At CES 2026, Belkin unveiled a new contender in the wireless presentation space, aiming to simplify how we share screens in meeting rooms and classrooms. The ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter promises a truly plug-and-play experience, eliminating the need for cables, Wi-Fi networks, or software installations. This launch signals a push towards more frictionless professional collaboration tools, prioritizing ease of use over cutting-edge gaming performance.
Key Specifications:
- Product Name: Belkin ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Display Adapter
- Resolution/Refresh Rate: 1080p @ 60Hz
- Latency: < 80ms
- Max Wireless Range: Up to 131 feet (line-of-sight)
- Compatibility: USB-C devices with DisplayPort Alt Mode (Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, iPad Pro/Air with M1/M2, USB-C phones)
- Power for Receiver: USB-A port on display
- Multi-user Support: Up to 8 transmitters per receiver
- Launch: Q1 2026
- Price: USD 149.99
A Plug-and-Play Solution for Professional Environments
The core promise of the ConnectAir is its simplicity. The kit consists of just two components: a compact USB-C transmitter that plugs into a source device like a laptop, tablet, or phone, and an HDMI receiver that connects to a display. The system requires no pairing, no app downloads, and no connection to a local Wi-Fi network. Once both pieces are plugged in—with the receiver drawing power from a display's USB-A port—the screen sharing begins automatically. This design is squarely targeted at business users, educators, and professionals who need to share content quickly and reliably without technical hiccups or lengthy setup procedures that can disrupt the flow of a meeting or presentation.
Advantages & Target Use-Cases:
- Pros: True plug-and-play operation, no Wi-Fi or software required, good range, supports multi-user collaboration, wide device compatibility.
- Cons: Premium price point, not suitable for gaming due to latency, requires USB-A port for receiver power.
- Ideal For: Business meetings, conference rooms, classrooms, presentations, and general content sharing where simplicity and reliability are prioritized.
Specifications and Performance for Content Sharing
Belkin has positioned the ConnectAir for content sharing rather than high-performance applications. It supports wireless screen mirroring or sharing at 1080p resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, with a stated latency of under 80 milliseconds. This level of performance is suitable for streaming video, displaying slides, or demonstrating software, but the latency makes it unsuitable for real-time gaming or other latency-sensitive tasks. The wireless link operates on its own dedicated signal and boasts an impressive line-of-sight range of up to 131 feet (approximately 40 meters), and can even penetrate walls, though signal strength and reliability will naturally degrade with more obstructions.
Compatibility and Collaborative Features
The adapter leverages the DisplayPort Alt Mode standard over USB-C, making it compatible with a wide range of modern devices. This includes Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS laptops, as well as Apple's M1 and M2 iPad Pro and iPad Air models. Many modern USB-C smartphones that support video output are also compatible. A key feature for collaborative settings is the support for up to eight different transmitters to be paired with a single receiver. This allows multiple meeting participants to seamlessly take turns sharing their screens without needing to physically swap cables or reconnect devices, streamlining group discussions and presentations.
Market Positioning and Availability
With an expected price of USD 149.99, the ConnectAir sits in the premium segment of the wireless adapter market. Belkin is not competing on price but on the value of a reliable, zero-configuration experience. The product is slated for release in select markets in the first quarter of 2026. In a landscape filled with cheaper but often more complex alternatives that require software or network dependencies, Belkin is betting that professionals will pay a premium for a tool that simply works the moment it's plugged in, eliminating a common point of friction in modern workspaces and educational institutions.
