Microsoft expands Xbox extras
Tuned-up hub with WinPho control
Microsoft took to E3 this week to bolster its claims that its gaming console performs as a complete entertainment hub with the announcement of two products: Xbox SmartGlass and Xbox Music.
The company clearly agrees with Nintendo that a second display interface is the way forward for its games console, although its new mobile app - Xbox SmartGlass - means those with Windows Phone handsets already have the hardware required.
Those who use the app can control their Xbox content through it, navigating the dashboard and browser with swiping gestures rather than being limited to an Xbox controller, or the dubious reactiveness of the Kinect peripheral.
It also allows users to ping content from the handset, straight to the Xbox with a simple swipe. Meanwhile those watching content through the Xbox have the ability to view related goodies on their phone simultaneously, bringing greater depth to what's on show.
Microsoft's push for entertainment hub greatness didn't stop there though, as it officially revealed its answer to Spotify - Xbox Music.
Previously codenamed Woodstock, the Zune successor is a service available to Windows 8, WinPho owners and of course, Xbox users.
Xbox Music provides access to 30 million tunes, which can be purchased for download or streamed for a monthly subscription, and comes with heavy social integration, for sharing what it is you're listening to with your buddies. Better take extra care when you stumble upon a Cliff Richard song, eh?
While no launch dates were revealed, we expect the services will be in full swing for the launch of Windows 8 later this year. ®
COMMENTS
Article misses the cross-platform point
This article completely misses whats exciting about the announcement - The service will use your existing second screens, be that iPads, iPod touches, Windows Phones, Android tablets, whatever.
That makes it immediately accessible to the 50% of people who use smartphones. Its not confined to the 2% who own Windows Phones.
Re: Errm
I will give you Microsoft copying the concept of the eyeToy, even though Kinect is way more powerful and developed, although I'm not sure how you get the idea that Nintendo copied the Move, since both Sony and Nintendo claim that work on the Move and Wii respectively began in 2001.
It makes it difficult to say who copied whom. However, though Sony seem to be coming out with great ideas that, lets say for the sake of argument, everyone wants to copy, they clearly suck at the implementation of those ideas since the Wii is better than the Move and hit the market first, and the Kinect is far better than the eyetoy.
Maybe Sony should just sell their ideas?
Re: Errm
erm, my XBox360 mk1 is stil going strong thank you very much. I think I've had value for money rather than "royally fucked over a barrel by them"
Re: Errm
I don't really want to jump into one of those who did what first arguments, but I seem to remember it was possible to plug a Gameboy Advance into a Gamecube for a Zelda title or two and before that the VMU on the Dreamcast provided an extra screen, although tiny, for a couple of titles.
Re: the braindead gamers
that would presumably be everyone but you, so clever you only play on ps3. (I suppose taking a game home and waiting half an hour for it to install and update itself is part of the fun for you. I'm so braindead I don't even enjoy that bit!) God, it must be difficult being so clever when everyone around you is so stupid!!!
