their approach even more with a refreshed line up of Smart Monitors. All three of the models that make up their lineip – the M5 (M50C), M7 (M70C), and M8 (M80C) are being refreshed with better specifications and wide connectivity options.
Source: Samsung
The new models up the maximum resolution to 3,840×2,160 pixels (4K UHD). This appears in both the 32-inch and 27-inch models of the M8 and M7 models while the M5 model comes with a 1,920×1080 (FHD) resolution. All of them come with in the 16:9 aspect ratio and come with built-in speakers.
The Smart Monitor M8 and M7 have adopted a new Iconic Slim Design. They sport super slim builds that measure 11.39mm at the thinnest point. They also sport a chic herringbone pattern on the back. The biggest difference, however, is the inclusion of a height-adjustable stand with tilt support on both models. Both still support 99% of the sRGB color gamut.
Source: Samsung
That said, the M8 has a slight edge over the other monitors with a bump to 4K UHD resolution with support for HDR10+ and 400 nits brightness. In regions where its supported, Samsung’s Gaming Hub is also available on the Smart Monitors. The M8 also comes with a SlimFit camera which attaches magnetically in the box. This camera supports FHD resolution and creates a standalone video conferencing experience. You will be able to use apps like Google Meet and Zoom seamlessly with the camera and leverage the auto framing feature to ensure you’re always front and center for your online meetings.
Mouse and Keyboard support have also been baked into multiple apps with the launch of the 2023 lineup of Smart Monitors including SmartThings and Smart Hub. The monitors also come with remote controls which charge via USB-C in the box. The Microsoft 365 and the Browser apps are now able to be used simultaneously in splitscreen view to reduce window switching thanks to an upgraded Multi View experience.
The monitors are also able to connect seamlessly to an in-home IoT setip with SmartThings. Samsung has also built-in support for platforms like Zigbee and Thread. The M8 and M7 support voice assistants including Amazon Alexa and Bixby. They also support far field voice with a built-in mic that allows users to speak directly to the monitors. Together with this, Samsung is also introducing a new My Contents features which allows users to quickly access helpful information. It can even connect to a verified smartphone in standby mode via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and lights up with the users pictures in the smartphone. Once the smartphone is out of range, the monitor goes back into standby.
Source: Samsung
The monitos come in a brand new range of colours that allow you to make it blend in or stand out in your room. With options for Warm White, Sunset Pink, Daylight Blue and Spring Green on the M8; Warm White on the M7 and Black and White for M5, users are free to choose a colour and model that fits their needs and personality.
Pricing & Availability
The new 2023 line of Smart Monitors will be available in stages starting in June 2023. No local Malaysian price has been announced yet. However, in the U.S., prices are as follows:
CES 2023 is nigh, and Samsung took part. Not that it is a surprise. They announced a bunch of new home electronics that works with Smart Things. That was expected, especially if you did not miss Samsung’s CEO’s editorial on their upcoming CES 2023 showcase. What was not expected is the line-up of new PC monitors they introduced for CES 2023, and how nice they are.
Odyssey Neo G9 – the ‘U’ in UHD Means Ultimate Gaming Experience
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
They introduced yet another Odyssey Neo G9 to replace the old one, which was not that old in the first place. This is even better than before though, and more power hungry than before. Instead of dual QHD 1440p, this time you get twice more resolution at dual 4K UHD resolution.
Of course, with more resolution, you need a bigger canvas to really appreciate the resolution. You get 57-inch this time, an 8-inch upgrade over the older monitor. It is still a 1000R curve, which still means you sit the same distance as before and get more immersion out of the display.
Of course, you get everything that was great about the older monitor too. The 4K UHD panel is a quantum mini LED panel, which also means colours are just as vivid as before. With VESA Display HDR1000 specifications, your eyes will still be screaming in pain when you crank it up all the way.
You want to make sure your PC offer the latest HDMI 2.1 port or DisplayPort 1.4 to take advantage of the Odyssey Neo G9’s resolution. On top of an HDMI 2.1 port, you get a future-proof DisplayPort 2.1 port on the display for you to really get your games to 240Hz with the dual UHD panel. Then again, you do want to get yourself the latest and most powerful GPU to get even close to that speed with virtually two UHD monitors strapped on it.
