Gadgets Weekly: Samsung Smart Monitor M9 2025 series and more

Technology companies Samsung, Philips and others launched new smart monitors, lights, accessories, and more this week (December 30, 2024- January 5, 2025).

DH's Gadgets Weekly edition lists the latest personal technology products to keep you abreast of everything happening in consumer electronics.

. Ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 in Las Vegas, Samsung has showcased a new 2025-series line of smart PC monitors.

The new M9 series comes in a 32-inch monitor and is the first smart monitor to support the 'AI Picture Optimizer' function. It can analyze the PC-connected screen through on-device AI and provides optimal picture quality for the content.

The 'AI Picture Optimizer' function is capable of knowing what type of content is being played on screen such as games, videos, and documents, and automatically sets it to the optimal picture quality.

Also for instance, for games, Samsung's AI feature can determine the genre of the game and provide the optimal picture quality for each genre.

It also supports '4K AI Upscaling Pro', which uses deep learning to learn and analyse input signals, resolution, image quality, etc. to clearly convert low-quality content into 4K high-quality content.

. Samsung also showcased 2025 Odyssey OLED gaming monitors (G8, G6). They are equipped with the company's new, highest-performance gaming technologies.

The Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF) is the first in the industry to support 4K (3,840 x 2,160) high resolution and 240Hz refresh rate in a 27-inch size. It also implements 8 million pixels at 165 PPI (Pixels per Inch) to realize extremely dense picture quality.

The Odyssey OLED G6 (G60SF) supports QHD (2,560 x 1,440) resolution in a 27-inch size and is the first OLED monitor to support a high refresh rate of 500Hz.

. Both products promise to deliver perfect game picture quality through VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 picture quality technology. They can minimise screen tearing and support a smooth gaming experience through NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro technology.

Samsung's Viewfinity S8 features an ergonomic stand design that allows for free height adjustment to suit your eye level. It supports up-down angle adjustment (Tilt), and horizontal/vertical conversion (Pivot).

It is also compatible with the VESA standard wall mount, so it can be used without space constraints.

. Samsung Viewfinity S8 is touted to be the industry's first 37-inch smart display with a 16:9 screen ratio. It supports 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution and has a screen area that is approximately 34 per cent larger than its predecessor.

It comes with 'Ergonomic Workspace Display' certification from TUV Rheinland, a global certification agency in Germany. It was also recognized as a display that enhances work immersion and efficiency through ergonomic design.

The Viewfinity S8 supports USB-C and a USB hub that supports up to 90W charging, allowing connection and compatibility with various devices.

Samsung also showcased Odyssey 3D, a 27-inch gaming monitor that provides a 3D experience without 3D glasses.

The 'Odyssey 3D (G90XF)' can deliver a three-dimensional 3D experience through a lenticular lens attached to the front of the panel and a front stereo camera.

. In addition to simple 3D content, it also supports a function that uses AI to convert 2D images into realistic 3D screens.

Samsung is expected to reveal the prices of all the new smart monitors during the local launch events including in India in the coming months.

.Samsung 2025: Android XR headgear, Galaxy S25 and more. The Atomik Knight houses four high-end, full-range speakers and two bass radiators. It can offer up to 100 watts of audio output with well-balanced sound with deep bass.

It is made from sturdy materials and also comes with IPX6 water and dust protection. It supports 9 light settings and when turned on, it can sync with the music. It houses 15,600mAh battery (@ 3.7v) and supports TurboVolt quick charging.I t costs Rs 14,999.

The Atomik BB60 comes with a sleek compact design that also features beautiful neon accents and a cushioned premium grill.

. Despite being compact, this system can produce a solid 60-watt output. The BB60 has a 6000mAh (@ 3.7v) cell capacity and ca deliver long hours of battery life.

It also comes with built-in TurboVolt standby technology, which allows for speedy recharging. It also comes with IPX6 certification. It costs Rs 7,999.

.OnePlus Watch 3 series to get big upgrades with new health tracking features. Philips VitaUp is an innovative product designed to support personal well-being by delivering low-intensity doses of UVB (ultraviolet B) rays over a long period in an indoor setting.

The UVB can help induce Vitamin D in the body. Also, UVB radiation helps in improving emotional well-being as well.

Philip VitUp features an integrated proximity sensor and an inbuilt 8-hour timer for safety and convenience, making it user-friendly and easy to use.

"We are excited to introduce Philips VitaUp to our customers in India. This product is a result of extensive research and development, aiming to bring the benefits of natural sunlight indoors. With its MasterConnect compatibility and simple design, Philips VitaUp enables daily UVB dose throughout the darker months of the year, enhancing overall well-being and productivity," said Munish Peshin, Head of Offer Management, Professional Business, Signify (previously known as Philips) Geater India.

