The gaming scene changed dramatically last year with the implementation of HDMI 2.1, a new enhancement in connectivity supporting a range of higher video resolutions and refresh rates including 4K @ 120 Hz, a new level for console gamers. A few months ago, console enthusiasts welcomed the first model in the all-new range of Philips Momentum Designed for Xbox monitors, the 559M1RYV (55"/139.7 cm).

Philips Momentum Designed for Xbox console gaming monitors are built to provide the ultimate experience for next-gen console gamers by including the new HDMI 2.1 input, which enables next-gen console gaming with 4K resolution and a fast 120 Hz refresh rate for an ultra-clear and ultra-smooth gaming performance. Now, the Philips monitors portfolio has expanded to include the new 329M1RV (31.5"/80 cm) and 279M1RV (27"/68.5 cm) displays.

After the introduction of the current generation of consoles, we've started to see more and more monitors with console support and now Philips has joined the fray with its new 279M1RV 4K, 144 Hz, 27-inch gaming display. It might carry a "Designed for Xbox" logo, but using HDMI 2.1 with a console limits it to 120 Hz and you really need a high-end gaming PC to get the most out of it.

Philips is using an LG Nano IPS panel that covers 98% of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, a contrast ratio of 1000:1, 1 ms gray to gray typical response time and 178 degree viewing angles. The display is also HDR 600 certified, although the typical brightness is 450 cd/m². It's also G-Sync compatible, with a slightly disappointing range of 60-144 Hz, which is limited to the DP port. VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and FRL (Fixed Rate Link) are both supported over HDMI 2.1, but ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and QFT (Quick Frame Timing) seems to be absent.

Headsets are peripherals that are often underappreciated. However, clear sound and comfortable wear are of utmost importance, particularly during long gaming sessions. Today, gaming has become so rich, complex and immersive that the individual gaming set-up can constitute a competitive advantage. Clear and distinctive sound and a good microphone for in-game communication result in clear benefits in team-based battle royale, action RPG and MMORPG games. But also for work-related or private audio or video calls headsets that provide and produce clear audio and sit comfortably on a person's head can make all the difference.

A continued focus on meeting consumers' needs, combined with extensive technical expertise, has led to the launch of the first series of gaming headsets in the Philips Gaming portfolio. The lightweight over-ear design, adjustable headband and soft cushions ensure an optimal fit and long wearing comfort in two different models: Philips TAGH301BL and Philips TAGH401BL.

This SuperWide 49" screen, with its 5120 x 1440 resolution, is designed to replace multi-monitor setups for a truly wide view with a 32:9 aspect ratio. It feels just like having two 27" 16:9 QuadHD (2560 x 1440) displays side-by-side. Any professional will be amazed by the extra screen real estate by upgrading to a 49" monitor: spreadsheets become fully visible, while video makers and programmers can keep an eye on the previews and timelines at the same time. The screen's 1800R curve ensures a more immersive and comfortable experience, mirroring the natural field of view and reducing glare and distortion. Architects, graphic designers, video makers, programmers and those working in finance all need space that allows multiple program windows to be visible at the same time, supporting their creativity and boosting their productivity - but this screen is certain to impress any user.

Thanks to its 165 Hz refresh rate, the Philips 498P9Z is not only a workhorse, but a dream-machine for gaming. With its VESA-certified DisplayHDR 400 support it delivers a significant step up from normal SDR displays, producing astonishing brightness, contrast and colours. Its fuller palette of rich colours is a pleasure to behold, while the 165 Hz refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology deliver effortlessly smooth gaming when the work is done. Any media displayed on the screen is enhanced and delivered at its best, and the monitor can also easily support casual gaming sessions, a few battle royale rounds, a short take-off and landing in a flight simulator, or a couple of laps of rallying in between.

[Editor's note: This press release comes from the US division of Philips, so the news is more relevant to the USA.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), an affiliate of TPV Technology Limited (TPV) Philips' monitor license partner, announces the release of the world's first Designed for Xbox console gaming monitor. Philips Momentum Designed for Xbox console gaming monitors are built from the ground up to provide the ultimate experience for Xbox fans. These Designed for Xbox console gaming monitors set the standard for Xbox gaming. The inclusion of the new HDMI 2.1 spec now enables next-gen console gaming with 4K resolution and faster 120Hz refresh rates for ultra-clear and ultra-smooth gaming performance. Taking it the next level, TPV partnered with Xbox to tune these "Designed for Xbox" displays to deliver the optimal validated Xbox Series X performance from the moment you plug it in.

