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Microsoft Corp. has unveiled a tiny device that turns every HDMI- and USB-equipped TV or monitor into a wireless display for Windows 8.1/Widows Phone 8.1-based personal computers, tablets or even smartphones. The gadget allows to show photos, videos or stream media content from PCs to TVs without a lot of hassles.
Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter connects to HDMI and USB ports (USB is required for power delivery) of a TV, monitor or projector. Users then need to pair their PCs, tablets or even smartphones running Microsoft’s latest operating systems with the adapter and enjoy the wireless display functionality. The device uses Miracast technology, so users can stream any content to large-screen TVs, including photos, videos, video games and so on.
Unlike Google’s Chromecast device, Microsoft wireless display adapter cannot go to the Internet and does not support apps. All it does, is connects screens to PCs, tablets or even smartphones that support Miracast technology. Consumers can use apps for Windows 8 or Windows Phone 8 (or even Android 4.4!) to get content on their screens.
The Microsoft wireless display adapter is available for preorder now in the U.S. and Canada. It will be generally available in October for $59.95 online at the Microsoft Store and at Best Buy and Microsoft Retail Store locations. It is unclear when the device becomes available in Europe.
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KitGuru Says: While wireless display technology is a nice thing, the price of the device seems to be quite high, given its simple functionality. The majority of modern smart TVs equipped with Wi-Fi support Miracast and therefore can be connected to any modern device for free. Still, if you own a new gaming laptop and want to play on a big screen that does not support Miracast out-of-box, then Microsoft’s wireless display adapter is a solution.
so its basically a chrome cast competitor? was hoping to replace display adapters with something wireless 😛
I think the real news here is that Windows 8.1 supports Miracast. This dongle just allows you to stream wirelessly to TVs and displays that don’t support it.
How is it different from Wi-Di? (Intel’s Wireless Display)
Last time I tried to use a Miracast capable TV on Windows 8.1 it was unusably buggy, even though it worked fine on Android. If they haven’t resolved that on the Windows end then there is simply no point in this gadget. They also need to bring true support to Windows 7 Miracast capable PCs/laptops, because again, last time I tried that it was beyond even buggy – it simply didn’t work.