Dual Monitor always helps to increase the productivity in your workspace. You can move your workspace across many screens. We are seeing many mobiles and tablets getting released with affordable cost and as they are with large display, we can make use of them as a second monitor. You can extend the screen of your Windows or Mac desktop to your Android device, to use it as the second monitor. To do this, we need to have some apps installed in our Android Device and the same desktop version of that apps need to be installed in the desktop. All you need to take care of is, your Android device and desktop need to be in the same Wi-Fi network. We will take you through the best app to turn your Android Device as a second monitor.
Mobility is one of the main reasons people choose tablets. But owners don't have to use tablets in the traditional sense to get the most out of their devices — add a tablet to your overall desktop setup to streamline productivity. Here are some instructions to help get you started.
Download a Second Display App
While it takes a bit more work than simply connecting a standard display, there's no hacking required to use your tablet as a second monitor. Several iOS and Android apps essentially fool your desktop into thinking that you're connecting another external monitor to the system. Here's a short list of the more popular apps available, which can help you configure your setup within minutes.
Air Display
Air Display is the easiest way to turn almost any spare screen into an extra display for your computer. Wirelessly connect to an iPad or Android device from your laptop to create the ultimate road-warrior workstation. Or repurpose any nearby Mac or Windows PC to give yourself more screen real estate for your main computer. Air Display connects easily, allowing you to extend or mirror up to four screens at once to create unique and powerful presentations or to to improve your creative workflow in whatever way you choose. Multi-display support is Mac only for now, They are working on for Windows.
iDisplay
iDisplay turns your Android device in to a second screen. It may be a tablet or phone; your device will be converted to a second monitor. It can be used with Windows and Mac Desktop. Productivity increases by extending the screen of your desktop. It suits well for multitaskers. It turns your Android device as a second monitor which is interactive.iDisplay allows you to move objects over the screen, zoom the screen, can change the orientation of screen to landscape or portrait. It also allows you to control the play back. When you change the orientation of the screen, it will automatically adjust itself.
Splashtop Extended Display
The app turns an Android tablet into a wireless second display for your computer to enhance productivity. Using the Android tablet as a screen extender can server many purposes. It also comes with full audio and video support (sound can be independently turned on/off from either the PC or Android tablet). You can reduce desktop clutter by filling your Android tablet screen with widgets, folder shortcuts, IM buddy list, Skype, Twitter, Photoshop paletts, and other utility apps.
MaxiVista
MaxiVista can turn any spare PC into a second monitor for your primary PC. Connect up to four PCs via network and enjoy giant desktop real estate of up to 7,680x1,200 pixels. MaxiVista additionally allows controlling up to four PCs with one mouse and keyboard. MaxiVista also optionally mirrors the Primary PC's display contents to another PC. MaxiVista is based only on software. No need to buy graphics cards, monitors or keyboard mouse switches.
REDFLY ScreenSlider
Already have an Android Tablet running 3.0.1 or above or a phone running froyo and above and a PC with XP, Vista or 7 and want some extra real estate for it? Well, ScreenSlider is the app for you! Allowing you to use your device as a second monitor, ScreenSlider allows you to do so only over a wireless local network. Sadly, no Linux or Mac Versions are currently available and neither is Windows * supported.
These apps all have similar and straightforward setup instructions. To use iDisplay as an example, here's what you should expect as far as configuration goes.
iDisplay, the app that lets us accomplish this, is compatible with OS X and Windows. Here's a quick step-by-step to getting your Android-powered second display up and running in Windows.
- Install and download Shape’s iDisplay ($5) app from Google Play.
- On your PC, go to getidisplay.com and click on the Windows download button and choose your Windows operating system on the resulting page.
- Follow the prompts to install the software and drivers. Then restart your computer when prompted. Allow the installed software to gain access through the PC’s firewall by clicking on the Allow Access button on the Windows Security Alert dialog that will appear when the PC restarts.
- Make sure your PC and Android device are connected to the same local network.
- Look for the iDisplay icon in the Taskbar Notifications Area on your computer. Hover your mouse over it, and you’ll see an IP address and Port. Write them down precisely.
- Launch the iDisplay app on your Android device. Touch the “+” button. Then enter the IP address, port, and any description that you’d like to give your PC. Your configuration may not even require this step—look for a button to automatically connect to your PC when you first start the app. When you connect from your tablet, a dialog box will pop up on your PC asking if you want to allow the connection.
- A blank, extended PC desktop will appear on the Android device. Visually locate the mouse pointer and move it between screens with the PC’s mouse. Then take over control and movement with your finger as the mouse pointer transitions to the Android device’s touchscreen.
That’s all there is to it! When you launch a program on the PC you can drag it over to your Android device, and interact with it using touch. Long-press to get the right-click context menus to pop up, and swipe with two fingers to scroll.
One tap on the Android screen will place the mouse pointer on that screen. Touching the trackpad or mouse will relocate the mouse pointer onto the PC’s screen. You can use the PC’s keyboard to enter text in programs on the Android device’s screen.
Note that these directions may change slightly, depending on the app or operating system (rebooting may be required). Follow the prompts for your chosen app and desktop client, and consult the app's website if you run into any issues.
Once setup is complete, you'll have a new, touchscreen display that will help you complete any project in a shorter amount of time.
Conclusion
Mobile devices aren’t just for play, and iDisplay proves it. It’s a wonderful way to get some extra productivity out of your tablet. Besides, who doesn’t love having a second or third monitor? Enjoy!