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

They already have one half of it and have for a while so that wouldn't be a huge shock and it won't be because Microsoft thought of it first and Apple is just copying their 'brilliant idea' that they basically copied from Apple's AirPlay.
 
It's actually a bit different than Airplay, so I wouldn't say it's one step behind. Airplay more or less mirrors what's on your iPad to your TV screen, with the only extras being volume and fast forward/rewind control. This allows for a bit more, using the tablet to display extra information while also acting as a remote to the TV.

...though admittedly, I've only played with Airplay a tiny bit, so I could be wrong about the extent of its capabilities.

No. Case in point: the Vevo app. Airplay that to your Apple TV. This is what Microsoft showed today. NOTHING. NEW.
 
Are they really all compatible? Not to mention that every time I read comments, it's about DLNA not working properly.

DLNA covers a lot more products than AirPlay does. More compatibility problems would be expected.

Furthermore, as I understand it, SmartGlass is the first real attempt at making it bi-directional, whereas AirPlay and DLNA seem to be concerned with getting it to a TV ultimately.
 
So Microsoft is saying their tablets won't be powerful enough on its own?

this will be cross platform, not just microsoft tablets.

Also they are saying their devices will be more useful when paired with other devices, not that they are underpowered.
 
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?

I actually have to disagree with you. I'm a smart person if I want to know about what the other boys are doing I can go find it. I'm hear to find out what Apple is doing and I'm also not fond of hit whoring articles that justify being made into front page news because of a three letter word being in the article.

Now if MR were to add some value said by doing a comparison of this tech versus Airplay, that might be something. Still not in my opinion Front Page news but it would be more than just spewing another reprint into the stream
 
Very happy that Microsoft acknowledges that other options exist and won't penalize you for using these options. Let's see how well this works with ios and Android.
 
They could have made a better effort to have something. The second hand embarassment of watching Usher perform was unbearable to me.

Where did all their first party studios go? They showed Halo 4 and that was it AFAIK (I couldn't watch the whole thing). Showing a bunch of multiplatforms never fooled anybody.

This isnt how it works. Companies dont think "Crap, we've got to go to a convention in 6 months, quick...make something!", if something isn't ready, it wont be released, they arent going to develop something that'll make a very low revenue just for a convention, when instead they can get big publicity by announcing something that will sell more units. More units sold = more revenue, releasing a couple of games = very low revenue.

Think about it:

Sell a console, and you've got a new customer who will buy your games, pay for subscriptions, etc.

Sell a game and you get existing customers buying that game for a few months, then it drops off sharply to near zero revenue.

Either way, I'm pretty sure Microsoft have a much better idea on how to run their business than you or I do. :rolleyes:
 
Kudos to Microsoft to make this for existing platforms, especially rival ones.

But are they really making it for rival platforms. The way I read it this only works with iOS if you have an Xbox. That's the hub for your use, it won't work without it.

If it was that would be something. A lot of folks like the notion of those Tony Stark, Avatar etc flick to pull something off a computer screen to your tablet or off your "Surface" style desk to a 3d in air display UIs and this is a step in that direction. Which is cool looking and somewhat practical. But are they really going for universal software or just a way to justify you putting something Microsoft into your mix. Seems more like the latter to me. Which from business standpoint is smart. And hopefully the idea pays off the way they want.
 
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.

key being TO THEIR XBOX. If you don't have that then having an iPhone etc doesn't matter.

this is a gimmick, albeit a potentially very good one, to keep the XBox going. to make sure that it keeps a place in the living room with the Apple TV etc.
 
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.

Yeah, the Xbox 360 is really showing it's seven year old age.
Hopefully the 720 will address those issues when it comes out next year.
 
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.
Oooh, I like it. It's the non-portable version of the Nintendo DS.

It depends hugely on third-party support, though. Since it's an optional feature that not everyone will have, it's going to be difficult to convince developers to adopt it.
 
key being TO THEIR XBOX. If you don't have that then having an iPhone etc doesn't matter.

this is a gimmick, albeit a potentially very good one, to keep the XBox going. to make sure that it keeps a place in the living room with the Apple TV etc.

Yeah there are so many more Apple TVs than Xboxes in homes. :rolleyes:
MS is doomed. :D
 
As much as I love Apple, Microsoft has made much more headway in the living room than Apple has. The big difference between this and Airplay is that it will work with multiple platforms and mobile devices. Also far more living rooms have an XBox than have an AppleTV. If anything this seems a jab at the Wii U, basically saying that with your existing tablet or smartphone, you can connect to your XBox, so why bother with the new Wii U.
 
