Of the many disorders that afflict people today, diabetes is perhaps the literally most painful one to monitor and maintain. Even with advancements in medical technology, pricking your finger is still the most accurate way to measure blood sugar levels. At the same time, taking in insulin often involves painful and tedious injections. And it isn’t just humans who are hurting from these, but the environment also suffers from all the waste these life-saving tools produce. It’s probably high time to have a glucose monitor and insulin delivery system that is not only painless and convenient but also sustainable, which is exactly what this minimalist-looking device concept is proposing.
CGMs or Continuous Glucose Monitors are one of the less invasive methods of keeping tabs on your blood sugar levels, though most do require inserting a sensor under the skin that is read by a device that sticks to your body over that site. When it comes to injecting insulin, on the other hand, insulin pumps remove the need to always pierce your skin for every injection, as a needle stays in its position for a day or two before needing to be replaced, unless the pump is one that actually stays on your body and above your skin. If these two devices sound almost related, it’s because they really are, and the Ingo CGM and insulin pump concept actually combines these two functions into a single, reusable, and sustainable device.
This oval-shaped device combines two critical functions in a single compact design that diabetes patients can discreetly wear on their bodies. Ingo can even have different colors to match skin tones so they won’t stand out as much as more obvious medical devices. There’s also the element of convenience as the device can be easily recharged on a wireless base, while the CGM sensor and pump needle are integrated into the sensor patches that stick over your skin.
Ingo also differs from existing CGMs and insulin pumps in the way that it tries to reduce the amount of waste as much as possible. Instead of disposable parts, it uses reusable components and recyclable patches, lessening the burden on the environment that these solutions often place on the planet. The rechargeable device and refillable insulin tank also prolong the life of the product or at least those parts that shouldn’t have to be thrown away frequently. Ingo is definitely an interesting proposal for a more humane and more environment-friendly way to keep diabetes patients living healthy and meaningful lives while also taking care of the planet they’re living on.
Inspiration can strike when you least expect it, but there are often places and events that can help get the creative juices flowing. The chatter of a lightly crowded cafe, the pause after attending a convention, or even simply moving from your desk to the couch can sometimes make you want to reach out for a sketchbook or even a digital canvas. The latter is fine if you have a tablet like an iPad, but if you prefer doing your designs on a computer, you’re a bit out of luck. Designers and artists these days need a certain degree of freedom and mobility, and Wacom is attempting to fill that need with a new product that isn’t just a screen you can draw on but also a beautiful computer monitor you can take anywhere you go.
Wacom is like the Apple of the digital creative world, making products that let artists, designers, and engineers bring their ideas to life. Its Cintiq brand, in particular, has been the household name for years when it came to “pen displays” or screens you can draw on with a stylus. These have traditionally been as large as computer monitors, though there are now smaller options within the 13 to 16-inch range. While you can definitely shove the smallest Wacom Cintiq or One 12 inside a bag, their designs clearly shout that they’re really meant to be drawing tools more than anything else.
Wacom Movink’s biggest change might be technical, but it’s a technology that is allowing the brand to move in a slightly different direction from the rest of its pen displays. In a nutshell, it is Wacom’s first-ever OLED pen display, immediately setting itself apart from the LCDs of the rest of its portfolio. This gives it the advantage of being able to display richer and deeper blacks as well as a wider range of colors, which will help designs pop out better and be more color-accurate.
This OLED technology, however, also brings the advantage of making the Movink the thinnest and lightest of Wacom’s pen displays. It also has a sleeker design that looks more in line with portable monitors in the market today. Given that it does perform exactly like a portable OLED touch display, that’s not an inaccurate assessment. It still has thick bezels, but not as wide and egregious as on the Cintiq line. There’s also no rubber “bumper” around the edges, resulting in a simpler and more minimalist appearance.
Aside from the display upgrade, the Wacom Movink is functionally on par with the company’s other products. Where it really shines, however, is the newer and more modern design that makes it not only more portable but also more presentable. It’s not only a design tool made for designers but also one that designers will be proud to pull out of their bag and show off in public, empowering them to work on the go, whenever and wherever their muse calls.