.Vivo to showcase mixed reality headgear in late 2025. The Bluetooth speaker is tailor-made for house parties. It comes in a compact form factor so that it can easily moved around and features a liquid-resistant rating. It can survive accidental water spillage.

Also, it can connect with a Guitar and other musical instrument. It supports connectivity options such as Aux, USB, and TF Card. With Bluetooth v3.0 technology, it can pair with a computer or phone or tablet to stream music wirelessly.

It has an RGB LED frame, which can sync with music. And, with a full charge, it can last for up to six hours. It costs Rs 14,999.

.January 2025: Top smartphones launching in India this month. As Muralikrishnan transitioned out of his role as President of Xiaomi India at the end of the year, the company has roped in Sandeep Singh Arora as its Chief Business Officer.

"Xiaomi India is at the forefront of transforming the tech landscape in India and its commitment to making innovative technology accessible to all is truly inspiring. The culture, the core values and the dynamism of the brand is unmatched and resonate with my values. Our focus will be on delivering exceptional products to aspirational Indians. I am looking forward to this new innings and contributing to the success of Xiaomi’s business in India", said Sandeep Singh Arora, Chief Business Officer, Xiaomi India.

Sandeep brings over three decades of experience in managing and growing consumer brands in India.

Previously, Sandeep was with Samsung India's Consumer Electronics division as Head of the Online Business Unit and then the Head of Marketing Communications.

.iQOO 13 Review: Cost-effective premium phone. During the new Big TV Days sale period, customers will be entitled to get free Samsung TVs worth up to Rs 204,990 and free soundbars worth up to Rs 99,990 on select smart TV models.

The new offers are available on 98-inch, 85-inch, 77-inch, 75-inch, 65-inch and 55-inch -- sized TVs across a wide range of models including Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, and OLED TV.

Further, customers can also avail of up to 20 per cent cashback, zero down payment, and lowest EMI options with a tenure of up to 30 months. These attractive deals will be available on Samsung.com, authorised online portals and Samsung retail outlets across India.

Samsung's Samsung’s Neo QLED 4K and 8K TVs are powered by NQ4 AI Gen2 processor. The latter can boost the colour's vibrancy on the screen. It is backed by Samsung's Quantum Matrix Technology and this ensures impeccable contrast even in complex scenes.

Also, The new Neo QLED TVs are touted to be the world’s first Pantone Validated display for colour accuracy and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience.

.Poco M7 Pro review: Value-for-money mid-range phone. After screening a lot of applications, Panasonic has picked 12 startups.

These firms will participate in the ‘Panasonic Ignition’ cohort programme over the next three months and be mentored by Panasonic, Beyond Next Ventures, Denstu, and Zinnov.

Here, the selected startups will receive potential investment, access to various masterclasses, expert mentorship, and support around product strategy and growth that would assist them towards building innovative technologies and products that enhance people's lifestyles in India.

As part of this engagement, Panasonic will also roll out challenges for the startups based on standard reviews. The final winner(s) will be announced in March 2025.

"We are thrilled with the response received for the second edition of the Panasonic Ignition programme, with a clear objective of improving Indian consumer lifestyles through technology innovations. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering groundbreaking technologies and solutions that address the evolving needs of our consumers while contributing to a sustainable future," said Mr. Manish Misra, the Chief Innovation Officer, at Panasonic Life Solutions India.

Here is the list of 12 startups shortlisted for Panasonic mentorship programme:

1) Wellnesys

2) Mave Health

3) Avantari

4) Euphotic Labs

5) Karban

6) Cityfurnish

7) Petgully

8) Aliste Technologies

9) Connected Cooking Solutions

10) RayIoT Solutions

11) RayIoT Solutions

12) UTC Digital

“Over the last two months, we engaged in rigorous sourcing and screening activities to identify startups working on cutting-edge approaches to improve consumer lifestyles. With over a decade of experience investing in deep-tech startups, we recognize the importance of corporate partnerships to reach a global scale. This cohort has many cutting-edge innovators solving for challenges in wellness, sustainability, and other areas. We are excited to partner with Panasonic to help the selected startups reach their full potential,” said Tsuyoshi Ito, the CEO and Managing Partner of Beyond Next Ventures.

.Best of 2024: Top smartphones launched in India this year. Get the latest news on new launches, gadget reviews, apps, cybersecurity, and more on personal technology only on DH Tech .