Unlike televisions, Philips Momentum gaming monitors are built for console gaming, with low latency and low lag as priorities to provide a much smoother, more realistic gaming experience. The series' low input lag is a great advantage when playing twitch-sensitive video games, allowing the input to register on the screen faster. The flagship 55" Philips Momentum (559M1RYV) will include a specially designed speaker enclosure from the engineers at Bowers & Wilkins, the British loudspeaker company globally renowned for their innovative designs and sound engineering, that completes the experience.

Those working in front of a monitor for many hours, whether from their home or at the office, have a specific set of needs related to making those long hours easier and more comfortable. Philips monitors B Line is specifically designed to meet those needs and more, thus supporting a wide number of professionals seeking a comfortable, reliable and secure monitor. Philips monitors announces the latest B Line model, the 243B9H, with 23.8" (60.5 cm) display size, Full HD resolution and a 75 Hz refresh rate.

[Editors' note: This press release pertains to the US division of Philips, with the news contained not necessarily the case globally.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), an affiliate of TPV Technology Limited (TPV), today debuts a new E Line monitor, the Philips 4K Ultra HD LCD monitor 288E2E. The Philips E Line monitor features stunning visuals and stylish design for workspace. Ultra-clear 4K UHD and Ultra-Wide-Color deliver ultimate clarity and life-like visuals. Its Multiview function meets the need for usability and productivity. The Philips 288E2E is available on Amazon for $309.99 USD, starting May 18, 2021.

Displaylite, a leading UK touchscreen and displays specialist, has entered an exciting new partnership with Philips monitors to supply their new range of touch monitors in the UK. The agreement covers Touch Glass, In Cell and Open Frame Monitors. The range currently includes the B9T series of 15.6", 17", 21.5" and 23.8" PCAP (projected capacitive) Touch Glass Monitors, with a new range of In Cell and Open Frame Monitors launched recently.

Philips Touch Glass PCAP monitors support up to 10-point touch and are IP65 rated from the front, making them ideal for use in demanding touch applications. Key features include; SmoothTouch technology, a sturdy articulating stand and an optional bracket enabling a mini-PC to be secured. Paul Butler, UK and Ireland Regional Sales Director at Philips monitors, said: "We are excited to be partnering with Displaylite as we look to expand into new markets. Our portfolio of touch solutions offers a multitude of benefits including 70,000 MTBF, 3 years warranty and a 48 hour onsite swap out warranty service."

Displays are all around us, from home use to office environments and public spaces, and many of them meet different needs and serve different applications. Geared towards specific requirements are touch displays. Philips' monitors provide for a comfortable, fast and responsive touch experience, ready to boost anyone's productivity. However, there are some scenarios that require highly specific, durable and even more versatile touch monitors: Points of Information, kiosks and in-store applications. For such purposes, Philips monitors launches its new open-frame touch monitors (B1TFL Series), interactive displays designed for installation in places accessed by the public.

The new B1TC Series includes two models: the 23.8" (60.5 cm) 242B1TC and the 21.5" (54.6 cm) 222B1TC. They rely on Advanced In-Cell Touch (AIT) technology and on projected capacitive touch, which ensure better transmittance and outstanding response rates, for a faster touch experience on up to 10 points simultaneously. The in-cell touch technology allows a slim, 3-side frameless design, while the IPS technology ensures wide viewing angles. The display features an anti-glare coating, which, combined with the Full HD resolution, always offers great images. Its 3H resistance protects it against scratches. The more natural, fluid and fast touch responsiveness meets the needs of any home, office or educational application - also thanks to the plug & play compatibility with Windows 10 and different Android and Linux versions.

One of the greenest monitors is here: the Philips 242B1G (23.8" / 60.5 cm ) is designed for sustainable productivity and addressed to ecologically-minded professionals. This eco-friendly monitor from the Philips monitors' B Line delivers a new level of power saving in addition to ease of use and visual comfort (the Full HD IPS panel delivers exceptional color accuracy and wide viewing angles), ensuring peak performance every day while respecting the environment.