Multiple portable displays boost productivity by enabling multitasking and reducing the need to switch between applications. With extra screens, you can have reference materials, email, and active projects open simultaneously, streamlining your workflow and saving valuable time. This setup is especially beneficial for professionals, students, and anyone needing to stay productive while on the go. It allows for a more efficient use of time and resources, making it easier to keep up with the demands of today’s fast-paced work environments. The market for portable displays isn’t as saturated as other tech sectors, primarily due to the niche demand and the technical challenges associated with creating lightweight, durable, and high-performance screens that can easily integrate with a range of devices. Creating a product that balances portability with screen quality, battery life, and ease of use requires significant innovation and investment. Among the options available, the FlipGo from JSAUX stands out as a compelling solution for several reasons. Let’s dig in and explore how it addresses the core needs of power users.
First, the essential feature of the FlipGo is its portability without sacrificing display quality. It’s slim, light, and easy to carry with laptops, tablets, and smartphones so that you can create a multi-screen workstation anywhere. The magnetic attachment system securely connects to the Snap Stand or monitor arms, making the setup intuitive. This design allows the portable display to easily integrate with laptops, tablets, and certain smartphones, offering a simple user experience. The package includes four sets of magnets in FlipGo. The monitor can be magnetized to a monitor arm with various magnetic mounts like the Snap VESA adapter. This makes FlipGo a clear choice when you need to position it anywhere.
You can also use the Flex Folio, which serves as a stand and a case. This origami-like accessory provides protection and supports the display when necessary. Regardless of a portable external display’s portability, it’s not worthwhile if the quality is subpar. This is particularly true when considering screen size and resolution. You can choose between two dimensions: 13.5 inches and 16 inches. Both provide ample screen space without feeling cramped. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch model is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability.
Magnetic Design
However, this display isn’t just notable for its size and weight. It also offers remarkable quality. The smaller model has a 2.2K resolution (2256×1504), and the larger model boasts a 2.5K resolution (2560×1600). Both feature a 100% sRGB color gamut for vivid, crisp visuals. A standard 60Hz refresh rate further improves the display’s smoothness.
FlipGo arranges desktop displays vertically for a more focused, productive experience. Its square-like aspect ratio minimizes head movement. The ultra-narrow bezel connects the screens, offering an uninterrupted view. It simplifies tasks like writing papers or handling multiple sources. It also supports split-screen browsing, making it easy to manage various desktop windows. As a day trader, this setup is particularly beneficial. It allows the stock charts for technical analysis to be on top while the trading software is at the bottom.
FlipGo powers up directly from your laptop’s USB-C port, using a single cable to light up two screens for One to Duo or UltraView mode. When connected to an external power supply, it also charges the laptop. Although FlipGo has two separate displays, it can be a single screen to present content. You can switch between these displays with just a click. FlipGo ensures that neither your productivity nor your perspective is ever limited. FlipGo’s neatest feature is undoubtedly its touch and gesture support for macOS and Windows. Not only does it function as a typical touchscreen, but it also serves as a secondary touchpad for your MacBook, enhancing your productivity.
Regarding productivity, the built-in hub varies slightly between the Pro, Touch Screen, and Standard models. The Pro model includes a display switch button, two USB-C 3.2 ports for Mac and Windows, a Mini HDMI (HD), an OTG USB-A 2.0, an OTG USB-C 2.0, a menu jog dial, and a power button. The latter model, however, has two HD inputs but lacks the Display Switch Button.
