Microsoft rolls out SmartGlass SDK for cross-platform Xbox apps

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) released the software development kit for its new SmartGlass initiative, enabling the creation of cross-platform applications that allow consumers to interact with their Xbox 360 entertainment console via smartphone, tablet or PC.

Microsoft first unveiled SmartGlass earlier this month. Optimized for the company's Windows Phone and Windows 8 platforms as well as rival operating systems like Apple's (NASDAQ:AAPL) iOS and Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android, the free SmartGlass app delivers companion content allowing consumers to delve deeper into games, videos and music on the Xbox entertainment system. Consumers can also leverage SmartGlass-enabled devices as gaming controllers and access content on one device, then continue watching, listening or playing on another device.

The new SDK (available for download here) includes an Xbox SmartGlass Studio environment for building "SmartGlass Activities" as well as a Javascript application programming interface designed to work across Windows, iOS, Android and Windows Phone. Microsoft also supplies a library of sample code.

When Microsoft rolls out Xbox SmartGlass later this year, it will also introduce Internet Explorer for Xbox, allowing consumers to leverage their smartphone or tablet to browse the Web on their television, type text, pinch and zoom and pin their favorite sites directly to the Xbox dashboard. Microsoft additionally will launch Xbox Music, a new download and subscription service coming to the Windows Phone, Windows 8 and Xbox 360 platforms. Xbox Music will replace Microsoft's ill-fated Zune digital music service; Microsoft halted development of Zune devices in March 2011.

Earlier this week, Microsoft unveiled its new Windows Phone 8 operating system, which touts Near Field Communications support for mobile wallet services, a customizable start screen and improved gaming capabilities. Windows Phone 8 also features multi-core chipsets to bolster smartphone performance and optimize battery life, a choice of three screen resolutions to support apps as well as higher-resolution apps written for the new OS, and integration of VoIP and video chat.

For more:
- read this Ars Technica article

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