Get ready for a game-changing Xbox experience on Android! An official Xbox mobile app, slated for release as early as next month (November), will revolutionize how you interact with Xbox games. This exciting development, announced by Xbox president Sarah Bond on X, follows a landmark court ruling impacting the Google Play Store.
The Details
The upcoming app will allow Android users to purchase and play Xbox games directly within the app. This significant leap forward is a direct result of the recent antitrust settlement between Google and Epic Games. The court's decision mandates Google to offer broader app store options and increased flexibility for three years, starting November 1st, 2024. This opens the door for third-party app stores, including the new Xbox app, to access the full Google Play app catalog.
Why is this a big deal?
While a current Xbox app exists for Android (allowing downloads to consoles and cloud gaming for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers), the November release will introduce in-app game purchases. This significantly enhances convenience and accessibility for Android gamers. Further details will be revealed in November, but a CNBC article offers some preliminary insights. Until then, stay tuned for more gaming news!