Google to Take on Apple with Open AirPlay Alternative - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Google to Take on Apple with Open AirPlay Alternative

GigaOM reports that Google wants to take on Apple with an open AirPlay alternative.

YouTube recently launched AirPlay-like video beaming for Google TV and Android devices, but Google plans to take the technology much further. The company is working on an alternative to AirPlay, which it wants to bring to third-party devices and services – a clear shot at Apple.

Google's new protocol would also supplant the existing DLNA standard which offers similar functionality.

140318 airplay tangled

AirPlay from Apple allows Mac and iOS devices to easily stream audio, video and screen content to your Apple TV.

Google's system would reportedly be similar, and also allow data to flow in both directions, allowing full "second-screen experiences" that could relay information back to your phone or tablet. Google recently launched the first version of the service aimed at Android devices, Google TV and YouTube. Their plans are to expand their technology to other apps.

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
iphone 18 pro blue%402x

iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray Chassis Leaked [Update]

Thursday June 4, 2026 5:18 am PDT by
Update: Since publication, new information has come to light suggesting the images have been AI-manipulated and are not in fact iPhone 18 Pro chassis parts. The original article follows. The color options Apple is reportedly planning for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max have appeared online today in the form of images of chassis parts of unknown authenticity....
iOS 27 All the New App Features

iOS 27: All the Rumored App Features

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:48 pm PDT by
Siri is getting a major overhaul in iOS 27, but Apple also has some big updates planned for apps like Camera, Photos, and Wallet. There are multiple new AI features in the works, plus some non-AI upgrades. Camera Apple is moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button to the Camera app in iOS 27, according to Bloomberg. There will be a Siri mode that will be available alongside...

Top Rated Comments

177 months ago
But, for the love of the children, why? There's a frikkin' standard already, why not use it? Or are Google as self-obsessed and retarded as Apple?

MacRumors content image

-SC
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
177 months ago
I'll bet the dozens of people with Google TV will love this new Airplay-like capability.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
landroverz7 Avatar
177 months ago
Google first update your youtube app and make it a universal app with support for iPhone 5 widescreen and ipad retina screens also fix the airplay and add background audio. After that you can think about your google devices.
Score: 30 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Solomani Avatar
177 months ago
If it's open do you think it could end up on Apple TV? Annoying to need an Apple tv and a google tv.

And 6 months later, there will be announcements of MicrosoftTV, AmazonTV, and GangnamStyleTV (the Samsung version). :D
Score: 23 Votes (Like | Disagree)
177 months ago
Looks like the copy machines aren't just running in Redmond these days.
Score: 22 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nuckinfutz Avatar
177 months ago
After Google TV and Nexus Q debacles is anyone really going to trust Google?
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)