Microsoft has announced several changes to the Xbox experience, including merging the Xbox and Xbox Game Pass apps for iOS and Android, giving PC players access to a compact Game Bar, and making it easier to view DLC when installing a game.
The company is going to move features from the standalone Xbox Game Pass app to the Xbox app. The updates are currently only visible to participants of the Xbox Mobile Beta Program. But they will be available to everyone soon. Xbox Game Pass will no longer be available to download starting in November.
Besides, Microsoft has updated the Game Bar on Windows PCs, giving gamers a compact mode optimized for smaller screens and handheld devices. Compact mode is also optimized for controller navigation, and you can quickly switch between widgets using the left and right bumpers.
The Game Bar also now has the ability to preview DLC when installing a game. Users will be able to view and install all add-ons associated with a game, regardless of when they were purchased or whether they were part of a single package.
On Xbox consoles, Microsoft is rolling out the game pre-download feature. You can now jump right into gameplay as soon as an update goes live. To take advantage of this new feature on your console, head to My Games & Apps > Manage > Updates to view all available pre-downloads. Some of the games, like Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, and Cassette Beasts, already support this feature, with many more titles expected to follow soon.
Finally, it is important to not that in the new mobile app you will still be able to manage your Game Pass subscription, browse the catalog, and receive notifications about new releases and bonuses. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will be able to stream games via Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options: