Microsoft just announced that the Xbox 360 is connecting to all kinds of TV and movie services. At the same time, quietly, it announced a new way for Windows Phone devices to connect to the Xbox.

The upcoming Xbox Companion App allows users to browse the Xbox Live Marketplace on their phones, and then, having found content, play it on their Xboxes. For example, you can control video playback and navigate Xbox menus from your phone -- just in case, we suppose, your controller happens to be out of reach and you don't have a Kinect.

There's no date on the app -- only "coming soon" -- but whenever it does launch, it'll be free.

[Thanks, Menzlo]