Let’s admit it. As much as we all want WiDi to work, up until now, the results have been spotty at best.
Early launches of WiDi-ready devices were rocky, and that’s putting it nicely. Stuttering performance, driver issues, and lost functionality during critical presentations were just a few of the stumbling blocks early WiDi devices had when it they were released to the public last year.
Intel’s refreshed version of WiDi hopes to address these problems with new approach on multiple fronts. By using faster codecs, better hardware-to-client integration, and the processing power of 5th Gen Intel Core processors, Intel believes it can enhance WiDi’s reliability and even make wireless 4K possible, though that will only be enabled after a driver update later this month.
The new technology can be accessed through an adapter like Actiontec’s Mini 2 HDMI stick, a small device that can plug into any standard flatscreen monitor or TV for simple setup (the adapter itself is not new). Both DX9 and DX11 games will be supported in full screen mode (which represents a first for devices in this category), and a bundled Intel WiDi remote that allows for seamless dual-screen management can control the whole thing.
The Actiontec Mini 2 retails for $39.99. All 5th-gen Intel Core and Core M processors will incorporate this new technology, which is compatible with both Windows 7 and 8.1 systems.
