How do I make a slideshow on my Samsung Frame TV?

1. First up: You’ll need to have the Samsung Smart Things app and an account, which you likely got when you first set up your Frame TV.
2. Select the Frame TV in the app. You should see a tile labeled Art Mode.
3. You can set up which art you’d like to see in a few ways; the first is to choose some Favourites first. You can browse the Samsung art store to see what’s there, then make a photos or image a Favourite by tapping the heart on any piece of art; this will save your Favourites to your own special folder.
4. Alternately, you can choose a Samsung curation such as Global Top 20, or an artist, or a genre. Tap on any of the curations or groups. Once there you’ll see a tag near the top right corner that says Display All. If you tap it, the Frame TV will begin cycling through all selections in that group or curation. You can stop it by going back into the app and tapping stop, or just choosing another single artwork.
5. Once you’ve selected Display All you can adjust how long each piece will show for, and if you want the app to shuffle the artworks too. Look for the small clock icon next to the Stop button and tap on it (yes it’s tiny and fiddly). You can then choose how long to display each piece for; from 3 minutes to 15 minutes, an hour, 12 hours, a full day or up to 7 days. You can also toggle the Shuffle button on or off to keep things interesting.

That’s how to adjust your Frame TV to display new and different artworks easily—whether your personal favourites or a choice curation from art experts across the globe.

How to add my photos to Frame TV?

There are all kinds of other cool things you are framed TV will do. Did you know you can use a feature called Multi-view to mirror your smart phone screen while you’re watching a television show? You can also easily add your own photos to the Samsung Frame TV as well.

The Samsung Frame TV is available from Amazon and Walmart.

The post How to create an art slideshow on Samsung The Frame TV appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

First Look review: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5

Samsung Fold 5.

Let’s start with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. If you prefer more of a folding phone Samsung’s new Fold5 is more like a tablet giving you more screen real estate for productivity.

This phone updates the previous design, which is kind of a hybrid smartphone and tablet with a full size front screen, that opens up to a big wide interior screen
So what’s new? the Icy Blue colour is fresh, plus it’s got a much smaller crease and flatter hinge. I can say the new Fold feels lighter than its predecessor

Explains Jan Galvez with Samsung who provided me with one on one info: The phone is, “much lighter, much slimmer and with new hinge technology, it’s much flatter all around.”

The Fold 5 comes with the Samsung S-pen and the new cases now allow for the pen with its pops of colour, to sit flush into the case. A special mechanism lets it pop out easily so you can use the stylus for almost any app or task.

Samsung phones work with Samsung DEX

Naturally the Samsung phones also still work with the DEX interface that lets you move your work from phone to desktop completely seamlessly. Samsung calls it carrying a computer in your pocket. You can make the connection with just a few taps.

First Look review: Samsung Flip5

New Samsung Flip 5.

Samsung’s new flip phone is the Flip 5 and one of the biggest changes is called the Flex Window. The flip 5 samsung Window is a full-frame front screen which is much bigger than the previous version’s exterior screen offering.  Shares Galvez, “that screen is 3.4 inches . You can do selfies, check your maps, watch YouTube, even reply to texts with a full qwerty keyboard.”

The Flex Window.

The Flex Window is way more useable, watchable space that means you have less need to open your phone right up. You can even take selfies right from the Flex window- preview, snap and view the result and keep your phone closed.

But if you want to open it up and get a better look you can since the phone sits perfectly at a 90 degree angle for hands-free photos… especially since you never need to touch it. Galaxy phones have palm recognition and while not new, it’s a handy feature.

Samsung’s also added a nice mint shade to the rest of the Flip 5 colour lineup.

Testing Samsung Flip Suit: What is Samsung Flip Suit?

Flip Suit.

If you’re all about the colour matching, I got to try what’s called the Flip Suit; essentially it’s a coloured card which will stick to the back of your phone and create that same colour pop on the Flex window, so both front and back look unified. It’s quick easy and it worked really well in my short test.

Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic: First Look

New Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic with rotating bezel.

Samsung also announced two new Galaxy Watches. There’s Watch 6 which is all screen with a bigger screen, and thinner bezel and Watch 6 Classic with the rotating bezel is also available.

With a focus on health and wellness, there’s now personalized heart rate tracking, a fabric band for better breath-ability, and the light on the watch some found annoying can now be turned off.

Hands on: Quick review of Samsung Tab S9 in 3 sizes

Finally there’s not one but three new tablets all with dynamic AMOLED displays… the compact 11-inch S9, mid-sized 12.4-inch S9 plus, and the huge 14.6 inch S9 Ultra that will rival a lot of laptops.

You can choose the size that works best for you. With four corner speakers you’ll get easy listening abilities too.

“What’s great about these devices is they have an IP68 rating (for water and dust resistance) and we also have S-pen included,” says Galvez. “Plus, with collaboration in mind we also have, exclusively to Samsung Tab S9,  Good Notes.”

Samsung has also improved the way the S-Pen sticks to the tablet; no more fiddling with angles, now it will clip on more easily.

I only got to spend about an hour with all these devices, so I didn’t get a chance to go too deep… yet. If you’re a Samsung fan, let me know in the comments which device or new feature you’re most excited about— and Apple users, is a better flip or fold phone enough to make you swap to Samsung. Tell me why or why not.

I’m hoping to go in depth and spend time with each one so check back for full reviews. You can also check out my other Samsung reviews …right here on the blog. Or learn more about today’s announcement from Samsung.

Pricing and Availability

The Galaxy Z Flip5, Z Fold5, Tab S9 Series and Galaxy Watch6 are ready for pre-order beginning July 26, 2023, and for purchase starting August 11, 2023 at Samsung.com/ca, at Samsung Experience Stores, and at major carriers and retail partners across Canada .

Get $50 instant Samsung Credit when you pre-order at Samsung US.

Galaxy Z Flip5 

o   256GB model is available in Mint, Graphite, Cream and Lavender for $1,299.99. The 512GB model is available for $1,459.99.  

o   The Galaxy Z Flip5 is also available in Grey, Blue, Yellow and Green exclusively at samsung.com/ca 

 Galaxy Z Fold5  

o   The 256GB model is available in Icy Blue, Phantom Black and Cream for $2,399.99. The 512GB model is available for $2,559.99. 

o   A 1TB model of Galaxy Z Fold5 is exclusively available at Samsung.com/ca for $2,879.99.  

