Xbox SmartGlass System Promises to Make Home Entertainment A Lot Cooler

Microsoft has just introduced their new SmartGlass system and promises it will change the way people use their smartphones, tablet computers, HD televisions, and Xbox video game consoles. It will run on the soon-to-be-available Windows 8 operating system and is designed to enhance all forms of digital entertainment -- including movies, TV shows, online music, and video gaming.

Microsoft's PR people promise the SmartGlass app will run on Google Android and Apple iOS devices, not just Microsoft-based products. Still, it appears that to get the most out of the system you will need an Xbox video game console as well as a Windows 8-based tablet PC and/or Windows smartphone.

According to insiders, SmartGlass will allow users to stream video and audio content to any TV hooked up to an Xbox. It will allow for new types of video game play that some experts believe will give MS an edge over Nintendo and their popular Wii console. The app will be free for anyone to download and install on their mobile devices.

According to Don Mattrick, head of Microsoft's gaming business:

"We all go into our living room and have a touch surface like a phone or a tablet, but it has no idea what's occurring on the TV...SmartGlass will allow the Xbox to communicate with whatever glass surface you have."

We say: This new media consumption program sounds like it could be cool. But it also sounds like it could be just another confusing Microsoft product that doesn't really work that well!

Learn some mo': Microsoft hopes to enhance games, TV with Xbox SmartGlass