While there was no news about the next generation, Microsoft has announced two big services that will make the Xbox integrate with Windows Phone and Windows 8. Here’s what we found out at the Microsoft E3 Conference…
Xbox SmartGlass is a system that will connect to Windows tablets and phones – I assume this works with a Windows 8 PC too. You could be watching a TV show on your tablet on the bus, then switch straight to your TV when you get home, and pick up right where you left off. Your tablet will now offer additional information about what you were watching (like a world map for Game of Thrones, for example).
With games, Xbox SmartGlass can turn your phone or tablet into an additional screen – in a very similar way to the upcoming Nintendo Wii-U. You might use your touchscreen to draw out strategies for FIFA 13 matches, for example.
Microsoft also announced that Internet Explorer is coming to Xbox too – that should help in the overall user figures war against Chrome and Firefox! Smartglass will let you use your phone as a mouse to browse the net on your screen.
The second new service is Xbox Music. This will work across devices too, and will let users share, discover and download music. This sounds like a Microsoft competitor to Spotify – we’ll have to wait and see how many platforms it’s available for. Both Spotify and iTunes are successful because they are simple and cross platform. Pricing has not been announced, but after the relative failure of Zune, Xbox Music looks like a much more ambitious service.
Overall, if you have Windows devices and Xbox, they are going to get much more connected. Connectivity seems to be a big issue this year, with Nintendo and Sony also competing to be your entertainment hub. With Apple rumored also to be developing something similar for TV, we should see big changes coming to our living rooms.
We got to see a new FIFA 13 trailer, showing us features like such as Tactical Free Kicks, the First Touch Control, and enhanced Impact Engine. Check it out below.
Our man at E3, Rutger Uittenbogaard, also tells us there are rumors on the show floor that GTA V is set for an October release. There is, of course, no official statement from Rockstar!
Tomorrow we’ll look more at the games of E3. Stay tuned!
