media-playback
Latest
Xbox One update tests comprehensive Smartglass media control
Over the course of the next month, Microsoft plans to roll out a series of updates focused on the Xbox One's media playback functionality. Most notably, select Xbox One users will get the chance to test a new suite of Smartglass controls. Later this week, the first wave of updates will arrive and bring with it universal media playback on Microsoft devices. Now, users will be able to view Xbox media content on any Microsoft device, whether it be an Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 8 PC , Windows Phone or even online at Xbox Video. Alongside this, Microsoft will update the Xbox One Smartglass companion application to feature easier navigation options, mobile Xbox Live alerts and Snap functionality. In an effort to "explore some new ideas," Microsoft will also be debuting new Smartglass media controls. Explicit details are currently unavailable, but these new controls should allow users to control a TV, Xbox One, and set-top DVR directly from a tablet or smartphone. Unlike the rest of the aforementioned media playback update, this Smartglass addition will initially be rolled out to a small group of testers, then released to the general population once Microsoft has fixed any kinks. [Image: Microsoft]
AirFlick allows streaming of arbitrary media, DVDs, even screencasting to the Apple TV (video)
If you've run out of things to do with your Apple TV and have been using it as a hockey puck now that the lakes are getting solid, you'd better go dig it out of the snowbank. Following up on her iOS AirPlay hacks, Erica Sadun has released an alpha version of a tool called AirFlick which enables the playback of any 'ol media files on an Apple TV. That's demonstrated in a video below. Things aren't perfect yet but already others are having a field day with the tool, the folks at TUAW figuring out how to not only stream whole DVDs to an Apple TV but their entire desktop image too by simply providing a VLC screen:// URL into the player. The quality looks a little iffy and, as you can see in the video below, it's not entirely error-free. But, if you have the smallest little bit of patience, it's sure worth a shot, eh?
