This is our first look at the new Xbox app on Windows 10
In which you’ll manage Xbox Game Pass titles, and more…
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Windows 10users – or at least those on the very latest version of theoperating system– can now install the beta version ofMicrosoft’s revamped Xbox app.
You can grab the freshly overhauled app by heading to theMicrosoft Store, although as mentioned, you must be running theWindows 10 May 2019 Update, otherwise you won’t get the option to install it.
The app was launched just beforeMicrosoft’s Xbox E3 2019 conferencekicked off, where the firm also revealed that theXbox Game Pass for PC subscription serviceis now available in beta, and is accessed through theWindows 10Xbox app.
So, the broad idea is that the new Xbox app is an overarching hub for your PC games – facilitating the purchase of these from the Microsoft Store – as well as the installation and management of yourXbox Game Passtitles, assuming you’re a subscriber.
There’s a bunch of social features built on top of that, including text or voice chat with Xbox friends, plus you can see what games your mates are playing. Also, the app benefits from some slick new aesthetics, and it looks pretty tasty indeed.
More in the pipeline
This is just a starting point, so presumably, we can expect extra features to be bolted on – also remember that as this is still beta software, you may encounter the odd wrinkle or two.
AtE3 2019, Microsoft also announced pricing for the Xbox Game Pass, with a subscription costing $5 or £4 (around AU$8) a month. Again, the service is in beta right now, with a full release expected later in the year.
Get the best Black Friday deals direct to your inbox, plus news, reviews, and more.
Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable Black Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content.
Furthermore,Microsoft revealed that Halo: Master Chief collectionis included with the Xbox Game Pass, and a number of other titles initially, including Metro Exodus (so it’sno longer an Epic exclusive, as previously predicted), Hollow Knight and Borderlands: Handsome Collection.
You may have noticed that last month,Microsoft was busy bolstering the Xbox Game Barwith various new social features, and all this is part of the previously talked about drive to underlinehow important PC gamersare to the company.
E3 2019is the biggest gaming event of the year. TechRadar is reporting live from LA, telling you all about the biggest announcements of the week, from epic game trailers to shocking release date reveals. Follow our expert analysis of the keynotes and what we see on the E3 show floor.
ViaNeowin
Darren is a freelancer writing news and features for TechRadar (and occasionally T3) across a broad range of computing topics including CPUs, GPUs, various other hardware, VPNs, antivirus and more. He has written about tech for the best part of three decades, and writes books in his spare time (his debut novel - ‘I Know What You Did Last Supper’ - was published by Hachette UK in 2013).
Valve just single-handedly upgraded content creation for PC gamers – Steam’s Game Recording feature is now available to all
The future of PC gaming will be AI-driven - AMD confirms machine learning FSR 4 for 2025, launching in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Herman Miller Aeron gaming chair review: premium, highly customizable comfort
