[E3'12, X360] Microsoft unveils SmartGlass

[E3'12, X360] Microsoft unveils SmartGlass

Microsoft unveiled SmartGlass this morning during their E3 conference; it's an app allows tablets and smartphones to interact with the Xbox 360 console.

Not only does the service allow the hardware to display infomation but it can also act as a controller to add more functionality into gameplay experiences. The two examples used were during an episode 'Game of Thrones' on HBO a tablet computer displayed the location of characters on a map based on the fantasy show and during a game of Madden on the Xbox 360 the tablet could be used to select different plays and tactics to be used.

Microsoft also revealed a full fledged internet browser for the Xbox 360 console - previously they preferred to have dedicated apps but now they see the SmartGlass as an opportunity to make a browser a more viable option and continue to make the Xbox into an all-encompassing living room media center.

A move that looks to counter the Wii U which was announced last year and had a primary control scheme of a large touch screen on the controller. Microsoft is showing you don't need new hardware to open such possibilities. It remains to be seen if the SmartGlass app allows as much functionality as Nintendo's Wii U controller however the Nintendo E3 press conference tomorrow will be sure to reveal more, stay tuned to vgZero for more E3 coverage!

Written by: James Stevenson

User(s) browsing this thread: 1 Guest(s)

View the original article here