Xbox SmartGlass -- Microsoft's bid to bring the second screen to the console -- was one of the highlights of E3 2012.
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It might also be what we can expect at Microsoft's mysterious media event later Monday.
Today's event almost certainly includes some sort of tablet device -- whether it's an "iPad killer", a glorified e-reader, a sub-$500 device or something else entirely.
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It's fairly safe to assume that whatever device it is will be running some version of Windows 8, likely Windows RT. Still, it also seems likely that the implementation will be different than the plans for third-party licensing partners.
It's for that reason that I keep coming back to Xbox SmartGlass. It was easily the most exciting part of Microsoft's E3 2012 presentation, especially since Microsoft said that SmartGlass would "be available on Windows 8-based PCs and devices, iPhone, iPad and Android phones."
The iOS and Android component was a revelation, and I believe it remains a central part of the SmartGlass strategy. But what about those Windows 8-based devices?
An Xbox Companion
Imagine a tablet designed to integrate seamlessly with Xbox Live and the wider Xbox 360 ecosystem. It would look similar to the iPad, but connect seamlessly to the new Xbox Music, access video from various Xbox Entertainment apps and play or interact with Xbox Live Arcade games.
Add in web browsing and video chat, and you have a very compelling consumption device.
As Google and Apple struggle to make enroads in the living room, Microsoft is already there. The Xbox 360 is the most popular console in the world. More than just a player of games, the device is increasingly seen as a digital hub.
When surveyed, recent buyers of the Xbox 360 say that they are primarily buying the device for media consumption rather than games.
This makes sense. With support for Amazon, Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, ESPN, Comcast Xfinity, Crackle, HBO Go, Vevo, Vudu and more, the Xbox 360 is one of the best connected devices on the market.
Of course, the living room is no longer a singular media location. Increasingly, users want to take their big screen media on the go. The advantage held by Apple (and to a lesser extent, Sony) is a robust ecosystem of phones and tablets. The first two major releases of Windows Phone have offered some Xbox Live compatibility -- but experiences remain largely segregated. With Windows Phone 8, that's set to change.
Still, that leaves a hole in the tablet ecosystem. Sure, Windows RT devices could fit the bill -- but most of what we've seen in those prototypes are hybrid tablet/laptop models. The focus isn't on media consumption.
This is why I expect Microsoft to announce an Xbox SmartGlass enabled tablet, designed to interface seamlessly with the Xbox 360 as well as other Windows 8 devices.
What Would This Look Like?
When it comes to predicting what such a device would look like, Microsoft made it easy for us. The company showcased what looks like Windows-branded tablets in its SmartGlass presentation at E3.
Even better, Microsoft offers up this promotional video on its press site for Xbox SmartGlass.
This is the device I expect to see at Monday's event.
Why This Could Be Huge
While Windows and Office are the most important brands to Microsoft in 2012, it's the Xbox that increasingly seems to represent the future of the company.
By creating a device (hopefully with a low-entry price) designed to seamlessly interact with the large number of Xbox 360 owners, Microsoft could make a competitive entry into the media tablet market.
This is a market largely dominated by Apple's iPad and Amazon's Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble's Nook Tablet. Microsoft could still differentiate itself from the Nook and Kindle by offering a bigger screen and a focus on gaming and video.
Moreover, if Microsoft can find a way to bring Xbox Live Arcade games to a tablet of its own, that could be a true game changer (no pun intended) in mobile gaming.
As Sony and Nintendo struggle to compete against iOS and Android on portable consoles, Microsoft could enter the portable market with a built-in ecosystem of games and developers.
Wouldn't it be great to be able to start playing a game on your Xbox and then finish it on an Xbox tablet? Yes, this is what Sony has promised with the PS Vita, but this might be an even more compelling option for Xbox owners.
I have long believed that the Xbox is integral to Microsoft's success with Windows Phone. An Xbox tablet is necessary to pave the way for wider adoption.
Would you buy an Xbox tablet? Let us know in the comments.
This story originally published on Mashable here.
