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Editor's take: Today's phone silicon is more powerful than you'd think. If DisplayLink can execute properly and get partners on board, its docking solution idea certainly has appeal for those looking to consolidate their tech.
Despite efforts by companies such as Microsoft and Samsung, the whole "phone as PC" concept never really took off. But one company thinks it has what it takes to make it happen: DisplayLink, a subsidiary of Synaptics.
PCWorld reports that DisplayLink demonstrated a docking solution at CES this year that allowed users to drive multiple 4K displays, a keyboard, a mouse, storage, and even accessories – all powered by the processor and graphics inside a phone.
The solution comes in two flavors: a wired version with the phone physically linking to the dock via USB-C, and a wireless option running over Wi-Fi to an external dongle.
The idea is to essentially use your Android smartphone as the brains for a full desktop setup. DisplayLink says that flagship smartphone chips nowadays offer performance comparable to laptops with Intel Core i5 processors and integrated graphics.
The technology treats the connected displays as true external monitors akin to a multi-monitor PC setup. Each screen can show different content, separate from what's on the phone itself.
Handling things behind the scenes are specialized software drivers that compress and transmit the display data over USB-C or wireless, similar to how video streaming services beam content to your TV. But this compression doesn't noticeably impact visuals.
The specialized software drivers need to be integrated into Android for them to work. And therein lies the big catch: convincing Google and phone manufacturers to actually get on board. But DisplayLink seems quite confident that its hardware is capable of the experience they're promising – with the right dock.
Sideloading those drivers can be an option, too. The DisplayLink promo does say they "run on any USB-C Android device."
It's not a unique concept. Samsung's DeX platform already lets you run Android in a desktop-style mode with an external monitor. But DisplayLink envisions something more akin to a true multi-monitor PC experience.
Past efforts like Continuum fell flat due to performance issues and a lack of ecosystem buy-in. It remains to be seen if DisplayLink's take will gain more traction. Let's see if the "everything on my phone" crowd notices.
Image credit: PCWorld
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