Microsoft’s Smartglass companion app for the Xbox 360 wasn’t a big hit. However, it seems to be a big part of the next generation with a ton of games opting for second screen support.
According to a recent update from Microsoft, the Xbox One has been designed keeping Smartglass in mind, unlike the Xbox 360, where it was an afterthought. In all honesty, I feel they used the Xbox 360 Smartglass feature as a guinea pig for the real deal that will launch with the Xbox One.
The new Smartglass is said to be three times faster than the current version and the console can now support a greater number of devices. Since the app is available on WindowsPhone, iOS and Android, everyone will have access to it. Now, imagine you have a bunch of friends over and you can all jump into a game of poker with everyone’s hand on their respective device, that’s pretty convenient!
However what we don’t know is whether each person will require their own XBL ID with an active gold subscription to use such a multiplayer service, even if restricted to just local gameplay.
Smartglass will give players new ways to play their games with greater integration with Xbox One games unlike the 360, where it was used to show maps or stats. Smartglass is also going to serve as a guide for players who get stuck in a certain game — the app can give you all the tips and hints you need.
All in all, the new Smartglass looks like it has taken a step forward in second screen integration and the beauty of it is, everyone who has a mobile device can get it for free.