Odyssey OLED G9 – It Is All About the Colours
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
57-inch is also quite large for a 1m viewing distance. 49-inch is still a lot to take in still for your desk, dual QHD at 240Hz is still plenty to take in for not just yourself, but even the most powerful PCs you can find today. Quantum mini LED technology may look great, but it will still have nothing on an OLED panel, especially a quantum dot OLED panel.
The OLED display offers a pixel-by-pixel lighting control, allowing for an even lifelike image darker blacks than ever and crisper HDR images than before. The OLED panel also offers up to 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio, for even better detail even when in the dark spots. OLED technology also offers a response time like no other at up to 0.1ms. It still offers 240Hz, which is plenty enough to handle for even the most powerful GPUs today.
The 49-inch 1800R ultra-wide monitor is also even better if you want to keep your entertainment simple with just one primary monitor. There is a Smart Hub packed into the 49-inch monitor so that you can enjoy contents from Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and even YouTube even without a PC hooked up to it. You can even game without a PC with this one; Samsung’s Gaming Hub offers access to Xbox’s gallery of cloud enabled games, and NVIDIA GeForce Now cloud gaming library.
ViewFinity S9 – Colour Calibrated for the Professionals
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
The ViewFinity series is new from Samsung. They are not new to highly calibrated and colour accurate display though. That also means that Samsung taking this long to offer a calibrated display for the professionals the real shock.
The ViewFinity S9 offers 5K resolution from a 27-inch panel. The 5,120 by 2,880 pixels offers up to 99% DCI-P3 colour gamut coverage for the best colour reproduction you can get on a monitor. It offers Delta E ≤ 2 as well for the most accurate colour reproduction. If you need to make more calibration to your monitor, there is a smartphone app for it, which is unsurprising coming from Samsung.
For some flexibility, the monitor offers USB Type-C and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity for your PC. That means that the ViewFinity S9 is now a Thunderbolt 4 hub for your connected PC. Offered with the ViewFinity S9 is also a 4K SlimFit camera that offers native connectivity to Google Meet meetings even without a PC connected to it. Yes, it packs Samsung’s Smart Hub too so it can be your entertainment hub all the same.
Smart Monitor M8 – The All-in-One Personal Hub at Home
Source: Samsung
A gaming and professional calibrated monitor are very specific things. They are quite costly items too for overly specific purposes. You might need a regular monitor optimized for work and does everything else on the side. You need a Smart Monitor M8.
You can choose between either a 27-inch or 32-inch variants. Both sizes offer 4K in resolution. You can also pick between Daylight Blue, Spring Green, Sunset Pink, and Warm White colour options for it to really fit your house décor. It even has a height adjustable stand with tilt support so that the monitor can be perfect for you. If you prefer a monitor arm, it is VESA compatible.
Obviously it offers Samsung’s Smart Hub that offers Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube without a PC connected to it. It also offers SmartThings Hub, now it is a control hub for all your smart home devices in your house. With upcoming Matter functionality, it is not just Samsung’s IoT devices that you can hook up to your smart home system. You can even use a mouse to navigate through Smart Hub and SmartThings Hub; yes, without a PC. It also has a 2K SlimFit webcam that works nicely with Google Meet.
Availability
Samsung’s new Odyssey, ViewFinity, and Smart Monitor is available for showcase in CES 2023. There are no mentions on when the displays will be available for purchase. We are betting that it will be available within 2023. There are no mentions on prices either. It is Samsung we are talking about though, and they are pretty high-end monitors, so we are guessing ‘premium’ would be the way to describe their asking prices.
Before LG releases their new LG monitor that you see here, the only manufacturer you could get a smart monitor that works like TV, but for PCs, is Samsung. If you have not known yet, Samsung’s SMART monitors for PCs work pretty much like their smart TVs. You get Tizen OS for smart TV, you can install all sorts of apps for the TV, and work it exactly like a TV, even without a PC connected to it.
While they are the only one producing monitors of this kind, we think that the product comes with a lot of potential for smaller working set-ups and even homes. The larger sized smart monitor at 32-inch offers 4K resolution and affordable entertainment option for those who are looking for a dual function display in a smaller space. You do not need to get a separate TV box or Chromecast for it, and that makes it a viable TV replacement at a much smaller and digestible form factor.