Galaxy Tab S9 Series  

o   Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra:   

§  1 TB: Available for $2,149.99 (Samsung regular price) 

§  512 GB: Available for$1,749.99 (regular price) 

§  256 GB: Available for $1,599.99 (regular price) 

o   Galaxy Tab S9+:  

§  512 GB: Available for $1,499.99 (regular price) 

§  256 GB: Available for $1,349.99 (regular price) 

o   Galaxy Tab S9:  

§  256 GB: Available for $1,249.99 (regular price) 

§  128 GB: Available for $1,099.99 (regular price) 

Galaxy Watch6 Series  

o   Galaxy Watch6 

§  The 44mm option is available in Graphite and Silver for $449.99  

§  The 40mm option is available in Graphite and Gold for $409.99  

Galaxy Watch6 Classic 

§  43mm option is available in Black and Silver for $549.99  

§  47mm option is available in Black and Silver for $589.99  

The post FIRST LOOK: Samsung Fold5, Flip5, Tab S9 and Watch 6 appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

The 2021 Frame TV with White Modern Bezels.

Every year, Sony, Samsung and LG and several other TV manufacturers try to launch new models boasting predictable improvements like thinner bezels, “smarter” features and improved picture quality. This is always a good thing for new buyers but when you really think about it TVs haven’t changed a whole lot since they were first invented. It wasn’t until CES 2017 when Samsung announced The Frame TV, taking the competition by surprise, and the design world by storm because it solved a major issue for a lot of consumers: how to gracefully hide the giant black screen when the TV isn’t I use. I reviewed the first generation model and found it to be a real beauty and bona fide design chameleon–without sacrificing the TV experience. Here is the ​​Samsung picture frame TV review buying guide…

Is there a 2023 version of the Frame TV?

What is the point of a Frame TV?

A common problem that people face with these Samsung frame TVs is that they stand out a little too much, completely overpowering the look of a room, particularly when turned off. TV manufacturers make every effort to make TVs fit in as seamlessly as possible, sometimes with a better back plate design or narrower bezels, but it’s never enough.

If you want a TV that can more subtly fit into your interiors, you should consider the Samsung Frame TV. This TV turns into a realistic art and picture frame when you turn off the video. It’s one of the best ways to avoid having large black hole in the middle of your room, and it has the power to completely transform the way we’ve decorated around TVS for the last 65 years.

What do you get with Samsung The Frame TV?

The new  Samsung Frame TV 2022 positions itself as an elegant centerpiece in the room with its thin, picture-frame-style bezel and a perfectly flush wall mount that’s part of the package. While the TV comes with a pair of feet for placing on a surface, I recommend wall mounting the screen because that’s part of what helps hide it in plain sight.

Related: Samsung Frame TV mounting instructions.

Does the Samsung Frame come with a wall mount?

The wall mount kit for 2021/2022.

Fortunately,  Frame TV Samsung needs to be on the wall to be believable artwork: it’s the raison d’etre of The Frame and the company includes a dedicated two-piece flat-mount wall mount in the box. It does take some measuring and finessing to get it to placed properly (the included template helps!), but it’s an extremely effective.

Samsung makes it easy to hide the wires on the new Frame TV in a few ways: one is that there is only one cable; a single transparent cable that connects to the One Connect Box which houses all the TV’s HDMI and other ports. This box can be placed in a cabinet, or even a closet to keep all that clutter out of sight. You can also install conduit in the wall to run the One Connect cable behind the drywall, creating a gorgeous illusion that this framed panel is indeed a piece of framed artwork and nothing more—until you turn it on!

What you see in my hands-on how-to video with this mode doesn’t do it justice; you really need to see it for yourself!

How do I hide the cord on my Frame TV?

The whole point of the Samsung Frame TV is that it will blend into your room and be easily passed off as art, not a digital screen. Samsung requires you to install a conduit inside your wall and route the wire through it to the One Connect Box, which is where other peripherals are connected. The box may be placed many feet away and does not require a direct line of sight to operate. If opening up the wall just isn’t an option where you live, it may be helpful to know the One Connect cable is clear and thin and will barely be noticeable; certainly, it could be hidden with a well-placed objet d’arte, floral arrangement, or even a smaller framed artwork as part of a gallery wall-style arrangement.

The original 2020 model, with One Connect cord on display, and add-on wood bezels.

Do you have to pay for the art on the Samsung Frame TV?

Samsung does monetize Art Mode by placing almost the entire art collection behind a paid monthly or annual subscription but you do get a free trial and there is a good selection of freely available art. You also have the option to upload your own images or ambient videos. The cost is about $80CAD/year, and you can pay it monthly.

How to install Samsung Frame TV in portrait orientation?

The single-cable approach also means that you can get away with mounting the Samsung Frame TV in portrait orientation! TikTok fanatics and phone screen mirroring users rejoice! While a portrait orientation mount would really limit proper TV viewing, you can also opt for what’s called the Auto Rotating Wall Mount that will turn the TV when it detects vertical video. This add-on accessory is available directly from Samsung.

How much does the new 2022 Samsung Frame TV cost?

The very first model launched with a premium price tag but the latest iteration offers a variety of sizes across more affordable price points. If that isn’t low enough, you might be able to find some older, discounted 2021 models that look just like their successors. I bought the 2021 model last year and absolutely loved it. I recently paid about $2699CAD to upgrade to  Samsung The Frame TV 65-inch 2023.

At the time of writing, you can order the 43″ 2021 model directly from Samsung’s website for just $1,099.99 CAD making it an attractive alternative to Samsung’s other QLED TVs if you prefer aesthetics over features. However, I strongly recommend ponying up a few hundreds more for the 2022 models as they come with some big improvements!

Original 2017 Frame TV

What’s the difference between the 2021 and 2022 Samsung Frame TV?

The headlining feature of the 2022 Samsung Frame TV is its anti-reflection screen technology. After I put the TV in Art Mode, I was blown away with how well the screen’s matte finish eliminated glare and reflections. The works of art no longer look washed out and the color improvements are noticeable when watching TV content. You could probably fool your visitors to thinking an actual piece of art is mounted on the wall (and more than a few times, I have!), especially if you equip it with any of the custom bezels sold separately. The reduced glare means you can still appreciate the artwork at lower brightness levels.

Like Samsung’s other 2022 Smart TVs, the new 2022 Samsung Frame TV comes with a refreshed, Tizen-powered Smart Hub. You can also access a few new features like the Gaming Hub which offers some cloud gaming services including NVIDIA GeForce Now. Samsung also revamped the Art Mode and offers better performance. I found it much easier to pick the artwork and noticed reduced loading times, less lag and fewer bugs, which can be significant when sifting through the various images.

Does The Frame TV use a lot of electricity?

Doesn’t the endless artwork drain too much power? Not at all. The new 2022 Samsung Frame TV in Art Feature can consume as little as 60-100 watts, depending on the size you pick,, and you can always disable the mode to save even more electricity.

The magic within the Samsung Frame TV is its ability to enter Art Mode right after you switch off the TV. It reduces the TV’s power consumption by about 30% and shows off those beautiful high-resolution paintings.

Can the Samsung Frame TV be a mirror?

You won’t be able to use the screen as a mirror when it’s off—that’s just not a feature The Frame offers, but I don’t consider it a dealbreaker considering the how much better Art Mode looks.

