Xbox SmartGlass

Xbox SmartGlass

Microsoft's demo session of SmartGlass in action revealed new details and showed off some of its potential, both for media and gaming.

 

 

 

LOS ANGELES--Xbox SmartGlass was one of the lone new technologies unveiled by Microsoft at this year's E3, but its potential as a second screen -- using your own smartphone or tablet running Windows 8, Android, or iOS -- is fascinating.

Xbox SmartGlass was demonstrated in more detail in a breakout session this evening, showing off video, gaming, and remote control possibilities as well as running through future concepts.

First off, a few things you should know: Xbox SmartGlass isn't definitely intended for Xbox Live Gold members, but the apps and services it works with suggest it will be. Also, on-hand reps said that DVD second-screen functions haven't yet been in the cards: video content will need to be either downloaded or app-streamed by apps that support SmartGlass. Windows 8 tablets will work with SmartGlass, but there currently aren't any plans to make the service work with older Windows 7 tablets.  

 

Why not use an iPad and search the web yourself for information on an actor, or use regular controllers instead of SmartGlass controls? To some extent, it's hard to judge right now in such an early stage. Also, the app will be free, and will work with many devices most people already own. Even if SmartGlass were just a clever couple-of-trick pony, it would be a free pony for anyone who already owned an Xbox 360.
The SmartGlass app would have a small file size, since it's a streaming technology. What's shown on the tablet or phone screen could be swapped with what's on the large-screen TV, too.