Microsoft: Xbox SmartGlass can be used "to spy on your kids"

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Microsoft has been pushing its Xbox SmartGlass apps as ways to offer consumers a "second screen" experience between the Xbox 360 console and mobile devices running on iOS, Android, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8. But is there more to Xbox SmartGlass than just discovering more information about Game of Thrones?

As it turns out, the answer is "Yes." The Escapist reports that during a presentation this week at the Game Developers Conference, Microsoft's Rosa Thomas said that she had discovered that Xbox SmartGlass, when connected to the Xbox 360, can also serve as a way to check up on what other people who are playing on the console are doing.

She stated:

So, interesting enough, I was at work, testing my stuff, and I'm looking and I forgot that I had actually connected to my home Xbox, and I got to see what my kids were doing at home. It's a great way to spy on your kids, I'll tell you.
The implications for this feature are that parents who have the app installed on a mobile device could see if their children are playing games that they are not supposed to be playing. Of course, the Xbox 360 already has parental controls built in that can let parents set how much time their children can play games and which games they are allowed to play, based on their ratings.

One funny side effect of this Xbox SmartGlass control is being able to remotely control video streaming services like Netflix. Thomas indicated she got a bit of a laugh by pausing her husband's video on Netflix, which made him think there was something wrong with the app.

Posted:
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-xbox-smartglass-can-be-used-to-spy-on-your-kids

Comments

"Microsoft: Xbox SmartGlass can be used "to spy on your kids"" :: Login/Create an Account :: 237 comments

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WokzePosted:

Haha this is stupid, o'well just dont tell my parents this ;)

MultitaskPosted:

McNuggets
EMT Good thing my parents barely know how to use the Internet


Same, My parents are clueless on how to use the internet which is a good thing


I Don't think my parents even care what i do on Xbox :)

AndyPosted:

EMT Good thing my parents barely know how to use the Internet


Same, My parents are clueless on how to use the internet which is a good thing

LosersPosted:

Samir-Nasri Lol my mother would not no how to do it or what I watch Po*n Hub ;)


hahaha lol same here

AndyPosted:

'Spy on your kids' That sounds kinda creepy lol

Samir-NasriPosted:

Lol my mother would not no how to do it or what I watch Po*n Hub ;)

KTHPosted:

Drumstep
EMT Good thing my parents barely know how to use the Internet


lol same with mine


I hope they don't figure out how to use the internet otherwise im done with this haha!

neboPosted:

EMT Good thing my parents barely know how to use the Internet


lol same with mine

MTVPosted:

Good thing my parents barely know how to use the Internet

BlackwolfrunninPosted:

Drumstep
Cygnet It a little weird, and im kinda glad im old enough that I dont have to have my mom be looking over my shoulder anymore, but if those little devil kids are playing something they shouldn't be, than this is a good way to catch them..hmmm, maybe parents will pick up on this, and get there kids off CoD...less squeakers! OMG


lol where would they get an M rated game anyway?


Have you ever played a Call of Duty or Halo game online? Not only is it not uncommon for kids under the ages of 12 to be online screaming some of the most profane things You've ever heard, but it's the norm.