Xbox One SmartGlass Beta app now available for Windows Phone

Published by Rafe Blandford at 10:06 UTC, April 2nd 2014

Yesterday, Microsoft announced a software update for its Xbox One console that enhances its Xbox SmartGlass and Xbox Video experience. SmartGlass is getting a range of updates, including some which are only available to select Xbox Live members during a testing period. Xbox Video will shortly allow you to start watching on one screen, before swapping to another screen (e.g. a Windows Phone device), with seamless play back picked-up wherever you left off on the original device.

The new seamless resume feature for Xbox Video is now available between the Xbox One and Xbox Video on Windows 8. XboxVideo.com and Xbox Video on Windows Phone 8 will support the feature soon (we assume an app update will be required).

The generic additions to the SmartGlass experience, which include improved access to ancillary game content and the ability to receive Xbox Live messaging alerts on your mobile device, are now available in the general release version of the Xbox One SmartGlass app for Windows Phone 8.

Xbox One SmartGlass

From Xbox Wire:

We added a range of new SmartGlass features recently to make it easier for anyone around the world to navigate Xbox One experiences. With SmartGlass you can now:

Easily navigate game options so you can quickly get to the full list of Achievements, challenges, and game clips without jumping through multiple screens.

View recent players to find people you recently gamed with, easily add them as a friend, or issue a rematch challenge.

Sort the Friends list by online status for a quick view of what your friends are doing.

View your Activity Feed in a way that matches the view on your console

Launch an app in Snap from your mobile device, and when you’re done, simply unsnap it.

Receive Xbox Live messaging alerts on your mobile device, making it easier to stay in touch with friends when you’re on the go.

The limited access SmartGlass features (invite only access in select markets) improves access to the TV experience on the Xbox One and bring elements of OneGuide service (integrated TV listings) to additional markets. The SmartGlass app on tablets and smartphones will offer greater (remote) control over Xbox One, TV, and set top boxes (i.e. universal remote).

Xbox One SmartGlass (General Release)

Windows Phone Store description:

Xbox One SmartGlass is the perfect companion app for your Xbox One, both in your living room and on the go. Connect and control your Xbox One. Stay connected with the games and gamers you like. And add a new dimension to your console entertainment with the mobile device you already own.

New in this release:

Added a dedicated hub for clips you make with Game DVR

We will send notifications when you receive new messages

Now it is even easier to see who is online and what they are playing

In Friends, the activity feed has a new look and feel

Close snapped apps on Xbox One

Improved help for Xbox One connection problems

Xbox One SmartGlass is a free download from the Windows Phone Store.