Microsoft announces the Wireless Display Adapter similar to Chromecast

Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter

Starting today, September 23rd, 2014, Microsoft is making available for pre-order the “Wireless Display adapter”. As the name summaries, this is an adapter that customers can purchase to project any content from Windows 8.1 and even Android devices to the big screen using Miracast technology. Sounds familiar? It should! Google has a similar product called “Chromecast” — if you haven’t heard — that works pretty much in the same way.

The adapter basically converts any HDTV, monitor or projector into a Miracast receiver. Devices supporting this screencasting technology includes Microsoft Surface family and various other Windows 8.1 tablets, though Surface RT is not compatible. Also Windows Phone headsets running 8.1 like the Lumia 1520 and Android devices running version 4.2.1 or later are also compatible.

Wireless Display Adapter

The Microsoft Wireless Display adapter is quite simple to set up, you only have to connect USB end and HDMI end to any of the three type of displays (If you HDTV doesn’t have a USB port, there is a power adapter too). Then select the right input on the display, pair your tablet, laptop, smartphone and you’re on your way.

The 23-foot range wireless adapter isn’t app dependent, because it actually streams everything is happening in your computer. So there is no restrictions on the content you can push to the big screen. And because it’s a simple adapter, you can take anywhere, for example, to your next tip, where you can plug the Microsoft Wireless Display adapter in your hotel room TV, to see the photos you took during the day.

This isn’t the only Miracast dongle that Microsoft has, there is also the Screen-Sharing HD-10 that cost $20 bucks more, but it also comes with NFC built-in that makes connecting to the bigger screen a little easier.

The Wireless Display Adapter will be available in October 2014 and it’ll be priced at $59.95.

Now the big question remains: would you buy the cheaper Google Chromecast that cost $35 or the Microsoft Wireless Adapter which cost $60?

Sourse Microsoft, Microsoft Hardware

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.