E3 2012: Microsoft Launches E3 With Eyes To Expand Beyond Console Platform
To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.
Then come back here and refresh the page.
Microsoft launched the 2012 E3 convention with a peek at the latest rendition of its Halo franchise and a new feature designed to expand beyond your video game console. NY1's Adam Balkin filed the following report.In its traditional role as the E3 party starter, Microsoft got a bit literal in its effort to usher in the next generation of video games.
Their press conference featured lots of first looks at hardcore and casual games. But perhaps the most anticipated first look for Xbox 360 enthusiasts was the next iteration of its marquee exclusive title: Halo 4, set to hit shelves in early November.
Since its beginning, the Xbox 360 was designed to be more than just a gaming machine. Microsoft had always envisioned it as the entertainment hub of your living room. Now, it's trying to become the entertainment hub of your life outside the living room, too, through a new feature called SmartGlass.
"With SmartGlass, you can watch a show on your TV and your tablet will indulge you with related content," said Mark Whitten of Microsoft's Xbox Live service. "You can use your tablet to write a better play in Madden. You can control the web with your phone. And Xbox SmartGlass works with all the devices that you already own: the TV you already own, the phone you already own and the tablet you already own."
Microsoft also unveiled, among other things, a new music service, Internet Explorer for the Xbox and new multilingual support for its voice-controlled Kinect sensor.