![]() Any locally stored files that you’ve acquired via, say, iTunes or ripping physical media has to use the more limited Play to Xbox, instead. Most crucially, only content that you’ve purchased through Microsoft’s Music and Video apps can take advantage of the Play on Xbox feature. Unfortunately, Play on Xbox needs a lot of extra software to work properly, and some of those extras are expensive. The SmartGlass “Play on Xbox” control options include a “Play here” button that shifts the stream to your Windows 8 device. Even better, you can use SmartGlass to swap the stream between your console and your Windows 8 PC or tablet at the push of a button, and when you change devices, videos pick up right where you left off on the other device. It’s all pretty seamless and handy-dandy. Meanwhile, as your chosen file is playing on the boob tube, Xbox SmartGlass automatically pops up on your Windows PC or tablet and offers the app’s virtual controls and-if available-”second screen” information and options for the title. Rather than streaming media directly from your Windows 8 device to your console, the Play on Xbox function takes advantage of the cloud backbone powering Microsoft’s media offerings to stream music, movies, and TV shows directly from the Net to your console. Play on Xbox A “Play on Xbox 360” choice appears in the options of compatible media. Doing so will open the Charms bar, where you can select your Xbox 360 console (or any other certified “Play to” DLNA receiver, for that matter). One way to do this is by opening up your Windows 8 Music or Video app, right-clicking the file you want to stream, and then selecting “Play to” in the options bar at the bottom of the screen. The first and most universal is the “Play to Xbox” option.Īssuming that you correctly set up your Xbox 360 and that it is seen as a functional, online device within Windows 8, you’ll be granted the option to stream media from your PC directly to your console. One of the more eye-catching benefits of the new friendship between Windows 8 and Xbox 360 is the ability to push content from your PC to your console in two different ways with very similar naming schemes. Windows 8’s console capabilities aren’t just limited to Xbox Live tweaks and virtual game controls. Play to Xbox If you can stream media to your console, you’ll see the “Play to” option in playback controls. But we’re hoping other developers start to back this awesome feature as time goes on. ![]() Lackluster title support hurts right now, with SmartGlass interaction largely limited to Microsoft Studios titles such as Halo 4 and Forza Horizon. In effect, you use the small screen of your Windows 8 device to affect something on the big screen of your Xbox-connected TV. ![]() For example, you’ll be able to launch apps and games on your Xbox 360 directly from your Windows desktop or laptop-a perfect party trick and a great way to convince your roommates that your Xbox 360 has been possessed.Ī small number of Xbox 360 games and apps integrate more deeply with Xbox SmartGlass, offering robust “second-screen” capabilities that display dynamic maps, stats, song queues, and more. ![]() The SmartGlass app lets you to directly control your console via Windows 8 itself. ![]() Xbox SmartGlass The Xbox SmartGlass app lets you launch console apps from your PC or tablet. See the image to the right.)Īll of those features are handy for console buffs, but if you want to squeeze the most out of the Xbox 360 hooks that Microsoft baked into Windows 8, you’ll want to download the official Xbox SmartGlass app from the Windows Store, as well. Oops! Looks like I’m headed to the Windows Store.ĭon’t feel like fiddling around on your TV? The Games app also offers a small handful of Xbox Live-enabled Windows 8 games you can buy, download, and play directly on your PC or tablet-a move that takes you right to Windows 8’s official Windows Store app, we should note. ![]()
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