Microsoft unveils Their Chromecast - Works with Windows and Android

[TheSLSAMG]

I've had one for about 9 months and never had a problem. Maybe your router just sucks.

But it doesn't. It is just Verizon's stock solution, but my Shield Portable can stream 720p 60FPS just fine on it.

[GoodBytes]

I've had one for about 9 months and never had a problem. Maybe your router just sucks.

Like I said, I have the same problem. It's ok if you use youtube or Chrome web browser or teh apps (which many of them don't work in Canada due to the lack of service being available here).. minus the huge lag, but desktop sharing, or 1080p.. ouch.

I have the ASUS RT-N66U (2.4Ghz and 5GHz), and before I had the Linksys WRT-160N (2.4GHz - early Wireless N Draft). So it can't be Wireless N, especially that I was right next to the router.

With miracast, I could pick any movies, video and stream to it. I can use any web browser and it works, text is sharper from what i saw with other Miracast devices. So if Microsoft one is a solid performer, competing against the more expensive ones, I definitively going to get it.

[patrickjp93]

No, any HDMI plug that long is asking to be torqued and broken. I went with a flexible USB headphone dongle when my old ioplate audio jacks died for a reason. Stiff connectors are BAD!

[nitroxyl]

So on the product page it says it can be used with a monitor. However, what if my monitor has no USB port? How would this mirror my desktop display assuming the USB is the plug that draws power.

[GoodBytes]

So on the product page it says it can be used with a monitor. However, what if my monitor has no USB port? How would this mirror my desktop display assuming the USB is the plug that draws power.

Most monitor have a powered USB hub, but in your case, just get a USB extension cord.

It would be nice if the cable was detachable and you use your own micro USB to normal USB. But, I think I understand the direction Microsoft went.

I think they wanted to reduce the bulk by the connection, increase product reliability (micro-USB breaking, and exclude problems of not being properly plugged in), and have it easy to carry. (well easier to carry in your bag, should I say).

At least, I think that was the thought process, in that decision about it

[Geekazoid]

Nice. But what is a Chromecat?

Dah! Isn't it obvious? A cat made out of chrome. JK

[handymanshandle]

Oh well you know Microsoft fanboys and girls are going to be raving over this while all Google needs to do is add in updates for the Chromecast and it's still cheaper...

And before you say I'm a Google fanboy what not...

I prefer Ubuntu and OS X...

I wish Canonical had larger support for Ubuntu Phone but iOS and Android is cool too...

[Bensemus]

Don't know if this was asked yet but reading articles on this makes it seem like only 8.1 users will be able to use it and us 7 users are left in teh dust. Is this true?

[RH00D]

Don't know if this was asked yet but reading articles on this makes it seem like only 8.1 users will be able to use it and us 7 users are left in teh dust. Is this true?

It works with any device that supports the Miracast standard. Currently there are 728 source devices that are certified to work with Miracast display devices (This Wireless Display Adapter is certified display device). But that means the source device must have software and hardware support. For Windows that is Windows 8.1 and above (Hardware must also have support). For Android it is version 4.2.2 and above (again the hardware must also support Miracast). I believe Windows Phone OS supports it at version 8.1.

 

You can find the entire list of fully supported source devices here: http://www.wi-fi.org/certified-products-results?cid=&sortby=default&org=0&ga_capabilities=[%22Miracast%C2%AE+-+Source%22]&ga_capabilities=[%22Miracast%C2%AE+-+Source%22]&category=Select&start_date[date]=&end_date[date]=&capabilities[67]=67&op=Search&form_build_id=form-GD3q7JSb8Izl3fukw2F01Ndzk1y4U9_K3d8Jr-emu-Y&form_id=wifi_cert_api_advanced_search_form

[thebennyboy]

Its an effing rectangle... Call me when MS makes something with curves

 

No. Apple would probably sue them. 

[SuperfastJellyfish]

Looks good, if it proves to work better than my Chromecast I might get one, but so far it works perfectly for me.

[Sharp_3yE]

I don't know much about Miracast, but I have a question. I understand from what I've read that Windows 8.1 is needed to have Miracast support in Windows. What else is needed ? I see demos with tablets and laptops but nothing with desktops. If I would like to share my desktop which is Ethernet (wired) and not WIFI. Do I need a WIFI Miracast adapter to stream to a Miracast dongle such as this Microsoft one ?

 

I could really see a solution like this to stream my desktop, my phone's wife, my phone and my wife's tablet.

I believe you need the LASTEST update to windows 8.1 to have your PC support Miracast.

 

Its an effing rectangle... Call me when MS makes something with curves

Why the heck does it matter. It connects to your TV and you don't need to worry about it or look at it hopefully if your TV hides it.

 

FOR EVERYONE! You can buy any of these Miracast dongles instead if you find the price to high, don't like the look, don't like MS, or what ever. The prices range from mostly $20-$100 USD

 

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=miracast+dongle&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=19632418961&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10599361631906505477&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_4hd5q8thoa_e

[Bensemus]

It works with any device that supports the Miracast standard. Currently there are 728 source devices that are certified to work with Miracast display devices (This Wireless Display Adapter is certified display device). But that means the source device must have software and hardware support. For Windows that is Windows 8.1 and above (Hardware must also have support). For Android it is version 4.2.2 and above (again the hardware must also support Miracast). I believe Windows Phone OS supports it at version 8.1.

 

You can find the entire list of fully supported source devices here: http://www.wi-fi.org/certified-products-results?cid=&sortby=default&org=0&ga_capabilities=[%22Miracast%C2%AE+-+Source%22]&ga_capabilities=[%22Miracast%C2%AE+-+Source%22]&category=Select&start_date[date]=&end_date[date]=&capabilities[67]=67&op=Search&form_build_id=form-GD3q7JSb8Izl3fukw2F01Ndzk1y4U9_K3d8Jr-emu-Y&form_id=wifi_cert_api_advanced_search_form

I looked through that and I didn't see windows on it. Anyway is there any way to get to work on win 7? My family doesn't have any pc's with 8.1 on them.

[GoodBytes]

I looked through that and I didn't see windows on it. Anyway is there any way to get to work on win 7? My family doesn't have any pc's with 8.1 on them.

Under Win7 I noticed "wireless projector" being a feature, but I have 0 idea if it's miracast or something else.

Never tried.

In Win8.1, you have the option that says "connect to a wireless display" from the charm bar