Microsoft today announced a Wireless Display Adapter that is able to display content from a Micracast enabled mobile device on a TV. The HDMI stick will first become available to users in the United States and Canada.
Microsoft will take pre-orders in these countries starting today and will sent out the sticks in October. The Wireless Display Adapter will cost $59.95 (about € 46.50). That's more expensive than Google's Chromecast which is available for $35 / €35. Microsoft's stick works with devices running Windows 8.1, Windows Phone 8.1 and Android 4.2.1 and higher. For mobile devices to be able to send content to the TV they need to support the Micracast standard.
According to Microsoft the benefit of their Wireless Display Adapter over Chromecast is that it will work with nearly all apps and streaming media services. For Chromecast to send content to a TV, an app needs to support it. The Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter uses a HDMI and USB port of the TV, the latter for powering the device.
Miracast is a peer-to-peer wireless screencasting standard formed via Wi-Fi Direct connections in a manner similar to Bluetooth. It enables wireless delivery of audio and video to or from desktops, tablets, mobile phones, and other devices.
