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Print 16 comment(s) - last by Trisped.. on Jun 6 at 7:01 PM

  (Source: sync-blog.com)
The service will be available for PC, Windows 8 tablets, Windows Phone and Xbox 360

Microsoft unveiled a new service today called Xbox Music at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, California.
 
The new service, as you might’ve guessed, is a music offering that has replaced Microsoft’s Zune services. Microsoft Zune players were axed back in October 2011.
 
Xbox Music will have over 30 million songs available on Microsoft devices like PCs, Xbox 360s, Windows Phone and Windows 8 tablets.
 
In addition to Xbox Music, Microsoft introduced a “SmartGlass” application, which links the Xbox 360 console to mobile devices. SmartGlass doesn’t just connect to mobile Windows devices though – Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS devices can get in on the action too.
 
SmartGlass aims to make a unified digital experience for desktop, TV and mobile users alike. Marc Whitten, head of Microsoft’s Xbox Live Group, demonstrated SmartGlass at E3 today by using a smartphone and tablet to control a browser on the television. He noted that Microsoft plans to bring Internet Explorer 10 to televisions through Xbox Live.
 
In the demonstration, a tablet was used to launch Internet Explorer 10 on a large monitor where he showed off the website for the new film “Prometheus.” He also watched “Game of Thrones” on the monitor while using a tablet to map out character locations.
 
“Your devices aren’t smart devices because they don’t work together,” said Whitten. “That’s all about to change. I can now take my phone and use it as the world’s best remote control.”
 
“Xbox is on a mission to make the entertainment that you love even more amazing,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “With Xbox SmartGlass, we are lighting up entertainment across your phone, tablet, PC and TV in a completely new way. If you love to play games, watch TV and movies, surf the Web, or listen to music, there has never been a better time to be on Xbox.”
 
SmartGlass, like Xbox Music, will also work with Apple devices, but it’s primarily supported on Windows 8 devices.

Sources: Microsoft, Mashable


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Nice
By B3an on 6/4/2012 11:23:47 PM , Rating: 2
I know almost everyone complains about MS no matter what they do or how good they're products are. But everything they're doing lately with Win 8, Xbox, WinPhone and all their services is looking great. It's all coming together, even including the interface and their site designs (all going Metro). I love SkyDirve too, best cloud service around.

And if they demo'd IE on Xbox showing video then i take it that Xbox IE will also have integrated Flash support as Metro IE in Win 8 now does (no longer a plugin)... Nice.




RE: Nice
By InternetGeek on 6/4/2012 11:49:05 PM , Rating: 2
Completely agree. Their online services are the most under-appreciated, though some could use some improvements. The Nokia Lumia will be available next month in Sydney, with that I'll have a fully integrated media experience at home and on the go.


RE: Nice
By FITCamaro on 6/5/2012 6:58:42 AM , Rating: 2
Agreed.

Having a browser on the Xbox potentially means we can go on the websites of our favorite TV shows and watch the previous nights episodes. Assuming content providers don't block it.

Microsoft gets all the crap because they're "a big evil corporation" when in reality, they're friendlier to the consumer than Apple.


RE: Nice
By HackSacken on 6/5/2012 9:25:48 AM , Rating: 2
Yeah Yeah! wimp.com is all I care about.


RE: Nice
By GulWestfale on 6/5/2012 9:38:59 AM , Rating: 2
finally having a browser on the xbox would be nice.
and perhaps with this glass thingie one could use the phone like a remote control for the xbox?


RE: Nice
By FITCamaro on 6/6/2012 8:10:35 AM , Rating: 2
That's what they're saying is the plan...


RE: Nice
By AntiM on 6/5/2012 9:54:55 AM , Rating: 2
I don't know. I'm feeling deja vu.

Microsoft press release concerning the Zune:
http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2006/sep...

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 14, 2006 — Marking the next big milestone for its Connected Entertainment vision, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune™ brand. Designed around the principles of sharing, discovery and community, Zune will create new ways for consumers to connect and share entertainment experiences. The Zune experience centers around connection — connection to your library, connection to friends, connection to community and connection to other devices.

We all know how that worked for them. I do wish MS success with this, maybe the Zune concept was just a little ahead of its time?


RE: Nice
By kleinma on 6/5/2012 11:17:01 AM , Rating: 2
The Zune had several features that made it better than the iPod. I didn't buy one, but was given one, and things like wifi music sync and the fact that the screen was actually readable in direct sunlight were 2 very strong points over the iPod. While the Zune itself got discontinued, the music player market is in rapid decline and it didn't make much sense to keep pushing in a dying market. The smart phone has all but replaced the portable music player, and MS has some strong offerings there. Plus the Zune was not a total failure, much of the good in the UI design was the basis for Metro and Windows 8.


Good tech, but questionable usability
By corduroygt on 6/5/12, Rating: 0
By FITCamaro on 6/5/2012 9:18:16 AM , Rating: 2
It doesn't sound like Smartglass' focus is games. It's other uses.


By Arsynic on 6/5/2012 9:52:09 AM , Rating: 2
It's up to the content providers.


releases?
By kleinma on 6/5/12, Rating: 0
MS ripped off Air Play, great!
By Pirks on 6/5/12, Rating: -1
RE: MS ripped off Air Play, great!
By datdamonfoo on 6/5/12, Rating: 0
By datdamonfoo on 6/5/2012 10:29:48 AM , Rating: 2
I meant off, not of.


By Trisped on 6/6/2012 7:01:34 PM , Rating: 2
Both of these are based on existing technologies, they just brought them to their fan base.


"Google fired a shot heard 'round the world, and now a second American company has answered the call to defend the rights of the Chinese people." -- Rep. Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.)











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