In the latest version of Android called 4.2, Miracast has been implemented as a standard. Miracast enables users to stream movies, music and photos from an Android smartphone or tablet onto the TV screen, and is considered a direct challenger to Apple’s AirPlay.

Miracast challenges Airplay
Apple owners have been enjoying Airplay’s wireless media streaming capabilities for almost 3 years but Android owner no longer have to be envious. Miracast has been implemented in the latest version of Android 4.2 and will offer the same functionality. Miracast can also stream the entire Android home screen to the TV, as is possible with AirPlay Mirroring.


Miracast challenges AirPlay with wireless streaming of media content onto the TV screen

Miracast is the Android feature that will connect Android smart devices in the home to the TV. Right now, it requires a relatively expensive HDMI dongle (cost around 60-70 USD) that needs to be connected to the TV but in the future Miracast can be built into Smart TVs, Blu-ray players and media boxes. Samsung’s dual-core 2012 Smart TVs, for example, offer AllShare Cast that is based on Miracast. LG says that their 2013 TVs will support Miracast, too.

Miracast is an exciting new system for Android owners but it should be noted that it is only available as a standard feature in Android 4.2 tablets and smartphones. Even if your current device is updated to Android 4.2 at a later stage, it is not guaranteed to work with Miracast as the system also requires hardware.

Microsoft also recently unveiled a similar system called SmartGlass.

See the Miracast demonstration below.