SlimPort is not a new technology, but is newly implemented into mobile devices worldwide. Launching first off with Google’s new flagship phone, the Nexus 4, SlimPort aims to replace all device-to-display adaptors by providing a single adaptor to both charge and extend your device.

     When the Nexus 4 was first announced and released into the public, we were upset at the lack of apparent MHL compatibility, but were relieved to find out that wired mirroring was still an option, just through a slightly different route. Instead of using MHL, Google and LG decided to go with SlimPort. While similar, SlimPort provides a more user friendly experience when attempting to mirror your device’s display to a external monitor.

     When using MHL, as most of you may have found out, the device requires a specific MHL compatible external display to allow you to simply plug and play your device without having any problems. You start to run into issues with you have a standard HDMI input which is not “MHL Optimized.” What this means is the user now has to plug in an external power supply in order for the MHL cable to transmit to the external display. SlimPort is trying to get rid of that requirement by enabling new displayport products and devices to power the device directly from the receiving port on the external display. What if the port doesn’t support it? SlimPort is still able to provide video output even without needing an external power supply.

     While this seems like a pretty taken for granted technology, it removes the need for multiple cables and ports on modern devices just to get an external display up and running. As well as only requiring a fraction of the work, these new cables will support various video out capabilities such as displayport, HDMI, and VGA – meaning that you’ll be able to attach it to nearly any monitor on the go. You read up and check out some more information which is available on SlimPort’s site.