Microsoft Merges Internet Explorer and Mobile With 'Companion Web'

Microsoft is launching tools for developers to give their users online experiences that work in partnership with Internet Explorer and mobile devices.

The Companion Web initiative, announced by Microsoft in a blog post Wednesday morning, will allow developers to create web apps that responsively work on any size screen, from a smartphone to a television.

The idea isn't entirely new for Microsoft, which last year announced SmartGlass as a experience that would unite content on the Xbox 360 and any smartphone or tablet with the SmartGlass app installed. Microsoft is doubling down on SmartGlass on the upcoming Xbox One console, with more games and apps having tie-in second screen experiences that can be accessed via mobile.