Xbox SmartGlass App

Xbox will always be a home for Halo (4 coming soon!) buffs, but last week's Xbox Music launch and today's release of Xbox SmartGlass confirm the gaming console is switching gears to entertainment this holiday season.

With the SmartGlass app, phones, tablets, and computers control media on the Xbox 360. Users can move around the dashboard, pause/rewind movies, surf the Web through the TV display, and input text using their tablets and phones. The mobile device essentially becomes an interactive remote control, making it easier than ever to employ the Xbox 360 for nongaming purposes, like watching ESPN or HBO GO.

SmartGlass isn't called smart for nothing — it's an intelligent companion too. The app feeds devices more information about the TV show you're watching (like who plays Game of Thrones' Khaleesi) or real-time scoring from a game on a different channel.

The app is available starting today for Windows 8-compatible tablets and PCs, and within the next couple of months for Windows Phone, iOS, and Android devices.