E3 2012: Microsoft shows off Xbox SmartGlass

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Microsoft showed off a lot of awesome new stuff at today's pre-E3 press conference, but we were really excited to finally find out exactly what SmartGlass is. We're happy to announce that it looks like it could really enhance your entertainment experience, so long as developers and content providers take advantage of what it has to offer.

For starters, SmartGlass can take advantage of a free app that's in the works for Windows 8, Windows Phone and 'other portable devices' (we're gonna assume that means Android and iOS devices) to share content across devices, kind of like Apple's AirPlay lets you stream video and music between different devices.

SmartGlass takes things a step further by offering 'companion content' and potentially an overall more immersive experience than any of its competitors. Microsoft showed everything from Game of Thrones on HBO Go to Halo 4 taking advantage of SmartGlass' tablet-like abilities.

Since 'keyboards don't belong in the living room,' Microsoft is combining the power and content of the Xbox 360 with a tablet-like form factor to help you get the most out of the web in your living room.

Combining SmartGlass with HBO Go, you'll be able to keep track of where the action on Game of Thrones is happening by looking at a map on your SmartGlass, or by turning the SmartGlass into a playbook for Madden NFL.

SmartGlass (and Kinect) also bring Internet Explorer to the 360, in what Microsoft calls the first “fast, fluid, intuitive web experience in the living room.” Using an interface that looks a lot like the Metro version of IE10, you'll be able to control IE with both Kinect and SmartGlass.

SmartGlass is a little bit similar to what Nintendo is offering with the Wii U's GamePad, but if it keeps us from having to use that Fisher-Price stylus-driven monstrosity, we'll be happy (we still love you, Nintendo).