Apps Tweaks For Windows Phone

SmartGlass

Remote control your Xbox 

SmartGlass is a companion application that lets you turn your Windows 8 device into a remote control and at times a second screen for your Xbox 360 games console. Download the app, connect your device and you can ditch the console’s controller for a touch- screen interface. Messaging your friends over Xbox Live also becomes much easier using the app, as you can use the touch-screen of your tablet or phone instead of navigating the on-screen keyboard via your controller.

How to activate SmartGlass... 

› Turn on your Xbox 360 

› Download SmartGlass from the Store 

› Access the app via your home screen or Games tile 

› Sign into SmartGlass 

› Nudge Remote and use your touch-screen to navigate your Xbox entertainment 

Swipe the screen 

› SmartGlass lets your fingers do the walking. Engage the remote function and what you swipe on your touch-screen device moves the menus on your Xbox. Tap the screen to select and use the coloured on-screen buttons to navigate your way around 

Check it out on your tablet, watch on your TV 

› You can browse Xbox Entertainment content on your phone or tablet’s SmartGlass app, then hit ‘Play on Xbox’ and watch it on your television 

Messaging made easy 

› Typing messages via the Xbox controller can take longer than you’d like, but using the touch-screen of your Windows 8 phone or tablet makes this experience much easier and more intuitive 

Two screens are better than one

› SmartGlass means you have two screens of content and some Xbox 360 games are SmartGlass compatible. For instance while playing Halo 4 and using the app you can browse your character’s stats while you play, such as your favourite weapons and number of kills. You can also get extra info, trivia and other titbits using the app

Usage Of SmartGlass

Xbox Music Store 

Explore new songs and artists, with millions of songs to choose from. A monthly Xbox Music Pass subscription gives you unlimited access to the entire Xbox Music library from your Windows Phone, tablet or on your Xbox 360. Use SmartGlass to navigate the service and extra information about the artist will display on your Windows 8 device as you listen 

Xbox Video 

Rent or purchase the latest episodes of your favourite TV shows or new movies through your Windows 8 device. You can even start browsing on your tablet then pick up where you left off on your TV. SmartGlass makes this service even easier to browse. Navigate the Store for the content you want, select it then hit ‘play to Xbox.’ Your phone or tablet can pause the action or you can swipe to the time you want using your touch-screen 

4oD Channel 

4’s catch up service is full of the most recent programmes and documentaries as well as an extensive archive of the channel’s classic shows spanning its 30-year history. Using SmartGlass you can navigate the series and episode lists in less time and with less fuss 

Internet Explorer 

You can navigate your Xbox’s internet  browser the same way you would on your phone  or tablet. Once you’ve connected SmartGlass to  the console, drag the pointer using the touch-screen, tap to select and even pinch to zoom for a closer  look at selected web pages. You can also tap the  web hub icon to see favourite pages, or the  mobile icon to open the webpage on your  phone or tablet 

Use OneNote for memos that instantly sync 

› Tap on the One Note tile

› Select the notebook you would like to add the note to and hit ‘+’

› If you’re writing a list, try the bullet-point option and, if it’s your to-do tasks, use the checkbox option to tick ’em off for that much-relished sense of accomplishment

› A picture speaks a thousand words, right? Add a photo to a note, either from your picture library or by taking one right there

› Save the note and it’ll automatically go to SkyDrive, where it will be accessible from anywhere with an internet connection

› You can view and edit shared notes too, including notebooks from Rooms

Streamline Facebook alerts Facebook birthdays and events automatically stream to your Calendar. To stem the flow of info: 

› Press the ellipsis and select ‘Settings’

› Scroll to the Facebook-tagged Calendar

› Tick ‘Only show Facebook events I’ve responded to’ or just swipe to turn it off entirely

Get your inbox down to zero Clear your mail by archiving or simply deleting 

› In your inbox, tap the second icon

› Tick the emails that you’ve dealt with

› Tap the rubbish icon for deletion, or the appropriate folder to move it to one of your existing folders

Turn off notifications in order to maintain focus 

› Go to ‘Settings’ then ‘Email + Accounts’

› You can manage notifications from all email and social network accounts from right here