App turns any Windows Phone into Xbox 360 media controller

By Mike Flacy October 5, 2011

xbox-360-fall-2011-dashboard — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Nipping on the heels of the announcement for an expanded library of television and movie content for the Xbox 360, Microsoft announced the Xbox Companion App for all Windows phones. This new application allows Windows phone owners to discover content through the interface and the app will be completely free once released. The primary function of the app allows users to locate games, music, movies and TV shows through access to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace via the touchscreen interface. Similar in design to the upcoming Xbox 360 dashboard update, users can search through featured content on the marketplace or simply type in a search query to locate the media.

In addition to finding content to play or watch, the app allows users to learn more about the media. Users will find a plethora of information about the media such as the cast in a movie. Very similar to IMDB, users can simply tap the name of a cast member in a movie or television show and locate all associated content that’s available on Xbox Live. Once the user is done reading about the content, the app can be used to select the media and control moves to the Xbox 360. Through the app interface, the user can control video playback similar to a remote control for a Blu-ray player. Users can also opt for the normal Xbox 360 controller or Kinect and seamlessly switch between the two devices.

While no release date has been set for the Xbox Companion App, it’s likely to coincide with the release of the new Xbox 360 dashboard rumored to be available next month. There’s also no indication that the Xbox Companion App will be able to work directly for video playback with other popular applications on the Xbox 360 such as Hulu Plus, Netflix or the barrage of cable programming coming soon.

Editors' Recommendations

Your Xbox Live Gold subscription will turn into Xbox Game Pass Core this September

Topics

Contributing Editor

By day, I'm the content and social media manager for High-Def Digest, Steve's Digicams and The CheckOut on Ben's Bargains…

Gaming

Best Lego deals: Save on Star Wars, Marvel, Technic and more

legos new space shuttle set includes hubble telescope model lego discovery

There are a lot of great ways to disconnect from a screen, whether it's reading a book or playing some board games; you can do a lot of things to give your eyes and doomscrolling a rest. One great way to do it is to build some Lego, which is not only great for de-stressing but also a solid option if you're building something you're into, such as Thor's gauntlet or a Lego Technic Bugatti. That said, Lego does tend to get quite expensive, especially if you go for the bigger sets that are in IPs like Marvel, which is why we've gone out and collected some of our favorite Lego deals we could find out there. Or, if you'd rather stick to something more co-operative, you can check out these great board game deals as well.

Today's Best Lego Marvel Deals

Gaming

Best gaming headset deals: PS5, Xbox and PC

The Razer Nari Ultimate gaming headset with a gaming PC.

If you want to go online and do a serious bit of gaming, especially in a multiplayer game, then grabbing yourself one of the best gaming headsets out there is probably the way to go. Of course, going for a high-end gaming headset can be expensive, but there are some great options in the mid and budget-range that you could grab instead. That will help you save a little extra while still getting a relatively good experience, which is why we've gone out and found our favorite gaming headset deals to save you a bit of trouble. Also, while you're here, you may want to check out these great video game deals to stock up on some games.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 wired gaming headset — $25, was $36

The Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50 wired gaming headset is one of the most affordable options in the market right now, but it has most of what you would need from a gaming headset. It’s equipped with high-quality 40mm speakers and an adjustable high-sensitivity microphone that will make your voice loud and clear when you talk. You can also remove the microphone when you’re not using it, and there are in-line controls in the Turtle Beach Ear Force Recon 50’s cable for volume and muting the microphone.

Gaming

The best Power Armor in Fallout 4 and where to find each set

Fallout 4 key art featuring the power armor suit hung up in an armory.

From the very first Fallout game, the Power Armor has been every wastelander's dream to pilot. This hulking suit of armor can make your normally squishy Vault Dweller nigh unkillable in Fallout 4. But there's more than just one type of Power Armor, and each one has different stats and requirements to wear. Not only that, but some you might find one piece at a time and need to build yourself, while others can be found as a complete set. If you want to make even a Deathclaw think twice about attacking you, only the best Power Armor will do. Here are the best suits in Fallout 4 and where to find them.
Raider Power Armor

This is the only Power Armor in Fallout 4 that even a base-level player can wear right off the bat. While that's great, it does mean it's the weakest option out there. The best stats you can get with it are 500 damage resistance, 250 energy resistance, and 1,050 radiation resistance for a total rating of 1,800. It's great for the early game if you can snag one, but is quickly outclassed by everything else on this list. A guaranteed spawn for this armor is in the cave right beside Skylanes Flight 1665 on your map.
T-45 Power Armor