Microsoft launches SmartGlass SDK for Xbox developers

Companion apps, assemble!

Tarryn van der BylJune 22, 2012

Microsoft has dropped an Xbox SmartGlass software development kit (or SDK, as people in the biz-niz call it) ahead of the tech’s official launch later this year, presumably so that there’s actually something to show for it when it does.

First announced at E3 earlier this month, Xbox SmartGlass is a new platform for creating additional companion game content that runs on mobile devices. It’s basically like the Wii U’s touchscreen controller, except you don’t have to pay for a Wii U touchscreen controller and can simply use your phone or tablet instead. Nintendo must be so mad.

Microsoft has also confirmed that all its future first-party titles will support SmartGlass.

The SDK includes the official Xbox SmartGlass Studio, a SmartGlass JavaScript library, and some sort of sample application so developers can compare their own applications to it to make sure they got it right. It’s currently only available to download to approved Microsoft partners and employees, though, so you’ll have to wait a bit until you can make your own Skyrim map app and get sued by Bethesda. Everything in its own time, people.