...though admittedly, I've only played with Airplay a tiny bit, so I could be wrong about the extent of its capabilities.

And you are wrong. What you describe is one use of Airplay, but there are uses well beyond that if the developers wish to include them. A prime example is Real Racing 2 HD. Google it.
 
To those who don't understand Apple TV and Airplay.....

Airplay does not just mirror the screen - it allows any iPhone or iPad app to send any information it wants to the Apple TV, not just what the device is displaying.

For example, when going through iTunes on the Apple TV using an iPad, you can see all your cover art using coverflow, and type using a keyboard. The keyboard and coverflow are NOT seen on the tv - what you are currently watching is on the TV. After selecting a song/music/video, you can then surf on the iPad for the next video/movie/music while the current one is still playing. YouTube, Vevo work the same way, as do countless other apps.

The only difference is that Apple requires your controlling device to be an iOS device, while Microsoft says it can be a few more options (namely because their Windows Phone isn't so popular yet - or they would follow Apple's lead here)

BOTH Microsoft AND Apple require the device 'airplaying' or 'Smartglassing' to be their own proprietary system (an XBox or Apple TV).
 
It's just Macrumors, after all ... not the NYT.

And folks come here to read about Mac, or at least Apple, related stuff. Not the news of the world.

You call your site Macrumors there are certain expectations. Asking you to live within those, especially in a key area of site isn't uncalled for.

If they want to make more money by expanding their page hits etc then they should change their name to give a correct expectation. Say to techrumors.com
 
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.)

:p

haters-gonna-hate-cat.jpg
 
They understand they need to allow iOS users the same access - surrendering for the greater good.

That's what Apple did with the iPod, allowed Windows users to use it. That was a good strategy for Apple, it can work with Microsoft too.
 
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.

I was speaking more generally on the whole concept. I know that SmartGlass offers more than just mirroring capabilities - kudos to MS. Didn't mean to simplify things.

I'm just happy that wireless display technologies are becoming reality now because that is something I craved for few years ago when building my home cinema - the mess of cables drove me crazy.

You could say that SmartGlass is more than I asked for :)

OK. Saying Microsoft is step behind Apple was a stupid comment. I take that back - didn't want to start flaming or anything.
 
key being TO THEIR XBOX. If you don't have that then having an iPhone etc doesn't matter.

this is a gimmick, albeit a potentially very good one, to keep the XBox going. to make sure that it keeps a place in the living room with the Apple TV etc.

But are they really making it for rival platforms. The way I read it this only works with iOS if you have an Xbox. That's the hub for your use, it won't work without it.

If it was that would be something. A lot of folks like the notion of those Tony Stark, Avatar etc flick to pull something off a computer screen to your tablet or off your "Surface" style desk to a 3d in air display UIs and this is a step in that direction. Which is cool looking and somewhat practical. But are they really going for universal software or just a way to justify you putting something Microsoft into your mix. Seems more like the latter to me. Which from business standpoint is smart. And hopefully the idea pays off the way they want.

Well naturally you'll require an Xbox for a technology who's purpose is to expand on your Xbox, and yes it is Multi-platform, you can do it from iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Windows 8, I simply don't understand your complaints, it'd be like me complaining I can't Airplay my music from iTunes or my iPhone because I don't own an Apple TV.
 
The only difference is that Apple requires your controlling device to be an iOS device, while Microsoft says it can be a few more options (namely because their Windows Phone isn't so popular yet)

The difference, as always, is that Apple requires you to completely lock yourself into their walled garden while others offer options to integrate third party products.

What still blows my mind is this "the AppleTV is just a hobby" bollocks. They charge 129 bucks for that "hobby" product and tell you straight in your face that since it's just a hobby you better don't expect anything for your money. I'm not sure if whether this says something about Apple or if it says something about their average customers.
 
To those who don't understand Apple TV and Airplay.....

Airplay does not just mirror the screen - it allows any iPhone or iPad app to send any information it wants to the Apple TV, not just what the device is displaying.

^ I could be wrong, but I think only iPad supports actual mirroring of the host device to the screen.
 
"Problem is the Xbox360 itself... great for playing games, not so much fun navigating TV menus with a huge controller."​

Who does that? My 360 controller sits in a drawer, and is only pulled out when I play an "old-school" game that doesn't support Kinect. You did know that you can control a 360 with any programmed IR remote, right?
 
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