Google is working away behind the scenes on a wireless mirroring standard for its Android devices, similar to Apple’s own AirPlay feature, reports have suggested.
Despite the rise of the promising Miracast standard, GigaOM reports that Google wants to create something of its own that will be a standard on all Android devices, just like AirPlay is on iOS devices.
In fact, Google recently tinkered with some wireless smartphone to TV magic with its new YouTube update for Android, which allows the user to start a video on a mobile Android device and beam it to a Google TV device such as the Sony NSZ-GS7 set top box.
The standard is thought to be currently in development at Google HQ and as such little is known about exactly how it will work. However, if Google wants to create something that’s easy to use for everyone, it’s going to need to bring compatibility to as wide a range of internet connected TVs, set top boxes and even games consoles as possible – not just Google TV products.
Some Android manufacturers have already taken things into their own hands when it comes to mirroring smartphones to TVs – Samsung offers its own AllShare and AllShare Cast service on the latest phones, while HTC offers wireless streaming to your TV using its Media Link box.
Both of these systems use the DLNA standard which ensures compatibility with any other device that’s also certified, and early reports have confirmed Google will be creating a solution that is DLNA compliant.
The service will reportedly allow data to flow in both directions – from phone or tablet to device and vice versa – which will provide a complete “second screen experience”. From early reports it sounds as though Google is also looking to use the technology to send extra information to your smartphone or tablet while you watch something, just as the Xbox SmartGlass app does right now for gamers.
There’s currently no word on when Google’s solution will launch, although its inclusion in the next major Android update is most likely.
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Via: MacRumors