News

Microsoft release SmartGlass SDK for Xbox 360 and PC developers
Posted: 22.06.2012 13:18 by Simon Priest Comments: 5
The new SmartGlass way of life unveiled by Microsoft at their E3 2012 press conference is now in the hands of developers as the corporate giant unleashes its SDK upon the world.

It supports Xbox 360, Windows 8 and Windows Phone. It allows other devices to synch and display context-sensitive information. All Microsoft games will support it from now on.

Obviously Microsoft would love for third-party groups to jump on the wagon and get to making some smart SmartGlass apps, or "activities" as they refer to it in marketing speak.

Anyone part of the Microsoft Game Developers Network now has access to the SDK for SmartGlass. Time will tell if this screen swapping/moving/synching doohickey is of any use to anyone.

"Xbox SmartGlass is a free application for Windows Phones, Windows 8 and other portable devices. By delivering companion content and control to enhance your experiences on the Xbox console, Xbox SmartGlass makes enjoying TV, movies and music, web surfing, and playing games even better," blurb Microsoft.

"Imagine that your tablet or phone knew what you were watching on TV and presented bonus features without you having to lift a finger. Xbox SmartGlass turns any TV into the ultimate smart TV."

Source: Engadget

Comments

By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jun 24, 2012
herodotus
The next step in the evolution of human connectivity to artifical intelligence. We are so in the early stages of this it is exciting to imagine where this is all headed. Hopefully, if it turns out for the worse and the machines do take over I won't be around.
Until then, I'll enjoy the journey and the early successes and advancements we will be seeing.
By HenoKutus (SI Elite) on Jun 24, 2012
HenoKutus
looks good but with a Iphone or Ipad you already can control numerous things like playing via a hdmi tv with app or controlling your computer wireless.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Jun 24, 2012
FoolWolf
All this shit of synchronizing and throwing media to other things is only valid if you are
1. living in your iPhone or next of brand
2. Very tech savvy and like to work your ass off to impress someone before your all drunk and end up listening to shitty compressed MP3's from Spotify anyway
3. You are using 3rd party software that actually works - and you have a GB lan...

If I want to show something on the TV - I don't use my bloody slow ass phone for that - nor my SONY tablet - cause they don't work with everything - they are not compatible with much - no - I use a computer and a VGA/DVI cable...
When they make stuff with great bluetooth decoding and HiFI capability or kicks in an RCA connector to their stuff so you can get proper audio transfer then I'm game. So far, most other stuff just won't do it...

Bah - machines, robots and AI won't take over cause when they rise - they will only be able to reach as far as they can on limited battery power and incompability...
By herodotus (SI Herodotus) on Jun 24, 2012
herodotus
Sounds like you have a phone/tablet with the battery power mine does, Wolfy...basically zip. This is how things are now, not the way the way they will be though. Lithium batteries are the strongest 'safe' source of power for mobile devices at this stage, but once we move beyond those who know's what comes next.
Electric cars had a charge that lasted 50KM at a top speed of 15KPH only 5 years ago. Now look at how Hybrids have devoloped from that and natural gas-driven engines. Never underestimate what technlogical advances are made in war time, and there are a number of those going on with more to come.
By FoolWolf (SI Elite) on Jun 25, 2012
FoolWolf
Not only that - I have tried and seen what the iOS and Android from 2-4 can do - and if you want quality - with "Q" - you won't get it and the life in the phone is fine - but me, I'm not a New Yorker, I have a house and place for stuff and I'm not so mobile and stupid to have my life in one place to be flushed at the mirth of a 4year old.. ;)