Tag: secondary display

  • Acer Unveils Secondary Display for Flight Sim, Racing & Productivity

    Key Takeaway

    – Ultra-wide 1920×720 secondary display ideal for sim racing and flight sim instruments
    – Lower pixel count reduces frame rate impact compared to standard monitors
    – Touchscreen supports direct interaction; can be used in portrait mode
    – Includes USB-C and HDMI connectivity with IPS technology
    – Priced around $230, launching toward the end of the year


    Dual-Screen Dreams Start With Acer’s Weird New Monitor

    Ahead of Computex, Acer showed the PM131QT secondary display in a showroom in Taipei. Unlike conventional PC monitors, the PM131QT has a very wide aspect ratio. It measures 1920 pixels across but only 720 pixels vertically, with a display diagonal of 12.3 inches.

    Gaming and Simulators

    That makes this display ideal for smaller tools but also for games with multi-monitor support where instruments, for example, need to be moved elsewhere. A conventional second monitor is not always ideal for this, as it may simply be too large. In Microsoft Flight Simulator, smaller instruments could easily be moved to the PM131QT, which could then serve as a third or fourth monitor depending on the setup.

    Frame Rate and Performance Concerns

    This should also work with X-Plane, see the video at the end of the article for a similar situation. However, this has a significant impact on the frame rate there. Since Acer’s monitor has far fewer pixels than a typical second monitor, that should have a positive effect. Racing sims should also be a good candidate for this. Here, too, some instruments are not important enough to remain on the main screen.

    Professional Applications and Touchscreen

    Acer itself is naturally focusing more on professional applications. Tools could be placed there instead. Thanks to the touchscreen, direct operation is also possible. The monitor can also be used in portrait mode, allowing it to be positioned on the side, for example. A tripod thread on the back provides additional flexibility if the integrated stand is not sufficient.

    Launch Date, Price and Connectivity

    Anyone interested will still have to be patient for quite a while. As Acer told us in Taipei, the display will not launch until toward the end of the year. The price is expected to be around $230. In terms of connectivity, Acer offers both USB Type-C and HDMI. The panel itself uses IPS technology and looked quite good during the demonstration.

    Acer / Computex

    Sources
    • Affordable 3.5-Inch USB-C Display for Gamers Under $15

      Affordable 3.5-Inch USB-C Display for Gamers Under $15

      Key Takeaways

      1. A new budget-friendly secondary screen is available on AliExpress for about $13, but returning or replacing it may be difficult.
      2. Secondary monitors can connect via HDMI/DisplayPort or operate through specific software, each with its own pros and cons.
      3. The new display connects via USB-C and is primarily used to show system metrics like temperatures and CPU/GPU usage.
      4. It features an IPS panel measuring 1.9×2.9 inches with a resolution of 320 x 480.
      5. The display can be positioned both horizontally and vertically and includes a stand, with the option to mount it inside a gaming PC case.


      A new and budget-friendly secondary screen is now for sale on AliExpress for about $13. As is common with direct imports, returning or replacing the item if it’s defective may be tricky or not even possible, but considering the low cost of this device, that risk might be worth it. Reports suggest that shipping to the US typically takes between 1 to 2 weeks.

      Different Uses of Secondary Displays

      Secondary monitors can be utilized in two different manners. Firstly, there are displays that connect through HDMI or DisplayPort, functioning like a typical monitor. Secondly, there are devices that are operated through specific software. Each option has its benefits and drawbacks. For instance, an HDMI monitor can display images or videos, but this setup takes up an extra output for visuals.

      Specifications of the New Display

      This specific display falls into the latter category and connects via USB-C, operated through software. The app that goes along with it provides various setup options, but it’s mainly intended to display system metrics like temperatures or CPU and GPU usage. The IPS panel has dimensions of 1.9×2.9 inches and boasts a resolution of 320 x 480. It can be positioned both horizontally and vertically, and it includes a stand, which can also be mounted inside a gaming PC case if desired.