There are companies out there that can offer you special customization options—essentially placing a mirrored panel over the screen. But if you ask me, that’s a waste of all the improvements in The Frame’s screen and anti-glare coating. If you want a mirror, buy a mirror!

Is the new Samsung Frame TV 2022 good for gaming?

Be aware that aside from the matte screen, the 2022 and 2021 models look identical so double-check the product name and list of features. If you are a gamer, keep in mind that only the 55” and larger models support 120 Hz and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate).

Is the Samsung Frame good?

Samsung frame is a good TV set because it merges functionality and technology in the best way. The TV lets owners enjoy their favorite entertainment and sports channels in a QLED.

The TV operates equally well in darker environments and in bright locations because it gets bright enough to counter any glare on the surface.

The device handles reflections quite well, allowing users to enjoy low-resolution content easily. Samsung the Frame blends quite well with the room. nstall the Samsung Frame TV without worrying too much about their large sizes because they will hide when not operating.

It is the perfect choice for people who prioritize looks and interior designs, since it looks more attractive than a standard smart TV in your room.

Does the Samsung Frame TV burn-in?

Buyers investing their hard-earned money in Samsung Frame TV may wonder if they need to worry about the product’s quality. The 2022 Samsung Frame TV is designed to operate for hours on end, creating high-quality pixels without burning images in. So buyers don’t have to worry about losing the beautiful image quality that makes this TV what it is.

What’s the difference between Art Mode and Ambient Mode?

The Samsung Frame TV focuses on providing quality solutions to its buyers, which is why it allows users to switch between Art Mode and Ambient Mode.

Samsung Art Mode

The Art Mode allows frame TV owners to display high-quality pieces of art on their devices. It can be prints, photography, or anything you’d like to show off in your room.

Art Mode on Frame TV.

Samsung’s Art Store allows you to choose from the finest art pieces available, which you can sort by color, themes, designs, and other factors.

The Samsung Frame TV allows users to add their photos or download Ultra HD photos or artwork from the internet.

Ambient Mode

The Ambient Mode is another version of the art mode, but uses moving pictures and graphics instead. The mode goes a lot further than simple graphics, as it can display weather information, a photo of your wall (to blend in even better), and can even play audio while in this mode. The most common audio themes are birds chirping or other nature sounds.

Ambient Mode; moving imagery.

Overall Thoughts on the 2022 Samsung Frame TV

I am pleasantly surprised how Samsung treats their Frame TV family as first-class citizens. I initially thought the Frame TV would just be a one-off concept but they really turned it into a formidable line-up with models as small as the 43” ($1,399.99 CAD) and as massive as the 85” ($5,499 CAD). Hopefully next year Samsung will add local dimming and improved audio to help position it as a stronger contender against competitors. Though if I’m being honest, there are no worthy competitors… The Frame is the best offering and best balance of 4K TV that doesn’t add a black hole to your living space. You can choose from the  2020 model, the 2021 version, or the newest 2022 Frame TV.

You can also shop Samsung’s Frame TV at Walmart.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Everything you need to know about the new 2022+2023 Samsung Frame TV appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Set up

Getting this monitor set up and ready to use takes really only a few minutes. You’ll assemble the two piece Y-shaped stand and then mount the display panel. A quick connection to AC power and linking up via HDMI connection to my laptop and I was ready to work.

Design and build: stand adjustment is limited

Right away I noticed that the stand is incredibly wide and deep. This is kind of mandatory given the wide screen size of this monitor and I certainly don’t want it tipping over. But the stand does take up a large foot print on my desk and because the monitor doesn’t have any type of height adjustment, in order to get it to sit above my laptop I had to put it on a riser… In this case all I could find in the house was a cardboard box that was big enough to support it, so my hacked together set up is a bit ugly but it works. I would actually prefer to get this up on a monitor arm using the VESA mount in the back and may get to that eventually. But just so you’re aware of the limitations of this monitor when using the included stand.

The Samsung UJ59 monitor has a wider than average bezel for a 4K monitor, but at this screen size it doesn’t distract too much from the image.

Generally speaking, it’s a visually appealing and functional choice for any workspace. It has a -2° to 15° degrees tilt adjustment, and that’s all;  there is no swivel, or rotate functionality, and as I said, zero height adjustment.

Who is this monitor for?

While 1080 HD monitors are generally good enough for things like schoolwork or occasional at home use, a 4K monitor is the ideal option in my opinion for those who work from home. Particularly if you do any kind of visual work or document editing, the sharpness that comes with a 4K resolution monitor can’t be beat.

Display & screen

Let’s dig deeper on the important bit here; the screen.

The Samsung UJ59 monitor features a 32-inch 4K Ultra HD display with a 3840×2160 resolution, with a 270cd/m2 WLED backlight. The 32-inch screen has a high pixel density that ensures images remain sharp and clear, with no degradation of edges or details, making it ideal for tasks that require fine details, such as graphic design, video editing, or even just surfing the web. The monitor supports a billion hues, a 10-bit color interface, and a 3000:1 contrast ratio, producing a wide range of colors and deep, dark blacks. The display provides accurate and true-to-life colors, making it an excellent choice for professional and personal use.

From straight-on, the text on the Samsung UJ59 32-inch 4K monitor appears sharp and clear, and the larger screen size extends the ability to have multiple applications or documents open and displayed simultaneously, eliminating the need for constant tabbing between them. Viewing angles are decent and sitting off to the side is still good though the quality does diminish the further off to the edge you get.

I found the monitor was quite bright, even though I often work right next to a window. The brightness is adjustable using the small control panel button on the back.

I will also give points to Samsung here for a relatively easy to navigate settings menu which makes it easy enough to access and make adjustment.

Using the monitor for editing, videos, and photos was a dream. Everything was crisp and easy to see, and the colours seemed true to life.

Features

• AMD FreeSync: This helps eliminate screen tearing and stuttering during gaming sessions, by synchronizing the refresh rate of the display with the graphics card. It can seamlessly work with an AMD graphics card that also supports FreeSync, providing an even smoother and more responsive gaming experience compared to a traditional monitor without FreeSync.
• VESA Compatibility: It has VESA compatibility with a 100 x 100 pattern, which is a standard size for monitors and can be mounted to a VESA-compliant wall mount or arm. This allows for easy and convenient mounting options for users who want to save desk space or have a more ergonomic setup.
• Flicker-Free: Samsung’s Flicker-Free technology exactly does what it says, it reduces screen flickering to a minimum and makes for a comfortable viewing experience, especially during extended usage sessions. This works by maintaining a consistent backlight level, which eliminates the fluctuation of brightness that can cause eye strain and headaches. As a result, you can enjoy a cozy, smooth and stable display.

