Your Phone: The Ultimate TV Hub You've Been Overlooking

While streaming boxes and game consoles are common TV additions, your phone might be the most versatile and essential upgrade you need. Modern smartphones are surprisingly powerful, often rivaling laptops in capability. This article explores how your phone can replace multiple devices, transforming your TV viewing experience.

Phones as PCs, Consoles, and Streaming Devices

High-end phones, particularly Samsung Galaxy and Motorola models, offer desktop modes (like Samsung DeX) that unlock incredible functionality. These modes allow you to project any phone app onto your TV, turning your phone into a fully-fledged streaming device.

Many Android apps mirror their TV counterparts, making the transition seamless. Even with Amazon's shift away from Android on Fire TV, the current generation still utilizes the OS. Mobile games also adapt to larger screens, offering a great way to play cross-platform titles on your TV. The image below showcases Timelie played on a TV via Samsung DeX and on the phone's internal display.

Cloud gaming services like GeForce NOW further expand your gaming options, letting you play AAA console titles on your TV through your phone. Even phones without dedicated desktop modes can mirror their screens to a TV, offering a functional, albeit less refined, experience.

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6: A foldable phone combining tablet and phone functionality, seamlessly transitioning between displays. See at Amazon
• Google Pixel 9: Boasts a powerful processor, ample RAM, and a vibrant display. See at Google Store/Amazon/Best Buy/Verizon/AT&T/T-Mobile
• OnePlus 13: Features a high-performance processor and a sophisticated camera system. See at OnePlus/Best Buy

Google's Expanding Android Desktop Mode

While Samsung DeX has been a feature since 2017, Google is now integrating a similar desktop mode directly into Android. This will significantly expand the number of phones with this capability, starting with Google Pixel devices. This development will not only enhance phone usability as PC replacements but also improve their function as TV streaming devices.

The Right Hub or Cable: Your Connection Solution

Dedicated phone docks offer a convenient and organized way to connect your phone to a TV via HDMI or USB-C. However, a standard USB-C hub with an HDMI output works equally well. A USB-C to HDMI cable is another simple solution.

For optimal control, pair a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard for ease of use. A Bluetooth controller is essential for gaming. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is a highly recommended option due to its versatility and compatibility with Android.

Your Phone: The Future of Multi-Device Functionality

The author advocates for digital minimalism, using their phone to replace several devices. Their foldable phone serves as a PC, ebook reader, gaming console, and more. Connecting to a TV is simply another extension of this functionality. The future points towards a single, adaptable device capable of fulfilling many roles, and the smartphone is leading the charge.

Currently, Samsung Galaxy devices offer the most seamless TV integration, with select Motorola phones being a strong alternative. However, even Pixel users should experiment with connecting their phones to their TVs to explore the possibilities.

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