Xbox One SmartGlass
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Microsoft now lets you record gameplay with Xbox One SmartGlass
Microsoft has been working hard to make Xbox One SmartGlass more useful and appealing for users, and it's doing a great job so far. The most recent update to the app, however, may just be its best yet. Most notably, you can now record Xbox One game clips directly from the SmartGlass application, making the process easier for gamers who, for example, have a Kinect-less console. In addition to that, you can use the app to view your profile's activity feed, post status updates on it and share stuff that pops up there. New TV and OneGuide features are here as well, although those had been available previously in beta on some devices. Speaking of which, perhaps the nicest part of this refresh is that Microsoft is doing it across the board -- the revamped Xbox One SmartGlass is available for iOS, Android and Windows Phone.
Windows Phone devices get SmartGlass for Xbox One early
Windows Phone users can now download the new Xbox One SmartGlass app ahead of the system's launch on Friday. The free app will allow players to navigate their console and browse the web on the big screen using their mobile devices, as well as check on their friends lists and achievements once they have their next-gen console set up. As was previously revealed in September, up to 16 people can connect to a single Xbox One system using SmartGlass, and developers can also offer help documentation for their games through the app and use it to handle matchmaking for online multiplayer modes. Some games will include special SmartGlass features, such as defensive playcalling assistance in Madden NFL 25. The SmartGlass companion app is free, and will eventually roll to iOS and Android.
Xbox One SmartGlass hands-on (video)
SmartGlass is nothing new -- it's the second screen solution Microsoft introduced for its Xbox legions. But for the release of the Xbox One console, the company decided to update the experience and extend the functionality. Culling feedback from the many developers and gamers that have downloaded the app since its initial release, Microsoft came to some near unanimous conclusions: gamers use it as an Xbox Live controller and devs love its use of HTML and Javascript. So where to go from there? If you've been paying attention to any of the company's E3 announcements, you'll know that the newly updated SmartGlass app now includes support for in-game DLC purchases, gameplay assists and a DVR-like replay feature. We spent a little time sifting through the new app on the showfloor, so follow along for our initial thoughts.
