Microsoft announces Xbox Android app to include direct game purchases and playtime in November

Earlier this week, a judge in the United States made a landmark decision, issuing a permanent injunction against Google. This ruling mandates that the tech giant permit third-party app stores to operate on Android devices, effective November 1st. Although Google has rapidly indicated its intention to challenge the judge’s ruling, this legal battle does not appear to impede Microsoft from moving forward with its plans for allowing users to buy and play games through one of its applications.

The court’s ruling to open up Google´s mobile store in the US will allow more choice and flexibility. Our mission is to allow more players to play on more devices so we are thrilled to share that starting in November, players will be able to play and purchase Xbox games directly…

— BondSarahBond (@BondSarah_Bond) October 10, 2024

Today, Microsoft Xbox President Sarah Bond announced via her X account that the recent court ruling signifies “more choice and flexibility”for Android users across the U.S. She further disclosed that starting in November, users will have the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly through the Xbox App on Android devices.

At this point, Microsoft has not provided further information regarding the details of this upcoming update to the Xbox app for Android. It is anticipated that the games available for direct play through the app will be compatible with Xbox Cloud Gaming, which requires a subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. It remains to be seen how Google’s planned appeal might influence Microsoft’s initiatives regarding the Xbox application.

Additionally, we are awaiting the launch of Microsoft’s anticipated web-based mobile game store. Bond had previously mentioned that the mobile game store would debut in July, but that timeline has since passed without any launch. The latest update from Microsoft regarding the store indicates it is still undergoing testing, yet no new date for its release has been disclosed.

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