The FlipGo comes in two sizes and two tiers: Pro and Standard. Each provides different features. The Pro tier has UltraView mode with a single cable for dual-screen use and supports DisplayLink. The Standard tier does not include Pro features but can be upgraded for touchscreen capabilities, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet. Regardless of tier, all FlipGos offer the same visual quality, resolution, 400 nits of brightness, and color accuracy. The 13.5-inch model costs $379, and the 16-inch model is $479. Both models include a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping from May 2024.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to multitask, but not everyone has $3500 for an Apple Vision Pro headset. The metaverse’s biggest feature-push has been its ability to let you host multiple screens in your virtual space, allowing you to work on simultaneous projects or even keep dedicated displays for work/entertainment/inspiration. However, an obvious alternative to strapping glasses to your face is to simply have multiple screens in the real world! You could opt for a bulky, non-portable monitor… or something as sleek as the FlipGo from JSAUX. Designed to look like a super-slim laptop, the FlipGo is, in fact, a dual-monitor setup that connects to your laptop or PC with a single cable. In mere seconds, it gives you three screens instead of one, with a variety of mounting/docking accessories like folio cases, stands, and VESA mounts, along with two screen sizes to choose from, depending on your needs and requirements. When you’re done, just shut the FlipGo like you would a laptop. It’s that simple… and frankly, it’s a lot better than having a massive VR block strapped to your head. And at $329, it’s a lot cheaper too.
What stands out immediately with the FlipGo is its design, balancing the fine line between screen size, portability, and sheer sleekness. Available in two sizes (13.5 inches and 16 inches), it manages to provide ample screen space without feeling bulky. The 13.5-inch model weighs 1.1 kg, while the 16-inch variant is slightly heavier at 1.6 kg, underscoring its portability. But it’s not just about the size and weight; the display quality is a visual treat. With resolutions of 2256×1504 (2.2K) for the smaller model and 2560×1600 (2.5K) for the larger one, and a 100% sRGB color gamut, the FlipGo promises vibrant and crisp visuals. The 60Hz refresh rate, although standard, contributes to the smoothness of the display.
Magnetic Design
The FlipGo isn’t just versatile in its physical design; its functionality is equally adaptable. Switching between UltraView (dual-screen) and DuoViews (triple-screen) modes is effortless, which is a big plus for those who value productivity without technological complexity. The FlipGo is also accompanied by a variety of stands and mounting accessories, giving you everything from a portable folio case/stand to a much more comprehensive magnetic VESA Stand attachment that gives you full freedom to orient and use your dual-screen setup however you see fit… and even adapt between mounting styles depending on your needs. This allows the FlipGo to cater to a wide range of users – from professionals who need extra screen space for spreadsheets and presentations, to designers and coders who thrive with a broader canvas for their creative and technical work.
Connectivity is another area where the FlipGo shines. It’s equipped with an array of ports, including USB-C and Mini HDMI, catering to various devices and preferences. The inclusion of DisplayPort MST for Windows and DisplayLink for Macs, albeit requiring software installation for the latter, shows JSAUX’s commitment to versatility. The ergonomic design of the FlipGo also deserves mention, featuring multiple stand options like the Flex Folio, Snap Stand, Stand Holder, and Snap VESA Adapter, allowing users to easily magnetically snap on or off their dual-screen gadget onto a variety of stand options, allowing users to find their perfect viewing angle.
The two sizes are split across Pro and Standard tiers, offering a variety of features unique to each tier. The Pro variants offer the aforementioned UltraView mode (a single-cable dual-screen experience), along with DisplayLink support, whereas Standard tier users can skip on Pro features but even get an optional upgrade to include touchscreen input, turning your FlipGo into a portable tablet for your workstation! The visual clarity, resolution, and color reproduction remain standard across all tiers, regardless of whether you opt for Pro or Standard variants. The FlipGo starts at $329 for the 13.5-inch model, while the larger 16-inch model starts at $479. Both models come with a 12-month warranty, lifetime support, and international shipping beginning May 2024.
The lines that separate large displays at home are becoming blurrier by the day. Although TVs still have the size advantage, the computer monitors on our desks are catching up slowly but surely. And that’s not even considering how many of the functions they have are now being shared by both devices, especially when it comes to supporting a variety of input sources, both wired and wireless. In fact, smart TVs are pretty much gigantic computer monitors, if you want to hook up your desktop, laptop, or even handheld to your living room screen. LG’s latest batch of smart monitors is now turning the tables by incorporating those very same features and putting them at the service of computer users, allowing them to switch between work and play seamlessly, without even mixing those worlds together.
