Xbox Smartglass app arrives for iPhone, iPad

Microsoft's new Xbox Smartglass app has made its way to the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

Available as of yesterday, the app turns your iOS device into a second screen for the Xbox, letting you navigate the dashboard; control your videos and music; and browse the Internet.

You can use the keyboard on your iOS device to type on your Xbox 360. You can swipe across your phone or tablet to move across the screen on your console. Controls pop up on your mobile device to play, pause, stop, rewind, and fast-forward videos and music playing on your Xbox.

You can watch certain TV shows and movies on your iOS device and then continue watching on the Xbox, or vice versa. Certain games can also be played at the same time on both devices, with one person playing on an iPhone or iPad and the other person on the Xbox.

Users can also edit their Xbox profile, change their avatar, and chat with their friends.

To use the new Smartglass app, you'll first need to make sure your Xbox 360 is running the latest update. You'll then need to log in to your mobile device and your Xbox console with the same Xbox Live account.

Position yourself near the Xbox. On your phone or tablet, tap on the link to Connect to Xbox, and the connection should be established. I had trouble connecting initially, until I realized I was using two different accounts. I had to switch the one on my Xbox from my local account to my Live account, and then I was able to connect.

Once connected, you can swipe and tap on your device to navigate the various dashboard screens and trigger different features. Overall, moving around the screens via a mobile device was easier than using the standard Xbox controller.

The new Smartglass app is an upgrade to the old My Xbox Live app for iOS and Android devices and the Xbox Companion app for Windows Phone handsets.

Microsoft released Smartglass for Android late last month. Versions are also available for Windows Phone and Windows 8.