Overall thoughts: Samsung U32-J590 monitor

This versatile, large display offers quite a remarkable extension to your workspace at an affordable price, making it a great choice for most users on the hunt for a 4K display. Though it’s marketed as an economical all-purpose / mixed-use monitor, it still exudes a sense of quality. The screen delivers decent imaging quality straight out of the box, but with a few tweaks, it can rival the performance of higher-tiered models.

Those are the pros… what about the cons? The biggest part of this monitor that I’m not a fan of is that the stand is not height adjustable. While perhaps this might not be an issue for a lot of users, if you’re planning on using it with a laptop in a stacked configuration you’ll need to know that. But that’s a pretty minor downside that can easily be remedied with a monitor arm or stand.

At just $300 for the flat panel and $350 for the curved panel, this monitor is undoubtedly a steal for budget-conscious consumers and makes it easy to overlook any minor flaws.  For that reason I can definitely recommend the Samsung U32-J590 4K monitor to you.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada & TechGadgetsInternational is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Review: Samsung UJ59 4K monitor – a surprising win at a budget price! appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

What is Samsung The Freestyle?

This device is a compact, portable 550 Lumen video projector and TV streaming device that’s designed to be a gadget your friends will ooh and ahh over. Indeed I have high hopes for this device since I’m admittedly a huge Frame TV fan, and have bought two of them over the last few years.

Going along with that blending into the room thing, The Freestyle comes in four different non-standard colours: white, blossom pink, forest green, and coyote beige. The cylindrical unit is 102x173x95mm (or 4x7x3.7 inches), making it very portable and easy to move. It seems like it’s the video equivalent of a wireless speaker; designed to throw in your bag and bring out at a party or get-together or to  turn any wall into a movie theater.

While small in size, The Freestyle is able to project a screen of up to 100 inches at a distance of about 9 feet. You can also move the Freestyle closer and reduce the screen size down to 30 inches at about two and a half feet. 

The Freestyle is capable of 1080p Full HD and is HDR compatible, though you won’t be able to get anything in the 4K and up range, and I have to say I’m a bit surprised this unit doesn’t have (almost universally standard) 4K resolution. Particularly when you’re spending this much money.

There’s a built-in 360-degree 5-watt speaker to handle the audio, which should allow everyone in the room to hear things no matter where the Freestyle is placed.

Smart TV streaming built in

Samsung has built streaming TV right into the projector so there’s no need for any external devices or dongles—you’ll connect it to your home’s Wi-Fi network, or grab wireless wherever you happen to be. (No wireless? You could connect an external device like a Blu-ray player, or try hot-spotting off your phone.) You can control it with the included remote control or the Samsung Smart Things app.

You can also connect wirelessly to your mobile device to mirror the screen. If you have a Samsung Galaxy phone, you simply tap the phone anywhere on the Freestyle to mirror the content. It’s also possible to AirPlay from an iPhone too if that’s your jam, but there are a few additional steps to do that which I won’t get into here. You can also mirror an existing Samsung TV, even if it’s in a different room.

To get it set up, hit the power button on the included remote, or touch the nearly invisible power button located on the face of the projector. While we’re on that subject; there’s also volume buttons on there.

Any time I turned the projector on it loaded up and played Samsung’s TV app, whether I wanted it or not. Fortunately you can kill this by disabling “autorun last app” in settings.

Power considerations

The Freestyle has a USB-C cable for charging, and you can purchase Samsung’s battery backup to make things entirely portable. The battery pack is also cylindrical and built to match the size and shape of the Freestyle. (You can use other power banks, provided they have a power output of at least 60W(20V) and are capable of USB-C PD support.)

Again, I’m a bit surprised there’s no built in power bank here.

Positioning/Viewing Size

One of the key features of this projector is its 180-degree swivel, which will let you position the video image wherever you need it, even if that’s on the ceiling. Its auto-focus feature will also make the picture sharp and clear for you. I found the auto focus did work well in most situations, though it would sometimes struggle to adapt particularly outdoors with any kind of chill, and I found I needed to give it a hot minute to catch up.

The Freestyle also has an auto-leveling feature, which will take a lot of the guesswork out of placing it. It will also “auto keystone,” meaning it makes the screen look straight and rectangular every time. I did find that this feature worked quite well. I’m a bit mystified if I’m being honest about how exactly it does this, but since it works, I didn’t dig too deeply into the magic behind it.

There’s also a Smart Calibration feature that allows you to adapt the White Balance on the screen based on the color of the wall behind.

Ports/Inputs/Capabilities

The Freestyle used a USB-C port for power. When it comes to what else you can hook upto it, there’s only one option and one single port: and it’s a Micro HDMI. While this in theory means you can connect devices like a Blu-ray player or video game system, you will obviously need an adapter. (Depending on your external device, you will need to use something like a Micro HDMI to HDMI cable, or a Micro HDMI to USB Type-C cable.) You could also use it to connect a speaker or sound bar too, again with an adapter. Perhaps the obvious question is how you’d hook up both a game console and a sound bar or speaker at the same time. The answer is to use a Bluetooth or wireless speaker, which is compatible.

There’s a built in mic so you can access Samsung’s Bixby audio assistant, if you happen to use that, or Amazon Alexa.

Ambient Mode for mood

I’ve written plenty on Samsung’s artsy offerings when it comes to their TVs. The frame TV is known for its art mode, and many higher and Samsung televisions also have ambient mode.

Ambient Mode; creating a window in the room.

Using Ambient Mode, you can display scenes, or help augment the mood in the room with different moving and static display options. Splash a giant roaring fire up on the wall or create a window where there wasn’t one. Display virtual signs and pre-set messages. There’s plenty of options to get some added value out of your streaming projector—including adding your own photos too, though you’ll need to manage that using the Samsung Smart Things app.

Using Samsung Freestyle in my home

I opted to use the Samsung Freestyle primarily in our kitchen, though I did also bring it into other areas to compare. We have a big empty wall that is just begging for something to jazz it up, and I thought this would actually be perfect. When it comes to placing the device, the small size and convenient base makes it easy to tuck onto an edge of the counter and get a great big image up on the wall. Trouble is, the image is not very bright.

Image as seen in my kitchen during daylight.

I initially set the freestyle up during the day, and have to admit I was quite underwhelmed at the lack of brightness. I immediately went into the settings and looked for a way to boost the light output, but sadly this was not to be.

Somewhat maddeningly, Samsung doesn’t make it easy to adjust the brightness level  This setting is actually hidden inside a menu labelled picture mode, and changing the brightness actually involves choosing a setting called dynamic picture mode. Select All Settings > Picture > Picture Mode.

Also, frustratingly, there is really only one option for increasing brightness it’s either Dynamic mode or not. So if you turn that on, and it’s still not bright enough, it appears you are out of luck.

Image in evening room with ambient lights on.

The video is often washed out in areas with any sort of sunlight coming in.