The Philips 242B1G delivers substantial energy savings thanks to a super-energy-efficient design that makes this model perfect even for complex set-ups. More specifically, its power-efficient features use a new LED backlight technology that maintains brightness and colour while using significantly less energy. The monitor is also equipped with an array of other power-saving technologies, such as PowerSensor, LightSensor and 0-watt hard power switch.

Philips today via its distributor MMD announced the 288E2UAE Monitor, a cost-effective 4K monitor with a 28" diagonal. The monitor features a native 8-bit display (10-bit FRC) with a pretty run-of-the mill 60 Hz refresh rate, 300 cd/m² luminance and 1000:1 static contrast for its 4K resolution. The 4 ms response time won't earn it any accolades, but that's to be expected on a 4K resolution monitor that is expected to retail for around $300. The 119% sRGB and 106.9% NTSC coverage sit above the mainstream monitors for color reproduction, but likely won't be enough for content creators - despite the monitor's color accuracy of DeltaE < 2.

I/O wise, the Philips 288E2UAE offers a 5x USB 3.2 hub, configured at 1x upstream and 4x downstream ports, 1x HDMI and 1x DisplayPort, alongisde 1x 3.5 mm audio output and 2x 3 W integrated speakers. The display further features an anti-reflection coating, and firmware-based EasyRead, Flicker-free and LowBlue technologies.

[Editor's note: This press release is from the Philips US division, regional applicability may vary. Street pricing is already down to $149.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI) today debuts a new pair of premium, true wireless ear buds, the Philips In-Ear True Wireless Headphones TAT8505BKs. The True Wireless version of the popular Philips Wireless Over-ear Noise Cancelling Headphone TAPH805BK earbuds feature classic minimalist design and boast Hybrid Active Noise Canceling and Awareness Mode for control over what is heard, letting users sink into rich, detailed sound or tune into the world around them. The Philips TAT8505BKs are available on Amazon, for $199.99 USD, starting December 15, 2020 at 12:01 AM PST.

Love What You Hear
The perfectly tuned 13mm neodymium drivers ensure a detailed, expansive sound with rich, powerful bass and thrilling clarity for every track. When an earbud is taken out, the music pauses. Put the earbud back in, and the music starts up again. The Philips TAT8505BKs have a refined geometric design creating a comfortable in-ear fit. The circular earbud housing is tactilely pleasing and is designed to subtly catch the light, creating an elegant, understated look.

[Editor's note: This press release concerns the US market availability of the product, which may already have launched in other regions before.]

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), an affiliate of TPV Technology Limited (TPV), today announces the latest addition to the Philips audio line with the luxurious Philips Fidelio X3 headphones. These headphones evolve from the highly acclaimed Philips X2HR, and bring a unique blend of exceptional audio performance, comfort, design and build quality to music lovers across North America. Philips Fidelio X3 headphones are available on Amazon for $349.99 USD, starting September 15, 2020.

MMD announces the new Philips 279C9 LCD display, a 27" (68.47 cm) monitor. The Ultra HD Philips 279C9 monitor features a Zero Bezel design, which eliminates the surrounding frame resulting in an expansive picture and simultaneously enables seamless multi-monitor set-ups.

Nowadays everyone is used to work with multiple devices connected, which means that ports are a key feature that cannot be missed. The Philips 279C9 includes a USB Type-C connector, which allows users to transfer data at a super-speed and charge the laptop at the same time (up to 65 W). The monitor also features one DisplayPort, two HDMI and four USB 3.2 ports. The IPS panel chosen for this model gives extra-wide viewing angles of 178/178 degrees, allowing for a clear and bright image from almost every angle.

MMD, the official distributor for Philips products, today announced the new Philips 498P9 Brilliance 32:9 SuperWide curved LCD display, a 49" (48.8"/124 cm) monitor designed with professionals in mind.

