We were all hoping for some exciting new features and functionality to make their way to the Xbox 360, and during their E3 conference, Microsoft introduced us to SmartGlass.
It seems to be a multi-function application, taking cues from other popular devices, and adding a few unique features on top. For a start, it will allow sharing of content between the Xbox and various mobile devices (including Windows 8, iOS, and Android). This allows you to stream video from tablets directly onto your TV, so watching films and TV shows need never be interrupted.
They also showed some interesting secondary information that can be displayed on your mobile device while watching a video. For instance, during an episode of Game of Thrones, a map of the show locations appear on your tablet. It will be interesting to see how TV creators will incorporate this new functionality into their streaming videos.
Even more interesting is how SmartGlass can be used in games - you know, the other way you can spend time on a console. Having a small, touchscreen in front of you means secondary information can be displayed separate from the main screen. A demonstration of Madden 2013 saw plays being chosen on the mobile device, a lot like we expect on Nintendo’s Wii U. In fact, this whole section of the presentation screamed “Screw you, Nintendo”, as so many of us already own a tablet or Smartphone, meaning SmartGlass could bring some of The Big N’s newest features to our existing Xbox.
We’ll also be using our mobile devices to directly control the Xbox dashboard, and to control the cursor in the upcoming web browser. All in all, it could be quite an exciting update, and we’re all looking forward to its release this Fall.
