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LG’s new MyView 4K monitors have webOS smart features baked in

LG is trying to one-up its rival Samsung with the launch of the MyView 32-inch 4K monitors with built-in smart TV features. On top of performing regular monitor chores for productivity, content creation and light gaming, they have LG’s webOS 23 built-in so that you can stream Netflix and other services — much like Samsung’s M8 smart monitors.

The three monitors (the 32SR85U, 32SR83U and 32SR70U) have similar specs with minor differences. All come with 31.5-inch 16:9 4K (3,840 x 2,160) IPS displays, 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage and HDR10 support. You also get webOS 23 on all models, with streaming services (Netflix, Disney+ etc.) along with productivity programs including Microsoft 365 and Google Calendar. They also support AirPlay 2 and Miracast for wireless screen mirroring, and have WiFi and Bluetooth built-in.

However, the lower-end 32SR70U offers only 350 nits of brightness compared to 400 nits on the other models. And while all three have USB Type-C PD charging, the 32SR85U supports 90W, the 32SR83U supports 65W and the 32SR70U supports just 45 watts. The higher-end 85U and 83U screens also have slim bezels and an adjustable stand, while the 70U has a “low-profile base” that’s likely fixed.

The 32SR85U can be paired with a “detachable 1080p webcam” for video conferencing, but you have to buy one separately for the other two. Other features include 5W stereo speakers, a voice assistant, two HDMI 2.0 ports and a remote controller.

The 95 percent DCI-P3 coverage is impressive, and even though 400/350 nits isn’t very bright for HDR content, it’s fine given that monitors tend to be just a couple of feet from your eyeballs. In addition, the 60Hz refresh rate won’t allow for any high-end gaming.

The MyView monitors beg a comparison with Samsung’s M8 series, of course. LG is subtly digging its rival by saying they “raise the bar for picture quality in the smart monitor category,” and that seems largely true. The IPS displays should offer better viewing angles than the VA panels on Samsung’s monitors, along with much better color accuracy (Samsung boasts only 99 percent SRGB coverage).

Otherwise, they offer many of the same features, so attractiveness to buyers will depend a lot on the price. LG has yet to announce US pricing, but the 32SR83U will be 699,000 won (around $538) in Korea. Samsung’s M8, meanwhile, is often on sale for as little as $400.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/lgs-new-myview-4k-monitors-have-webos-smart-features-baked-in-094035996.html?src=rss

Google agrees to settle $5 billion lawsuit accusing it of tracking Incognito users

In 2020, Google was hit with a lawsuit that accused it of tracking Chrome users’ activities even when they were using Incognito mode. Now, after a failed attempt to get it dismissed, the company has agreed to settle the complaint that originally sought $5 billion in damages. According to Reuters and The Washington Post, neither side has made the details of the settlement public, but they’ve already agreed to the terms that they’re presenting to the court for approval in February.

When the plaintiffs filed the lawsuit, they said Google used tools like its Analytics product, apps and browser plug-ins to monitor users. They reasoned that by tracking someone on Incognito, the company was falsely making people believe that they could control the information that they were willing to share with it. At the time, a Google spokesperson said that while Incognito mode doesn’t save a user’s activity on their device, websites could still collect their information during the session.

The lawsuit’s plaintiffs presented internal emails that allegedly showed conversations between Google execs proving that the company monitored Incognito browser usage to sell ads and track web traffic. Their complaint accused Google of violating federal wire-tapping and California privacy laws and was asking up to $5,000 per affected user. They claimed that millions of people who’d been using Incognito since 2016 had likely been affected, which explains the massive damages they were seeking from the company. Google has likely agreed to settle for an amount lower than $5 billion, but it has yet to reveal details about the agreement and has yet to get back to Engadget with an official statement.

This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/google-agrees-to-settle-5-billion-lawsuit-accusing-it-of-tracking-incognito-users-042435935.html?src=rss