After something of a soft launch last June and July via a couple of updates to My Xbox Live, Microsoft’s Xbox SmartGlass has finally made its way to iOS in its full form.
My Xbox Live debuted in the App Store nearly a year ago to become the official iOS companion app for Microsoft’s popular digital gaming and media service.
The app enabled Xbox Live users to connect with other users, track and compare achievements, and change their 3-D avatars. Pretty basic stuff for a companion app.
Several months ago, though, My Xbox Live gained some notable remote capabilities. With these capabilities, the app allowed users to “connect, control, and discover” content on the Xbox 360 console.
Still, these early capabilities were pretty limited. But today’s update to My Xbox Live is about to remedy that.
As matter of fact, this new update is so significant that it accounts for a name change. My Xbox Live is now called Xbox SmartGlass, after Microsoft’sremote control technology demoed in the video below.
If you can’t see the video embedded above, please click here.
The new Xbox SmartGlass app effectively turns your iDevice into a remote control and second screen for your Xbox 360. It allows you to:
- Navigate your Xbox 360 with swipe and tap
- Use your phone’s keyboard to type to your Xbox 360
- Browse the Internet on your Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming
- Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on your Xbox 360
- Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games
- Enjoy rich, interactive experiences from select game and entertainment content creators
Of course, as before, the app lets you connect with other Xbox Live users, track and compare achievements, and change avatars.
Compatible with both iPhone and iPad, but not yet optimized for iPhone 5,Xbox SmartGlass is available now in the App Store for free.
Will you be taking advantage of Xbox SmartGlass for your Xbox 360?
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