The Mog Blog

This year, Microsoft’s keynote did little to showcase many new titles but spent a good deal talking about current franchises, Smart Glass integration, Kinect support for games, and entertainment apps coming to the console.

Smart Glass

Probably the biggest thing they showed this year that was a game announcement is the new way they are giving players to interact with their 360. What Smart Glass is may be simply put summarized as a Wii U type interface for the 360. What it actually allows the user to do is operate a Tablet or Smartphone in conjunction with their 360/XBL account to display information and use added features in games.

With the examples given, it allowed the user to do things such as making playbooks for Madden 13 (in real time?) and allowed for a second screen for games like Halo 4 to display additional information during gameplay. Clearly this may be a little problematic in theory but I doubt implementation would be used in such a way outside of enhancing the single player experience. The app also let you operate Internet Explorer on the 360. Smart Glass will be launching Fall 2012.

Internet Explorer coming to 360

Set for a fall release, it finally brings a true web browsing experience to Microsoft’s home console. Expect some Kinect support and Smart Glass integration has already been confirmed.

Xbox Music

Much like Sony’s Music Unlimited application, Microsoft unveiled their own music service that will launch with 30 million tracks. It will be accessible by Xbox 360, Windows 8 PCs, tablets, and phones.

Kinect Multi-Language Support

Microsoft also revealed that they will be updated Kinect commands to cover a wider array of languages that it will recognize. Unknown if this this will require a settings change within the 360 but my money is on yes.

Entertainment Partners and Programming

A list of partners being added to their video section and new apps.

• Nickolodeon
• Paramount
• Machinima
• Univisiona
• NBA
• NHL
• ESPN – with ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, and ESPN U.

Game Announcements and Trailers

• Halo 4
• Gears of War: Judgment – 2013
• Splinter Cell: Blacklist (Multi-platform title) – Spring 2013
• Dance Central 3 – Fall 2012
• Forza Horizon – October 23rd 2012 release
• Fable: The Journey (Kinect Only) – Fall 2012 release
• Ascend: New Gods – A new title by Toy Soilder’s dev Signal Studios
• South Park: The Stick of Truth – March 5 2013
• Matter (Kinect Only) – 2013
• LocoCycle – a new title developed for the 360 by Twisted Pixel

Kinect Support

• Splinter Cell: Blacklist
• Madden 13
• FIFA 13

Xbox DLC Exclusivity

• Call of Duty: Black Ops II
• Tomb Raider
• Resident Evil 6
• South Park

Pretty much a what you’d come to expect from Microsoft being very software centric when it comes to the 360. Overall, it wasn’t bad and I’m excited to see where they go with this Smart Glass integration considering it doesn’t require you to purchase an additional device.