Second screen apps link video wirelessly to HDTV
BY JEFF BERTOLUCCI
Sunday, February 03, 2013
2/03/13 at 4:19 AM
Ever catch yourself checking email or browsing the Web while you're watching your favorite show?
You're not alone.
Now you can do a lot more with a second screen than post snarky comments on Twitter. Tech and media companies are rolling out apps and gadgets that let you send video wirelessly from a phone or tablet to your HDTV, get more information about the show you are watching and use your device as a remote control.
Mobile devices make convenient video players. But to get the thrill that only a big screen can provide, try Apple's AirPlay Mirroring app. With it you can wirelessly sling whatever is showing on your Apple phone, tablet or PC to an HDTV - as long as you also have an Apple TV media-streaming box ($99). AirPlay Mirroring can transmit everything that's on your mobile device, so it's handy for slide shows and other shared activities.
A free Google YouTube app does a similar trick for Android users. It sends video wirelessly from a phone or tablet to a TV or set-top box equipped with Google TV, an Internet-meets-TV platform that comes pre-installed on some devices, among them LG G2 series smart TVs.
Xbox SmartGlass is a free app for Android, Apple iOS, Windows Phone and Windows 8 devices that turns your phone or tablet into an Xbox game console. Plus, when you start a movie, TV show or game, the app automatically detects second-screen content, such as movie trivia and photo galleries, and retrieves it.
Original Print Headline: Second screen apps link video to HDTV
Jeff Bertolucci is a contributing editor to Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine. To send her a question or comment, go to tulsaworld.com/kiplingerfeedback.
