Microsoft updates both Xbox SmartGlass apps for Windows Phone

By Daniel Rubino
last updated

A few days ago, we mentioned that Microsoft had pushed out an update for their Xbox One SmartGlass app for Windows 8.1 devices. Falling on the heels of that update are similar ones for the Windows Phone apps, including the Xbox One and Xbox 360 versions.

Firing up the app for the Xbox One, we’ve noticed the version number has changed from 2.x.xxxx.14001 to 2.x.xxxx.26000 and no new features, at least nothing that popped out. Our guess is this update ties in with some minor bug and performance improvements, including some connectivity issues some users have reported (ours has worked flawlessly since day one).

Heading to the Xbox 360 version, which was last updated in August, and it has had a title change. Previously it was known as ‘Xbox SmartGlass’ but it is now listed as ‘Xbox 360 SmartGlass’, which makes much more sense with the Xbox One version being available. Curiously, it is still listed under Games whereas the Xbox One app is listed on its own.

For version numbers, we’re looking at a bump from 1.5.1307.3000 to 1.5.1311.22000. No other new features were observed, but we haven’t played around with it too much.

Pick up Xbox One SmartGlass here in the Store or Xbox 360 SmartGlass here. Alternatively, you can scan the QR codes below (Xbox One version is first).

Notice anything new in either version? Has it fixed any problems you were having or are you noticing the gratuitous “it feels faster” effect? Let us know in comments.

Thanks, Carlos S. and Armandraiz S., for the tips!

Daniel Rubino
Daniel Rubino
Editor-in-chief

Daniel Rubino is the Editor-in-chief of Windows Central, head reviewer, podcast co-host, and analyst. He has been covering Microsoft since 2007 when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, laptops, next-gen computing, and for some reason, watches. Before all this tech stuff, he worked on a Ph.D. in linguistics, watched people sleep (for medical purposes!), and ran the projectors at movie theaters because it was fun.

31 Comments
  • SWEET
  • They added the pins at the bottom of the home page
  • So why are both apps different in how they look? Wouldn't it make more sense to make them identical?
  • One sticks with the Xbox 360 design and the other, the more metro Xbox one design. I think it would be confusing if they made them look alike. And we'd be clamoring for an update to the xbox360 dashboard design to match
  • This, the way we navigate each system is different.
  • It feels faster
  • They need to update the Games app to show all the systems now for achievments
  • I second that, and the ability to shop in both machines store
  • I third that. I was surprised when I opened Games to check my achievements and only the 360 ones were listed.
  • Although I agree, it was nice to see I could check my achievements in the Xbox one smartglass app even when it's not connected to the Xbox (I.e. I'm not at home).
  • I haven't had the time to try it out, but i hope it solves the problem with sharing web pages from my windows phone through xbox one smart glass, cos b4 it would automatically take me to the store to download the 360 version...
  • Not a bad idea to have both available...say you went to visit someone who only had the 360 perhaps =P
  • I don't understand why one gets listed under games and the other one under regular apps.   And agree with 'Ultimateone' about needing an update for the hub.
  • I imagine that when 8.1 happens they might do that and include One with the other..? =D
  • I believe I asked the same question weeks ago.
  • I bet these new map apps would look nice on a white Nokia 2520. But alas, Nokia missed the marketing potential of releasing white and cyan with that gorgeous red touch cover. Guess I will have to buy a Samsung product instead! Everyone who handles the Nokia Supply Chain should be fired! David Bozic
  • Umm.. Okay?
  • Plot twist: David Bozic is a self-hating Nokia Supply Chain employee.
  • LOL!!!
  • I wish smartglass worked with Hulu, Netflix, ESPN....but you only get the controller. No useful information, unless you buy the video from MS. :/
  • Makes sense, since extra info and features can occur throughout the movie. Not sure how MS could inject bonus features into movies hosted on other platforms without writing their apps for them.
  • Both seem faster.
  • Cant download for xbox one
  • Does anyone actually use smartglass? It sounds a good idea but virtually no 360 games support it and it doesn't work on those that claim to, for example Forza Horizon.
  • It works great on the one
    For instance the one doesn't give you an easy way to see achievements while playing but if ypu have the achievements opened up on your phone thru sg you can view them
  • The issue I had once my phone went to sleep the smart glass connection would be lost. So, I changed the settings for my phone not to sleep while using smart glass. No problems after that.
  • None of the 360 games use smartglass so what's the point?
  • Halo 4 shows your stats. Works fine for me. Ascend: hand of kul is supposed to do a number of things, but so far it doesn't load past the first screen. Horizon us supposed to show a mini map. Madden 13 was supposed to be used for doing hot routes and stuff but last I heard, still hasn't be turned on.
  • So what your saying is, none of the 360 games use smartglass so what's the point?
  • I've used it for Halo, like he said
  • Those are the only games I know that actually are supposed to do something. Xbox video/music uses it. Some of the apps like the cw app uses it. Internet explorer does. You can use it to enter text for messages on XBL. There is a list somewhere online that shows supported games, but apparently devs decided not to use it. X1 is supposed to have better smartglass implementation. Don't think MS can force devs to use it.