Neil Hughes
Xbox SmartGlass was unveiled by Microsoft at its media briefing at the Electronics Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, Calif. The new cross-platform functionality will come to Apple's iOS, as well as Google Android and Microsoft Windows Phone and Windows 8, later this year.
Microsoft showed off how content being played on the Xbox 360 could be complemented by additional content on a tablet like an iPad. In one demonstration, a user watching "Game of Thrones" on the HBO Go application had the show streaming to their HDTV, while an interactive map of the fictional world was displayed on a tablet and was updated in real-time, synced with the program.
In another demonstration, Microsoft showed a new version of its Internet Explorer Web browser for Xbox 360, and how that browser can be controlled by a smartphone, like Apple's iPhone. Calling the smartphone "the world's best remote control," Microsoft showed how SmartGlass will allow users to take control of their Xbox and browse the Web.
SmartGlass functionality will also enhance games such as "Madden NFL" from EA Sports. One video showed an iPad-like tablet being used to select plays and even draw up new ones that can be utilized in the game on Xbox 360.
Microsoft's Xbox SmartGlass can also be used much like Apple's AirPlay feature built into iOS, which allows users to stream content from their iPhone or iPad to an Apple TV set-top box. With SmartGlass, users will be able to stream movies from an iPhone or iPad to their Xbox 360, presumably using a Microsoft-built iOS application. The same functionality will also be available on Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8.
Microsoft also on Monday showed off a new version of the Nike+ fitness application, built for its Kinect motion control accessory. Nike has had a partnership with Apple for its Nike+ fitness applications on iPod and iPhone for years.
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44 Comments
This is actually pretty cool. Microsoft must have hired someone with a bit of creativity.
I was just discussing the evolution of AirPlay just last week. I hope Apple introduces more APIs that make it easier and more seamless for app developers to integrate across multiple screens. PS: Now that House, M.D. is over can we please have all stories about an Apple HDTV use a different image? I vote for Daenerys Targaryen for every AI article, regardless of the topic. [quote name="jragosta" url="/t/150468/e3-2012-microsoft-xbox-smartglass-connects-xbox-to-iphone-ipad#post_2120582"]This is actually pretty cool. Microsoft must have hired someone with a bit of creativity.[/quote] They are doing some great stuff. While I think it was foolish of them to create WinPh7 with WinCE just to move to the NT foundation for WinPh8 thus destroying their development base but I am impressed that they are able to finally follow Apple in that regard.
They are doing some great stuff. While I think it was foolish of them to create WinPh7 with WinCE just to move to the NT foundation for WinPh8 thus destroying their development base but I am impressed that they are able to finally follow Apple in that regard.
They are definitely doing a lot of revamping of platforms and making it even more complimentary rather than competitive products. Xbox 3560 is the horse that they're going to ride into the horizon and Windows 8 riding on its laurels bringing the experience to all desktops, phones, tablets and other similar devices. I'm very happy for Microsoft!.
If apple approves this app. It took them forever to approve Google Voice. They can delay this long enough to straighten out their airplay strategy.
This is why the Xbox is at the heap of the console market, and this is why they arent in a rush to pump out a new system.
If Apple ever wanted to be in the console market, they would have some massive work cut out for them.