At the start of E3 in Los Angeles, Microsoft has unveiled a new vision for multiscreen entertainment at home and on the go with Xbox SmartGlass.
Xbox SmartGlass is a second screen application for Windows 8, Windows Phone, and other portable devices that connects phones, PCs and tablets with the Xbox 360 console. SmartGlass “turns every TV into a smart TV,” according to the company.
An Xbox viewer could start watching a movie on a tablet, then send it to an Xbox-powered TV set with a single touch. At that moment, the tablet automatically switches over to show second-screen information, links and social interactions that complemented what is now on the TV screen.
“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.”
This autumn, Microsoft is also launching a dedicated Internet Explorer web browser for the XBox. Microsoft also previewed the upcoming Xbox Music service, which will be available on the games console as well as Windows Phone and Windows 8 devices.
Microsft also announced more than 35 new content partners launching on Xbox over the next 12 months, including many in Europe. New programming launching this year includes live matches from the NBA and NHL and sports channel ESPN in the US.
The Xbox international content deals fort Europe include Absolute Radio – UK; BreakMedia –South Africa, UK; Comoyo – Denmark, Norway, Sweden; GameSpot TV – UK; Headweb – Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden; Machinima – All Xbox Live markets; Napster – Germany, UK; Picturebox – UK; Revision3 – UK; RTL XL – Netherlands; The AOL On Network – Netherlands, UK; TV3 – Spain; Wuaki – Spain and Youzee – Spain
