Microsoft has introduced new features for Xbox SmartGlass and Xbox Video, and has detailed some of the features dealing with SmartGlass and OneGuide which will arrive later this year.
It has been understood that the Xbox One users can now watch a movie they've rented or bought from Xbox Video on another device, resuming playback where they left off. The devices supported for this 'Rent Once, Play Anywhere' feature are Xbox One, Xbox 360, Windows 8 devices, Windows Phone 8 devices, and on the Web via XboxVideo.com. Notably, the 'resume playback where you left off' feature is currently only available for the last two aforementioned platforms, but will be coming soon to other devices.
Xbox One users can now also use Xbox SmartGlass on Windows smartphones or tablets for navigating the interface of the Xbox One console, apart from the Xbox One controller, Kinect voice or gesture commands, and Xbox One Media Remote.
In its blog post, Microsoft said the Xbox SmartGlass companion app will let users:
- Easily navigate game options so they can quickly get to the full list of Achievements, challenges, and game clips without jumping through multiple screens.
- View recent players to find people they 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 their friends are doing.
- View their Activity Feed in a way that matches the view on your console.
- Launch an app in Snap from their mobile device, and when they're done, simply unsnap it.
Receive Xbox Live messaging alerts on their mobile devices, making it easier to stay in touch with friends when they are on the go.
Furthermore, Microsoft will be making some upcoming features due to released later this year available now to test for select Xbox One users in the US, Europe and Canada. The features are said to revamp the TV experience on the console. "The features bring elements of OneGuide to new markets, and they add OneGuide and universal remote control to Xbox SmartGlass,"
says Ben Smith, Group Program Manager, TV, Xbox on the Xbox Wire website.
According to Microsoft, the selected users will see:
- An enhanced TV watching experience (that's already available in the US) which sees TV listings added to OneGuide, alongside Favorites and App Channels. This will work for people in Europe and Canada who have their TV connected to Xbox One via HDMI-in.
- More control over Xbox One, their TV, and set-top box, including setting new recordings and watching recorded content from their DVR, all from a tablet or smart phone. Xbox SmartGlass also adds a cool new feature to show the most recently-watched channels.
- New Kinect voice commands in Europe and Canada (already available in the US) which let you control your set-top box and other AV equipment.