14 DAY TRIAL // After a few rumors that the Xbox 360 might soon start communicating more with other devices, Microsoft has confirmed at its E3 2012 press conference that a new technology called Xbox SmartGlass is coming to its home console, which allows it to interact with smartphones or tablets.
The Xbox 360 is being turned into a full-fledged entertainment center by Microsoft and, besides offering all sorts of content on the device, the company also wants people that use smartphones or tablets to consider interacting with the home console.
As such, the company revealed during its E3 2012 press conference a new type of technology called Xbox SmartGlass, which allows the console to receive or deliver content seamlessly.
“Later this year, the power of companion scenarios comes to life in new ways with Xbox SmartGlass,” Microsoft said.
“Use your Windows 8-based devices as a second screen with your Xbox 360 for an enhanced game and entertainment experience. Control and interact with your favorite TV shows, movies, music and games by simple flicks, gestures, and pinch and zoom. Start watching on one of your devices and flick it to your TV to keep watching on the big screen.”
The interactions also works the other way around, as the Xbox 360 can send different content to the tablets or smartphones, from details about a movie to extra features for games with support for SmartGlass.
“Xbox SmartGlass helps you easily discover more things to do by showing new activities related to what you’re already watching or playing on TV. And now play Xbox 360 games in a new way when you add a phone or tablet as a screen just for you.”
Xbox SmartGlass will be fully supported by Windows 8-powered PCs, smartphones or tablets, as well as by devices with iOS or Android operating systems.
Expect to hear more about the new technology later this year, when it’s going to be officially released.