Capitalizing on the work-from-home era that’s been accelerated by the global pandemic, Samsung’s new Smart Monitors are designed to help you stay entertained and productive — all without requiring the power of a PC or desktop. These monitors can be used as a stand-alone panel for video streaming — similar to a living room television — or serve as companions to smartphones and tablets for wireless casting.
While Samsung’s new M5 and M7 Smart Monitors function like any other desktop monitor by allowing you to connect a compatible PC or laptop via a USB-C or HDMI cable, these panels also come with built-in Wi-Fi, which enables several new tricks to help them stand out. The M5 and M7 come with smart TV apps borrowed from Samsung’s lineup of living room televisions, integrated smart assistant features, and the ability to wirelessly cast to the screen via AirPlay 2 or Samsung DeX.
Recommended Videos
Watch and stream without a box
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Perfect for small spaces — like dorm rooms and kitchens — the M5 and M7 Samsung Smart Monitors run the company’s Tizen operating system and support popular streaming apps that are available on much larger living room televisions. The M5 and M7 can run the Netflix, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube apps natively on the display without any external devices. This means you don’t need to plug in an Apple TV box or a PC to stream some of your favorite online content, making these monitors the perfect small streaming TV set.
“The Samsung Smart Monitor is the first UHD display to double as a smart TV and offers a full suite of apps and content to take users’ minds off the needs of the day,” the company said in a statement.
Other apps available for the platform include Disney+, HBO Max, and more, which will help the Smart Monitor to “further blur the line between a monitor and a smart TV, making it the perfect way to watch whatever the user wants, where they want it.”
A companion for your smartphone and tablet
Image used with permission by copyright holder
With Wi-Fi built-in, the Samsung Smart Monitors support wireless casting, including Apple AirPlay 2 and Samsung’s own wireless DeX standard. This allows you to cast content from a laptop, desktop, or compatible smartphone or tablet to the monitor without wires or cables to easily share content on demand.
For those within Samsung’s ecosystem, you can use Samsung’s wireless DeX to connect your Samsung smartphone or tablet to the screen wirelessly. With wireless DeX, not only can you cast pictures and videos, but you’ll also get a desktop-like UI — complete with multiple, resizable windows — when your device is connected. This will allow you to be even more productive, with an experience that mimics what you can get on a Chrome OS, MacOS, or Windows 10 device, all from your smartphone. If you want a more simple experience, wireless DeX also allows screen mirroring.
A built-in assistant
With the integrated stereo 5W speakers, the monitors can serve as a hub for your smart assistant. These panels come with access to Samsung’s Bixby 2.0, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Assistant. Samsung also promises SmartThings integration to help access and control your smart home.
The M5 and M7 monitors also come with a full-featured remote that allows users to control the display and access hot keys that will link directly to streaming apps.
Available in two screen sizes with HDR10 support
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Samsung’s Smart Monitors are available in several configurations. The M5 series is available in 27- or 32-inch FHD screens, while the M7 is available in a 27-inch UHD 4K configuration. All configurations reach up to 250 nits of brightness, support HDR10, and can be placed on a stand or mounted to a wall to save space. The 27-inch M5 is available for $229, while the 32-inch version starts at $279. The M7 is available for $399.
I professionally review gaming monitors. Here are the worst buying mistakes I see
Tracking down the best gaming monitors is no simple task. As you can see from how we test gaming monitors, it involves a lot more than throwing a display on a desk and playing a couple of games. And even after years of reviewing them, I still see some common mistakes buyers make when shopping for a new gaming monitor.
I've tested dozens of gaming monitors, and although a spec sheet might sway you in one direction, I can tell you with certainty that all gaming monitors aren't built equally. Here are the biggest pitfalls to avoid.
Thinking in resolution
Your next Mac monitor could have this genius new feature
Apple has crafted a thriving ecosystem of smart home devices that work with its HomeKit platform, and we could see an interesting new addition if the company’s latest big idea comes to fruition. If it does, you could see your Mac’s display double up as a handy smart home accessory.
The news comes from journalist Mark Gurman, who has previously leaked accurate details about Apple’s future plans. According to the paid-for section of Gurman’s Power On newsletter, Apple is developing a Mac monitor that could double up as a smart home display when your Mac is idle.
Monitors don't usually get the limelight, but they're just as important as the components inside your PC. A bad monitor can make even a high-end PC feel like it's several years out of date, while one of the best monitors can make even an aging PC feel like it has a new set of tricks.
Our monitor reviews are designed to help you navigate the vast, overwhelming world of PC displays. Even if you narrow down a price, size, and resolution, you're often bombarded with dozens of options. We're here to help you separate the wheat from the chaff.
Dated Se7en reference