The needs of computer users and TV owners can be very different, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have things in common as well. In addition to picture quality, both groups probably want to have a wealth of content to choose from, whether it’s for productivity or for entertainment. To some extent, smart TVs actually have the edge with a multitude of connectivity options and built-in support for streaming services. The latter is what LG’s MyView line of smart monitors is bringing to the table, quite literally, giving users a bit more freedom in what they can do on their desks.
The 2024 LG MyView lineup consists of 31.5-inch 4K monitors that, to be honest, might not make PC gamers that happy with their 5ms response time and 60Hz refresh rate. Content creators, in contrast, will be satisfied with the DCI-P3 95% color gamut support and adjustable stands that will let them work at a more comfortable level. Simply based on those specs, the LG MyView sounds pretty mediocre, but as they say, wait, there’s more!
The real highlight here is that the monitors are running webOS, which practically makes them 32-inch smart TVs. This gives them access to a variety of streaming services as well as apps such as Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar, all without even connecting to a computer. Of course, you’re most likely to already have a computer attached anyway, but this independent mode will let you enjoy watching videos without distractions from your computer’s notifications.
Admittedly, it might sound like a niche use case, one that will cost you $599.99 if you do subscribe to that kind of workflow. It could even encourage unhealthy habits, with people preferring not to get up from their desks since they can just watch their favorite flicks from there anyway. Then again, this isn’t LG’s first MyView monitor, nor is it alone in this market, so it might only be a matter of time before all computer monitors become smart computer monitors without exception.
Acer’s latest announcement at CES 2024 has quite a bit in store for gamers. From game-ready 5G Wi-fi 7 routers to some rather whopping displays (including even a 3D one), the company is making some significant strides forward. The unveiling of its new lineup of Predator gaming monitors introduces a series of models designed to cater to a diverse range of gamers’ needs, each combining innovative technology with high performance.
Let’s begin with the crown jewel, the Predator Z57 – a 57-inch behemoth, curved to wrap your vision in a MiniLED display. But Acer didn’t stop at size. They doubled down with a dual UHD resolution of 7680×2160 at a smooth 120 Hz. This colossus offers a 32:9 aspect ratio, making it feel like you’re not just observing the game; you’re part of it. With VESA DisplayHDR 1000, the colors and contrasts are so vivid they’ll make reality seem dull. And if the immersive experience isn’t enough, its 1000R curvature, picture-by-picture, and picture-in-picture modes ensure multitasking is as seamless as your gameplay.
Acer Predator Z57
But perhaps you’re seeking something a bit more traditional, yet no less groundbreaking. Enter the Predator X34 V3. This 34-inch curved MiniLED display brings you an ultra-wide QHD resolution of 3440×1440. Its 1500R curvature is like a gentle embrace, ensuring no enemy lurks just out of sight. With a 180 Hz refresh rate and a 1 ms response time, every moment is a fluid transition, with no room for lag or ghosting. It’s not just about speed; it’s about experiencing every detail in a symphony of colors with its DCI-P3 94% color gamut and VESA DisplayHDR 1000.
Acer Predator X34 V3
Now, for those who live in the fast lane, Acer’s OLED models, the Predator X39 and Predator X34 X, are the perfect pick. These 39-inch and 34-inch titans offer UWQHD resolution at up to 240 Hz refresh rates. But it’s the 0.01 ms pixel response time that makes these monitors a dream for the fast and the furious gamer. Their 800R curvature and DCI-P3 99% color gamut deliver a visual feast, while the VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 ensures the darkest blacks and brightest whites. And for the marathon gamers, they’re Eyesafe 2.0 Certified, so your eyes are protected even during those all-night campaigns.
Acer Predator X39
Across this lineup, Acer integrates features like AMD FreeSync Premium to address screen tearing and stuttering, ensuring smoother gameplay. The inclusion of a USB Type-C 90W PD port and a built-in KVM switch reflects a thoughtful design, aimed at providing convenience and flexibility to users.
