Xbox SmartGlass hits Android ahead of schedule Microsoft published the Xbox SmartGlass app for Android this weekend, giving those on Google's OS access before Windows Phone 8 even hits the market. The application - launched on Windows RT devices on Friday - was expected to hit Google Play in 2013 after a lengthy period of MS exclusivity. However, with the release of …
I am quite impressed, once I managed to get it installed. Tablet devices seem to require side-loading as according to the store, they're 'incompatible'.
I've only used it for navigating the menus, starting up iPlayer, and controlling the web-browser, but so far, it seems pretty reliable, functions well and is reasonably clear in operation. My only feedback is that there should be an option to reverse the swipe functionality to make left=right and vice versa, in the same way as other slide navigation works. Or has Apple got a © around that?
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I tried this over the weekend and absolutely loved it. works quite well as a controller but the advantage of a proper keyboard on text entry screens is simply takes the interaction to a different level.
I noticed a couple of seconds delay sometimes between going to a text field and keyboard opening up on the phone, but overall I'm well impresse.
Android 4.1.2 Tab = No workey. Who can be arsed with the side-loading shenanigans? This is a typical Android problem. Yes there are billions of droids on the planet, but any given app will only work on a subset of those devices. Sometimes a very, very small subset (thinking of the Sky Go app).
I know this is all off topic, and I'm sure that the MS app is useful. I just can't see it, that's all. Perhaps this was a ploy to highlight one of Android's failings?
Shows how fragmented the android base is when some can some can't and to install legit software you have to sideload??? Realy Come On Mannnn!!!
As some others pointed out, this has been available for a couple of weeks on WP7, author you might want to do a little more research before you start touting how android users are getting a microsoft product before Windows Phone customers, thats now how it went down. Probably should actually give WP7 some props in your article as an update vs how you have it worded now.......am sure you won't though as just like a lot of tech authors you can't give props to WP where it is deserved......
Bring on November, looking forward to going into a store and doing a comparison between Lumia 920, Droid Razr Maxx HD and iPhone 5.
'This item cannot be installed in your device's country'
so getting the error message when trying to buy Windows 8: "Sorry, Windows 8 isn't available for online purchase in the country/region you're in", isn't enough, now I can't get the Android app if it is made my Microsoft even if it is free of charge!
From what I've been able to make out, to use SmartGlass on Android, you need to match three conditions:
- Phones ONLY (My only ICS device is a tablet).
- The phone must have at lease Android 4.0.
- Needs enough resolution. They mention WVGA, so I don't know if SVGA (1024x600) will suffice.
Figured I'd give heads up.
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