There are many types of wireless display adapters on the market like Google’s Chromecast and Apple TV; both of which use a proprietary technology that requires specific support to be built into an app or software to be able to mirror your device to a television, projector or monitor.
Unlike these display adaptors, the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter uses Miracast technology to stream content from devices. Microsoft’s Wireless Display Adapter also does not require a Wi-Fi connection or for devices to be on the same network to share presentations, photos or watch videos.
Microsoft Surface or Surface Pro Windows tablets running Windows 8.1 or higher support the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter natively, as do Android devices running 4.2.1 or later. Miracast connections are formed using Wi-Fi CERTIFIED Wi-Fi Direct, so access to a Wi-Fi network is not needed – the ability to connect is inside Miracast-certified devices.
The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter is easy to use. One end connects to the HDMI port on your TV, monitor or projector. The other end ,which is a USB, connects to a USB port on the same device. Once connected, select the corresponding HDMI port as the source on the TV.
Next, connect to the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter with your smartphone, tablet or computer. On a Windows device activate the charms on the right. Click or tap Devices > Project > Connect to a different display > Add a wireless display. The name of the Wireless Display Adapter should appear. Select it to connect to the adapter.
On an Android device access the Settings > Display > Cast screen. There you can enable Miracast by choosing Enable wireless display from the settings menu. The adapter name should appear in the list of devices and a simple tap will connect to it.
In the workplace where you may have knowledge workers with Surface tablets ,as an example, any person can project from their device to the projector or TV without the need for an IT person to set up a projector or suffer the embarrassment of not being able to connect a laptop due to cabling or projection problems. You also no longer need to have a computer in your conference room since the computer is with each presenter.
If you’re tired of transferring your projects, photos and presentations onto USB, this easy and portable technology, which costs $60 or less at your local computer store, could be just the thing to make your business meetings and presentations run smoothly.
Tammy Malone is a Help Desk Support Specialist at Triella, a technology consulting company specializing in providing technology audits, planning advice, project management and other CIO-related services to small and medium sized firms. Tammy can be reached at 647.426.1004. For additional articles, go to www.triella.com/publications. Triella is a VMware Professional Partner, Microsoft Certified Partner, Citrix Solution Advisor – Silver, Dell Preferred Partner, Authorized Worldox Reseller and a Kaspersky Reseller.
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