Microsoft has unveiled Xbox SmartGlass, a new feature that uses mobile phones and tablets to add a second screen experience for games, TV/films, and the web browsing on Xbox 360.
Launching this fall, the feature is similar to the setup Nintendo has planned with its upcoming Wii U console, which extends gameplay beyond TVs by also displaying gameplay and other content on its tablet controller.
At its E3 press conference on Monday, Microsoft demonstrated how consumers will be able to interact with Xbox 360 games using SmartGlass. It showed how players can draw and execute plays on their tablets with
Madden NFL 13, or access ship schematics in
Halo 4.
Consumers can also push video they're watching on their tablets or phones to TVs, continuing where they left off. As they watch a film or show on their TV, relevant information about the video can be displayed on their portable device. They can even use their phone or tablet as a remote control.
SmartGlass enables users to browse the web on their Xbox 360s with a new Internet Explorer app, too. Instead of using a keyboard, users can take advantage of the touchscreens on their phones or tablets, while viewing web pages on their TVs.
Microsoft will support SmartGlass on Windows Phone, iOS, and Android devices.
