A Closer Look at Xbox SmartGlass

Xbox SmartGlass was one of the lone new technologies unveiled by Microsoft at this year's E3, but its potential as a second screen -- using your own smartphone or tablet running Windows 8, Android, or iOS -- is fascinating. Xbox SmartGlass was demonstrated in more detail in a breakout session this evening, showing off video, gaming, and remote control possibilities as well as running through future concepts.

First off, a few things you should know: Xbox SmartGlass isn't definitely intended for Xbox Live Gold members, but the apps and services it works with suggest it will be. Also, on-hand reps said that DVD second-screen functions haven't yet been in the cards: video content will need to be either downloaded or app-streamed by apps that support SmartGlass. Windows 8 tablets will work with SmartGlass, but there currently aren't any plans to make the service work with older Windows 7 tablets.