Microsoft is moving Game Pass into a single Xbox mobile app

Read on TheVerge

Microsoft is planning to combine its Xbox Game Pass and Xbox mobile apps into a single application soon. The software maker is testing a new version of the Xbox app for iOS and Android this week that includes features from the separate Xbox Game Pass app.

You’ll soon be able to explore the full Game Pass library and manage memberships within the Xbox mobile app. Game Pass Ultimate members will also be able to claim perks within this updated Xbox app.

“These updates will be available for Xbox beta members on mobile and will be coming to everyone soon,” says Microsoft in a blog post. “As part of these changes, we will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app, starting in November.”

The new Xbox app will now include the Game Pass integration alongside party chat, text chat, access to game captures, and the ability to remote install or remote play games. Microsoft and Apple continue to argue about cloud gaming apps, so there’s still no ability to stream games on iOS or Android inside of the Xbox mobile apps. If you want to stream games to your phone, you’ll need to continue to access xbox.com/play from a browser.

The mobile Game Pass changes come just weeks after Microsoft launched its Xbox Game Pass Standard tier, which includes console multiplayer access for $14.99 per month. Microsoft first detailed Xbox Game Pass Standard in July, alongside price increases for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers.

Microsoft is also launching its new Game Bar compact mode for all PC players today, alongside some improvements to the Xbox app on PC that will save players download space. If you’re an Xbox console owner, you’ll also no longer have to wait for game updates to download, so you can start playing right away when an update goes live.

Update, September 25th__: Article updated with other changes coming to Xbox consoles and the Xbox PC app today.

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