During the Computex 2024 in June, ASUS announced the first Google TV Smart Monitor. The ZenScreen Smart MS27UC is 27-inch with UHD IPS display, supporting wireless display, with built-in 5W Harman Kardon speakers and multi-platform live streaming.
The design is pretty unique and looks nothing like a dull computer monitor. It has fabric covers over some sections, there is a ledge behind the laptop to put wireless accessories like keyboard, mouse and the remote control. There are wired connectors like HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.4, USB Type-C (PD 90 W), USB Hub ports, and supports wireless connection over dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.2. A white remote control completes the Smart TV experience on the monitor.
Smart Monitor is the concept of integrating Smart TV functions into a computer monitor. Samsung has offered this for many years using their proprietary Tizen OS. Loosely-speaking, any Smart TV can also work as a computer monitor, but a few features must be included to be technically called a “monitor”. For instance, it should come with various display connectivity options like USB-C and DisplayPort. The display preset and calibration should be computer-friendly like colour profiles. Also, the design should resemble a computer monitor, complete with a stand that can tilt, pivot, and height adjustable.
The ZenScreen Smart MS27UC display supports 4K UHD resolution with 99% RGB gamut and Vesa-certified DisplayHDR 400. Powered by Google TV, the monitor has instant access to thousands of apps. Upon starting the monitor for the first time, it asks the owner to go through the Google sign-in process and to connect to your home network and Google Home account. Once done, you will see the Google TV home screen just like a Google Smart TV.
From the settings, you can manually switch the inputs to USB-C, HDMI, DisplayPort. Connecting your laptop via USB-C will extend your laptop display and charge your laptop. You can also split the screen to show content from different sources. It is also possible to cast your laptop to the Smart TV wirelessly. Audio quality is rather good, with Surround mode options, which brings treble forward to deliver clearer vocals at the expense of midrange and bass.
The ZenScreen offers the ability to stream up to 4 platforms simultaneously through Multi-Platform Streamer Plus app. The ZenScreen can also share the keyboard and mouse controls with the computer connected via HDMI or DP to the ZenScreen, but it requires Bluetooth pairing between the computer and the ZenScreen. Check this guide for more assistance.
Using Android as the OS possess great selling point, as the ZenScreen will be familiar to use and instantly supports thousands of Android apps. It also integrates with the Google ecosystem with Google Assistant, Google Home, and more. But I find the Samsung Smart Monitor running on Tizen OS is more user-friendly and offers better features. Then again, Samsung has a headstart in this category. Perhaps the Google-based Smart Monitor will get better in time to come. As an Android user, I definitely prefer that my Smart Monitor is also running on Android. The monitor instantly becomes another device for casting audio and video via Google Cast.
TV OS-aside, the ZenScreen’s stand does not support 90-degree rotation to portrait orientation, limiting its potential. The maximum height is also not very high compared to other computer monitors.
Verdict
The ASUS ZenScreen Smart Monitor strikes me as a good-looking monitor for your study which doubles as a Smart TV to access over-the-top content. Its great quality display delivers excellent images for work and for entertainment. I look forward to more innovative features and design to further improve the user experience to make it more seamless to switch between Google TV and other input devices.
The MS27UC will be available in Singapore from November 2024. Visit this product website for more information.
