You may reserve Samsung Odyssey Ark now for early September. The display at CES wowed me, and it did so again. Then I tried Windows.
Ark is a 55-inch rotating mini LED monitor that stands out with its ability to stack several windows either horizontally or vertically, and it’s one of the most anticipated monitors of 2022. Practicality of doing that with a Windows or Mac computer is questionable, especially because Samsung is charging more for the Ark than for a gaming display.
The Omni Screen
Before discussing Windows and MacOS, it’s vital to set the stage. The Ark is unique.
That’s why I call it an Omni-Screen. Samsung’s 55-inch vertical display serves a similar purpose as the Odyssey G9 Neo. Samsung Multi-View lets you to move and resize windows on the Ark to replace multiple monitors.
Wireless Ark dial is the linchpin. It’s the Ark’s command hub, letting you to resize windows or access Multi-View to view multiple apps at once. You can save three monitor setups for fast reference and use dynamic backdrops to cover vacant space. When you rotate the monitor vertically, all apps adjust.
With Samsung’s new TV OS, you can access any streaming app, a web browser, and Samsung Gaming Hub, which includes Stadia, GeForce Now, and Game Pass. Four HDMI 2.1 connections are more than enough to connect the latest consoles and a gaming PC.
At CES, I thought the monitor sounded perfect. Reality is different. Ark’s variety of apps and sources is excellent, but it’s less useful if you usually multitask on a PC.
Crying Induced Price
The Odyssey Ark is magnificent despite its difficulties. It’s crazy that Samsung got this display operating, and the screen quality rivals high-end gaming displays. This is the best available with a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 nits of peak brightness.
Given Samsung’s Ark price, it should be. Early September units can be reserved for $3,500. That’s $1,200 more than the Odyssey G9 Neo and the same as some Samsung 8K QLEDs. Samsung recognises The Ark’s uniqueness.
Ark has a case. It could be your lone screen if you have many media devices and want to blend apps. The Ark isn’t nearly as useful or practical as the 32:9 Odyssey G9 Neo, making the price hard to stomach.