Microsoft Makes Xbox-Centered Living Room Push with SmartGlass Wireless Streaming and More

[MacRumors]

Microsoft today made a series of announcements at E3 revealing a major push into the living room with the Xbox 360 as the focal point. Among the most interesting announcements for Apple users is "SmartGlass", a new wireless technology that is essentially a two-way Airplay-like standard that allows users to push content from their mobile devices to their TVs via the Xbox but also allows mobile devices to act as second screens for content being displayed on TV from an Xbox. Engadget reports:

SmartGlass brings AirPlay-style wireless technology to Xbox and Windows 8 by letting you send video from your tablet or phone to your TV. It then turns that second screen into an information window giving you data of the content you're watching. Plus, it updates the info on your mobile device as the content on the TV changes. The app also enables peripheral controls for games you're playing -- so you can scroll through different plays on your tablet while playing Madden on your big screen, for example.

The SmartGlass companion app will be available this fall on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 for tablets.

Tablet serving as "second screen" using SmartGlass app (Source: Engadget)​

The SmartGlass app will arrive alongside a significant increase in the amount of content accessible through the Xbox 360, with Microsoft making a number of other announcements including a version of Internet Explorer for Xbox, a new Xbox Music streaming service, and access to streaming sports services such as WatchESPN, and live streams from the NBA and NHL. Enhancements to Kinect controls will allow for voice control of Bing searches and Internet Explorer, as well as a new partnership with Nike+ for training games on the Xbox 360.

Apple has of course been working on the Apple TV as its "hobby" focused on the living room, ramping up the device's capabilities to include AirPlay and a number of content services such as Netflix, Major League Baseball, NBA League Pass, and NHL GameCenter Live. The company has been expected to make an even more significant push into the living room with a full-fledged television set integrated with the iTunes Store, iCloud, and other services, although Apple's exact plans and timing remain unknown.

Article Link: Microsoft Makes Xbox-Centered Living Room Push with SmartGlass Wireless Streaming and More

 

[MultiMediaWill]

Watch, in a few weeks Apple will have something like this in their stores.

 

[cgk.emu]

..."Mac"...rumors...???

So, we stick a tiny blurb about Apple TV in here and it becomes worthy of a front page post on MR? I'm so confused.

 

[burnside]

..."Mac"...rumors...???

So, we stick a tiny blurb about Apple TV in here and it becomes worthy of a front page post on MR? I'm so confused.

I know you are. Let me help you out:

"The SmartGlass companion app will be available this fall on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 for tablets."

 

[WestonHarvey1]

..."Mac"...rumors...???

So, we stick a tiny blurb about Apple TV in here and it becomes worthy of a front page post on MR? I'm so confused.

It competes in the same arena with Apple's products, and is therefore relevant. What use is it to live in an Apple vacuum and make yourself willfully ignorant of competing products?

But, this has all been said before about everything else, Android, et al... Feel free to vote me down.

 

[charlieegan3]

like the idea of accepting a game invite from the tablet

 

[Peace]

Watch, in a few weeks Apple will have something like this in their stores.

I think they already do.

 

[hirshnoc]

It competes in the same arena with Apple's products, and is therefore relevant. What use is it to live in an Apple vacuum and make yourself willfully ignorant of competing products?

But, this has all been said before about everything else, Android, et al... Feel free to vote me down.

The page has been deviating from Apple-related articles for awhile.

In this news front, if it's another AirPlay copy...forget it.

 

[Richdmoore]

Companion apps are interesting, but I do wonder if they will be seen as a programming language that violates the app store rules.

Still, looking forward to testing it on my Xbox (and windows 8 in parallels.... Maybe)

Nice that Microsoft is somewhat embracing iOS, rather than ignore it in favor of windows phone only pairing.

 

[tmt345]

Worst Microsoft E3 ever. They don't care about video games anymore! All they did was show off a few multiplatforms and then focus on kinect, fitness, this, internet explorer, xbox music, usher performance, and probably other stuff (I stopped watching.)

