Recently, Xbox has continued to ramp up its updates for Xbox console OS with more features for the platform. In August, we witnessed this with further Discord integration. This time, you can invite friends directly alongside now access livestreams as well. Additionally, Microsoft also arranged the return of friend requests for Xbox since the absence of the feature more than a decade ago.
Other aspects introduced to Xbox is the new mobile store page. While Microsoft has issued support in bringing more prominence to mobile gaming, the webpage going live is the first piece of evidence on this promise. Not only that, with reports on a new internal studio formed to focus on mobile endeavors, more integration is expected to take place.
On Wednesday, Microsoft rolled out its September 2024 update plans and a good chunk of that focuses on the plans to fully absorb Xbox Game Pass into the Xbox App. The update is said to go live later this week with plans to relocate users to the main app instead of the separate Game Pass application.
Starting this week, we’re streamlining the mobile app experience by moving features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app into the Xbox app. These updates will be available for Xbox beta members on mobile and will be coming to everyone soon. As part of these changes, we will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app, starting in November.
Joe Skrebels, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief
“Key features – like the ability to explore Game Pass and manage your membership – will now be found in one place with the Xbox app on mobile. You’ll be able to browse the full Game Pass catalog to find your favorite games and stay in the loop with alerts for new games coming to the service. If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate member, you’ll also be able to view and claim your Perks.
“Game Pass Ultimate members can also stream select games through Xbox Cloud Gaming on their iOS or Android devices using a supported browser at xbox.com/play. You can continue to use all the features you love in the Xbox app, including staying connected with your friends or receiving the latest updates and notifications for your favorite games. Use party chat for video or voice calls while gaming, watching a show, or just hanging out.
“Celebrate your epic gaming moments by sharing game clips and screenshots on your favorite social networks. Check out your achievements and game stats and compare your progress with friends at any time. And if you’re away from home, you can install new games on your console, so they are ready to play when you are.”
What are your thoughts on this decision from Microsoft?
Source: Xbox Wire
