Nokia releases Play To beta for Windows Phone 8

Nokia has made its Play To app available as a beta for Windows Phone 8 devices. Those who own new Lumia smartphones will be able to enjoy the wireless streaming experience that was present prior to Microsoft unveiling the latest version of Windows Phone. We last touched on Nokia Play To earlier this month when it was revealed that the company could be waiting for Mobile World Congress before releasing the app (publicly or as beta).

Play To is now listed on the Nokia Beta Labs website for download. If you're not familiar with the app, Play To enables consumers to stream content from their Windows Phone to compatible hardware. Televisions, Xbox and computers to name but a few. Videos, music and photos can be fired from the Windows Phone to other installations over the WLAN.

Unfortunately, if you don't have the required firmware installed (Settings > About > more information) on your Lumia Windows Phone 8 device, you wont be able to enjoy the latest experience. Here's what you'll need to be running:

  • Nokia Lumia 920 - PR1.1 (1232.5951.1249.0001)
  • Nokia Lumia 820 - PR1.1 (1232.5951.1249.0001)
  • Nokia Lumia 822 - PR1.1
  • Nokia Lumia 810 - PR1.1
  • Nokia Lumia 620 - Any firmware 

As well as the above, Nokia also reveals that the app does not yet work as a digital media server, meaning you won't be able to connect your Windows Phone 8 Lumia device to the PS3 just yet. It's a feature the team is reportedly working on to include in the future. To accompany the PS3 limitation, music streaming is also limited to local content which is stored on the device. Not a huge problem for those who have a number of tracks stored for offline playback.

You can download Nokia Play To from the Windows Phone Store, using the QR code below. Source: Nokia Beta Labs; thanks to everyone who tipped us!

QR:PlayTo

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.