PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Microsoft has announced a new application called Xbox SmartGlass at this year’s E3 conference in LA.
It connects the Xbox 360 console to a wide range of devices, such Windows Phones, tablets and smartphones, enabling users to do things like watch a movie on one product, and pick up where they left off on another. Or if you are watching a programme via the Xbox, your tablet might display information about it – for example HBO has created a Game of Thrones companion that shows viewers on a map where the action is happening. Users can use tablets or phones to control the TV, and there will be similar features for use in video games or while surfing the web, too.
“Xbox is on a mission to make the entertainment that you love even more amazing,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “With Xbox SmartGlass, we are lighting up entertainment across your phone, tablet, PC and TV in a completely new way. If you love to play games, watch TV and movies, surf the Web, or listen to music, there has never been a better time to be on Xbox.”
Also at E3, Microsoft has announced that Internet Explorer is coming to Xbox later in this year. According to Twitterers at the event, this evoked quite a response in the crowd – is IE that good? Through Kinect, users will be able to surf the net with their voices.
Microsoft announced new content partners for the Xbox too. For example in the UK users can soon expect to see content from: Absolute Radio, GameSpot TV, Napster, and Picturebox.
Want to receive up-to-the-minute tech news straight to your inbox? Then click here to sign up for the completely free PCR Daily Digest and Newsflash email services. You can also follow PCR on Twitter andFacebook.