Samsung’s position as one of the biggest names in smart TVs is a big plus for the to produce PC monitors with their proprietary TV Operating System (OS) too. So comes the question, what about others? What about LG? LG answers with this one, the 32SQ780S.
Source: LG
The new SMART Monitor, as LG names it, is a new 32-inch monitor for the PC. Its 32-inch VA panel offers 4K UHD resolution, perfectly in line with the latest of smart TVs. Serving it natively is LG’s WebOS 22 that also powers LG’s latest large form factor TVs. The 32-inch 4K monitor also offers 90% in DCI-P3 colour gamut with HDR10 support for the best in-class entertainment experience. WebOS 22 gives you access to apps like Netflix and YouTube without even being connected to any PC or consoles. At the same time, the built-in 5-watt dual channel stereo speakers should be a good enough audio source for users.
With WebOS, the LG SMART Monitor is not just an entertainment hub too. It can be your smart home hub with ThinQ hub. You can control any compatible smart home appliances with no fuss. While it does not offer Chromecast natively, you can still project your smartphone to the display via MiraCast.
The best part of the LG SMART Monitor is the fact that the monitor comes with LG’s clever Ergo Stand that gives the LG monitor flexibility like no other for monitors in its class. With the stand, you not only save table space and real estate for a larger working surface and storage. You also get to put or orient your monitor in any way you like for your working or entertainment comfort.
Source: LG
Source: LG
Source: LG
Source: LG
Source: LG
The 32-inch 4K 32SQ780S UHG LG SMART Monitor will be available in early November 2022 in the United States first. They say that other markets should follow soon after, that includes Malaysia. There is no official pricing that has been provided yet at least for Malaysia. You can expect them to price the monitor at about the same price as Samsung’s offerings.
Last year Samsung launched something of a game changer, in our opinion. It has nothing to do with gaming, or entertainment, to be fair. It has more to do with work than anything else.
In November of 2020, Samsung introduced the world to their first ever desktop monitor that is also outfitted with Tizen OS. Effectively also, the particular monitor is Samsung’s first smart monitor. They introduced the world to what is effectively a 4K smart TV in a 32-inch desktop monitor form factor. They called it the Samsung Smart Monitor M7. They also introduced two Full HD variants called the M5 series.
To be fair, there is not that much in terms of choice with Samsung’s Smart Monitors at launch. You get to choose between two sizes for the Full HD variant and no choice at all if you want the 4K UHD variant. That has changed this year though.
Samsung Smart Monitor M7 43-inch
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Samsung has just introduced a 43-inch variant of the 4K UHD M7 series Smart Monitor and 24-inch variant of the Full HD M5 series Smart Monitor for 2021. On top of that, they are also introducing a new white colour option for the existing M7 and M5 models. Now you can really spice up your workspace at home.
The 43-inch Smart Monitor M7 (43M70A) is technically similar to the 32-inch model. It features a 4K UHD resolution for starters. It also supports HDR10, not exactly HDR10+ of their high-end TVs to be fair, but good enough for you to enjoy a variety of contents. Like the 32-inch variant, the 43-inch M7 is also a VA panel desktop monitor, which also means you are not necessarily getting a premium OLED experience.
Still, VA panels are bright and vibrant enough for a high colour accuracy, especially for making quick work of simple video and photo editing work. While it only boasts 60Hz in refresh rate, that is good enough for something like a PS4 Pro. Even the new gaming consoles can easily take advantage of the 4K resolution.
Samsung Smart Monitor M5 24-inch
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
Source: Samsung
On the smaller scale end, the M5 now comes in a 24-inch variant (24M50A). Unlike the 4K UHD 43-incher it launches with, you get an IPS panel with the 24-incher though. Even its bigger 27-inch and 32-inch M5 siblings are fitted with VA display panels. That also means that the Full HD 1080p panel should display images with great colour contrast and highly accurate colours. It is also an HDR10 display to ensure you get the best out of Tizen OS. It only refreshes at 60hz though. Then again, it is not a gaming monitor.
