Microsoft said Wednesday it will merge features of the Xbox Game Pass app into the Xbox app on mobile platforms this week. The new streamlined Xbox app with Game Pass functionality will be available on iOS, Android and iPadOS. Microsoft will also stop all downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app starting in November. Additionally, the company announced a number of other Xbox-related PC and console features, including Game Bar Compact Mode and improvements to the Xbox app on PC.
Xbox app gets Game Pass features
Xbox Game Pass app functionality will be merged with the Xbox app as part of this week’s update for Xbox beta members on mobile devices. The new all-in-one Xbox app will be available to all users soon. Starting in November, Microsoft will no longer support new downloads of the Xbox Game Pass app.
Some of the features of the Xbox app will include the ability to explore Microsoft’s gaming subscription services and manage memberships. “You’ll be able to browse the full Game Pass catalog to find your favorite games and stay alerted to new games coming to the service,” the company said in an Xbox Wire post on Wednesday.
Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can also view and claim their benefits, and stream select games through Xbox Cloud Gaming on iOS or Android.
Regular features of the Xbox app will remain the same for all users, including social features, game updates, party chat while gaming, the ability to check achievements, the ability to remotely install games on the console, and more.
Xbox updates on PC
As part of the September update, Microsoft also confirmed that Game Bar Compact mode, first announced in August, is now available to all PC players. The new mode, initially available to Xbox Insiders, optimizes the Xbox Game Bar for smaller screens and Windows-based gaming handheld devices.
The Game Bar allows players on Windows to view recently played games, access the game launcher, capture game footage, and more. Compact mode simplifies access to Game Bar widgets on smaller screens. A new feature in Game Bar compact mode now allows users to exit games directly from the home widget.
To turn on Game Bar Compact Mode, users can go to Game Bar settings and turn on the Compact Mode switch in the General tab.
Users can view and manage add-ons in one place
Image source: Microsoft
The Xbox parent company also rolled out an update to the Xbox app on PC, improving the game management experience on the app. Users can now view and install a game’s relevant add-ons when installing the game without having to search for available add-ons on the app. Users can also manage a game’s add-ons or additional content by right-clicking on the installed game, selecting “Manage” and going to the “Add-ons” section.
Improved game management on Xbox consoles
On Xbox consoles, players can now pre-download game updates and start playing as soon as the updates go live. This can be done by going to “My Games & Apps” on your Xbox console, then selecting “Manage” and then “Updates.” Here, users will be able to view all available pre-downloads for their game. Currently, some games support this feature, and more games will be supported later.
Finally, Xbox users will now receive notifications when wishlist games are released, added to Game Pass, or offered as part of a Free Game Day promotion.
