Maimpok

After Google’s announcement that the upcoming Android 4.2 Jelly Bean platform will include built-in support for wireless display mirroring via Miracast, it seemed only a matter of time until device manufacturers likewise announce support for the standard. According to information gleaned from the Wi-Fi Alliance’s certifications page, LG and Sony are likewise actively pursuing this wireless standard.

Miracast is a standard approved by the Wi-Fi Alliance that enables devices to wirelessly stream video content without the need for a central hub. Because it works through WiFi direct, Miracast-enabled devices can directly communicate with each other. And because it requires standards certifications, it should work across different brands, for as long as these are Miracast certified.
According to a recent listing of certified products on the Wi-Fi Alliance page, a few brands are already submitting their products for inclusion in the standard. The companies are just a limited number at this point, but some brands are noteworthy. For instance, we have the following:

• LG Electronics, which has listed a media dongle DWD-300
• Sony, which has listed a USB wireless adapter module
• Samsung, which has listed its Echo-P Series TV

It’s interesting to note a this time that some of these companies are seeking certification for attachments or add-ons to existing devices. This means support for legacy displays and TVs, which will pave the way for use even on older gadgets. But more importantly, it’s a sign that big consumer brands like Samsung, LG and Sony are serious in supporting the standard on upcoming devices. Soon, new TVs will support wireless display mirroring out of the box.
What’s an even bigger possibility is that Miracast is set to overtake Apple’s own Airplay standard. Airplay theoretically works on any compatible TV set. But there’s a big requirement: you need to plug in an Apple TV in order to stream content from an iPhone, iPod or iPad. With Miracast being adopted as a standard by different brands, we are likely to see wider adoption, with more consumers enjoying display mirroring and streaming on platforms like Android.
If you’re not convinced of the possibilities of wireless display mirroring through the Miracast display standard, you can check out the video we featured before, in which Texas Instruments demonstrated playing a game on a big screen using a tablet for control. We have also started writing about products that support Miracast, including tablets and smartphones.