| Xbox | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | |||||||
 Screenshot of the new Xbox app onWindows 11 | |||||||
| Developer | Microsoft Gaming | ||||||
| Stable release(s)[±] | |||||||
| |||||||
| Operating system | Android,iOS,Windows,Tizen | ||||||
| Predecessor | Xbox Games | ||||||
| Website | www | ||||||
TheXboxapp, also known asXbox on PC and formerly known asXbox PC, developed byMicrosoft Gaming forWindows,Android,iOS andTizen, is a companion app for users ofXbox video game consoles, providing access toXbox network community features,remote control, as well assecond screen functionality (formerly branded as SmartGlass)with selected games, applications, and content.
On Windows 10, the app additionally serves as a launcher forPC games installed on a device (including games obtained fromMicrosoft Store,Bethesda.net,Battle.net,Steam,GOG.com,Epic Games Store,Humble Bundle,Origin andUbisoft Connect), provided access to the system'sscreen recording functions, and streaming of games from an Xbox One console on a local network.
DuringE3 2019, the existing version of the Xbox app for Windows 10 was renamedXbox Console Companion, and a new Xbox app was introduced in beta. This app is more specifically oriented towards PC gaming, serving as a front-end to games distributed onMicrosoft Store, and as the client forPC Game Pass.
Through the app, users can access their activity feed, Xbox Live friends and messages, manage their party, watch saved Game DVR clips, browseOneGuide, and view theirachievements. Some games and apps can providesecond screen integration via the app, displaying supplemental content. The app can also be used as aremote control for the console.[5][6]
TheWindows 10 version of Xbox Console Companion allows users to stream games from an Xbox One console over a local network, and has the ability to view and edit Game DVR recordings from an Xbox One console. It also serves as a front-end for a PC version of Game DVR on supported hardware (Game DVR settings were moved tothe Settings app on Windows 10 version 1703),[7] and has a library display for games installed on the device. The library view can also aggregate games installed from various third-partygame launchers and stores.[8][9][10]
Support forXbox Cloud Gaming as well as Remote Play from Xbox consoles was added to the app on September 14, 2021.[11]
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Xbox 360 SmartGlass was originally announced atE3 2012, forWindows 8, Android and iOS. Microsoft demonstrated use cases for the new app within both games and entertainment, including a minimap forAscend: New Gods, a second screen experience forSchool of Rock with supplemental content, andGame of Thrones (with interactive maps andfamily tree diagrams).[12] With the release ofXbox One in November 2013, Microsoft released an accompanyingXbox One SmartGlass app for Android, iOS,Windows 8.1, andWindows Phone, which contained more extensive functionality for controlling the console.[13][14][15]
Windows 10 introduced a revamped version of SmartGlass referred to simply asXbox, which notably added a library display forPC games, and the ability to stream games from an Xbox One console on a local network.[16] On June 12, 2016, the mobile versions of the Xbox One Smartglass apps were updated for parity with the desktop version, and renamed "Xbox" as well.[17] Xbox 360 SmartGlass was not updated and was discontinued in May 2018.
The mobile apps were updated alongside the Xbox One's May 2019 software update, adding cross-platform status indicators to friends.[18] In May 2019, Microsoft also revamped the Xbox Game Bar feature of Windows 10 into a widget-based overlay, which features pop-up windows for features such as screen recording, managing audio inputs, viewing the Xbox Live friends list, and monitoring system components.[19]
On June 9, 2019, coinciding with Microsoft'sE3 2019 press conference, Microsoft released a new Xbox app in beta exclusively for Windows 10 May 2019 Update (version 1903), which has a redesigned interface, and serves as the client forXbox Game Pass on PC.[20] In advance of the conference, Microsoft rebranded the existing Xbox app on Windows 10 asXbox Console Companion.[21] The new Xbox app is pre-loaded software onWindows 11.[22][23]
Microsoft updated its Xbox mobile app on Android in November 2024, allowing U.S. users to purchase and play Xbox games directly on their devices. This follows a U.S. court ruling that preventsGoogle from requiring its Play Billing system, enhancing choice for developers. The update facilitates immediate streaming of purchased games viaXbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, Microsoft is developing a browser-based Xbox mobile store, initially focusing on first-party games and later including deals and in-game items.[24]
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