The Nintendo Wii U had one feature that really seemed innovative. In a separate article, I termed this feature, "multi-planar" gaming. Basically, it's the idea of providing more than one interactive visual representation of the game being played, placing the additional display such that it provides additional visual environmental feedback, whether it be showing the golf ball on the ground in a golf game or showing a radar in front of you. This is something that is already done in the realm of simulators, with side-window monitors and instrument panel displays... but it hasn't been mainstream,yet.

The only other thing that really impressed me, personally, about the Wii U GamePad was the idea of, finally, having an easy-to-use method of surfing the web in the living room. PS3 is clunky at this and a media center computer set-up's user interface has left me wanting for something better.

Well, Microsoft's SmartGlass concept looks like it not only achieves both of these tasks, but does so better. And, for some people, there won't be a need to buy additional hardware.

With SmartGlass, your tablet or phone takes the place of the Wii U GamePad, from providing additional information and bonus features about the show you're watching, to drawing up a play in Madden NFL, to surfing the web on your device and then simply "flicking" it over to your Xbox 360 to share it with others on your television, using the touchscreen on the portable device you (may) already own.

Launching this year, Xbox SmartGlass is an application for Windows 8, Windows Phone, and other portable devices that connects phones, PCs and tablets with your Xbox 360 console to make your entertainment smarter, more interactive and more fun.

"Xbox is on a mission to make the entertainment that you love even more amazing. With Xbox SmartGlass, we are lighting up entertainment across your phone, tablet, PC and TV in a completely new way. If you love to play games, watch TV and movies, surf the Web, or listen to music, there has never been a better time to be on Xbox."

- Don Mattrick, Pres. of Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft

Microsoft will also launch Internet Explorer for Xbox this fall in all countries where Xbox and Xbox LIVE are available. Through the power of Xbox, the magic of Kinect and the intelligence of Xbox SmartGlass, you will be able to surf the Internet using your voice on your Xbox 360 and navigate using your mobile devices for an incredibly easy Web browsing experience on the television. Whether it is a new website you want to check out on the big screen, an HD video you want to share in your living room, or your favorite website you check daily and want to view in the 10-foot experience, you will have the power of the Web now on your TV. And with Xbox SmartGlass, you can start a movie or TV show on your Windows 8 device and finish it on the big-screen TV.

Xbox SmartGlass is available with select games and Xbox LIVE content and requires Internet connectivity and compatible devices. Xbox LIVE Gold membership (sold separately) is also required for some Xbox SmartGlass-enabled content and features. Available Xbox SmartGlass features may vary by device.

For more information, check out the official Xbox LIVE website.