Microsoft Smartglass
Microsoft unveiled its new software at the E3 called ‘Smartglass’ which will enable users to stream Xbox 360 content across screens, including those of rivals such as Apple and Android. Using Smartglass software, Xbox users will be able to get their music and movie content onto smartphones, smart TVs and tablet PCs. Microsoft spokespersons at the event have said though the Smartglass technology would be closely integrated with the Windows phones, it was only prudent to be available on all platforms that consumers use. Microsoft has been a rather late entrant into the mobile space, with the revamped Windows phones only just beginning to make an impact, and the Windows tablet PC is yet to make an appearance.
Sony re-brands Playstation for Mobile
Ahead of the big E3 convention (Electronic Entertainment Expo) at Los Angeles this week, Sony rebranded its PlayStation Suite to PlayStation Mobile and announced HTC as a hardware partner. It is speculated that the HTC One X, the company’s flagship Android device running Ice Cream Sandwich, could be the first mobile phone to run PlayStation Mobile software.
In plainspeak, what that means is that very soon we could have more Sony-certified mobile hardware partners who will distribute PlayStation certified games via an exclusive market place. The strategy is nothing new. Microsoft has already branded its Xbox experiences as a game centre for its Windows Mobile phones.
Handheld gaming consoles have been facing stiff competition from the growing threat of iPad that seems to have spawned a mini industry in itself. Sony last year had rebranded its handheld console PlayStation Portable to launch the PlayStation Vita.
Retina display for next generation Macbook?
Apple is preparing for its Worldwide Developer Congress next week, and there is speculation that its Macbook Pro, Air and iMac lines will get a new iteration as retailers in the U.S. had announced discounts on the product lines for some weeks now. There is speculation that the next generation of Macbooks would be sporting the Retina display that has been a big hit on the iPhone and iPad already. More announcements are expected from Apple on its upcoming Mountain Lion Operating System for the iMac and the next iteration of the operating system for its mobile devices iOS 6 rumoured to be named ‘Sundance’. Apple’s CEO Tim Cook had teased at a recent event that Apple had some incredible products lined up.
Suzlon launched Environment App
Suzlon Energy, celebrating the World Environment Day earlier this week, launched ‘Suzlon Earth — an Environment Diary’ App on both the iOS and Android platforms. The App was launched by Union Minister for Environment Farooq Abdullah. A press release issued by the company said the social news application integrates news, events, government decisions, tools and blogs from environmental sites across the world to help keep the user abreast of the issues. For more details on the App, visit www.suzlon.com.
Mojo Street comes to Windows Phone
Location-based royalty rewards gaming App Mojostreet has launched its new iteration for the Windows Phone. A press release said the App had mapped more than 5.5 million locations in India that will help its users find a range of useful information from nearby ATMs to popular restaurants in the vicinity using augmented reality. The App has been made available free of cost on the Windows Marketplace, which according to Microsoft India’s Windows Phone Business Group Director Vineet Durani, is growing at a rapid pace. It currently has 85,000 listed Apps. Mojostreet sounds similar to FourSquare but has more traction with local vendors in India. According to reports, it has already tied up with Cafe Coffee Day for royalty rewards programme for people “checking in” using the App. For more information, visit www.mojostreet.com.
