Sometimes, you need to see a solid product to understand that the concept behind the product is substantially greater than the product itself. Microsoft’s SmartGlass is one such product.

SmartGlass does something simple — it connects Microsoft's Xbox 360 to a variety of devices, including Android and Apple iOS ones.

This enables you to download the app on these devices and use them as additional screens that augment the data presented to you on the Xbox 360.

New technology

Now, let's see this technology in action beyond Microsoft and the Xbox 360.

Let's say that you have booked the show Deadliest Warrior on your set-top box. The set-top box informs your smart phone and so half-an-hour before the show, your smart phone gives you details about the show.

When there are ad breaks in the show, your tablet could pull up information automatically about the show — for instance, if you are watching the show on Spartan vs. Ninja , your iPad could show you Wikipedia links to both these warriors, thereby improving your understanding about the culture prevalent in their eras.

The story doesn’t end here. Six months later, you get a mail on your PC inviting you to a fancy dress party.

Your PC suggests to you that you could go dressed as a Samurai because it knows how much you have been browsing more about Samurai warriors — both on the PC as well on all your other Web-enabled devices — than about other warriors like gladiators, pirates and others.

Your PC also helpfully offers you details about where you can buy a Samurai costume nearby.

Sounds like fantasy today? It could well be reality tomorrow.

>balaji.n@thehindu.co.in

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