Xbox to provide multiscreen access, expand availability

Microsoft is expanding its Xbox entertainment offering to 222 countries, up from 35 today, and is enhancing its TV offering with multiscreen delivery.

The new version of the service will take the Xbox entertainment service to phones, tablets and PCs, according to Microsoft. Via the Xbox SmartGlass downloadable app, users will be able to convert tablets, PCs, Windows Phone 8, iOS and Android devices into second screens to view its entertainment offering. For Xbox Video, users will be able to start a TV show or movie on their Windows 8 tablet and finish it on the TV screen through Xbox 360.

The enhancements coincide with the launch of the Windows 8 operating system, to be followed shortly by the launch of Windows 8 for Mobile.