Hasta La Gadget!

SmartGlass functionality may already sort of exist on Xbox 360 per the console’s latest Dashboard update, but Microsoft’s making it a full-on reality on October 26. As it stands, the Xbox 360 allows for SmartGlass support, but without an update to Microsoft’s 360 companion app, there’s no way to use it — when Microsoft’s Surface RT and other Windows 8 tablets launch on the 26, that functionality will come built in to the “Games” section of the new OS. That of course begs the question: “When will I be able to use SmartGlass with my iOS/Android/Windows Phone 7.5 devices? And how?”

The date isn’t certain, but functionality will arrive on other platforms “soon” after the October 26 launch of Surface, Microsoft reps tell us. When it does, it’ll come in the form of an update to your existing, “My Xbox Live” mobile app (which also renames the app to, “Xbox SmartGlass”) or Games tab (per WP7.5), and it’ll be more or less identical with the Windows Phone version. The only missing functionality, we’re told, are two somewhat basic bulletpoints. “We have deeper integration in the Windows Phone,” Microsoft tells us. “That’s something we don’t have on iOS or Android, it’s just within our application. Same on Windows — the integration in Windows is ‘last playing’ or ‘now playing,’ being able to present that information.” The other, more interesting item, is the lacking ability to “send” whatever website you’re using up to the Xbox 360’s Internet Explorer browser. Regardless of which mobile device you’re on, SmartGlass can “send” websites from the 360 to said device — it won’t work the other way around, however, if you’re using a non-Windows 8 device. Not what we’d call a huge deal, exactly, but a bummer no less. Regardless, you’ll soon have the opportunity to put SmartGlass through its paces from the comfort of home when support devices launch on October 26. For a full list of applications available at launch and partners beyond that plus a quick walkthrough video, head past the break.

Continue reading Xbox SmartGlass goes live alongside first Windows 8 tablets on October 26 with several supported apps

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming, Handhelds, Tablets, Software, HD, Microsoft

Xbox SmartGlass goes live alongside first Windows 8 tablets on October 26 with several supported apps originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sound familiar? Just days after the mobile apps for HBO, Cinemax and Hulu added closed captions support on iOS, a similar slew of upgrades have come to their apps on Android. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be any change in the number of supported devices for any of them at this time. Hulu’s upgrade also adds on the option to share videos via Twitter, Facebook and other services, although the 10 second rewind button added on iOS does not appear to have made the cut. As usual you should see the new versions rolling around in the app store, hit the source links for more info.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Mobile

Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for Android updated with support for closed captions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a move that should please the hard of hearing and anyone trying to watch a video quietly sans-headphones, the Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS devices have all recently been updated with support for closed captions. The portable apps for HBO and Cinemax got their refresh yesterday along some unspecified enhancements and bug fixes. For Hulu Plus, the update to version 2.6 not only brings a subtitle toggle for English and other languages, where available (on iOS 4.3 and higher), but also sharing via Twitter, Facebook and email, a 10 second rewind button and the usual unspecified other tweaks. Due to its market share Netflix has gotten most of the pressure when it comes to offering captions, but its good to see other streaming options getting on board as well. All the apps are free, even though the services aren’t, hit the source links below to grab the latest versions.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, Mobile

Hulu Plus, HBO Go and Max Go apps for iOS updated with support for closed captions originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 20:58:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I think that a bunch of people here in the United States and in other countries that would gladly cancel the cable subscription if they could get HBO Go programming as a separate subscription. However, in the US and everywhere else HBO only allows access to its online streaming HBO Go service if you have a qualifying cable subscription. HBO is reportedly set to change that for some viewers.

Nordic fans of HBO shows such as Game of Thrones will be able to subscribe to HBO Go without having to pay for a subscription on their cable network or satellite provider. The move by HBO is seen as an attempt to go head-to-head with Netflix and will certainly raise the hopes of fans in the US that a similar deal may be offered. The official announcement came from a press conference yesterday held in Stockholm where HBO Nordic AB announced that the streaming subscription offer will launch in the middle of October.

HBO will launch a website called HBONordic.com and will offer online subscriptions for under €10 per month. The service will also be available as an add-on to basic pay-TV subscriptions in the region. Sadly, and HBO spokesperson said that the launch in the Nordic region doesn’t reflect a change in company policy and any of its current markets.

That means just because the Nordic region can get HBO Go with no cable subscription doesn’t mean fans in other places will be able to. Honestly, I’ve had very bad luck streaming anything from HBO Go. The streaming quality is significantly worse than Netflix in my home to the point that HBO Go is simply unwatchable. The HBO Nordic AB service will offer subtitled versions of the same programs available in the US. It will also feature content from rival networks in the US such as Showtime and Starz, which is very odd.

[via Variety]

Nordic viewers can get HBO Go with no TV subscription is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
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In October, citizens of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark will be able to get on-demand HBO content even if they don’t have cable. Oh those lucky Europeans. First health care, and now streaming Game of Thrones whenever they want it. More »