About 1.5 years after the launch of Kinect for Xbox 360 and 18 million units later, Microsoft unveiled the next step in its journey to make Xbox synonymous with entertainment by unveiling Xbox SmartGlass, Internet Explorer for Xbox, and new TV, movie and music offerings.

To kick-start the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3), Microsoft Corp. on Monday unveiled a bold new vision for enjoying entertainment at home and on the go with Xbox SmartGlass, an application for Windows 8, Windows Phone, and other portable devices that connects phones, PCs and tablets with Xbox 360 console to make entertainment smarter and more interactive. Xbox SmartGlass delivers companion content and control to enhance the TV experience.

 “With Xbox SmartGlass, we are lighting up entertainment across your phone, tablet, PC and TV in a completely new way. If you love to play games, watch TV and movies, surf the Web, or listen to music, there has never been a better time to be on Xbox,” said Don Mattrick, president of the interactive entertainment business at Microsoft.

Microsoft will launch Internet Explorer for Xbox this fall in all countries where Xbox and Xbox Live are available. Through the power of Xbox, the magic of Kinect and the intelligence of Xbox SmartGlass, one will be able to surf the Internet using voice on Xbox 360 and navigate using mobile devices for an easy Web browsing experience on the television.

Last year, Xbox added voice search powered by Bing and the power of Kinect, making it easier to find the entertainment. This year, voice search is expanding to 12 additional countries: Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain and Switzerland.

Adding to the current catalog of customized sports, TV, movies and music apps from world-leading TV and entertainment providers, this year Xbox will continue to deliver all the content in unique ways.

This year Xbox will bring premium entertainment experiences to more than 180 new countries around the world when Xbox on Windows 8 launches, featuring four Metro-style apps: Video, Music, Games and Xbox SmartGlass.

With Xbox on Windows 8, one can play games with friends and earn achievements, listen to music, and enjoy favorite TV shows and movies everywhere. With Xbox SmartGlass, one can start a movie or TV show on a Windows 8 device and finish it on the big-screen TV.

Tags: SmartGlass, Microsoft, Xbox, Windows 8, Windows Phone, Kinect, Xbox Live, Xbox TV