Microsoft TV plug-in gadget mirrors mobile screens

Microsoft on Tuesday put its spin on Google's Chromecast with a device that lets people mirror what's on Windows-powered tablets or smartphones on their television screens.

Microsoft on Tuesday put its spin on Google's Chromecast with a device that lets people mirror what's on Windows-powered tablets or smartphones on their television screens.

The US technology giant unveiled Microsoft Wireless Display Adaptor, a thumb-drive-size gizmo that plugs into HDMI and USB ports in televisions, and then wirelessly connects with tablets, computer or smartphones running Miracast software.

Several companies already make Miracast plug-in devices for televisions.

'With the Wireless Display Adaptor, I don't have to worry about getting everyone to huddle around a device,' Brandon LeBlanc of Microsoft said in a blog post.

'All the content I care about, along with audio, is easily shared on the big screen.'

The adaptors were available at Microsoft's online shop for order in the US and Canada at a price of $60, with release set for October.

Google launched a Chromecast 'dongle' in July of last year with a price of $35.

Chromecast plugs into television sets and allows people to essentially use smartphones or tablets to orchestrate content streamed directly from the Internet 'cloud.'

In contrast, the Microsoft adaptor is depicted as beaming onto television what is in browsing software on mobile devices.