Xbox One SmartGlass is a useful app being downloaded by dozens of gamers every day. While the app itself may not seem special, it easily enhances the gaming experience. Simply download the app to start connecting with Xbox Live friends on the go and take more control over your Xbox One. Getting started with SmartGlass is very easy and doesn’t cost you a thing. Use this simple Xbox One SmartGlass App guide to learn more about how you can take advantage of this excellent companion.
What is Xbox One SmartGlass?
SmartGlass is an app designed to help gamers interact with their content a little better. While it was originally designed to compete with the touchscreen controllers of the Wii U and Sony’s Remote Play, this Xbox app is a little different than anything else on the market. It can be installed on most modern mobile devices and doesn’t require any specialized equipment. The app itself is also very simple, with the design mimicking the standard Xbox layout.
Using Xbox One SmartGlass allows users to stay in control of their console at all times. They won’t feel left out when their friends are online, will be able to quickly browse content on their TVs, and can monitor their Xbox One use while they are out and about.
Unique Features of SmartGlass
Xbox One SmartGlass is designed to be the “perfect companion” to the popular gaming consol. According to Microsoft, the app will allow users to navigate their Xbox One console using their mobile device. This will give them a more elaborate remote control and make accessing certain features easier. For example, browsing the web could become much faster when using your mobile device’s keyboard or touch screen.
SmartGlass doesn’t just make browsing the TV and web easier; it is designed to put the majority of Xbox features at your fingertips. Xbox Live users will be able to easily message their friends and interact in Activity Feeds. If a user has any DVR clips stored, these will also be accessible from the device. Users can also track and compare achievements quickly.
The Cost of SmartGlass
The Xbox One SmartGlass app itself is free, but it won’t do you any good without an Xbox. Users who purchase a subscription to Xbox Live will have access to more of the social features that make SmartGlass useful. The free price tag makes it a very welcome addition to the Xbox family, especially when comparing it with the hefty price tags of popular gaming items.
System Requirements for SmartGlass
According toIGN, Xbox One SmartGlass can be used on several different tablets, smartphones, and other devices. While it is designed for Windows 8 and higher, the app is compatible with some Android and iOS devices. Any device running Android 4.x or higher can access the app with ease, provided it has at least a 7-inch screen. 2nd generation iPads, 1st generation iPad Minis, 3GS iPhones, 4th generation iPod Touches and newer iOS devices can all access the app.
The system requirements for SmartGlass are very simple and straightforward. The app is only designed for mobile devices. With a size of 18.99 MB, the app can easily fit on most devices. Users are only limited by the number of downloads they can have and use. If you install the app on more than ten devices, you could run into problems.
You will also need a strong Internet connection in order to use Xbox One. All apps use a little data, but you can connect to wi-fi to curb this cost.
The SmartGlass app will only connect to an Xbox One. While there is an app for Xbox 360 users, the two are not interchangeable.
How to Get Xbox One SmartGlass
Xbox One SmartGlass can be downloaded from several reliable sources: Microsoft.com, the Google Play store and the Apple Store.
How to Setup Xbox One SmartGlass App
Getting started with SmartGlass is very easy. The process only takes a few moments and requires a slight system adjustment on your Xbox. To activate, visit “My Games & Apps” then select Settings. Under the Preferences section, you will see an option for SmartGlass Connections. Select “From any SmartGlass device” if you want to access your Xbox remotely and be able to make changes even if the console is turned off.
If you run into any issues, Microsoft has a very detailed help section. Click here to see more elaborate instructions or troubleshoot the installation process.
After you download your new app, you will need to login using your Xbox One gamertag or your Microsoft account. If you do not connect your Xbox, you will still be able to message your contacts and see recent achievements, you just won’t be able to control your TV.
If you are new to Xbox and don’t have a unique gamertag yet, you should think about a fun name to use. This guide can be a great inspiration.
How SmartGlass Changes the Gaming Experience
SmartGlass can easily enhance your gaming experience, even if you can’t play Xbox One games on your PC using the app. The app makes accessing social content significantly easier, allowing gamers to keep in touch with one another. This adds more depth to the social aspects of gaming and Xbox Live.
The app is also designed to significantly improve efficiency. This makes it a great addition to productivity apps, as you’ll be able to access content much faster using the app. While these changes don’t shake the gaming world, they are a very welcome addition.
This Xbox One SmartGlass app guide covers all of the updates until January 2017. Because Microsoft is always working on improving their interface and adding features, there is always a chance that they could expand SmartGlass. Until they add more features, the app will be primarily used for social interaction and typing. To see the latest news about Xbox, please browse the articles found here.
