Microsoft unveils app to connect Xbox to Apple and Google devices

Microsoft Corp took another step toward its goal of turning the Xbox into the nexus of household entertainment, unveiling software to let users view extra content, control games and surf the internet from their tablets and smartphones.

The software maker, whose market-leading Xbox already streams Netflix and ESPN and other channels, unveiled a “SmartGlass” application yesterday that links the console to mobile devices powered by Windows or Apple Inc’s iOS and Google Inc’s Android.

The US software corporation has been trying for years to make a living-room entertainment hub of its Xbox, which has sold 67 million units since it launched in 2005. Now, the company is trying to expand the Xbox’s entertainment menu and hook it up to “companion” mobile devices as a way to boost sales of its seven-year old console.

Yesterday, it also announced Internet browsing will be made available on Xboxes, including through voice recognition in a nod to the popular “Siri” function on the newest iPhones. And it talked about plans to sell cloud-based music a la Apple’s iTunes or Amazon.com Inc.

Wedbush Securities’ Michael Pachter deemed “SmartGlass” a nice feature — especially how it turned devices into TV remotes — but said it wasn’t clear how essential it will become.

But having Internet Explorer on Xboxes will help Microsoft compete with a new generation of “smart” or Web-enabled TVs made by Samsung and others that let viewers stream content from online services such as YouTube.

“SmartGlass” lets users remotely control TV displays from touchscreen enabled mobile devices, swiping, pinching and tapping like one would on an iPhone.

Microsoft is the second company at this year’s E3 in Los Angeles — the annual gathering of the industry’s top executives, analysts and fans — to show off services that use a second screen.

Nintendo’s GamePad controller, unveiled yesterday, is used in conjunction with the company’s consoles and features a screen that can display additional content and gameplay.