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Microsoft releases SmartGlass app to Google Play store

Xbox 360 fans can use the new Android app to control and interact with the console.

Casey Newton Former Senior Writer
Casey Newton writes about Google for CNET, which he joined in 2012 after covering technology for the San Francisco Chronicle. He is really quite tall.
Casey Newton

Microsoft's big week continued today with a new app release. Xbox SmartGlass for Android hit the Google Play store this afternoon.

Microsoft

SmartGlass offers a slick second-screen experience for Xbox 360. Developers of Xbox apps can use SmartGlass to let users interact with TV shows, movies, sports and games. The technology, which was first shown off at E3 this year,will eventually turn smartphones and tablets into second screens and controllers for a variety of games and apps.

Some key features:

  • Navigate your Xbox 360 with swipe and tap 
  • Use your phone's keyboard to type to your Xbox 360
  • Browse the Internet on your Xbox 360 with full keyboard and zooming 
  • Play, pause, fast forward, rewind, and stop videos and music on your Xbox 360 
  • Search the full Xbox catalog of music, video, and games

There's a social aspect to the app as well: users can connect with friends on the Xbox Live service, compare achievements, and dress up their avatars.

The app requires Android 4.0 and an Xbox Live membership. An iOS version is expected but not yet available.

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