Samsung"s smart monitor lineup, which debuted back in November, is getting a few new additions. Smart monitors are like smart TVs without the TV, and the goal is to bring some of the entertainment offerings and other smart features of those TVs to the monitor you use with your PC. The new lineup includes more sizes and a new color.
First off, there"s a new 43-inch display size for the Smart Monitor M7, which is the 4K variant of the monitors. At this size, it"s pretty close to a TV, but it also gives you more room for productivity tasks compared to the existing 32-inch variant. This new model also comes with a solar-powered remote, that can charge using both sunlight or lightbulbs (or you can plug it in via USB Type-C). It"s made from recycled plastic, too.
As for the Smart Monitor M5, which is Full HD, it now comes in a smaller 24-inch size, in addition to the 27- and 32-inch models already available. On top of that, the existing models are now available in white, should you prefer that to the black model that was available before.
Samsung is also adding new features to its smart monitors, starting with Samsung TV Plus, a free streaming service that provides access to live and on-demand content from TV channels around the world. Additionally, there"s a new Universal Guide feature that recommends content based on the user"s preferences, with support for apps like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Another big improvement is that not only will you be able to use Bixby, but also smart assistants you might actually like, such as the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.
Aside from that, the Smart Monitors continue to pack the same features as before. Streaming services are included as part of the software platform, you can use Tap View to cast your Android phone"s screen to the display, or cast content using AirPlay 2. You can use Samsung DeX if you have a Samsung phone, and the monitors even include access to Microsoft 365 apps in the cloud, assuming you have a subscription to Microsoft 365, so you can work without a PC.
The expanded smart monitor lineup will start at $199.99 for the new 24-inch M5 model, but the 43-inch model doesn"t have a price tag yet.