A popular Xbox feature is coming back

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Key conclusions

  • The Xbox app on Android will once again allow game purchases due to a court ruling.
  • Xbox fans are excited about the increased flexibility; some concerns about phasing out consoles.
  • Apple users may feel left out as the iOS version lacks an in-app purchase feature.



Ability to buy and play games on Xbox the android app will return. The popular feature has been missed by many fans of the Xbox family of consoles who use Android mobile devices.

This change comes after a California jury ruled against Google, declaring that the company has an illegal monopoly over the Android Play Store. As a result of this verdict, Google cannot ban in-app payment methods for at least three years and must allow access to third-party Android app stores.

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On Twitter, Xbox President Sarah Bond announced the upcoming features. In a brief statement, the president explained that the recent court decision regarding the Google Play Store allows for “more choice and flexibility” and that as a result, Xbox will offer Android users the ability to buy and play games directly through the Xbox app on their phones. Players will also be able to redeem codes through the app. Those features will arrive sometime in November, though Bond didn't specify an exact date when they'll be available.



Xbox fans react to app news

Xbox fans in the first place seem to be excited to hear the news, especially when it comes to the Android app. However, there are some complaints from some Xbox users. Some have complained that this appears to be another step in the supposed direction of Xbox killing off its own consoles in favor of allowing users to stream or use other devices to play games. Some also took the opportunity to take issue with Xbox for shutting down developers like Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin.


Others have also complained that these features are also not available in the iOS versions of the Xbox app, and there is no information about these changes, leaving Apple fans feeling left out. However, judging by Twitter, it's likely that this change will happen now that Xbox will be able to sell games to users with in-app purchases, rather than sending them through Google Play Billing and thus recouping some of the profits. Apple hasn't changed in this regard, so Xbox will either have to raise prices for the platform or see a loss on every game sold through the app to Apple users.

For now, Android users will have to wait and see when exactly this update arrives. More information is likely to follow from Xbox in the coming weeks.

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