Xbox Smartglass: Unnecessary Technology?

GotGame: Is it really that terrible to press a button on a controller to access the game map that we have to transfer it to another screen on a hand-held device?

[GalacticEmpire]

Not unnecessary but under utilised with very little support.

[Ramon3MR]

I would say a little bit of both, though I'm sure if there was some sort of killer app or amazing way to use it for a game, it would get more love.

[MightyNoX]

Just like the Kinect. Boom! Too easy.

[xDHAV0K24x]

No

[guitarded77]

I'll say it's unnecessary... just like the touch pad on the PS4 controller. I don't need either to have a great gaming experience, but it's nice to have the options.

I haven't tried SmartGlass yet, but will do so if I find a good use for it. In my gaming rig, I use two screens. One usually has a game console or PC on it, and the other has a browser open, sometimes with game maps or walkthroughs. For this use, I could see SmartGlass being an asset. I don't know all of the functionality of it, but for someone with one screen, it could help. Just like Wii U's second screen, or Vita networked to a PS console. It's a free app, so I don't understand why people would get wound over it.

[3-4-5]

It's a want and not a need. Maybe next next gen

[GarrusVakarian]

"Is it really that terrible to press a button on a controller to access the game map that we have to transfer it to another screen on a hand-held device?"

Exactly, i called it an unnecessary gimmick before it was released and still do now.

[Roccetarius]

As long as they don't replace normal functions in games, then i couldn't care less about it. Once it starts doing that, then it becomes a problem.

[falviousuk]

The dont use it, those of us that do wish to use it, will.

your not being forced to utilise it.

[GarrusVakarian]

Don't worry, i wouldn't buy those sort of gimmicks in a million years. A controller/console/tv is all i need.

[hankmoody]

What the Dead Rising 3 devs are doing with it is actually pretty awesome. I think with the Xbox One, you'll see games utilizing SmartGlass a lot more than what's going on currently with it.

[falviousuk]

your talking sense, please dont they dont understand sense on here.

Another good example of smartglass is BF4 in commander mode where you can call in strikes. So if you are at work, or anywhere there is wifi access, you can still be in the game.

Ignore the haters, just be a gamer

[hankmoody]

They can disagree all they want. Doesn't mean that I'm not speaking the truth.

I don't go on PS4 threads and disagree with people just to disagree. I'll leave that to the high schoolers.

Bubble for ya.

[Godmars290]

Have a problem with it if necessary content is only accessible through it. You shouldn't have to buy a tablet to play a console game.

Also not seeing how its not annoying to have it so that a game contacts you through a cell phone and the like. Basically demanding to be played.

[hankmoody]

The author of the article worries unnecessarily about cost on SmartGlass and whether or not people would buy it. SmartGlass is a free app, so worrying about cost isn't an issue here.

[creeping judas]

Have a cell phone? More than likely you can get Smartglass. Have a tablet, more than likely you can get Smartglass. Don't have either, you're not missing out anything. How could it be unnecessary? If it was made mandatory for a specific game as stated above, yes then it would be considered unnecessary.

[barb_wire]

How many 'potential' XBOne owners though own a SmartGlass? or will this feature be ported to iOS/Android tablets too?

*edit*

so SmartGlass is an app? forgive my ignorance I haven't kept up with app development or the tablet side of gaming other than Score!, Angry Birds and Infinity Blade.

[NoLongerHereCBA]

Yes it is an app and usable on all those devices :) You don't need an MS tablet/phone to use it.

[mrpsychoticstalker]

Innovation at its best!

[GmIsOnPt360]

My thing is why is this skewed towards xbox when sony has a app that functions similarly for ps4?

[Schizoid]

It's unnecessary for both platforms IMO. I installed smartglass when it first came out. Used it a couple of times. I actually don't know what the hell it's good for. Nothing for me but I'm sure other peeps use it for something I guess. I won't even install the PS app unless I hear about some feature I can't get without it.

[JeromeNtheHouse]

Xbox Smartglass: Unnecessary Technology?

Yes!just a gimmick. Much like when ps3 first came out, and you were able to use the psp as a rear-view mirror for that one racing game. Something nobody (with the exception of a very very very small few) will actually use.

[thrust]

Do you think the playstation app is aswell?

[vividi]

I do

[famoussasjohn]

Only use I've had for it was to send messages since it's easier to type on my phones keyboard over the screen keyboard or if you bought the external keyboard that you attach to your controller. Other than that, using it to navigate through the menus isn't that great.

