Microsoft Wireless Display V2 Adapter - Black

NOTE: This is an updated review after testing the device in more detail.

I have a Chromecast, an Amazon TV Fire Stick and this. For the ones who are wondering (I had the same questions before I bought them), although there are similarities, all these products have significant differences due to their underlying technology standards. You will hear of terms such as Miracast, WiDi, etc., and it may be useful to check if the devices you want to use it with (laptop, tablets, smartphones) are compatible. For example, relatively old versions of Android phones and Windows laptops that do not possess the correct hardware/software may not work but usually would have to be more than 3-5 years old. Also, entry levels smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy J5 (2016) won't work with it so it is advisable to check online if it works.

What this device does (and quite well), is to transmit the image and sound from supported devices to a monitor/TV. It is basically a "wireless HDMI cable". It works by default in Windows 10, if using earlier versions you may need some Intel software. Both the USB port on my monitor and TV were enough to power it. Even thought the USB port on my relatively old LG TV was a "service" port, it still worked. If you don't have a USB port nearby you can use your phone USB charger if it has a USB A port.

Setup wasn't that complicated. Strongly suggest using a Windows 10 laptop for the initial setup and downloading the Wireless Display Adapter app from the store. After connecting to the device, check for firmware upgrades and upgrade the firmware.

To connect to it using Windows 10, use the Connect icon on the Action Centre in the taskbar.

Funny and true story...when I first tested it (very briefly) I was able to get image and sound from my "fantastic" Dell Monitor using my laptop. A few days later I tried to mirror my Galaxy S4 screen to the same monitor but no sound. Then I went on to do something else and later discovered the sound on the monitor was super low (not mute), so I tought I need to try phone again. A few weeks later, tried phone again, same issue. Then a light switched on my brain, checked and the sound on the monitor was super low again. So I asked my girlfriend if she turns the volume down when she uses my monitor to study. I think you already know the answer!

So if sound is not working, check for things like volume on both devices, update firmware, check with your partner :)

So why the 4 stars instead of 5:
On the good side, the device in my opinion is very good and high quality, the mirroring from my S4 was fantastic and lag free, slightly better than the Chromecast!
It does not have a dedicated USB power adapter which means easier to transport and seems to require minimum power because it worked well in my "old" TV USB service port.
Great as a quick cable free solution from my laptop which I use a lot for work as an extended screen.
As the image is transmitted directly, no need to connect to Wi-Fi network like the Chromecast, it feels faster and works much better with laptops.

On the not so good side, I don't think the original price is worth the money, but when the price was halved it was a different story.
On 2 different laptops, I noticed a bit more lag than I expected (I read lot of people have different lag experiences) but the latest firmware seems to have improved it a bit.
I also noticed a bit of blur (no it's not the resolution, nor the monitor, same on TV). I have a Dell UltraSharp monitor! For example the text on the Windows menus seems to be missing a few bits. On closer inspection seems to be a refresh/frame rate issue. A bit of reading confirmed that it may be a limitation of the technology. There may be workarounds (or not) but I haven't explored this further.
If you use it mainly for work it's not an issue but if for gaming or movies you may be slightly disappointed.
In extended mode, sometimes when transitioning from monitor to laptop it's like the mouse cursor hits a wall, I have to move it to the other side and then try again.
As the USB cable is short (I haven't required it to be long yet), it would have been nice to have an USB extension included in the box, since it does not have a USB power supply and other similar device that are cheaper offer one.

Unlike the Chromecast, Roku's and Amazon Fire TV Stick this is not a media player/streaming device but I believe it has its usefulness.

This works effortlessly with my Windows 10 laptop and with my Surface Pro 4. It plugs into a HDMI port, drawing its power from USB, whether on the TV or monitor or from another USB power source. The product design is neat and pleasing and build quality seems good.

For work purposes, this thing is great for easily adding a TV as a second screen without the hassle and trip hazard of intervening cables. It's ideal for collaborative work or as a quick and portable set-up for presentations that you can carry in your laptop bag.

While this device is good at what it does, it is, however, far too jumpy to use to show video over the wireless connection; really, don't buy this if that's what you intend to use it for.

I travel a lot and stay in a lot of hotels and wanted to use the hotel's TV's to watch my own content from my laptop. It has been perfect! I use the TV as extended desktop so I can watch anything I wish while working on the main laptop screen! You do get the odd stutter from time to time but it lasts for less than a second.

You need to make sure that your wifi card supports wireless displays but most wifi cards made in the last 5 years should work.

I've not noticed any real lag but you couldn't really game on the wireless screen due to the nature of the wireless technology but it is perfect for watching netflix/youtube/VLC player!

I did own the first version of this adaptor but it used to drop out all the time and was a massive pain so I gave it to a friend but Microsoft has greatly improved it no end.

Really would love to see TV's have these integrated into them in the future as it's made travelling a lot more enjoyable, just remember to unplug it when you're done and not leave it in the hotel like I did lol

easily a 5 out 5 for me!

Bought this to replace my Netgear Miracst device, which was awesome, but sadly the USB connection was becoming a little dodgy through heavy use. This Microsoft Wireless adapter is the perfect replacement, exceeding all expectations. I guess it should work well as I use it with my Microsoft Surface Pro 4, and thus both being Microsoft should work well together. I have also used it with a Samsung phone and also worked well. Video is almost perfect with rarely any stutter and for normal presentation work, nigh on perfect. It is also neat and compact and simple to set up. Unlike a number of similar devices it does not require to be connected to your wireless network, so is completely transportable, enabling me to connect to any TV or projector via an HDMI slot and powering off any available USB slot or via an adapter. Sadly the only time it wont work is through a HDMI cat5/6 Video sender, but I can live with that. After all I don't always need to project wirelessly, just like the freedom it gives me when doing presentations, and it looks very professional when I do.

I highly recommend this device.

I bought this to connect my Surface Pro 4 (Windows 10) to my LG HDTV, despite reading a few reviews of people having issues with connection, and assuming that they were simply a bit unfortunate in their experience. However, I have had constant problems with connecting to my Surface.

It has connected only twice for maybe an hour or so before disconnecting, and since then I have not made a successful connection lasting more than a few seconds.

I have tried resetting the adaptor, installing the current firmware, and made sure all my Windows updates are the latest, but to no avail. Sadly, I have now made the decision to return the item, and now have ordered a hard wire cable instead.

I hope Microsoft sorts this issue out and that everyone else has a bit better luck with their wireless adaptors!