Let’s talk brass tacks – pricing and availability. The Predator Z57, the flagship of this fleet, will start at USD 2499.99. For the OLED aficionados, the Predator X39 and Predator X34 X are priced at USD 1499.99 and USD 1299.99, respectively. And for those seeking that perfect balance of performance and price, the Predator X34 V3 is an enticing option at USD 899.99. These technological marvels will start gracing desks in North America and EMEA in Q2 2024, with China getting a head start in Q1 2024.
Say whatever you want about the GPU market or the general atmosphere of the games industry at the moment, but gaming (particularly, PC gaming) probably isn’t going anywhere any time soon. Besides, even if the gaming industry collapsed, there’ll probably always be a niche community of PC builders who just want to make cool-looking builds.
It’s just unfortunate that some of the best-looking and best-feeling screens that’ve ever existed are finally coming down in price at a time when so many people are unable to get their hands on high-end video game hardware and gaming PC components.
That’s why I compiled a list of the top 10 best designed gaming monitors on the market in 2023, spanning everything from 1080p to 4k and ultrawide – making room for gamers on a budget while showcasing some of the best gaming displays you can find. Note that it’s a little bit different than the list I already created that specifically targets ultrawide monitors that use OLED displays.
1. Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED Gaming Monitor (Best all around)
Alienware’s AW3423DWF is the best all-around PC gaming monitor, featuring a curved 34-inch 3440x1440p 21:9 ultrawide display with 1800R curvature, HDR 400 support, VRR, 0.1 ms response times, and support for both DisplayPort 1.4 and HDMI 2.0.
Why is it noteworthy?
The AW3423DWF hits that incredibly hard-to-reach sweeet spot in PC gaming monitors, blending the richness of QD-OLED with the wide field of view provided by ultrawide monitors. It somehow manages to juggle all the best parts of high-end gaming displays while remaining, miraculously, under the $1000 MSRP ballpark.
You have to choose between FreeSync Premium Pro support and Nvidia G-Sync Ultimate support
2. ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM (Best 1440p)
ASUS’s ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM is a feature-packed 27-inch 2k OLED gaming display that pushes impressive refresh rates and over 1000 nits peak brightness in HDR mode.
Why is it noteworthy?
OLED is still an expensive luxury in modern gaming monitors, and the ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM packs a lot of high-end goodies like a 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 ms response times, and intelligent voltage optimization (to combat burn-in) to name just a few – all for $999.
What we like
Fantastic price performance
OLED display with 1000 nits peak brightness
Blazing fast
What we dislike
No FreeSync support out of the box
3. LG UltraGear 32GN650-B (Best budget 1440p)
LG UltraGear monitors are generally great across the board, but if you want to play games in 2k for a low price, the 32-inch LG UltraGear 32GN650-B is a fantastic option at between $250-400, depending on whether you find a good deal.
Why is it noteworthy?
It balances strong performance with a relatively low asking price, featuring a relatively high maximum refresh rate of 165 Hz, HDR 10 support, and 1 ms Motion Blur Reduction.
What we like
It’s a 32-inch 2k monitor with decent specs for less than $400
165 Hz refresh rate and 5 ms GtG response times are great for this price range
What we dislike
Underwhelming contrast ratio
Low peak brightness
4. LG UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE (Best 21:9 ultrawide)
The LG UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE is a bit more feature-packed than the Alienware we mentioned earlier, only narrowly taking the trophy for best 21:9 ultrawide. It’s a fantastic 45-inch ultrawide 2k monitor, both blazing fast and featuring incredible HDR support thanks to its OLED display.
Why is it noteworthy?
The UltraGear OLED 45GR95QE is a massive, 45-inch OLED 3440x1440p gaming display with support for 240 Hz refresh rates, all types of VRR out of the box, HDR 400 with a 1500000:1 contrast ratio, and a 0.03 ms response time.
