Apple's AirPlay tech to work without Wi-Fi, report says

AirPlay in action with an iPad and a TV with an Apple TV unit.

(Credit: Apple)

Apple's AirPlay streaming feature could soon work even if your devices are not on the same Wi-Fi network, according to a new report.

In a brief post, The Telegraph says that Apple is at work on a new version of the streaming technology, dubbed "AirPlay Direct," that eschews the need to be on the same local area network.

"The new version will require just speakers or a hi-fi and an iDevice; the iPhone, iPod or iPad would form its own network to allow a direct connection and music playback," The Telegraph says.

The feature is expected to be unveiled alongside Apple's next iPhone and the much-rumored smaller iOS power/data plug, the site added.

Apple introduced AirPlay in late-2010 as the successor to its AirTunes wireless audio streaming technology. The renaming was also meant to explain to consumers that, with the incorporation of video streaming, the technology was no longer just for audio. With AirPlay, users of iOS devices like the iPhone, the iPad, and the iPod Touch can wirelessly send videos to Apple TV for watching on the big screen.

Apple extended AirPlay to its Macs last month with the release of Mountain Lion. Like on iOS devices, it lets Mac users stream whatever was on their computer to an AirPlay compatible device, including mirrored video to the Apple TV.

Apple is now heavily rumored to be holding its iPhone event on September 12. The company used last year's iPhone 4S launch event to make small updates to its iPod lineup as well.