Google aims to take on Apple's AirPlay, Microsoft's Xbox SmartGlass
Google is reportedly working on an open alternative to the AirPlay functionality in Apple TV as the next phase opens in the battle for the living room between the search giant and Apple and Microsoft. Google is hoping to convince a variety of device and software makers to support the new open AirPlay initiative, according to GigaOm. It's not clear if the search giant is hoping to create a consortium for its open AirPlay plans similar to the Open Handset Alliance, which supports the development and distribution of Android devices.
Apple's AirPlay feature allows you to wirelessly send video and audio content from an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad to an Apple TV set-top box. Google's version of AirPlay would also support so-called second-screen experiences where auxiliary information such as actor biographical data is displayed in real time while you're watching a movie. Apple TV also offers second-screen features primarily for iOS games. Google recently introduced an AirPlay-like feature that lets you send YouTube videos from an Android device to Google TV in a recent software update to the search giant's Web-meets-broadcast TV service.
The ability to easily transfer content such as movies, television episodes, photos, and Web browser sessions to your television from a smartphone will soon be an essential part of anyone's tech set-up. Many home networks already include several PCs, a tablet or two, and two to four smartphones, all of which are capable of downloading content that would look much better on a big screen. The problem is, unless you have an iOS device and an Apple TV or wanted to struggle with wires, there hasn't been an easy way to do this.
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