Microsoft has announced a companion technology for mobile devices, SmartGlass, one that will allow them to interact with their Xbox 360 gaming console in numerous ways.
The concept of integrating a remote device or second screen for gaming applications is not new, and has long been a staple of Nintendo's arsenal, having developed various ways for their handheld gaming devices to integrate with their home gaming consoles over the years.
SmartGlass will bring this capability to the 360, allowing gamers playing Madden on their 360s to set up the plays on their mobile devices, while in other games SmartGlass will make your mobile device function as a second screen, showing statistics, maps, or other information at a glance.
SmartGlass' functionality won't be limited solely to game playing either; the technology will be able to integrate with other entertainment options available through the 360, such as being able to act as a remote while watching TV shows or movies.
More than that though, your SmartGlass-enabled mobile device while also show information relating to what you're watching. An example during the E3 demonstration showed how a person watching Game of Thrones on HBO Go through their 360 could get cast and crew information on their mobile device, and even see a map of the GoT world displayed on their mobile screen, based on where the action on the big screen was currently taking place.
You'll also be able to transfer content between your mobile device and the 360. SmartGlass will work with any iOS or Android device, as well as Windows Phone, and the upcoming Windows 8 platform. It's also been designed to act as a keyboard while browsing Internet Explorer through your TV.
While by no means a game changing technology, it will provide gamers and entertainment lovers yet more creative ways to indulge in their favorite content, bound only by the ingenuity of those developers making use of it. SmartGlass is currently planned for a Fall 2012 launch.
