Samsung was the first brand to launch a smart monitor, essentially a PC monitor that runs a proper operating system and allows users to stream music and videos, among other things. Other brands seem to have liked Samsung’s idea, as LG launched its first smart monitor last year.
Now, ASUS has launched its first smart monitor, which looks similar to Samsung’s Smart Monitor M8.
ASUS ZenScreen Smart Monitor runs Google TV
ASUS has announced its first smart monitor, the ZenScreen Smart MS27UC. It is a 27-inch 4K monitor with an IPS LCD screen and built-in 5W Harmon Kardon-tuned loudspeakers. It is the first smart monitor to run Google TV (based on Android TV). It comes bundled with a remote controller, similar to Samsung’s Smart Monitor lineup of devices.
Since Google TV has all the popular audio and video streaming apps globally, you can listen to music and stream videos using your favorite streaming service. You can install those apps from the onboard Google Play Store. The monitor has built-in Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi b/g/n. Other connectivity features include an HDMI 2.0 port, a DisplayPort 1.4 port, a USB Type-C port (with 90W USB PD power output), a 3.5mm headphone port, and a built-in USB hub.
You can watch our video on Samsung’s flat OLED monitor lineup below.
It even features a pocket on the rear, where you can store accessories like the keyboard and the mouse. It would be a great place to store the remote controller, too. It likely features Google Cast for audio and video screen mirroring from your phone or tablet. Details regarding its processor, RAM, and storage were not unveiled during the announcement.