What we like
It’s probably the best 45-inch ultrawide gaming display you can buy right now without delving into 32:9 or 4k territory
What we dislike
Only 800R curvature, meaning the far edges of the screen will seem farther apart
5. Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (Best 32:9 ultrawide)
The Samsung OLED G9 is an absurdly impressive super ultrawide (5440x1440p) gaming display, spanning a 32:9 aspect ratio with a visual style that makes it look like a piece of futuristic art, thanks to its chrome look and LED back array.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s the world’s first OLED super ultrawide display. That alone is a huge deal, but yes, it even has all the bells and whistles you could want: 240 Hz refresh rate, 0.03 response time, TrueBlack HDR 400, and a contrast ratio so high it probably doesn’t need to be mentioned.
What we like
32:9 aspect ratio looks incredible with QD-OLED
Samsung Gaming Hub means you don’t even need a PC to play games on it
What we dislike
It costs $1799 – even though the price is coming down slowly
The ASRock PHANTOM GAMING PG34WQ15R2B is a powerful 34-inch 3440x1440p ultrawide gaming monitor that gets rid of a few bells and whistles to maintain wildly good cost performance.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s hard to call this a bad purchase when it’s literally a 2k ultrawide gaming monitor for $379. It doesn’t include an OLED display or G-Sync Ultimate support, and its VESA DisplayHDR 400 is probably questionable without the former – but that’s a ridiculously low price for something this feature-packed. Its 165 Hz refresh rate, FreeSync support, and 1 ms response times make it a steal at that price.
What we like
Mind-boggling cost performance at $379
21:9 ultrawide with 1500R for immersive 2k gaming
Relatively high refresh rate/response time for cost
What we dislike
It’s not an OLED, and the HDR probably suffers for it
7. Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 UHD (Best 4k)
The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 UHD is a high-performance 32-inch 4k curved gaming display – which even won a CES Best of Innovation award in 2022.
Why is it noteworthy?
It was the world’s first 4k gaming display with a 240 Hz refresh rate. More importantly, it’s also an ultrawide display with HDR 2000 support – meaning its peak brightness goes up to 2000 nits.
What we like
High performance 4k ultrawide
Deeply impressive HDR 2000 support thanks to Quantum Dot technology
240 Hz refresh rate
What we dislike
A bit small for an ultrawide with 4k resolution
Like all 4k monitors, it’s quite expensive at around $1499
8. GIGABYTE M27U Gaming Monitor (Best budget 4k)
The Gigabyte M27U is a well-balanced 27-inch 4k gaming display that does some genuinely interesting stuff for its low price of $549.99.
Why is it noteworthy?
It pushes 2160p resolutions at 160 Hz, while maintaining a tight 1 ms response time. At a price below $600, this makes it one of the stronger performers, and is a great alternative to a similarly-priced 2k monitor if you have the horsepower to drive games in 4k.
What we like
Strong cost performance
Multiple HDMI connections – making it a good console gaming monitor
What we dislike
It’s a bit small for a 4k display at 27 inches
9. ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM (Best 1080p)
The ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM is an impressive 27-inch 1o80p gaming display that checks every single box you could possibly want, minus OLED.
Why is it noteworthy?
If you value extremely high frame rates over fidelity, you can’t get a much better display than the ASUS TUF Gaming VG279QM. Not only does its 1080p max resolution make it a lot friendlier with older gaming hardware, but it can also run at up to 280 Hz refresh rates, has excellent support for motion blur reduction, and it even does HDR 400.
What we like
One of the fastest monitors on the market thanks to 280 Hz max refresh
Gorgeous IPS display
What we dislike
At $299, it’s a bit pricy for a 1080p display
10. Samsung Odyssey Ark (Most excessive)
The Samsung Odyssey Ark is an oddity; this 55-inch Quantum Mini LED monitor shifts between being a 1000R 4k ultrawide display… or turning vertically into something totally different.
Why is it noteworthy?