In darker rooms it performs much better, not surprisingly, but even then it’s often rather lackluster unless the room was 100% dark.  (As it was winter when I got this device, I didn’t have a chance to try it outdoors.) I imagine it’s due to the small size and small bulb inside? But I’m no expert here.

Image in fully dark room.

I will note the internal fan does run pretty much constantly, but it’s almost imperceptible. While the TV interface works well, and the autofocus and auto keystone are helpful, the places you’d be able to reliably use this projector seem limited.

Remote

The remote has an on/off button, a microphone for the voice assistant, and a control dial for navigating the interface menu. Below that are forward, back, and home buttons, as well as up and down volume controls. Finally, there are buttons for Netflix, Disney, Samsung’s Tv menu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Overall review: Samsung Freestyle

This projector is a great idea in theory. In practice, it’s a bit lacking. It seems like it’s made to be portable and made to use anywhere, but it doesn’t adapt well to bright spaces. It seems made for taking along to create impromptu outdoor movie nights, but needs to be plugged in at all times, and the speaker isn’t the greatest.

On the pro side, it’s compact and portable meaning it’s easy to move around the house. The design is quite unique, the image size is quite variable, and there’s streaming built in, plus the ability to connect other devices either via an adapter cable or wirelessly. There’s a speaker built in, and while that’s handy, it doesn’t provide high fidelity sound.

When it comes to the downsides, the image is only HD; it’s not 4K, and while it doesn’t claim higher resolution I think it’s a missed opportunity and I think folks who want solid video quality may want to wait for a 4K version. The brightness isn’t strong and this is a projector best used in  100% dark rooms. You also need to stay plugged in unless you want to pay extra for the battery.

And speaking of paying, even if you think you can overlook the cons, it’s not cheap. The Freestyle sells for about $900US/$1149CAD. (For holiday 2022 I have seen it advertised at some pretty steep discounts.) You can also get $50 instant Samsung Credit when you pre-order at Samsung US.

In short, this feels like a projector that had great plans, but stopped short of executing on all of them. If you plan to use this in fully dark rooms, you will probably be happy with The Freestyle, but if you’re hoping to use it day and night in other (brighter) rooms of your house, you’ll likely be disappointed.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Samsung The Freestyle Portable Projector Review: It’s ALMOST Perfect appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

I love my laptop, but sometimes you just need a bigger workspace. Particularly if you work with photos, video, or multiple docs or sheets at once, having a bigger monitor can make for more comfortable working. I currently use a 14-inch MacBook Pro and while it’s great for travel, it’s too small for detailled video editing which I do almost daily. For that reason I’ve been testing out a lot of monitors. The 32-inch Samsung M8 monitor in sunset pink has arrived into my test kitchen, and more than a simple 4K computer monitor, this baby has a design-focused look and it doubles as a TV, making it pretty ideal for smaller spaces, like dorm rooms, or shared apartments.

In this review I’ll look at what this monitor can do, what sets it apart, what’s it’s good at and not so good at, and if I can recommend it for you.

What is Samsung M8 Smart Monitor?

This 2022 edition 32 inch monitor is a 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) smart monitor, and it actually looks. alot like Apple’s Studio Display, albeit at about half the price. I may be skipping ahead here bit if you’re looking at Apple’s monitor, stop and look closer at the M8.

This 16:9 display with a 60 hz refresh rate comes with a detachable webcam, and it has smart streaming built in so you can use it as a TV too, with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and Apple TV all available via Wi-Fi without having to connect to a PC or TV. There’s also a small remote control; mainly for using it as a TV, but it does come in handy for adjusting the monitor settings too.

The monitor comes in some cool colours which is definitely satisfying my design sensibilities. It sits on a flat thin foot and is adjustable up or down within about 1.5 to 6 inches off its foot. In a bit of a design oversight, it does not have a VESA adapter so you can’t put it on a monitor arm to get it off your desk space, which is a bit of a shame.

The monitor has almost no bezel or edge and the screen is huge with lots of space.

Set up, ports & connections

In another oddity for me, the monitor’s ports and connections are all located underneath the sliding mount, making them extremely difficult to access easily. I presume Samsung did this to hide visual clutter, and in truth you’re probably not going in here constantly after your initial connections, so maybe it’s a not issue.

This monitor, in yet another oddity, does not have an HDMI port, just Micro HDMI, which meant I needed another solution to connect my laptop. Fortunately, Samsung included a USB-C to USB-C cable which plugs into my hub adapter and worked for my set up.

In total you’ll find:

• Micro HDMI
• USB-C x 2
• Power

How to set up Macbook with Samsung M8 monitor

To properly set up the Samsung M8 smart display as your Apple MacBook extended monitor, you need to use that included USB C to USB C cable. Then you will go to the Samsung Smart Display’s menu option. Choose connected devices, then (again, oddly) choose PC. Though it shows PC as the option, this will be whatever computer you have connected, even if it’s a MacBook.

With that selected, you should see your laptop screen appear. Then, you can use your MacBook’s settings to either make the monitor an additional display, or a mirror of your existing laptop monitor.

Using your MacBook’s System Preferences >Displays> and you can arrange the windows as you like. Then your cursor will move smoothly between the screens.

Screen mirroring or remote login

You can also choose Screen Mirroring if you want to avoid cables altogether or use a remote login. (On a Mac, to use screen mirroring, choose screen mirroring, from your settings on your MacBook then select Smart Monitor.)

I can say this works fine, but using my MacBook’s trackpad or mouse on the Samsung smart monitor was out of sync. The mouse speed and accuracy is way off; it seems slower and takes longer to react, and is less precise than using it on the MacBook. This makes it absolutely maddening to move between the laptop screen and the Samsung smart monitor. So I switched to the hard-wired connection.

Using Samsung M8 Smart Display

This monitor is a dream. The 4K resolution is crisp and clear and makes video editing and blogging easy on the eyes. The colours seem natural and bright and everything looks great. I love the widescreen size and the edge-to-edge design.

Using M8 Smart Display as a TV

If you want to use your monitor as a TV it’s as simple as hitting the Home button on the remote, or choosing one of the quick-start buttons for Netflix or Prime.

The video viewing quality is fantastic; just like a smaller 4K TV, and with all the streaming channels including Samsung’s live TV options, you’ll be saying, “Cable who?”

The internal speaker, while not high fidelity or powerful gets the job done.

Switching back to computer screen

Unfortunately, getting back to your laptop screen requires a few more clicks. The remote could definitely use an Input button to allow for quick switching, but as it is, I needed to navigate to Menu> Connected Devices and select PC to switch back. Clunky, but it works.

Using the webcam

The M8 Smart Display has a magnetic and removable SlimFit Cam that can attach to the top rear of the monitor. Samsung touts the camera’s ability to “keep desk space neat without any unsightly wires”.

The SlimFit Cam also features face tracking and auto zoom functions; In other words, it can follow and capture a person, a great option for active presentations or livestreaming. In addition, the monitor supports video chat apps such as Google Duo, allowing users to work remotely or engage in video conferencing at home or in the workplace using the SlimFit Cam.

