Xbox SmartGlass Brings the Second Screen to Games and Videos

Watch out Wii U — Microsoft has its own plans for bringing the second screen to the console.

At E3 2012, Microsoft unveiled its latest technology aimed at making the Xbox 360 the center of your home entertainment universe.

Dubbed Xbox SmartGlass, the technology is designed to let users push content from their tablet or phone directly to their Xbox 360 and vice-versa. This means that users can start watching content — such as a movie or TV show — on the big screen and then bring it to a tablet or smartphone for watching on the go.

The technology also allows ancillary devices to act as remote controls for the Xbox 360. Moreover, content creators can craft their own second screen experiences that live and interact on the secondary device, while the main action takes place on the big screen.

On the surface, this sounds pretty similar to what Nintendo is hoping to achieve with the Wii U. Like SmartGlass, Wii U is designed with the idea that content and games can be played or displayed on the tablet controllers or the television monitor. Nintendo has also stressed the second screen elements that game makers can integrate into the experience.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Shows Off Controller, Social Functions of Wii U

Where SmartGlass differs is that it was designed to work with Windows 8 devices as well as Android and iOS phones and tablets. That’s right, it works with the stuff you already own.

We can’t overstate how huge the ability to use existing devices as a second screen is. While it’s possible (and perhaps even likely) that some of the game-specific elements will require Windows 8 devices, knowing that I can swap video on my iPad and my Xbox 360 makes me really excited.

Are you excited about the prospect of using your existing phone or tablet with the Xbox? In the comments, let us know.

More About: e3, E3 2012, Nintendo Wii U, second screen, smartglass, Xbox 360

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