Samsung adds Qi wireless charging to monitor range

July 27, 2015 | 12:40

Tags: #display #freesync #monitor #pls #wireless-charging

Companies: #samsung

Samsung has unveiled a new monitor range with a novel feature: the ability to charge mobile devices wirelessly, as well as act like a traditional monitor in all other respects.

While monitors began life as simple display devices, more interactive and detailed than the physically-printing terminals of yesteryear, manufacturers have long been adding new ports and features to differentiate themselves from the competition. These days, it's not unusual to find even entry-level displays with two or more video inputs, built-in speakers, and even USB ports to help alleviate desk clutter. Now, Samsung is taking the concept its logical conclusion with the addition of wireless charging functionality.

Available on its SE370 monitor, which launches in 23.6 and 27 inch variants, the system uses the Qi wireless charging standard - making it compatible with the bulk of wireless-charging-enabled smartphones and tablets on the market. All a user need do is pop their device on the base of the monitor, and it will automatically charge. This is provided, naturally, in addition to the usual inputs: one HDMI 1.4 port, one DisplayPort 1.2, and one VGA D-Sub connection.

'Technology should support, not interfere with, active lifestyles. Our customers increasingly rely on mobile devices to obtain information and interact with others; so by doing away with the clutter on their desks, we are helping them to use their mobile devices in a smarter way, crowed Seok-gi Kim, senior vice president of Samsung's visual display business unit, at the announcement. 'Through the integration of wireless mobile charging technology, our innovative SE370 monitor dramatically improves efficiency, convenience and connectivity at home and at work – representing another significant milestone in our long history of industry-firsts.'

The monitor panels themselves are based on plane-to-line switching (PLS) technology, promising a 178 degree viewing angle and up to 300 candelas per square metre (cd/m²) brightness. A 4ms response time is promised, along with a dedicated 'game mode' and support for AMD's FreeSync variable refresh rate technology. Both displays offer a 1,920x1,080 resolution regardless of size, with the only other difference being a slightly higher brightness - 300cd/m² compared with 250cd/m² - on the larger model.

More information on the Samsung SE370 family is available in the company's announcement. UK pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.
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