Microsoft Announces Halo 4 and Smart Glass at E3

The Electronic Entertainment Expo got off to a start Monday with Microsoft's highly anticipated press conference.

Amongst the major news at the press conference was the impending November 6 release of Halo 4, the fourth installment in the blockbuster action series. Microsoft also made announcements about new application "Smart Glass," which is due to be released this fall according to Ign.com.

Smart Glass is designed to let users play all kinds of media coming from mobile devices like phones, tablets, and Windows computers on their TVs via the Xbox 360. This can enhance both entertainment like movies or TV shows, and games as well. The system supports Android and iOS devices and will also support Windows 8.

The new system will enable users to start a movie or a game on one device and then pick up where they left off on their Xbox 360. Additionally, the system will provide users with the ability to see more information on their mobile devices about what they're playing or viewing on the Xbox. According to CNet.com, this feature would enable users to get additional context about the actors and filmmakers of a TV show they might be watching on the Xbox. Or, they'll be able to modify play calls in Electronic Arts' Madden NFL 13 from their mobile device. According to CNet, SmartGlass represents a pre-emptive move to stay ahead of what Apple may be looking to do if and when it released a TV.

Microsoft also announced at the conference that it will release a Kinect Enhanced version of Internet Explorer for Xbox Live, the first browser for the Xbox. The browser will also be compatible with Smart Glass, enabling users to access the browser from their tablets or smart phones, but the major modification is the opportunity for voice commands to browse utilizing Kinect. The browser will also be available in the fall.

Xbox Music, a system that will give Xbox Live users access to more than 30 million songs, was also unveiled. The system also adds new sports programming like NBA and NHL games, and a wide variety of ESPN content.

Aside from these major announcements, Microsoft also presented a diverse lineup of software. Aside from Halo 4, the clear cut headliner, Call of Duty Black Ops 2 was given a November 13, 2012 release.

Other titles revealed included Ubisoft's Splinter Cell: Blacklist, Electronic Arts' FIFA 13 and Madden NFL 13, Fable: The Journey, Resident Evil 6, and Forza Horizon amongst others.