What is Airplay?
AirPlay is a protocol created by Apple that allows two positives to be detected, connected, and video and sound can be sent without the need for cables. We could say that it is an alternative to other similar protocols such as Miracast or Google Cast, but controlled by Apple so that the technology meets its needs.
Using AirPlay, you can play multimedia content from a single compatible source, such as an iPhone, and stream it to multiple devices that are also compatible and are on the same network, such as a television or stereo system.
It is a fairly versatile protocol, which allows you to send videos and music to compatible televisions or speakers. You can also do mirroring, which means being able to reflect what you do on the screen of your mobile, tablet or computer on the television.
In short, we can say that it is a centralized alternative by having to connect different types of devices to each other. For example, you do not need to connect your phone or computer to the TV via a cable to send videos or to be able to transmit what you do on the screen, or use a cable to connect them to a musical equipment in which to reproduce audio.
Alternatives to this tool for Android
We are going with the applications that can serve as alternatives to Airplay, once we already know how this service works. They are going to be quite familiar to us, as they resemble what Miracast is today.
Double twist
A free app that helps sync your Android device with iTunes and other services like media player, it has new AirPlay support that is available to users updating with AirSync. What is it about? It is an application that is available for download that allows the Double Twist application to sync with iTunes. Using the same wireless network, you can stream multimedia content from your Android device.
iMediaShare Lite
This is another free application that is useful for streaming music, photos, videos, and other multimedia content from your Android device to an Apple TV, but only if they are connected through the same wireless network. It only requires the installation of this application, which will detect your Apple TV from the Android device itself. Those who love streaming from online sites like YouTube, CNN, etc. will especially enjoy this app.
Twonky beam
Next on our list is Twonky Beam, a free app for AirPlay, which offers users the freedom to stream audio, video, and photos to TV and any other device of your choice. For those who prefer the Internet to transmit their multimedia content, this application offers a pleasant experience. The operation of this application is similar to that of the AirPlay mirror. You can also access the media stored on your computer.
AllShare
For those who regularly use Samsung devices, the mention of this app comes as no surprise as this tool comes preloaded inside the device and is very similar to AirPlay. With this app, users can access all the data that is stored on other devices and, therefore, play it on their Android device. However, the main functionality offered is to be able to stream multimedia content on the Apple TV.
AirMusic
Not fully compatible with all applications due to Android’s own limitations, but it can be used in a good part of cases (directly or using a web browser like Xiaomi’s). It is a good patch for those who need to use AirPlay and only have their Android.
AirMusic is a paid application that costs 3.99 euros. Before buying it, you can check if it works with your devices using the ‘trial’ version. This works the same as the paid app, but you will have to restart it every ten minutes of streaming because AirMusic will emit a noise in the transmission after that time.
Android HiFi and AirBubble
There are two ways to look at this application; Android HiFi is the free version, while the AirBubble application license costs only about 2 euros. Through the app, one can turn their Android device into an AirPlay receiver. Audio content can be played on the Android device from iTunes or other devices. This is especially useful for those who want to roam the house with a common wireless network.
Allcast
For users who are well acquainted with Double Twist, this app comes as a nice update. The app performs the same function, but does it better than its prequel. Offering a list of devices to stream your content, all you have to do is choose the big screen to project on and you’re done.
However, unlike Double Twist, this one does not allow you to access applications in the background while the music is playing. A clear handicap, since there is not much to do on the app screen while the music is playing.
DS Video
DS Video can also be used to stream your video collection from your phone or tablet. Navigation is made relatively easy since each of them is classified in different libraries. In addition, throughout each film, enough information can be found to reach a conclusive decision on the choice of the same. Users who download the app also have the option to record television shows and manage their viewing schedules.
AirScreen – AirPlay, Cast & Miracast
Air Screen consists of several parts. You can allow your device to receive screen mirroring, photos, music, videos, and other media from phones, tablets, computers, etc. All of this transfer can be done over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, allowing you to experience the joy of sharing just about anything with family and friends on a bigger screen.
AirPlay For Android & Screen Mirorring TV
It is one of the most advanced multi-streaming protocol receivers (with Airplay, Chromecast and Miracast support) for Android. It allows you to use the local network connection (Wi-Fi / Ethernet) with family and friends to experience the new fun of Android screen sharing with other devices. In addition, it serves as an Airplay receiver.
