The Ubuntu developers are finally working on a new feature called Aethercast for Ubuntu phones, which is a way to connect to the Miracast protocol.

One of the issues with the Ubuntu convergence is that it’s only available for the Nexus 4 devices, which can output video via an MHL connection. Other Ubuntu phones don’t allow this, which is annoying since the Nexus device is pretty old and scarce.

The simplest way of solving this issue is with a software solution, in this case by implementing support for the Miracast service. This is basically Wi-Fi Display and allows for the connection of a device to a monitor that has Wi-Fi networking capabilities. It’s described best described as "HDMI over Wi-Fi."

Aethercast for Ubuntu phones

A new entry has been spotted on Launchpad, thanks to Carla Sella, one of the Ubuntu insiders. It’s called Aethercast, and it’s just that, a software solution that should allow users to connect to the display that support the Miracast protocol.

Miracast is already pretty widespread, even if it’s not present in most of the monitors and TV, but, at least, it’s something more than just a cable for a very old phone. This is likely just the beginning, and it’s likely that Aethercast will support other protocols in the future.

Canonical was teasing just a couple of weeks ago something about convergence that was coming “soon.” We figured that it could be something related to the new BQ phone that’s supposed to provide hardware connection to displays, but it’s not more likely that they were talking about Aethercast.

This is really good news since a lot of users were asking for some kind of a solution so they can use the Ubuntu phone as a PC while connected to a display. It will take a while to get the project going, but we’ll probably have more information after the holidays.