[Holymsophy]

Hey, I like it. rather have it and not use it than need it and not have it. I have a tablet and it is pretty neat.

what's good for the goose may not be good for the gander. you are not forced to use it. ignore it and save us all a few minutes of the day we could have spent watching kittens instead of reading unnecessary articles.

[Hufandpuf]

I'd rather have it available than not. What's the harm if its not mandatory?

[MightyNoX]

That's weird...I was under the impression that mandatory and FORCED is a good thing. How else are the Developers going to utilize this technology? :P

[MaverickStar7]

Second screen apps, weather they are Xbox Smartglass, the PS4, or any of the other upcoming individual games apps may not be necessary. But that doesn't make them useless. These things are in their infant stages too. Give devs some time and I'm sure they will come up with some great stuff.

How many things would we be without if we all listened to the detractors that want to write off ideas as useless and unnecessary right from the start. We would probably still be in the dark ages.

[vividi]

At least it don't interest me

[hankmoody]

This is from the Xbox Wire. If you read this and you don't think it sounds somewhat cool, maybe you've picked the wrong hobby:

“Dead Rising 3” – from Josh Bridge, Executive Producer (Capcom)

When Microsoft gave us the opportunity to use Xbox SmartGlass in “Dead Rising 3,” we immediately established two simple goals: Integrate the experience into the storyline and fiction of Los Perdidos, and ensure the experience is additive, yet rewarding.

We’re now about two months from launch and I’m excited to say I think we’ve accomplished both of these goals.

In “Dead Rising 3,” SmartGlass becomes your in-game smartphone, compatible with all Windows 8, iOS and Android SmartGlass-enabled devices. As Nick Ramos, you’re trying to escape Los Perdidos and fight your way through thousands of zombies before an impending military strike wipes the city (and everyone still in it) off the map. Thankfully, Nick’s not alone. There are other survivors banding together with the same purpose.

Early in the story, Nick finds a smartphone. At this point the player can connect their SmartGlass device and turn it into a Zombie Defense and Control PDA. This is totally optional, but again, we wanted to make it a rewarding and fun experience that feels fully integrated into the game – not just tacked on.

Here are the features Nick’s ZDC PDA will support:

Exclusive Side Missions and Rewards: You will receive phone calls and text messages from in-game characters on your SmartGlass device which will activate special missions exclusive to SmartGlass users. These missions have their own story that feeds back into the fiction of "Dead Rising 3" and will reward players with exclusive weapons and additional support applications for your ZDC PDA.

Mission Tracker: Track your progress towards all your active missions without having to pause and navigate the in-game menus. SmartGlass gives you a mission checklist as well as a map for quick reference as you fight your way through the zombie hordes.

Los Perdidos News Ticker: With the news ticker, you’ll get updates and hints on where zombie outbreaks are happening around the city, giving you an edge as you plan your escape (or attack!).

Real-Time Map: Shows your location in Los Perdidos, the location of your co-op player and other points of interest in the world.

Support Applications: Use the ZDC Military Support app to request drone gun support, military grade flares to distract zombies or an air strike to decimate an infected area. You can also utilize Item Finders to locate specific weapons, vehicles and stores scattered throughout Los Perdidos, or the Backup app to call in survivors to help you fight and get Hints to help with missions or boss fights.

With Xbox SmartGlass, we’re unlocking a new layer of gameplay and are bringing you deeper into the world of “Dead Rising” than ever before, and we can’t wait to unleash the game to the world starting Nov. 22.

[Grown Folks Talk]

Video games themselves are not necessary, they're desired. As with anything, some will welcome 2nd screen additions, some won't.

[DFray919]

yes this is unnecessary!

[mhunterjr]

It's completely unfair to call this 'unneccisary' tech. Will every single game benefit from it? No. But creative developers will have plenty of use for it.

For example, those who make games in project spark, can make games that are designed specifically for touch interfaces, and my phone/tablet could be the only controller.

Or maybe I want to play a virtual card, board game, or game show. A touch device would be a better control method.

Dead rising 3 has some pretty neat smart glass integration. But as a gamer who probably wouldn't want to bother with my phone AND a controller, it would be a good way to have some couch co-op with my wife.

Its a good thing, and it takes some pretty suspect journalism to try to paint it as any thing but

[ambientFLIER]

It's an OPTIONAL piece of tech that, in the right hands, can be used in some very fun and creative ways. The more features, the better.

If this was a PS4 feature, this article would be swarmed by angry fanboys that would defend it to the death. However, anything pro-MS is just a "gimmick".