Wireless Screen Mirroring on Linux with GNOME Network Displays
For Linux users seeking a seamless method to wirelessly mirror their desktop to a television or other wireless display - without relying on proprietary solutions such as Google Chromecast - GNOME Network Displays provides a powerful, open-source alternative. This application is developed as part of the GNOME Project, one of the most prominent desktop environments in the Linux ecosystem.
GNOME Network Displays supports both the Miracast and Chromecast protocols, allowing users to stream their desktop environment to a wide range of compatible smart TVs and wireless display devices. This video tutorial provides a practical example on Ubuntu 24.04 that includes using Miracast to connect to an LG Smart TV running webOS, enabling smooth screen sharing for presentations, media playback, or everyday desktop use.
Notably, webOS, originally developed by Palm and now maintained by LG, has evolved into a full Linux distribution. Its modern architecture is built on OpenEmbedded and the Yocto Project, two foundational open-source initiatives for creating custom Linux-based systems for embedded devices. This shared Linux heritage contributes to better compatibility and extensibility with open-source tools like GNOME Network Displays.
Installation via Flatpak
Thanks to Flatpak, a universal package management system for Linux, installing GNOME Network Displays is straightforward. Flatpak is designed to work across different Linux distributions and runs applications inside a sandboxed environment. This isolation enhances system security and stability by limiting the app's access to system resources. Additionally, Flatpak packages include all required runtime dependencies, eliminating compatibility issues due to missing libraries.
Installation Steps for Ubuntu and Debian-Based Systems
1. Update your system package index:
sudo apt update
2. Install Flatpak:
sudo apt install flatpak
3. Add the Flathub repository (if not already added):
Once launched, GNOME Network Displays will scan for nearby compatible wireless displays. Simply select your target device, and your desktop will begin mirroring wirelessly.
Conclusion
GNOME Network Displays is a lightweight, efficient, and open-source solution for wireless screen sharing on Linux systems. By leveraging open standards like Miracast and modern technologies like Flatpak, it offers a user-friendly alternative to proprietary hardware-based solutions.
Furthermore, the increasing use of embedded Linux distributions like webOS, powered by the Yocto Project and OpenEmbedded illustrates a broader industry trend toward open-source software stacks in consumer electronics. This creates exciting opportunities for seamless interoperability between desktop Linux and modern smart TVs, all without leaving the open-source ecosystem.