      AliExpress’

      Source:
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    • Xiaomi 17 Pro Redesign Leaks with Secondary Display on Weibo

      Xiaomi 17 Pro Redesign Leaks with Secondary Display on Weibo

      Key Takeaways

      1. Qualcomm’s new flagship SoC is named Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5.
      2. Xiaomi is expected to be the first brand to release smartphones with this chip, specifically in the Xiaomi 17 series.
      3. An accidental leak on Weibo revealed the back design of the Xiaomi 17 Pro models, indicating a new smartphone design.
      4. The leaked image shows a secondary display integrated with the camera layout and includes two embedded cameras, plus a third camera positioned near the flash.
      5. The secondary display on the Xiaomi 17 Pro is larger and may support full-screen apps, enhancing functionality compared to the Mi 11 Ultra.


      Qualcomm has recently announced that its next flagship system on a chip (SoC) will be named the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Xiaomi is anticipated to be the first company to release smartphones equipped with this new chip. The forthcoming flagship devices will be part of the Xiaomi 17 series, and there has been an accidental leak on the company’s Weibo account showcasing the back design of what is believed to be the Pro version.

      Weibo Discovery

      Specifically, Chinese users on Weibo have pointed out that Xiaomi’s official profile picture was recently updated, revealing an image of an unreleased smartphone. The swift change in the profile picture has led many to believe that the image displayed hints at the back design of the Xiaomi 17 Pro models.

      Design Features

      The leaked image illustrates the rear of the phone, which includes a secondary display, aligning with details from recent spy photos. This secondary screen is integrated with the camera layout of the Xiaomi 17 Pro and features two embedded cameras.

      According to the image, a third camera will also be present on the back but will be located beneath the camera layout, adjacent to the flash. The redesign of the Xiaomi 17 Pro seems to follow the concept seen in the Mi 11 Ultra, which similarly had a secondary screen on its back.

      Enhanced Functionality

      However, in contrast to the Mi 11 Ultra, the secondary display on the Xiaomi 17 Pro models appears to be larger and more versatile. This secondary screen may even allow for full-screen apps to be run, similar to the external display on the Galaxy Z Flip 7. More official information regarding Xiaomi’s upcoming flagship smartphones powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 is likely to surface shortly.

      Source:
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    • MBox D9: Versatile Secondary Display with Multiple Configurations

      MBox D9: Versatile Secondary Display with Multiple Configurations

      Key Takeaways

      1. MBox is seeking crowdfunding for its new secondary display, the D9, priced at $79 (originally $129), with shipping expected in November 2025.
      2. The D9 features a 9.2-inch ultrawide display with a resolution of 1,920 x 464 pixels and connects via USB-C, not HDMI.
      3. Users can customize the D9’s content through software, enabling various setups like widgets, photos, and animations without coding skills.
      4. Additional uses for the D9 include displaying system metrics, stock updates, and song lyrics, with support for both portrait and landscape modes.
      5. The D9 is compatible with an open-source development environment, allowing for further customization and easier switching between views.


      Following the debut of the DS5, MBox is now looking for financial backing for its newest secondary display via crowdfunding. The recently introduced MBox D9 is priced at $79 (not including shipping), reduced from its original price of $129, and is anticipated to begin shipping in November 2025. However, interested supporters should be cautious of the typical financial risks that come with crowdfunding projects before they decide to buy.

      Features of the D9

      The D9 boasts a 9.2-inch ultrawide display with a resolution of 1,920 x 464 pixels. Instead of using HDMI, it connects to other devices through USB-C, which means it isn’t meant to act as a standard external monitor. The content shown on the D9 is regulated through software. This application provides a variety of setup options and a graphical interface, allowing users to adjust their secondary display without needing any coding skills. For example, the screen can be set up to display various widgets or content like photos and animations.

      Additional Uses

      There are also other potential uses, such as showcasing different system metrics (like CPU usage and temperature), stock market updates, or even song lyrics. The MBox D9 can be used in both portrait and landscape modes and is compatible with an open-source development environment, creating even more chances for customization. There are shortcuts to make switching between different views easier.

      Source:
      Link


      MBox D9: Versatile Secondary Display with Multiple Configurations

      MBox D9: Versatile Secondary Display with Multiple Configurations