The webcam was easy enough to use with my MacBook; I was just able to switch it as the camera source in my settings.

The only thing I didn’t like about it, is that it only has very minimal tilt controls, meaning it can be difficult to frame, since if you want to lower it, it’s blocked by the top edge of the monitor.

In my set up, I have it on a riser so it has a hard time tilting down enough to keep me centre frame. This is likely much less of an issue if this monitor is sitting directly on your desk.

How does Samsung M8 compare to Apple Studio Display?

Profile View.

I understand a lot of folks are comparing this monitor to Apple’s very pricey Studio Display ($1,999CAD/$1,599USD). While there are definitely a lot of similarities in the design department, when it comes to price there’s no comparison; the Samsung M8 is far and away a better bargain—without sacrificing much at all. Now, while I know that the monitor has a few quirks for Apple users, these are easy enough to overcome, and while Apple definitely has that “works perfectly” thing down pat with its own devices, it will be up to you to judge if making a few concessions will be a hardship or totally worth it.

Overall review: Samsung M8 Smart Display

Overall I’m in love with many things about this monitor but it does have a few small quirks.

The design is amazing and I love the colour options. The 4K resolution is sharp and detailed and makes it a dream to work off my laptop. Plus it is ultra versatile since you can use it as a streaming TV, plus the magnetic webcam lets you make easier video calls without more desk cable clutter.

On the downside, the screen mirroring on my Mac worked but it was laggy, so the hard wired option worked best for me. And switching back from TV to monitor is clunky. Plus accessing the ports and connections in the rear isn’t easy.

The truth is, those are minor issues and if this monitor had a VESA mount adapter I would already have bought one for myself after returning my loaner to Samsung. But I’m trying to get gadgets off my desktop, not add to it, so that’s my primary reason for not clicking Buy Now.

Even so, if you want a large, beautiful display for your workspace—or you’re considering the Apple Studio Display—run, don’t walk and get the Samsung M8 Smart Display instead.

It sells for about $699USD/$899CAD and you can get it from Samsung, Best Buy or Amazon.

Best Buy: e-com
https://bestbuyca.o93x.net/7mN2NA

The post 2022 Samsung M8 4K monitor + TV: DON’T bother with Apple’s Studio Display, get THIS instead appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

What’s new on the 2022 Samsung Frame TV?

The 2022 version of the Samsung Frame TV isn’t a revolutionary redesign and it doesn’t innovate a lot over the 2021 version, but the changes Samsung has made do go a long way towards improving it. The major innovation is the addition of even more glare resistant glass, as well as an optional rotating wall mount.

I have to admit, I felt a bit extravagant upgrading from my 2021 The Frame, when on the surface it seems that the only major difference is a piece of coated glass, but I can attest that this new anti-glare, low-reflection panel technology featuring an embossed Matte Display makes a shocking amount of difference in how the TV blends in as art in the home.

What is Samsung The Frame TV?

To take a step back and explain what the Frame TV is and why you might be looking at it, it’s a high quality 4K TV that displays realistic gallery-level artwork (Art Mode) on the screen when the TV isn’t active. Far from looking like a screensaver or placeholder, the combination of high resolution art, with the no-glare glass and a light sensor which helps the TV adapt to your room and the time of day means it is better than a CIA agent at hiding in plain sight.

While there is a good amount of free artwork you can display on The Frame, and you can add your own, it’s almost essential to sign up for the Samsung Art Store to open up a wealth of art options for your space.

How much does Art Sore cost?

Art Store costs about $70CAD/year. You can choose to display one piece of art at a time, or have it rotate through a gallery’s worth of your personal favourites.

The 2021 Samsung The Frame also had a feature called Ambient Mode where you could access moving imagery, weather info and some more interactive elements for your screen. The feature does still exist on the 2022 Frame TV, but it’s now integrated as part of Art Mode, instead of being a separate feature. More on that coming up.

Is Samsung Frame TV really better at glare? How much of a difference for new anti-glare coating make?

In my previous testing with both the original Frame, launched in 2017, and in the 2021 version, the screen is definitely a soft matte design, but this new version takes the small amount of glare those older versions did allow and makes it vanish completely. I’d say that the earlier versions blocked about 80-90% of any glare, then this new 2022 Samsung The Frame minimizes 95% of it.

Glare off to the right of the 2021 Frame TV.

Samsung says the coated glass also avoids fingerprints and smudges better than before, and I think that’s also accurate.

What’s in the box? Is wall mount included?

The 2022 Samsung Frame TV operates a bit differently. In the box, aside from the TV you get a remote control, wall mount, and the Samsung One Connect box and cable.

The One Connect Box links to the TV with a tiny 3-4mm cable and it’s long, meaning you can run it into cabinet (it doesn’t need line of sight) or around the corner from the TV. I opted to run conduit in the wall and hid the cable out of sight.

The One Connect box is the place where you’ll plug in your cable box, streaming or gaming devices and a sound bar. The box is meant to hide out of sight so you don’t end up with dangling dongles cluttering up your decor.

One last item… I added a Sonos Bean 2nd gen sound bar to my set up for improved audio, since the built-in speaker, while it’s okay, it’s amazing. You can check out my review of the Sonos Beam 2nd Gen here.

Set up & installation

Getting this TV set up is easy, but installing it properly will take some time. If you’re interested in learning more, you can check out my  2021 Samsung Frame TV review and how-to video, since the wall mount and steps are identical to the 2022 version. The wall mount is included in the box and it is absolutely worth it to install some conduit to hide the One Connect cable inside your wall, since the cable, as thin and clear as it is, is the only dead giveaway that your art is actually a television. I’m not clear if the cable on its own is rated for being enclosed in a wall, but I do know Samsung also offers a special wall-rated One Connect cable. I’m okay with how we’ve done out installation but I’m by no means an authority.

Once the TV is installed you connect it to Wi-Fi, and then you’re essentially ready to go. You also need to download the Samsung Smart Things app to access some features and settings (like uploading your own photos or art), and this also allows your phone to be the remote control.

Samsung Smart Things App

While your TV will work just great with the included remote control, you’ll definitely want to download and connect the Samsung Smart Things app.

After a particularly buggy year trying to use the previous app version on my Apple iPhone, I’m glad to see Samsung seems to have resolved most of the issues I had talked about in my review of the 2021 frame TV, where the app would simply crash repeatedly when any iPhone user tried to use it.

Using the app you’ll be able to get a virtual remote control, and quick access to sources and apps. There’s also an entire section for art mode that gives you a little quicker option for surfing available artworks. Using the app is also how you would upload your own photos if you’d like to see those on The Frame also.

