


#Medialink firmware update tv#
Think of the possibilities: you could watch streaming Netflix movies on the big screen while performing other tasks on the phone, or show off your presentation on the TV while glancing at your notes at the same time. Once released, it will allow developers to take advantage of the dual-screen functionality in much the same way as we just described when watching natively stored videos. That should change soon enough, however, because HTC has already pledged to soon release an API for the Media Link HD. After all, it's not like you're going to be watching the latest Ryan Gosling flick on your TV and your phone at the same time, so why not use the smaller screen to check emails, post on Facebook or anything else? As it currently stands, all third-party apps are simply mirrored to the TV, which means you see the same thing on both displays, with one image just being much larger than the other.
#Medialink firmware update movie#
But there's a twist: when you're watching a movie stored directly on your One X or One S (read: not on a third-party app, at least not yet), it won't actually play on the phone simultaneously. We're concerned that the proprietary technology may not be a convincing draw for developers.įirst and foremost, the new Media Link offers HDMI mirroring, which means everything you see on your mobile device can be displayed on your HDTV, computer monitor or other HD-compatible screen. Plenty of companies have even tried to put a unique spin on the idea - Motorola's Webtop dock comes to mind - but that didn't stop HTC from introducing the Media Link HD, an accessory embedded with proprietary technology that can, at present, only be supported by the prized One X, One S and EVO 4G LTE (sorry, One V owners). Samsung also announced a similar product in association with the Galaxy S III last month which takes advantage of WiFi Direct. In fact, it's blossomed into an incredibly crowded market heavily saturated by thousands of DLNA-certified devices (one of which being the original Media Link) and services like Apple's AirPlay. The concept of pushing media from your mobile device to your home entertainment network or a board room projection screen is certainly nothing new.
#Medialink firmware update full#
The new device keeps things simple on the outside, offering a single reset button on one end and a full HDMI port and Micro-USB charging port on the other. Regardless, much like the rest of the Media Link HD's design, this isn't going to be a factor in your decision to purchase it. Perhaps it makes the thing easier to grip when your thumb is there. The back even has a cute little dimple smack-dab in the middle if there's a reason for it to be there (aside from hopes that a chorus of awws will magically ensue) we're not sure what it is. As for cosmetic differences, HTC opted for glossy, black on the top, while the bottom is constructed from a grainy, dark grey plastic. It also has a similar body and style as its predecessor, the DLNA-streaming Media Link. Measuring 84 x 52 x 12.2mm (3.31 x 2.05 x 0.48 inches), it's smaller than a credit card and a bit thicker than the One X. We don't mean to say it's an eyesore - far from it, in fact - it's just not a product that the folks in Taiwan felt the need to put extra thought into, at least in the looks department. The Media Link HD is a tiny black box that isn't going to win any design awards or beauty contests (sorry, we mean "scholarship pageants"). A solid concept, to be sure, but is it worth shelling out at least $90 for this little darling? Tune in below to find out. Once connected, it gives you the opportunity to stream movies to your television and perform other tasks on your phone at the same time. We have little doubt that HTC is trying to keep the Media Link HD small and simple: it's a credit-card-sized dongle that easily fits in the palm of your hand, and only takes a smooth, three-finger gesture to pair it up with your One X or One S. After an arguably unsuccessful attempt at offering the DLNA standard via the original Media Link, HTC has decided to fly solo with the Media Link HD in the hopes that the accessory will add value to the company's high-end One handsets. DLNA, the most popular standard, is compatible with an army of dozens - if not hundreds - of products, while giants like Apple and Samsung have chosen different routes. It's hard to keep track of the various solutions companies are using to deliver this feature to their customers. As wireless technology becomes more advanced, the demand for more sophisticated options to stream media from your mobile device to your HDTV steadily increases.