It’s an absurdly large 4k ultrawide monitor with a 1000R “sound dome” and the ability to turn vertically, enabling cockpit mode – which lets you stack three screens vertically instead of having a single wide-spanning ultrawide view. This allows it a level of versatility unseen in any other monitor that – mixed with its Quantum Mini-LED display – combines to produce an experience that can only really be described as excessive for most gamers in 2023.
What we like
Its Quantum Mini-LED display makes its colors pop and produces incredibly rich blacks
It’s huge at 55 inches
You can switch between ultrawide and cockpit mode
What we dislike
It probably won’t fit on most desks
Its 165 Hz refresh and 1 ms response times underwhelm for the price and size
Our reliance on smartphones these days means that we have another screen to pay attention to even when we’re already focused on the computer monitor in front of us. Productivity gurus naturally discourage anything that would distract us from the work at hand, but they don’t always consider cases where the smartphone is actually an integral part of that work. Rather than fighting the flow, some designs have instead embraced this kind of multi-screen setup, creating a special nook on our desks for smartphones. This rather lopsided monitor is one such example, keeping your mobile companion charged while also holding it up, putting it at a more comfortable eye level to stop you from bending and craning your neck so often.
It’s not uncommon to keep our phones on our desks, presuming office policies don’t bar you from having them out in the open. Disregarding real distractions from social media and incessant but unnecessary notifications, some people do need to keep tabs on their mobile devices for some information or communication, without having those apps clutter their work screen. At the same time, however, most of these people probably don’t want to leave work with a nearly empty battery because they forgot to top up the work while using it at work.
The NexMonitor addresses both use cases in a way that’s both more ergonomic and also a little more stylish. Rather than just a simple stand that props up the phone off the side of your workspace, the monitor actually holds up the smartphone at the same height as the screen itself. That saves you from having to look down and away from your monitor, minimizing the time it takes to glance at the phone. At the same time, it helps reduce potential neck strain and injury from repeatedly switching between a monitor at eye level and a phone closer to the desk’s surface.
The monitor holds the phone up almost by magic, but of course, it’s all about magnets. That clearly marks it for MagSafe-compatible phones, which are primarily recent iPhones, though the company also says that Android phones are welcome to the party. Presuming they support magnetic wireless charging. And yes, the NexMonitor also charges the phone while it’s up there, so it’s pretty much a vertical magnetic wireless charging pad attached to the side of a monitor.
The NexMonitor’s design is quite intriguing in how it doesn’t go for visual balance, though it is definitely stable in its construction. The “stem” of the monitor is off to the right side, nearer to the phone than in the middle. Even the stand itself isn’t centered, which could potentially stress out some people because of its asymmetrical composition. That stand is designed to match the size and the color of Apple’s Mac Mini and the new Mac Studio, but any other mini PC can also find a home there, even if it clashes with the brushed metal look. The NexMonitor was announced back in 2022 but has yet to become available for purchase, which unfortunately leaves plenty of opportunities for other monitor makers to put out something similar, presuming there’s actually a good market for such an ergonomic yet unusual design.
We live in an age where using a computer is as normal as using pen and paper. That’s true not only for work and school but also for gaming and entertainment. Most computers come with only a single monitor, but there’s a school of thought that espouses having multiple monitors to have more room for the things you need to be effective. Still, the complexity of maintaining even just two monitors, plus the considerations of desk space, makes such a setup less appealing to most people. And that’s not even considering how it’s often less aesthetic to have two or more screens with frames creating boxes in your view. That’s where the new breed of ultra-wide monitors comes in, and Samsung’s latest monitor steps up the game with a curved monitor that not only flings the entertainment doors wide open but also sets up a beautiful piece of tech on your desk.
Curved screens started invading living rooms as expansive TVs that promise a more cinematic viewing experience that matches more closely how our eyes naturally view the world. Of course, movies aren’t the only kind of digital visual content you’d want to feast your eyes on, so it was really only a matter of time before those gentle curves to the computers sitting on our desks. The new Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, however, is more than just a curved monitor but is also an eye-catching gateway to entertainment and productivity.