Add-on frames/bezels

One of the cool add-ons for this product is a magnetic bezel that will change the edge colour of the TV. I opted for a white version called Modern White to help it blend into my wall, but there’s an array of wood and other options too. I highly recommend upgrading to one of these additional frames, as it goes along way to hiding the factory black edge frame that may be a giveaway your art isn’t what it seems to be.

The snap-on frames cost about $200 each nad come in four pieces which are perfectly sized to wrap around your TV, and click on or off in seconds. The concept is actually pretty genius, and I love the style of my white frame Frame.

Using 2022 Samsung Frame TV: Art Mode

Art Mode is what distinguishes this TV from all other televisions—even those marketing a ‘Gallery Mode’. When The Frame is not displaying video, you can enjoy it in Art Mode where you get super high quality, high resolution art prints or photography.

The light in this TV is designed so that when it displays that art, it doesn’t glare or brighten; it’s just… there and it blends into your space seamlessly, so it’s really possible to actually believe this panel is just a painting hanging on your wall. Plus that new anti-glare coating works wonders.

A built-in light sensor adjusts the screen’s output constantly so that the art is always visible in its best light. Even with brighter sunlight beaming in and filling the room, your art will appear realistic. When evening sets in, the set adapts to display a dimmed version that still looks like it fits into the rest of the room, with zero bright glare.

Much like real art, you can customize it; add a matte and even switch the colour of the matte easily on the TV or the app.

Can I add my own photos to The Frame?

Unlike some other competitor TVs to The Frame, you can also add your own art and photos or download UHD/4K videos or art from 3rd party websites. You upload your own photos using the smart things app, and in a major improvement over the previous version, this is easy to do and works bug-free. I added some nature-inspired vacation snaps that I took and was proud enough to show off.

What happened to Ambient Mode on Samsung Frame TV 2022?

Initially I though Samsung had nixed Ambient Mode on the new version, but after much digging through settings and poking around Art Mode I can confirm it’s back. Ambient Mode by the way is just a different type of art screen, with moving images, and more info options too.

How to access Ambient Mode?

To access it, you navigate to Art Mode and then look through the menu options for something called Special Edition. In here is the new location of different types of moving imagery.

Using 2022 Samsung Frame TV: Watching TV

Frame TV viewing quality

If you’re considering a Frame TV, the truth is you’re probably doing so because you want it to look like you don’t have a TV. The great thing about this product is that as soon as you fire it up, you’ve got a great 4K Ultra High Resolution TV with built in streaming, and it’s preloaded with apps including Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video and Apple TV.

The TV is high quality, sharp and colourful and while I’ve heard some folks say it’s inferior to some of the new OLED TVs out there, I can tell you I don’t have a single complaint about watching anything on it. From movies, to Netflix, sports and nature shows, the TV is glorious.

Remote control powered by ambient light, lasts a year

The new remote control that comes with the TV hearkens back to the original Frame remote; it’s very slim and handles the core functions like power, volume and navigation around the screen.

On the back of the remote is a small solar panel which, if you leave it bottom-up in your room, will use ambient light to charge the remote without you needing to do a thing. A full charge is supposed to last about a year. If it does die a USB-C charger in the end is your backup.

Use Samsung app as remote too

Your smartphone can also be the remote control for your television. Download the Samsung SmartThings app and pair up to your Frame for handy control. In the app , you can also view various art works and set them to your Frame too.

Motion Sensor & Sleep After settings

There’s another cool feature that will shut the screen off if no motion is detected in the room.

I was convinced this wasn’t working since every time I came in the room it was on… turns out the Frame is just so fast at flicking to life at the slightest movement, I just had a hard time catching it in the act.

MultiView: improvements made

The previous version Samsung frame TV also had multiview, but this version makes some definite improvement as to how you interact with this feature, making it a lot easier to navigate. Even so it’s a bit clunky until you figure it out.

Multi-View/

Multi View lets you watch what’s on The Frame and your mobile on the same screen at the same time, or show two different HDMi sources or even toss YouTube into the mix. The screen sizes and configurations are fully adjustable too.

This feature worked amazingly well, though it is a bit weird to get set up and adjust.

You can watch my  video, how to set up and use Multi View on my YouTube channel.

How to use MultiView on 2022 Samsung Frame TV

To use MultiView you must be in the TV feature, not in art mode. Then click the MultiView Button, which looks like a series of squares.

You’ll be presented with a row of menu options to choose from; you’ll be able to access any streaming devices, your cable box, YouTube or the internet, plus your smartphone too.

Choose at least one source, then it will divvy up the screen for you. From there you can choose your particular sources or inputs.

You’ll connect first need to connect the phone using Bluetooth to the TV, and there will probably be a permission option to agree to first. Then hit the MultiView button.

If you’re using an iPhone, yes it will work. There are two options; AirPlay or Screen Mirroring. AirPlay will let you share videos to the screen, while screen mirroring will share whatever is on the screen of your phone.

To AirPlay a video, load the video up on your iPhone then hit the Share button and scroll down to choose the Airplay option. When Prompted, select The Frame.

If you want to mirror your screen, open your quick controls menu on your iPhone by pulling down from the top right corner. Then choose the Screen Mirroring option. If prompted, choose The Frame.

More improvements! Now listen to music in Art Mode

One of my big complaints about the 2021 Frame was that if I wanted to listen to music, there was no way to do it in art mode. You just got an album cover screen. Now, with the 2022 Frame, you’ve got more options for cool ambient music effects.

Now listen to music in Art Mode.

For one, you can now use Art Mode and stream music from your phone. Just connect your phone via Bluetooth to The Frame, and then once it connects you’ll see an option for listening with Art Mode.

There’s also an option called Music Wall that will show moving graphics. These graphics seem to change at will with no way to customize them, at least none I’ve found so far. If you know how to manage this better, please let me know in comments.

Overall review: 2022 Samsung The Frame TV

Overall, I continue to love this TV with every fibre of my being. Art Mode is a constant presence in our home and we have fun switching up the artworks each week. Every single guest has been fooled into thinking the wall art was legit, until we turned on the great quality 4K TV.

I’m super happy with the video quality for movie nights, baseball games and TV bingeing.

I like the improvements to Screen mirroring, multiview and the new setting that lets you play music in ambient mode.

I think the new anti-glare panel makes a major and noticeable difference if you currently have a 2021 or older The Frame. I also advocate for getting a special magnetic bezel to really help it blend in.

Overall, I have zero complaints about the 2022 The Frame and I can definitely recommend it if you’re looking at your first Frame TV or as an upgrade from an older model; it’s definitely worth it.

The 65-inch 2022 The Frame that I bought sells for about $2,000USD or $2,600CAD and you can get it, as I got mine, from Amazon.

You can also shop Samsung’s Frame TV at Walmart.

