The Xbox app for Android is introducing a new feature that allows users to purchase games directly from their smartphones. This update enables players to buy an Xbox game with just two taps and have it automatically installed on their console. However, Remote Play capabilities will no longer be accessible through the app, although users can still utilize this feature via the mobile web.
Previously, Android users were able to buy games from other gaming platforms like Steam, but the Xbox app lacked this functionality until now. The April update for Xbox has finally addressed this gap, allowing for seamless purchases, including game add-ons and subscriptions to Game Pass. Initially, beta testers on both Android and iOS will gain access to this feature, followed by a wider rollout to all users on the Google Play Store and the App Store.
For users who have already saved their payment details with Xbox, the purchasing process has been simplified, making it much easier than navigating the Xbox interface with a controller. This enhancement stems from a U.S. court ruling that prohibited Google from requiring developers to use Google Play Billing for in-app purchases, allowing Microsoft the flexibility to implement this feature. Despite Microsoft’s claims, Google maintains that the functionality to buy games directly had always been available; it was Microsoft’s decision to defer the option.
Additionally, while the Xbox app loses Remote Play support, users can still play remotely through the web. Overall, this update signifies a broadening of Xbox’s capabilities on mobile devices.