Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2012/06/22/developers_get_mitts_on_microsoft_smartglass/

Developers get to touch Microsoft's SmartGlass

Xbox mobilised

By Caleb Cox

Posted in Personal Tech, 22nd June 2012 11:10 GMT

Microsoft has released a software development kit (SDK) to encourage coding for its upcoming SmartGlass application, which lets mobile devices interact with the Xbox 360 console "in an intelligent way".

The Redmond firm has pushed the free SDK to partners with agreements to build Xbox games or entertainment apps, so they can support the app ahead of its official launch later this year.

Xbox SmartGlass

Revealed at E3 2012, SmartGlass allows a phone or tablet to be used as a second screen to show enhanced information about a game, to control the dashboard, or pull content back and forth between devices.

While Nintendo gears up for its tablet-console crossover, the Wii U, which Sony promises to better with a PlayStation 3-to-Vita link up, Microsoft's SmartGlass promises to do the same with everyday mobiles rather than dedicated gaming hardware. ®