This monitor is enriched with performance-enhancing features and with its 32:9 SuperWide 49" screen and a 5120 x 1440 pixel resolution, perfectly replaces two 27" 16:9 Quad HD displays set up side-by-side. The 498P9 offers a distraction-free visualization and more comfort to the eyes, thanks to its 1800R curved display that ensures a wider field of view and subtly wraps around the user. The 498P9 is equipped with a VA panel, offering very high native contrast (3000:1), a 70 Hz refresh rate for smoothly moving visuals, a high color accuracy (DeltaE < 2) and wide gamut coverage (sRGB 121%, AdobeRGB 91%). The monitor's attraction goes even beyond this: with MultiView technology, professionals can connect a PC and a laptop at the same time, as it enables active dual-connect and view. Now every minute spent working is more efficient, more productive, and more comfortable.

MMD, the leading display specialist and brand license partner for Philips Monitors are releasing two new Momentum monitors, one of which includes a product collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins. The first is the 558M1RY which at 55 inches (139.7 cm) is the largest console gaming optimized monitor on the market, the second being the 278M1R, a 27-inch (68.6 cm) monitor designed for esports. The 558M1RY will bring a whole new dimension to gaming, boasting a 4K UHD resolution, up to 120Hz refresh rate, a specially designed speaker by Bowers & Wilkins, and Ambiglow which extends around the screen. The 278M1R is the first Philips monitor designed exclusively with esports players in mind, it's 27 inches and is HDR Ready. The 55" will be available end of June 2020 and the 27" as of July 2020.

The 558M1RY is a truly one box solution to immersive gaming and entertainment. Players will be completely engrossed in their games with a 55-inch screen and 3 sided Ambiglow. The monitor dazzles with its UltraClear 4K UHD resolution, featuring 3840 x 2160 pixels and DisplayHDR 1000. Users can adjust the HDR to their preferences with HDR Game, HDR Movie, HDR Photo and an HDR personal modes; HDR can also be completely turned off.

MMD, the leading display specialist and brand licence partner for Philips monitors, announces the new 24" (23.8" / 60.5 cm) Philips 242B1V LCD monitor. Designed to help professionals to improve productivity while protecting sensitive data and contents from onlookers, this new model features Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and SmartImage to display images and video as brilliant/crisp as possible.

MMD, the leading display specialist and brand license partner for Philips monitors, announces the 24" (23.8" / 60.5 cm) Philips 245B1 LCD monitor. This new model features Quad HD resolution (2560 x 1440), a PowerSensor to save up to 70% energy costs and HDMI connectivity. Its rich variety of features and technologies is designed from top to bottom to offer optimal comfort and productivity for those who seek both versatility and high performance.

The Philips 245B1 delivers crystal-clear images with its Quad HD (2560 x 1440 pixels) resolution. Its IPS panel enables an exceptionally wide range of accurate colour reproduction. Both IPS panel technology and SmartImage, an exclusive leading-edge Philips technology, contribute to providing bright and crisp images that photographers, graphic and film professionals and designers will certainly love.

Philips late last week introduced the 345M1CR Momentum, a 21:9, 34-inch ultrawide monitor designed for next-generation game consoles (PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X), without naming them as such. The monitor offers UWQHD (3440 x 1440 pixels) resolution, 4 ms response time (1 ms with low blur mode), and 144 Hz refresh rates, and possibly features HDMI 2.0b connectivity to work with next-gen consoles. 4K UHD at 60 Hz is the core design goal of both Microsoft and Sony, although it's quite conceivable that the two could enable support (including in-game optimization) for ultrawide formats and high refresh-rates (beyond 120 Hz). There's no word on pricing or availability.

Envision Peripherals, Inc. (EPI), the sole distributor of Philips-branded monitors and audio products in North America, today announces an addition to the Philips audio line with the Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbud with ultraviolet (UV) cleaning technology (TAST702BK/00). The earbuds harbor a compact soak resistant design, clear sound and comfortable fit. The Philips ActionFit Wireless Earbuds are now available on Amazon, for $179.99 USD. [Editor's note: The product appears to already be on sale for $139.99 on Amazon at this time.]

"Active people today need a quality audio solution that fits their lifestyles. The new Philips TAST702s are the perfect solution to take to the gym or go on a long bike ride, because of their comfort and their hygienic features," said David Ray, Director of Marketing for EPI.

MMD, the brand license partner for Philips monitors, announces the launch of the 34" (86.36 cm) Philips 346P1CRH LCD monitor. Featuring a curved UWQHD display with DisplayHDR 400, this monitor delivers an good visual performance.

