14 DAY TRIAL // Just one day ahead of BUILD 2014 developer conference, Microsoft has released the Xbox One SmartGlass beta application for Windows Phone operating system.
The Redmond-based company has kicked off the beta program for the Xbox One SmartGlass application in order to gather as much feedback as possible and thoroughly test it before making it available for the general public.
However, as Microsoft mentions, the beta iteration of Xbox One SmartGlass is available for free to all those who wish to offer their feedback, so there’s no need to register or apply to be enlisted into the beta program.
Simply download the application via Windows Phone Store and start using it with your Xbox One console and TV, and report on any issues that you find during your multimedia experience.
According to Microsoft, the latest version of Xbox One SmartGlass comes with several new features that were not available in any of the previous beta iterations.
The official changelog mentions that the application now features OneGuide support built into SmartGlass and the option to view what’s on TV without interrupting what you are doing on Xbox One console.
In addition, users will also be able to change TV channels on their Xbox One through OneGuide on SmartGlass. Another option that allows users to find and favorite TV Channels has been added as well, along with the ability to use the application as a TV Universal Remote Control in order to control the Cable Box and TV.
Microsoft has also highlighted some of the known issues that affect this version of Xbox One SmartGlass Beta, which will hopefully be fixed in future updates.
It appears that some buttons in the Cable/TV remote may not work and some strings are out-of-date or missing. Last but not least, in “International countries,” there may be issues with the OneGuide and unlocalized strings.
Before downloading the beta version of Xbox SmartGlass for Windows Phone, here are some scenarios that you may want to try out and offer your feedback on.
Developers recommend users to browse OneGuide on their SmartGlass device and tune to a show from OneGuide. You might also want to favorite a TV channel and see that is shows up in the Favorites on your Windows Phone device.
You are also recommended to use the Cable/TV remote to navigate through your cable box UI, as well as change the HD/SD settings in the SmartGlass settings.
You can now download Xbox One SmartGlass Beta for Windows Phone 1.0.0.0 for free via Windows Phone Store. Keep in mind that the application only works on devices powered by Windows Phone 8 and up.