HP has made a significant foray into the smart monitor space with the announcement of the Omen 32x, a gaming monitor that doubles as a streaming device running Google TV. This innovative product is set to ship in April for $749.99, offering a unique blend of gaming performance and streaming capabilities.

The Omen 32x boasts a 31.5-inch 4K IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, 400 nit peak brightness, and DisplayHDR 400 with Dolby Vision. The panel covers 95 percent of the Display P3 and 99 percent of the sRGB color gamuts, and it has support for G-Sync and FreeSync Premium. In terms of video inputs, it features one DisplayPort 1.4 port, two HDMI 2.1 ports, a 65W USB-C Power Delivery port with alt mode support for DisplayPort, two USB-A 2.0 ports for peripherals, 3.5mm for audio, and an ethernet jack.

What sets the Omen 32x apart from other gaming monitors is its integration with Google TV, which provides users with a familiar interface and access to a vast library of apps. The monitor can deliver recommendations based on watch history, and users can utilize Google Assistant voice commands to search for specific content. Additionally, the Omen 32x allows for casting content from supported mobile apps.

The Omen 32x also features some unique capabilities, including native support for streaming to four platforms simultaneously, including Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram, without the need for additional hardware. It can also stream up to two webcam sources in addition to what's on the screen. Furthermore, users can mirror their Android-based smartphone to the display and use it in desktop mode within a multiview window while gaming. The monitor also features wireless KVM functionality, allowing users to operate everything using the same keyboard and mouse.

In addition to the Omen 32x, HP has also refreshed its mainstream G2 line of monitors for 2025. The new lineup includes the $479.99 Omen 34c G2, a 34-inch WQHD curved ultrawide display with FreeSync Premium, DisplayHDR 400, and a 4,000:1 contrast ratio. Other new additions include the 27-inch 16:9 options, such as the $249.99 Omen 27 G2, the $299.99 QHD Omen 27q G2, and the $449.99 QHD 27qs G2, which boasts an IPS Black display and a 280Hz refresh rate.

All of the new G2 monitors will benefit from factory color calibration for the first time, and most will support boosted refresh rates up to 180Hz. The 27qs G2, in particular, stands out with its IPS Black display, which is said to offer higher contrast ratios and better color accuracy than ordinary IPS panels.

HP's foray into the smart monitor space with the Omen 32x and its refreshed G2 lineup marks a significant shift in the company's approach to gaming monitors. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these innovative products are received by gamers and streaming enthusiasts alike.