In addition to offering a host of convenient connectivity features such as a built-in USB-C docking station and KVM switch, and a wide array of technologies and innovations to enhance user comfort and ensure the most productive, enjoyable work day possible.

zAnother day, another audio product quick look. This time, the folks over at Philips get some love with the US launch of their PH805 active noise cancelling (ANC) headphones, the news of which we covered before. The company has gone through big changes over the years, and one of the effects has been regional business units operating independently enough to have separate launch windows for products. Take this very product, for example, which had been out for purchase for a couple of months already last year in Europe and parts of Asia, and Philips USA only just got it in 2020. Somehow, we had no coverage on this to date, but that changes now.

The PH805, also referred to as the PH805BK or TAPH805BK, follows a trend of product names that make little sense, but all you need to know is that this is from the same company and team that brought out the excellent Fidelio series that offered great value for money to those wanting an open-back, over-ear headphones with a neutral signature without any real shortcomings across the frequency range. They are readying the new Fidelio x3 for launch soon, but the PH805 aims to interest a different segment entirely. In particular, the frequent traveler or mobile user that wants a lightweight set of cans with ANC and wireless connectivity. It ships in a retail packaging that is well designed, with the company and product name on the front along with a large render and marketing features throughout, with a clear note on Google Assistant compatibility. Sorry, iOS users! Read past the break for more on the Philips PH805BK, including an unboxing, user experience, and what it costs to get you one of these in the USA.

Envision Peripherals Inc. (EPI), the Brand license partner for Philips Audio in North America, announces today the latest addition to the Philips audio line with the Philips Wireless over-ear noise cancelling headphone (TAPH805BK). The headphones are now available on Amazon, competitively pricedat $199.99 USD. Ideal for at Home, in the Office, or on-the-go, the new Philips (TAPH805BK) headphones provide users with an unparalleled listening experience.

Music or Silence
Eliminate outside noise through a press of a button with Active Noise Canceling mode or flip to Awareness Mode to stay in tune with your surroundings. Users can control volume by swiping up or down on the ear-housing touch control panel. Activate or deactivate Active Noise Canceling or engage in Awareness Mode with a simple press. While carrying out a call over Bluetooth, its built-in mic with echo cancellation keeps sound crystal clear.

MMD, brand license partner for Philips monitors, announces the launch of the Philips Moda 276C8 LCD monitor with USB-C. CrystalClear QHD 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution brings every image to life, while IPS panel technology offers wide viewing angles and high color accuracy.

This 75Hz 27" Quad HD monitor is equipped with and IPS panel. Built with virtually no surrounding frame, its edgeless Zero Bezel look is not only aesthetically attractive but offers the advantage of a more expansive picture and a larger workspace while facilitating seamless tiling for multi-monitor setups. The monitor is also incredibly slim, measuring a mere 6.1 mm and presenting an attractive contemporary appearance that complements all manner of work and living spaces. The monitor's thin, stylish panel and geometric stand design earned it a 2018 Red Dot Design Award, which recognizes the best in design and business.

After introducing a 32" Brilliance monitor some time ago, Phillips is now bringing another lowcost 4K monitor that boasts a very impressive feature/price ratio. The new Brilliance 272P7VUBN monitor cuts the diagonal on the previous release to 27", but maintains most other specs, including the 4K resolution (with the expected increase in pixels per inch to 163) and the same IPS panel. The monitor remains just shy of a HDR 400 rating (350 nits maximum) and keeps the 60 Hz refresh rates and 5 ms response time, but those are features that are well in-line with casual gamers who want to make the move towards a higher, 4K resolution. Besides, the 60 Hz refresh rate is likely the best one to take advantage of with the current crop of graphics cards on the market - at least for the most recent and demanding titles.

The panel features a 178º angle of view and 1.07 billion colors reproduce 122% of the sRGB color gamut as well as 103% of the NTSC color gamut. The Brilliance 272P7VUBN also ships factory-calibrated to a Delta E < 2 accuracy. Height, tilt, and swivel are available, as well as a 90 degree rotation capability. I/O stands at 1x DisplayPort 1.2, 1x HDMI 2.0a, 1x USB Type-C (with DP 1.2, 65 W PD, data), as well as a 2-port USB 3.0 hub and 1x 3.5 mm headphone port.