How to use AirPlay

Many iOS users do not know much about the Apple feature AirPlay. One reason for this is that, in order to use it, you must have an Apple TV set-top box, which is not nearly as popular as other Apple gadgets like the iPad and iPhone. Another reason is that AirPlay's best features did not come about until last year when iOS 5 was released. It's a pretty new feature, so many people are still confused about how it. It is not difficult to learn how to use, however, and it can help you do more things with your iGadgets. There is much to be gained from learning how to use AirPlay, and the benefits will only continue to grow as more Apple products become compatible with it.

Performing basic media streaming with AirPlay is simple

1. Set up your Apple TV set-top box, Wi-Fi connection, and iOS device (e.g. an iPad) of your choice. Once you have all three components set up, you will see an AirPlay icon show up in either your Videos, Music (iPod if your iPhone is pre-iOS 5), YouTube, or Photos app.

2. Tap the icon to make a menu appear in which you must select your recipient device. Select your Apple TV unless you have an Airport Express device and wish to stream audio to it instead.

3. Stream the content that you wish to display on your Apple TV on your iOS device. Any media content you play on your iOS device should automatically transfer to your Apple TV (or Airport Express device) now.

How to use AirPlay Mirroring

The above steps will allow you to stream basic content such as a YouTube video of a dog or a video clip of some sort. AirPlay Mirroring is another feature of AirPlay that allows you to mirror the display screen of your iOS device onto your Apple TV in real-time.

In order to use AirPlay Mirroring, you must have one of the newer-model Apple iOS device, such as the 2nd-generation iPad or the iPhone 4S. You must also have the latest, 2nd-generation Apple TV. As long as you have both of these requirements, follow these steps to use AirPlay Mirroring:

1. Double-tap the home button on your iOS device.

2. Slide the multitasking switcher, located by the music controls, to the right.

3. Tap the AirPlay icon.

4. Select your Apple TV as your recipient device. Any actions you perform on your iPad's display will not appear on your Apple TV in real-time.

AirPlay is an innovative, exciting feature, and you can expect to see new capabilities added to it in the future. It's only a matter of time before new, similar streaming technologies appear on the market as well.