**A note about Affiliate Links: TechGadgetsCanada is supported by our readers. Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase, but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using these links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post 2022 Samsung The Frame TV review: small improvements but do they truly make a big difference? appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Related: Check out my detailed review of the new 2022 Samsung Frame TV (includes pricing, installation guide + more)

How to add your photos on 2022 The Frame TV

To start with you’ll need the Samsung Smart Things app, and you’ll need the app to control your TV with your phone anyway and adjust all kinds of settings.

What to do first

It’s a good idea to make some changes to your images before uploading them. Check the alignment and perform any colour changes or editing on your phone first. Here’s how to transfer your images to your TV if you’re satisfied with them. Then, in the SmartThings app, do the following:

• Click on Your TV.
• Scroll down to My Album and click on My Photos.
• Touch the Add button in the bottom right.
• Surf for and then select the photos you’d like to bring to the Frame.
• At the bottom select Next. If you’ve chosen more than one photo you may see Set on the Frame instead.

Once you’ve added them you’ll find your photos in My Album.

Adding effects

Tap to select the photo you wish to see. If you like, you may add a matte to the images, as well as creative effects or filters that will make your shot appear like a painting or sketch.

Can I create a slideshow on 2022 Frame TV?

You can also create a slideshow of your own photos too. To do that go into My Photos and click Slideshow in the top right. There’s also a setting to the right of that button that will let you adjust the duration between photos or randomize it too.

Why don’t my photos fill the screen?

Are you wondering why your photographs aren’t filling the screen? I discovered that if I snapped images on my phone in 16×9 widescreen format rather than 4:3, they fit better to the TV. That’s my insider suggestion for you…

That’s how you get your own photographs and artwork onto the Samsung Frame TV 2022. I like being able to post my own images, and I’m sure you will as well.

Looking for more TV guides and reviews? Check out our TV and Audio section for all of our detailed breakdown of in-home audio and video gadgets.

The Frame TV is available from Amazon and Walmart.

*A note about Affiliate Links: Occasionally I will include affiliate links in my reviews. I do this partly for convenience of the reader (since I’ll almost always include a link to the company website or similar anyway) in case you want to read more or purchase but I also may get a small commission from the click, which helps me keep the blog running. If you choose to use this link I thank you greatly for supporting the blog. There’s no obligation or cost to you for using this link.

The post How to see your own photos on 2022 Samsung The Frame TV appeared first on TechGadgetsCanada.com.

Are you in the work from home world? Maybe you’re a gamer looking for the perfect monitor. Lately I’ve been experimenting with a few different monitors, hoping to find one that is both clear and easy on the eyes, good quality, a solid build and lets my work be the focus. The newest monitor I’ve purchased is the 32-inch Curved Samsung HD Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor, Model LC32G55TQWNXZA. In this review I’ll tell you what it’s like to set up and install, what it’s like to use for audio video photos and documents, and whether I think it’s a good pic for you.

Review: 32-inch Curved Samsung HD Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor, Model LC32G55TQWNXZA

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And a word about my review here… Yes this is a gaming monitor, but I was really interested in the curved configuration for my workspace. Because I use a lot of video and photos in my daily work, I like the idea of a monitor built for visual pursuits. So I tested this in my home office, but I did not test it in any gaming configurations. If you’re a gamer and want that assessment, you can definitely find it out there elsewhere. But if you’re curious if a curved monitor would improve your workspace, then this review is for you.

Set up

This monitor is almost plug and play when it comes to the set up. In the box there is a DP or Display Port Cable, but I did not get an HDMI cable. The manual says it comes with both so maybe this is just a mistake in my package. Fortunately I have a spare.

I had my Samsung monitor connected to my Apple MacBook Pro in seconds.

When it comes to inputs, there’s only the single HDMI input, but there is also that DP connector for hooking up a PC. There’s also a headphone jack.

For my home office configuration I opted to place the monitor on a freestanding Kensington monitor arm to open up space on my desk. Here I noticed something important for those who might be using this in a more office type configuration. The VESA connection port, used to attach this to any wall mount or monitor arm or stand is placed very high on the top third of the back of the monitor. This means it sits incredibly low on any surface. Even with my very tall monitor arm set at its highest height, this monitor sat low enough that with my laptop in front of it, it blocked part of the screen. Be aware.

The Samsung monitor supports laptops, PCs, and Macs with it’s single HDMI. There are no built in speakers.

The Samsung Odyssey G5 has a great edge to edge design with no bezel on three sides, and a very small bezel across the bottom.

Cable management is decent; it’s possible to run the cable down the stand for a tidier look.

What to know about a curved monitor for office use

Working on documents or straight lines is offputting.

This monitor is curved, and the idea behind this is that the way we move our heads and view the space in front of us the curvature of this monitor is supposed to match the curvature of your eye, making for a more comfortable and immersive viewing experience.

I can definitely say this does take some getting used to. It’s a bit odd but it’s possible to adapt. Because I am using this in more of an office configuration, and using video editing programs, photography, and documents. I did notice and I was working on projects with straight lines, and documents, that the monitor did create a bit of a wonky curve. I didn’t love this right away. Will I get used to this… possibly, but in my few of testing I wasn’t sold.

To be clear, this is no knock on the monitor itself… it’s only to say that if you’re considering a curved monitor for a home office these are things to be aware of.

Resolution & screen

This monitor is an HD monitor with 2560 x 1440 pixels resolution, it’s designed to give you decently clear screen resolution. Samsung calls this WQHD or Wide Quad High Definition and says you should get “incredibly detailed, pin-sharp images”.

I can say this monitor is pretty good when it comes to resolution, even though it doesn’t have some of the bells and whistles of other higher end or 4K monitors, but it also rings in at a fraction of the cost. It does have HDR 10 for better color and contrast though.

For those watching video or high speed action games, this monitor has a 144hz Refresh Rate: designed for smooth, seamless action. And with 1 millisecond response times you gamers are getting info as fast as technologically possible. AMD FreeSync Premium is also part of the package here, and its adaptive sync technology reduces screen tearing, stutter, and input latency; making sure every scene unfolds seamlessly.

Viewing angles

The viewing angles on this monitor are pretty good; aside from the expected glare if you’re in a bright area, it’s easily possible to see clearly even off to the side, or when standing.

There are controls in the bottom of the monitor for making adjustments to settings. The single joystick-style button is easy enough to navigate .

Overall Review: Samsung HD Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor, Model LC32G55TQWNXZA

Overall, when it comes to using this monitor for work, it’s not my personal favourite. For my uses specifically; using Final Cut Pro for video editing, and Word and pages for documents, the curved monitor just brings a bit too much bend to my field of view. Even so, this is a good monitor, that’s clear, colourful and easy to read. Plus it’ss very affordable for a widescreen curved monitor.

Downsides? There’s limited movement and adjustments to the monitor if you use the included stand, and the VESA adapter is poorly placed, in my opinion.

The SAMSUNG 32” Odyssey G5 Gaming Monitor, sells for about $379USD and you can get it from Amazon.

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