Today's higher-end mobile devices rival some desktop machines in their ability to stream high-definition video and audio, display 3D content, and support enterprise-worthy applications. But those capabilities aren't especially useful when you're limited to finger-tapping and swiping on an eyestraining 4-inch touchscreen.
A newly unveiled standard, dubbed Mobile DisplayPort (MyDP for short), could help users unleash pent-up mobile processing power and transform smartphones and tablets from PC supplements into viable PC replacements. It lets users stream high-definition video, audio, and 3D content -- 1080p full HD resolution, 24-bit color, and 60Hz -- from their mobile devices to any type of display via a standard micro-USB connector.
According to VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association), the group behind the standard, MyDP lets you easily connect a supported device to a larger external DisplayPort or HDMI-equipped display, such as a PC monitor or HDTV. Users also are able to connect to legacy DVI and VGA displays, projectors, and TVs through the use of MyDP adapters and active converters.
The MyDP interface includes a 1Mbps sideband channel that provides enough bandwidth to support accessory functions, including multitouch, keyboard, mouse, and remote control, according to VESA. Also noteworthy: Users will be able to charge their mobile device battery, drawing power from the display through the MyDP cable.
Adding MyDP support to smartphones and tablets doesn't add cost or complexity, according to Bill Lempesis, executive director of VESA.
If widely adopted, the standard could help Android and Windows Phone devices catch up with those from Apple. The company offers screen mirroring and media output through its proprietary dock connector and AirPlay streaming, and it's been using VESA's Mini DisplayPort technology in Macs for several years.