The new Smart Monitors M7 and M5 both are Wireless DeX enabled too. That also means that if you have modern Samsung Galaxy device with wireless DeX enabled, you do not even need to get extra cable to connect to the display. You do not even need to get your PC to connect to your smartphone for it. The Tizen OS fitted monitors are also Apple AirPlay 2 enabled, so even if you are on an iOS device, it will work for you too.
Like a Smaller, More Productive Smart TV
Samsung’s Smart Monitor M7 and M5 also comes with a modern SolarCell solar powered remote. The smart remote is very much like your Samsung Smart TV remotes and functions with Voice command like one too. Additionally, you do not have to replace any batteries, just leave it under the sun near the window to keep it charged.
Tizen OS also means that you get access to Netflix, Prime Video, and the upcoming Disney+ app without even needing to connect to a PC, or smartphone. In that case, your enjoyment is also not limited to your supporting hardware. With TV Plus, you get access to selected live and on-demand contents for free. This technically can be your TV if you have limited space.
You can plug your PC in via USB Type-C Thunderbolt connection (43M70A). If not, you have the benefit of HDMI 2.0. DisplayPort is not technically necessary for this display. The 43-inch monitor can also double as your USB hub as well with 3 additional USB ports. The 24-inch has one additional USB port for an added working flexibility.
What makes the Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and M5 though is the fact that you can work with Microsoft 365’s PC on screen. It is technically a remote PC technology that allows you to access your Microsoft 365 suite from the display, even if your PC is not necessarily plugged into your monitor. All you need is a Microsoft 365 account and internet connection.
Price and Availability
The Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and M5 is already available in select regions. Malaysia is not part of those select regions though. Currently, the 32-inch M7, 32-inch M5, and 27-inch M5 are available in Malaysia from MYR 1,188 (RRP) onward. For more information for the newly released Samsung Smart Monitor M7 and M5, do head over to Samsung’s website.
Samsung is bringing TizenOS to its popular monitor line up. The South Korean company, Samsung has unveiled a brand new line of innovative Smart Monitors. It touts the new line up as a do-it-all screen that will be able to seamless transition from work to play; perfect for the realities of today’s work and education climate. The monitors can connect to PCs, mobile devices, and even work independently.
The new Samsung Smart Monitor comes in two variations: the 32-inch M7 model and the M5 line-up consisting of 27-inch and 32-inch models.
Built for Work & Learning
The Samsung Smart Monitor M7 comes with a 32-inch UHD display with 4K resolution. It supports HDR10 and has a 178-degree viewing angle. The M5 Smart Monitor line-up comes with a lower resolution FHD display. That said, it still sports HDR10 support.
Both models come with a variety of connectivity options. The M7, being the higher specc’d model comes with an additional USB-C port which supports data, display and power (65W). Aside from that, the Smart Monitor M7 and M5 share the same connectivity options which include HDMI 2.0 ports, USB 2.0 ports, WiFi 5 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac), and Bluetooth 4.2
Source: Samsung
Running on TizenOS, the Samsung Smart Monitor comes built in with wireless connectivity options that work well with smartphones as well. This includes Tap View, App Casting, and even Apple AirPlay 2. Samsung’s DeX can also work wirelessly with the Smart Monitors.
The monitor is able to work independently without input from a PC or smartphone source as well. When it comes to productivity, users will be able to run Microsoft’s Office 365 suite independently over WiFi.
Seamlessly Adapted for Entertainment
It’s not all work when it comes to Samsung’s new Smart Monitors. The display comes with Samsung’s Smart Hub to for all your content streaming needs. You can access apps such as Netflix, YouTube, HBO without a connection with your PCs or smartphones. You’re able to navigate the interface with the provided remote control or, if you so please, using Samsung’s Bixby voice assistant.
Source: Samsung
The Samsung Smart Monitors also comes with Adaptive Picture. This allows the monitor to intelligently optimize picture quality according to the environment. It will automatically adjust color temperature and brightness according to surrounding conditions to help reduce eye strain. The monitors also feature a special eye-saver mode to reduce blue light.
Pricing & Availability
The Samsung Smart Monitor is now available in United States, Canada and China with availability in other countries coming by the end of November.
The M7 will be retailing at USD$399.99 (MYR1,635.07) while the M5 will be retailing at USD$229.99 (MYR940.148) for the smaller 27-inch variant and USD$279.99 (MYR1,144.57) for the 32-inch version.
