Samsung’s new external monitor, dubbed Smart Monitor M8, features support for AirPlay technology along with Apple’s TV app and the Apple TV+ streaming service.
- Samsung has announced Smart Monitor M8, its new external monitor featuring a 32-inch LCD panel with 4K resolution and support for AirPlay and streaming services like Apple TV+, Netflix and more.
- Not only does the M8 come in color options that resemble the pastel colorways of the 24-inch iMac, but also features a design that ressembles an iMac.
- The monitor is available to pre-order beginning Monday, March 28, 2022. The price starts at $700. The Galaxy maker did not provide a concrete shipping date.
Samsung Smart Monitor M8 integrates AirPlay and Apple TV+
Don’t mistake the new Samsung monitor for Apple’s colorful iMac all-in-one desktop. Both provide slim bezels, a minimalist design and smart functions. For example, the Samsung monitor packs support for Apple’s AirPlay technology letting customers play videos or mirror the screen of an Apple device on their monitor without requiring an Apple TV. The same goes for Apple’s TV app, which is supported out of the box. In fact, this monitor embeds support for a wide range of popular streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV.
Powered by the Tizen operating system, the M8 supports apps and doubles as a remote hub for your SmartThings appliances for the connected home.
Integrated USB-C charging, HDMI and more
Similar to Apple’s Studio Display, the M8 wants to be the ultimate docking station for your computers with integrated ports, so it provides two USB-C ports that support 65W charging. Just plug your MacBook or iPhone/iPad into either port to charge the device and transfer data. Aside from USB-C, the M8 also provides a micro HDMI port and integrates Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 wireless connectivity.
The panel itself supports 4K resolution, but it’s not OLED nor does it come with bringht mini-LED backlighting. So expect a classic LCD experience with up to 400 nits of brightness. High refresh rates are not supported either, this monitor maxes out at the same 60Hz refresh rate as most of its mid-range counterparts.
On the plus side, the new Smart Monitor M8 supports HDR technology for a much greater dynamic range than usual, along with a TrueTone-like technology that adjusts brightness and color temperature to match ambient lighting.
Other perks: A pair of integrated 5W speakers, a built-in far-field microphone and a removable web camera with face tracking and AI-assisted cropping and zooming during video calls. Read: How to make FaceTime calls from your Apple Watch
Pricing and availability
According to the official announcement in the Samsung Newsroom, the M8 is priced from $700 depending on the color. The device is available in four pastel-like colors that Samsung calls shades of nature: Sunset Pink, Spring Green, Daylight Blue and Warm White. You can pre-order the monitor starting Monday, March 28, 2022, with retail availability and shipping date unknown at this point.