The 49-inch monitor has a resolution of 5120×1440 and an aspect ratio of 32:9, giving you a very wide field of view that conforms to the way your eyes work thanks to its 1800R curvature. In a nutshell, this means that you’ll be able to enjoy a more immersive visual experience, whether you’re playing a game or watching videos. It’s practically the equivalent of two QHD or 2K monitors side-by-side, but without the distracting borders that break up what should be a seamless scene.
That extra-wide screen also means there’s plenty of room for all the application windows you need to get your work done, whether it’s reference data for writing a report or reference images for creating graphics. Samsung’s Multi View feature even lets you put two screens from two different sources playing at the same time, including content from your phone.
Beyond its tempting functionality, the Odyssey OLED G9 also bears the futuristic aesthetic of Samsung’s flagship gaming monitor line, with crisp lines that make up the seams on its back and dazzling RGB lights that help set up the mood. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or a prolific content creator, the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 promises to expand not only your view but also your productivity, all while looking handsome despite its imposing stature.
Imagine playing PlayStation games on a smartphone, watching Netflix on your Nintendo Switch, browsing your laptop on a Raspberry Pi, or using your iPad as a viewfinder for your DSLR. No fancy rigs, long cables, or expensive equipment/apps. All you need is the AURGA Viewer, an all-in-one plug-and-play dongle that creates a seamless wireless bridge between two devices.
Although the AURGA Viewer looks like a mere HDMI dongle, it’s capable of much more than that. Most dongles only broadcast video (and audio IF you’re lucky). Plug the AURGA into a device and it lets you broadcast low-latency, high-resolution video and 48kHz stereo audio to a secondary display, and even works as an input controller. So, not only can you use your phone or tablet as a secondary screen for your laptop, but you now even tap, swipe, pinch on the touchscreen of your secondary device to control your primary one.
For Designers – Turn your tablet into a pen display for Windows 10.
For Professionals – More screen space by seamlessly extending your desktop.
The fact that this simple dongle creates a two-way bridge between any set of devices unlocks an entire list of possibilities. You could turn your iPad into a secondary display for your laptop, pinching, swiping, and tapping away at elements, or even using the Apple Pencil to sketch the way you would with a Wacom Cyntiq. Your smartphone could even turn into a viewfinder for your DLSR, giving you a better view of what you’re trying to capture (even more so if you’re trying to capture images/videos for social media).
Amplify your Mini PC – Connect your iPad for greater computing power.
For Photographers & Videographers – A larger monitor screen to make sure your videos are perfect everytime.
Outside work, the AURGA Viewer lets you even play console or desktop games on your smartphone or iPad, thanks to the dongle’s incredible low-latency connection. You can use the AURGA Viewer to turn smart devices into monitors for your all-in-one machines like connecting your iPad Air to your Mac Mini for powerful touchscreen computing, or even to something like a Raspberry Pi device.
For Developers – Seamless coding experience with extra screen real estate.
For Gamers – Turn your mobile device into a portable gaming console.
The AURGA Viewer is deceivingly small, mimicking the form of a regular USB stick, yet it’s a powerhouse that creates a bridge of compatibility across devices that would otherwise never be compatible. It comes with an HDMI port for data transfer, and has a small USB-C cable too to draw power (sort of like Amazon’s Fire Stick). The AURGA Viewer works seamlessly with iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows devices, and uses a combination of Bluetooth 5.0 and WiFi 5G to make its operation buttery smooth.
Use it to revive a dormant device in your house, giving your old smartphone a new purpose, or to multitask by using your laptop/desktop on your iPad. The AURGA Viewer is a remarkably handy dongle to have, whether you’re a designer, developer, photographer, tinkerer, gamer, or just someone who likes the idea of a cross-platform world where devices can connect and communicate with each other without needing tonnes of cables, apps, or expensive gear… All you really need is this small $72 dongle.
1000, the colors and contrasts are so vivid they’ll make reality seem dull. And if the immersive experience isn’t enough, its 1000R curvature, picture-by-picture, and picture-in-picture modes ensure multitasking is as seamless as your gameplay.
