Xbox SmartGlass app released for Android smartphones

Microsoft has released the Android smartphone version of its Xbox SmartGlass app via the Google Play App Store, allowing Android users to use their touchscreen devices to interact with the Xbox 360.

Xbox SmartGlass also launched today for Windows devices alongside the release of Windows 8 and Microsoft's new Surface tablet line. An iOS version is announced, but does not have an official release date.

SmartGlass allows Xbox 360 owners to navigate the console's dashboard, type messages, change their Avatar and control select applications. The app works with the recently launched Internet Explorer browser for Xbox 360, as well as Xbox Video and Xbox Music apps. Games that will work with SmartGlass in the coming months include Dance Central 3, Forza Horizon and Ascend: New Gods. Halo Waypoint, NBA Game Time, HBO GO, ESPN and other Xbox 360 apps will also work with SmartGlass.

Microsoft announced Xbox SmartGlass at E3 2012, demonstrating touchscreen-controlled apps for HBO's A Game of Thrones and Madden NFL 13.

The Android version of Xbox SmartGlass is available for "most Android 4.0 ("Ice Cream Sandwich") smartphones [or later] with WVGA screen resolution or higher." SmartGlass is not currently compatible with Android tablets. The app is free from the Google Play App Store.