Microsoft Releases 'Xbox SmartGlass' for iPhone and iPad - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Microsoft Releases 'Xbox SmartGlass' for iPhone and iPad

by

xboxsmartglass
Microsoft has released an upgrade to its Xbox Live app, changing the name to Xbox SmartGlass and dramatically expanding its functionality. Microsoft announced SmartGlass earlier this year, aiming to turn a mobile phone or tablet into a second screen to compliment Xbox content.

It allows Xbox owners to remotely control their media, navigate through the Xbox dashboard, and more -- including the ability to use the iPhone's keyboard to type messages on the Xbox. SmartGlass has deeper functionality as well:

More exciting than this beefed-up interaction with the Xbox Live service itself is that Xbox SmartGlass is also "smart" enough to recognize when you're playing certain Xbox 360 games that offer additional content, and will display said content on your iOS device giving you that "second screen" enhanced experience that seems to be all the buzz as of late.


Xbox SmartGlass is a free download for iPhone and iPad. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

176 months ago
Navigating to porn sites through the Xbox is so much easier now.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
176 months ago
There's a product name that's begging to be played with.

Don't be such a SmartGlass.

----------

From the looks of it, Microsoft is doing AirPlay better than Apple.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DavidLeblond Avatar
176 months ago
Not sized to the iPhone 5... really, Microsoft?:rolleyes:
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mrgraff Avatar
176 months ago
"SmartGlass" would've been a cool name for their Surface tablet.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dwhittington Avatar
176 months ago
There's a product name that's begging to be played with.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
spiderman0616 Avatar
176 months ago
I tried it last night. It's kind of just a glorified remote control for the Xbox. Reminds me of using the Apple Remote app on my Apple TV.

HOWEVER, I will give MS a kudos for actually designing a good app. It is annoying that it is not sized to the iPhone 5 screen, but on the iPad, it looks, feels, and even sounds excellent. This is how apps should be made. Nice and simple, responsive, clean.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 27 on iPhone 17 1

iOS 27 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Saturday May 2, 2026 8:43 am PDT by
Apple is expected to unveil iOS 27 during its WWDC 2026 keynote on June 8, and there are already many rumored features and changes for iPhones. The first developer beta of iOS 27 will likely be available immediately following the keynote, and a public beta typically follows in July. Following beta testing, the software update should be released to all users with a compatible iPhone in...
Apple Event Logo

Apple Just Released a New Accessory

Monday May 4, 2026 8:13 am PDT by
Apple today released a new Pride Edition Sport Loop for the Apple Watch. The band features a rainbow design with 11 colors of woven nylon yarns. The new Pride Edition Sport Loop is available to order now on Apple.com and in the Apple Store app in 40mm, 42mm, and 46mm sizes, and it will be available at Apple Store locations starting later this week. In the U.S., the band costs $49. There...
Apple Announces 2026 Pride Band Watch Face and iPhone Wallpaper Article 2

iOS 26.5 Coming Soon With These New Features

Monday May 4, 2026 8:40 am PDT by
iOS 26.5 is expected to be released next week, following more than a month of beta testing. The update is relatively minor, but there are a couple of new features and changes across the operating system that we have recapped below. iOS 26.5 lays the groundwork for end-to-end encryption for RCS in the Messages app and ads in the Apple Maps app, and it will include a new Pride wallpaper and a...
Related Apple News: Motoring | Entertainment | Mac | Ipad | Reviews