Samsung’s new Smart Monitor M8 comes with smarter features, 2K webcam
Ahead of the commencement of the CES 2023 expo, Samsung unveiled a bunch of new monitors and home appliances. The Odyssey Neo G9, Odyssey OLED G9, and ViewFinity S9 monitors are joined by a new version of the Smart Monitor M8. This new monitor is upgraded with more intelligent software, an upgraded webcam, and a more flexible stand.
Smart Monitor M8’s new stand offers a 90-degree pivot
The new Smart Monitor M8 (M80C) comes in 27-inch and 32-inch sizes, featuring a 4K QLED (VA) panel. The slim and stylish monitor can look great in any setup as it comes in four pleasing colors: Daylight Blue, Spring Green, Sunset Pink, and Warm White. Its height-adjustable stand can tilt and pivot (up to 90 degrees) for more freedom and adjustability. If you want to save space, you can let go of the stand and use the Smart Monitor M8’s VESA mount. While Samsung hasn’t revealed its peak brightness capabilities, it should at least match last year’s 400 nits figure and have HDR10+ certification.
It features built-in stereo speakers (2.2-channel with Adaptive Sound+), two USB Type-C ports, a Micro HDMI port, Bluetooth 5.0, Wi-Fi 5, and AirPlay. The USB Type-C port supports up to 65W USB-PD charging support for connected devices.
Upgraded Tizen OS offers mouse control for navigation
The Smart Monitor M8 now comes with a newer version of the Tizen OS. On top of allowing you to use media streaming apps like Apple TV+, Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video, Samsung TV Plus, and YouTube without a need for any additional device, it also lets you control Matter-compatible smart home products. Matter support won’t come out of the box and will require a software update.
Previous Smart Monitor devices supported navigating the Tizen UI using a bundled remote control. Samsung has now added built-in support for a mouse, which means you can use the monitor’s UI using a mouse. It also features Alexa and Bixby voice assistants that can be accessed via the bundled remote controller.
Since the Smart Monitor M8 features Samsung Gaming Hub, it can stream high-quality games through cloud gaming streaming platforms like Amazon Luna, Microsoft Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, and Utomik. The new My Contents feature displays helpful information when the monitor isn’t actively used. For instance, when it senses your smartphone in the Bluetooth range, it can show your photos, calendar entries, weather, and more. The monitor returns to standby mode when your phone is no longer detected.
Smart Monitor M8 (2023) has an upgraded 2K webcam
Samsung has also upgraded the webcam with its new Smart Monitor. It now features a 2K resolution SlimFit webcam with native support for video calling services like Google Meet and can be removed for privacy. It also features face tracking and auto zoom to keep a user’s face in the frame even when moving. The South Korean firm has protected its new monitor with Samsung Knox Vault, which saves, encrypts, and protects a user’s personal data in an isolated place, away from the main operating system.
The South Korean firm has announced any pricing or availability timeframe for its new Smart Monitor M8. However, we expect it to go on sale in the first half of this year at a price similar to its predecessor in Europe, North America, and South Korea.
