A regular PC monitor or screen is seen as the endpoint of a larger setup: simply the display for something else, but Samsung is taking a different approach with its Smart Monitors that can handle work or leisure all on its own, while also playing nicely with both Android and iOS.
But first let’s get the simple stuff out of the way: Samsung Smart Monitors come in 27 inch and 32 inch varieties so you can get a size to suit your space, needs and wallet.
No matter what size you pick you can look forward to a Full HD or UHD experiences in the familiar 16X9 aspect ratio. This means you can enjoy work programmes, games, videos, movies and more in either the familiar 1920 X 1080 resolution or the higher 3840 X 2160. The choice really is up to you.
The 60Hz refresh rate, eight millisecond (8 ms) response time and 16.7 million colour support mean that you’re never left wanting.
So you may have heard all of this before and maybe a few screens you’ve tried before support these features, but we’re just getting started.
As was revealed right there in the name the range are Smart Monitors which can work just fine on their own without the need for any external hardware. For the nine to five this means Microsoft Office 365 pre-installed.
If you have an Office 365 licence and most of your work day involves being inside of the Office suite you could theoretically get everything done without ever using another device.
You can also remote access into your work computer right from the Smart Monitors which is a bonus if you’re still working from home.
Once work is over everyone loves to stream and you can do so effortlessly here. Services such as Netflix, YouTube and HBO are all supported again without the need to plug into another device as it’s all supported natively on the monitor’s operating system.
You don’t even need to reach for separate speakers or your headphones as the Smart Monitors come with a pair of built-in speakers which are hidden away. Anyone who has tried to get that super clean aesthetic – or those who simply hate wires – will love the opportunity for these Samsung monitors to roll everything into one.
Continuing that trend is control as, in the box, you get a physical remote… but you don’t have to use it as you’d expect. The Smart Monitor range supports voice controls so your sleek setup is also touchless.
For those on either aisle of the mobile device divide, Samsung has you covered. For Apple lovers there’s AirPlay 2 support so your instantly becomes a second screen for your device so you can continue working on your MacBook or enjoy your iPhone and iPad content on a larger screen.
Those with supported Android devices can enjoy Wireless DeX which instantly turns your phone or tablet into a larger workstation. Samsung is really pushing for the theorised future where you carry one device in your pocket that can suit all your needs and Wireless DeX does that without the need to even take out a physical wire.
To get your own Samsung Smart Monitor shop local listings from South African retailers Wootware and Matrix Warehouse.
