Samsung Electronics has announced its latest range of M8 series LCD computer monitors. The 32-inch, 4K resolution M8 monitors will come with various apps and a camera built-in, the company said.
They’re an update to the M range of “Smart” monitors that Samsung first launched in late 2020, and combine the capabilities of a conventional PC monitor with the connectivity and platform features of everyday TVs. Notably, they’re powered by the Tizen operating system and run various apps, from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video to Disney+, and possess other capabilities such as support for Apple AirPlay 2 and Microsoft cloud services.
"Not only being a traditional monitor, but the M8 also allows users to enjoy a variety of OTT services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV via Wi-Fi without having to connect to a PC or TV," Samsung said in a statement.
Samsung explained that the new M8 monitors are much slimmer than previous generations at just 11.4 millimeter, and come with a flat-back design. Buyers can select from a range of colours, including white, blue, green and pink. The built-in camera is said to provide 1080p resolution.
We should note that aside from the Smart TV features, the M series monitors are fairly standard-grade LCD monitors that are designed for casual PC work. The M8 has a 32-inch, VA LCD panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, 4 ms response time and 400 nits of brightness. It also supports HDR, at least on paper, but the hardware is unlikely to be able to achieve true HDR heights.
Samsung is also launching some less capable M7 and M5 smart monitors with streaming apps, which will range in size from 27-inches to 43-inches.
Samsung hasn’t said a whole lot about how popular its monitor-cum-TV displays are, but the fact that it’s launching a third generation suggests there is indeed a receptive audience to the concept.
Kyounghoon Kim, executive vice president and head of the design team at Samsung’s Visual Display Business, said the idea was to create a product that matches the lifestyles of all kinds of people and preferences.
“ The M8’s color palette composed of four different colors was inspired by the theme ‘Shades of Nature’,” Kim said. “Gazing at the clear blue sky on a bright sunny day, recharging in the lush green forest, or finally bathing in the glow of a sunset."
Samsung said customers can pre-order the Samsung Smart Monitor M8 from its website and its retail partners now, with prices starting at around $700.
