Microsoft’s Xbox app on Android, which was poised to introduce exciting new features by the end of 2024, now faces a delay. Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, recently shared on social media that an administrative stay granted by U.S. courts has necessitated this postponement. As a result, users will have to wait longer to purchase and play games directly through the app.
Initially, Bond had expressed optimism about launching these features in November, following a court order that required Google to open its app store to third-party competitors. In her message on X (formerly Twitter), she stated, “I recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S. while other app stores adapt to meet consumer demand.” However, she added, “Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned.” Despite the setback, she reassured users that the functionality is ready and waiting for the court’s final decision.
Current Landscape for Xbox Mobile Gaming
This delay represents a minor hurdle in Microsoft’s broader strategy to integrate mobile gaming into the Xbox ecosystem. Bond’s comments suggest that the administrative stay is temporary, indicating that the company remains optimistic about its future plans. The regulatory scrutiny surrounding the duopoly of Google and Apple’s app stores has intensified recently, creating a favorable environment for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is already a popular choice among mobile gamers.
In addition to the anticipated features, Xbox Cloud Gaming has recently rolled out a “Stream Your Own Game” option, allowing users to stream 50 titles they own, even if those games are not part of the Xbox Game Pass library. This expansion is expected to continue, offering players a wider selection of buy-to-own games in the future.
Nevertheless, Microsoft faces challenges ahead. The much-speculated Xbox handheld device remains several years away from release, and the company has opted to delay the launch of its mobile gaming store to conduct further market research. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, emphasized the importance of creating a compelling way for consumers to discover the store, stating, “If we’re just hoping, like, if we build it, they will come, I’m going to bet that doesn’t work.”
Moreover, Xbox Cloud Gaming’s reliability still lags behind competitors like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and the cross-progression feature, Xbox Play Anywhere, is not as widespread as desired. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Microsoft as it seeks to enhance its gaming services.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, Microsoft and Xbox are entering 2025 with significant momentum. Upcoming titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the exclusive STALKER 2 are set to launch successfully, while the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is just around the corner. Additionally, the platform has welcomed a steady influx of third-party games, including notable surprises like Death Stranding, which transitioned from PlayStation exclusivity.
As Microsoft aims to make Xbox games accessible across various platforms, the hope is that the temporary administrative stay will not linger. The company appears well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities, provided it can navigate the current landscape effectively.
“We are eager to launch and give more choice and flexibility to players”: Microsoft delays new Xbox Android app features on Google Play due to court order
Microsoft’s Xbox app on Android, which was poised to introduce exciting new features by the end of 2024, now faces a delay. Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, recently shared on social media that an administrative stay granted by U.S. courts has necessitated this postponement. As a result, users will have to wait longer to purchase and play games directly through the app.
Initially, Bond had expressed optimism about launching these features in November, following a court order that required Google to open its app store to third-party competitors. In her message on X (formerly Twitter), she stated, “I recently shared our ambition to unlock these features first with the Google Play Store on Android devices in the U.S. while other app stores adapt to meet consumer demand.” However, she added, “Due to a temporary administrative stay recently granted by the courts, we are currently unable to launch these features as planned.” Despite the setback, she reassured users that the functionality is ready and waiting for the court’s final decision.
Current Landscape for Xbox Mobile Gaming
This delay represents a minor hurdle in Microsoft’s broader strategy to integrate mobile gaming into the Xbox ecosystem. Bond’s comments suggest that the administrative stay is temporary, indicating that the company remains optimistic about its future plans. The regulatory scrutiny surrounding the duopoly of Google and Apple’s app stores has intensified recently, creating a favorable environment for Xbox Cloud Gaming, which is already a popular choice among mobile gamers.
In addition to the anticipated features, Xbox Cloud Gaming has recently rolled out a “Stream Your Own Game” option, allowing users to stream 50 titles they own, even if those games are not part of the Xbox Game Pass library. This expansion is expected to continue, offering players a wider selection of buy-to-own games in the future.
Nevertheless, Microsoft faces challenges ahead. The much-speculated Xbox handheld device remains several years away from release, and the company has opted to delay the launch of its mobile gaming store to conduct further market research. Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, emphasized the importance of creating a compelling way for consumers to discover the store, stating, “If we’re just hoping, like, if we build it, they will come, I’m going to bet that doesn’t work.”
Moreover, Xbox Cloud Gaming’s reliability still lags behind competitors like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and the cross-progression feature, Xbox Play Anywhere, is not as widespread as desired. Addressing these issues will be crucial for Microsoft as it seeks to enhance its gaming services.
Looking Ahead
Despite these challenges, Microsoft and Xbox are entering 2025 with significant momentum. Upcoming titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and the exclusive STALKER 2 are set to launch successfully, while the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is just around the corner. Additionally, the platform has welcomed a steady influx of third-party games, including notable surprises like Death Stranding, which transitioned from PlayStation exclusivity.
As Microsoft aims to make Xbox games accessible across various platforms, the hope is that the temporary administrative stay will not linger. The company appears well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities, provided it can navigate the current landscape effectively.