This week sees the release of the clever, and free Xbox 360 SmartGlass app on Windows 8 phones.
The app, which allows users to stream content between their Xbox 360 and mobile device, is coming the same day Windows 8 launches: October 26th. While this app has been created specifically for the Xbox 360, you can expect further launches of apps built to interact with other devices in the not-too-distant future.
The Xbox 360 SmartGlass app allows users to interact with the new Xbox Video and Xbox Music services, which most will be able to access today via the new Xbox 360 dashboard.
SmartGlass technology will be utilized in games such as Forza Horizon, Dance Central 3 and Kinect Sesame Street TV.
“Explore the open roads of Colorado with the Forza Horizon SmartGlass Experience,” says the product bumf. “Explore and interact with the complete map of the Forza Horizon game world through intuitive gestures on your tablet or mobile device while seamlessly playing the game on your TV screen. No pausing required – keep the pedal down no matter where your destination lies.”
Also soon to be receiving the SmartGlass treatment are Halo Waypoint, HBO, NBC, NBA, ESPN, MSN and Now TV.
Microsoft looks to have surprised critics and done a lot more than simply copy the Wii U’s touchscreen controller functionality. Just have a look at the promo video below.
If, like me, you’re an Android user, or perhaps you’ve one of them iOS devices a few people seem to have latched on to, you’ll have to wait till next year when Microsoft will be bringing its SmartGlass apps to Google and Apple’s respective mobile operating systems.
