E3 2012

As part of their E3 keynote, Microsoft has announced Xbox Smart Glass, a impressive-looking suite of tablet and mobile apps that allow for integrated cross-platform media experiences on your Xbox 360, smartphone, and tablet devices.

In the example on display, an episode of Game of Thrones was playing on the screen, while the tablet displayed related content, including a real-time map of the show’s locations. You’ll also be able to seamlessly transition a movie you’re watching on your tablet to your 360, allowing you to pick up right where you left off.

But Smart Glass isn’t just about passive media experiences. According to Microsoft Smart Glass could also have some important gaming applications. Concept videos showed how Madden might leverage your tablet to create a touch-driven playbook,d how Halo 4 might display your Waypoint profile, updated in real time as you play.

Smart Glass will also allow you to use your smartphone as a remote control to navigate Dashboard, and that more natural control, Microsoft said, has paved the way for another important addition: web browsing. That’s right, the Xbox 360 will finally be getting a dedicated web browser with a custom version of Internet Explorer designed to utilize both Smart Glass and Kinect to allow you to browse the web from your 360.

Microsoft has also announced that they plan to bring full Xbox Smart Glass integration to Windows 8 tablets and PCs, along with some of Xbox Live’s social and gaming features.