Xbox Smartglass App Now Available For Select Android Devices
On Friday, Oct. 26, Microsoft launched its newest desktop operating system - Windows 8. The event was also an important day for Android users, who own the Xbox gaming console, as Microsoft launched the Xbox SmartGlass app for Android devices.
The Xbox SmartGlass, is an app for android devices which turns a user's handset or a tablet into a secondary controller for the console when connected via Wi-Fi.
"Xbox SmartGlass lets your phone work with your Xbox 360 console to bring rich, interactive experiences and unique content about what you're watching or playing, right to the device that's already in your hand. Interact with your favorite TV shows, movies, music, sports, and games, and bring remote control to a whole new level," reads the app's description on the Play Store.
Microsoft originally unveiled the Xbox SmartGlass at its E3 press conference earlier this year. The app supports a number of entertainment, gaming and sports apps, including Dance Central, ESPN, and HBO GO. At the time of its debut, Microsoft showed the popular TV show "Game of Thrones" on a HDTV, along with a map of the fantasy land on a tablet connected through Xbox SmartGlass.
The Xbox SmartGlass app is available on the Play Store as a free download. However, it is only compatible with Android devices running Ice Cream Sandwich or higher and featuring at least WVGA screen resolution.
Here's a quick list of what Xbox SmartGlass app will let users do:
- Navigate Xbox 360 with swipe and tap
- Use the phone's keyboard to type to the Xbox 360
- Browse the Internet on the Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming
- Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on the Xbox 360
- Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games
- Enjoy rich, interactive experiences from select game and entertainment content creators
- Track and compare achievements with Xbox friends
- Change the 3D avatar
- Message Xbox friends
- Edit the Xbox profile
Microsoft also released the Windows 8 operating system and Surface tablet, in which the Xbox SmartGlass comes pre-loaded.