While we love new technology and where it’s headed here at 9to5Google, nothing quite tickles our nerd bone than when someone manages to equip an old nostalgic piece of everyday tech with modern day features. In this case, that’s a 1978 tube TV with a built-in Chromecast…
MHLtech has just announced an upgrade to the Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) standard which will allow smartphones and tablets to output 4k video to a TV or monitor over USB cables, rather than the 1080p of the current standard. Devices will be able to transmit 3840×2160 at up to 30 frames per second.
MHL is likely to have a short-lived future, however. While it’s supported by the likes of Nokia, Samsung, Toshiba and Sony, and will likely be the only 4k solution in the short-term, wired connections feel rather quaintly old-school. Powering the phone via USB may be a small bonus, but the future is undoubtedly in video over wifi, with both Miracast and Apple’s Airplay standards getting all the love. Neither supports 4k as yet, but it can only be a matter of time.
The updated MHL standard will be available to manufacturers from next month.
Via arsTechnica