Convenience is key, whether you are at home or in your office, and nothing is more convenient than the flash drive sized dongles that can replace those cumbersome HDMI cables. These devices have loads of potential, and their uses range from entertainment to communication to business. Which one is right for you? Below is a comparison of Chromecast and a Miracast product.
Microsoft Miracast:
Miracast is a technology found in a myriad of devices, but the most recognizable are the Roku products. The focus of this blog post will be on the Microsoft Wireless Display Adapter because of its business applications.
Pros:
- Screen mirroring: the MWDA acts as a wireless HDMI cable. This means it can display a screen from one device onto a television or projector, exactly as if you’d plugged an HDMI cable into both devices. However, unlike an HDMI cable, the MWDA can work from mobile devices like a tablet or smart phone.
- Does not require a router: the MWDA uses WiFi Direct instead of a middle man. This can (but doesn’t always) mean that the connection between the devices is quicker and smoother, especially when watching videos or listening to music.
- Works best from a PC or tablet: while it is possible for the MWDA to connect to a smartphone, it is more practical and easier to mirror a laptop desktop or a tablet screen.
Cons:
- Windows and Android only: since the MWDA (and Miracast in general) is a Microsoft product, it does not work with Apple devices. This means you can’t mirror your iPad screen.
- Exclusively used for screen mirroring: the MWDA cannot be used for anything but screen mirroring. It really is just a wireless HDMI cable. Whatever you do on your laptop or mobile device will be mirrored on the screen that the MWDA is plugged into. You cannot use your device for other things during the mirroring – so if your cell phone rings during your presentation, everyone will know who’s calling.
- Price: the MWDA is listed at $60. It’s not an exorbitant price, especially when you consider what you’re getting out of it, but it is more expensive than the Chromecast.
Google Chromecast:
The Google Chromecast is Google’s response to devices like the Roku dongle. Chromecast, at its best, works through apps on mobile devices. However, this little device certainly packs a punch, and can definitely hold its own against competitors.
Pros:
- “Cast” button: the Chromecast device detects “castable” content on mobile devices like tablets and smartphones when connected to the corresponding mobile app. The great thing about this button is that once you’ve pressed it, the Chromecast takes over. You can now use your mobile device for other things—or even shut it off. Once the Chromecast understands that you wish to watch an episode of Daredevil on Netflix, it’ll keep playing that episode, no matter what you start doing on your phone or tablet. This button also exists on the Chrome web browser, so you can mirror your web browser on your television screen.
- Works best from a smartphone or tablet: unlike the MWDA, the Chromecast works best from mobile devices where the Chromecast app is easily accessible. Since the Chromecast works through approved apps (most notably: Netflix, Youtube, and Hulu), it makes sense that the mobile platform is easiest for it to handle.
- Price: the Chromecast is listed at $35. Compared to the MWDA, that’s a steal. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better.
Cons:
- Screen mirroring: the screen mirroring on the Chromecast is still in beta testing. It can mirror PC screens, but it’s often buggy. The connection tends to be slower and blotchy, especially with video or music.
- Apple or Android: the Chromecast is able to work with most mobile devices. However, if you’ve got a Windows phone, you’re out of luck. Like with Microsoft and its inability to work with Apple products, Google has isolated Windows mobile devices.
- Requires a router: unlike the MWDA, the Chromecast needs a router. It does not work through WiFi Direct, which explains the issues with screen mirroring. Instead of communicating directly with the streaming device, the Chromecast must connect via the router.
So, Miracast vs. Chromecast? All in all, both of these devices are pretty cool. In my opinion, the MWDA has much better business applications than the Chromecast, but the Chromecast makes entertainment at home more enjoyable. There are lots of media devices like these out there, so do your own research to find out which one will work best for you. Hopefully, this article will help you make your decision!