 

[cgk.emu]

It competes in the same arena with Apple's products, and is therefore relevant. What use is it to live in an Apple vacuum and make yourself willfully ignorant of competing products?

But, this has all been said before about everything else, Android, et al... Feel free to vote me down.

I don't find it necessary to vote you down, seems like you are used to it, though. Hm, well, I don't live in an Apple vacuum, not at all actually. I just thought it wasn't front page worthy is all. Thanks for the snappy response, though.

 

[Dr McKay]

The SmartGlass companion app will be available this fall on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 for tablets.

Kudos to Microsoft to make this for existing platforms, especially rival ones.

Worst Microsoft E3 ever. They don't care about video games anymore! All they did was show off a few multiplatforms and then focus on kinect, fitness, this, internet explorer, xbox music, usher performance, and probably other stuff (I stopped watching.)

Well studies on usage from Microsoft have shown that 50% of consoles are used for purposes other than gaming, particularly streaming media.

 

[cgk.emu]

I know you are. Let me help you out:

"The SmartGlass companion app will be available this fall on a variety of platforms, including iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Windows 8 for tablets."

Thanks, Professor. I don't think your rude response was necessary.

 

[comatory]

Microsoft, always one step behind the Apple. But it's great, I'm happy for PC users to have the same options as Mac users. I'm glad that wireless display technologies are finally here!

I remember trying out first wireless display dongles back in 2006, horrible. ATV and similar solutions are so much easier to work with.

These things will really change TV industry with lots of people canceling their cable TVs, seems like only few TV stations are catching up on trend (HBO). Hopefully it won't end up like music industry in early 00s.

 

[alent1234]

Watch, in a few weeks Apple will have something like this in their stores.

except apple's version will only work on Mac's and iOS. MS is smart to appeal to the entire market

and they are pulling a nice Siri on google with this

 

[Augure]

Me and few people know that already, but with other brands keynotes getting more and more popular, and them innovative more and more, Apple blind fanboys won't soon have a choice but too see how Apple is not innovating anymore at all.

However that Microsoft E3 conferences sucked.

 

[Vol7ron]

The page has been deviating from Apple-related articles for awhile.

In this news front, if it's another AirPlay copy...forget it.

The problem is that there is only so much Apple only news that can be discovered everyday. I would rather come to this site everyday and see articles that relate to Apple in some way, then only visiting the site once a week and read articles that deal strictly with Apple.

 

[treyjustice]

this is great. I love my xbox and iPad

 

[cgk.emu]

The problem is that there is only so much Apple only news that can be discovered everyday. I would rather come to this site everyday and see articles that relate to Apple in some way, then only visiting the site once a week and read articles that deal strictly with Apple.

I'd say Engadget is the place for you, then.

 

[ayala421]

Nice...makes me wonder WTF Sony has been doing for the last 5 years with the PS3.

PS3 is so far behind 360 at this point.

 

[TSE]

Looks great, and to be honest, Microsoft has the market share and the XBOX has great capabilities.

 

[Dr McKay]

Microsoft, always one step behind the Apple. But it's great, I'm happy for PC users to have the same options as Mac users.

Not trying to be rude, just plain curiosity, did you read the article? This isnt just "PC Users can have an Airplay rip-off" This allows anyone to stream media to their Xbox's from any device, platform independent.

 

[Hakone]

Silly me, I read that Title as 'Smart@ss'.

 

[nfl46]

Worst Microsoft E3 ever. They don't care about video games anymore! All they did was show off a few multiplatforms and then focus on kinect, fitness, this, internet explorer, xbox music, usher performance, and probably other stuff (I stopped watching.)

Awe, you mad they didn't show their new Xbox?

 

[cadillac1234]

Microsoft is definitely pushing the cord cutting options.
The XBox viewing options are very extensive HULU, ESPN3, Netflix, Pandora, Amazon

Problem is the Xbox360 itself... great for playing games, not so much fun navigating TV menus with a huge controller.