Microsoft’s Xbox 360 platform got a whole more integrated with other household devices today as Microsoft today announced Xbox SmartGlass at E3. The application will allow users to connect phones, PCs and tablets to their Xbox 360. With it, devices become remote controls and controllers as well as additional displays. Content can also be pushed two ways to and from the Xbox.
“Xbox is on a mission to make the entertainment that you love even more amazing,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “With Xbox SmartGlass, we are lighting up entertainment across your phone, tablet, PC and TV in a completely new way. If you love to play games, watch TV and movies, surf the Web, or listen to music, there has never been a better time to be on Xbox.”
A demonstration during the E3 event had Game of Thrones being played on a TV via Xbox 360. A SmartGlass-enabled tablet showed a map of Westeros at the same time. The map zoomed in on the relevant part of the map during the episode. Other demos showed how connected devices could be used in games. For example, players will be able to create plays on their tablet and watch them get executed on their TV in Madden NFL.
SmartGlass will be available for Windows, Android, and iOS devices. It will launch later this year.
Microsoft will also launch Internet Explorer for Xbox this fall in countries where Xbox and Xbox LIVE are available.
Read more: Microsoft