According to Microsoft’s plan, Xbox players should be able to purchase games on the go, for example from their Android smartphone. But this is not so easy. The Xbox app is present, but purchasing options are still missing. According to Xbox president Sarah Bond, it’s not because of Microsoft. The functions are available, but have not been activated yet due to ongoing legal proceedings. The official mobile store for the web browser, which was actually announced for this summer, is still not available.
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In early May 2024, Microsoft announced that it would introduce its own mobile store in July to compete with Apple and Google. It has been planned for years, but it should finally arrive in the summer of 2024 to become independent from the Apple or Google app stores. But even today, a browser-based mobile store is still not available for Xbox. mobile store website We continue to ask for “some patience as we prepare for the public release.”
Xbox App Shop delayed due to Google litigation
The reason for this delay is unknown, but now Xbox President sarah bond in bluesky About the Xbox app for Google’s Android mobile operating system. According to Bond, the fact that games still cannot be purchased in this app is not Microsoft’s fault, as the developers have already created the corresponding functionality. However, Microsoft will still have to wait for a final decision from the courts before activation can take place.
Bond is apparently pointing to the legal disputes between Google and Epic Games in the United States over the Play Store and payment systems on Android. Earlier in October this year, Judge James Donato of the Federal District Court in Northern California ordered requirements for Google’s app business in the United States at the request of Epic Games, aimed at ensuring more competition within its app platform Play Store. Have to do.
Controversy over Android payment system
So Google does not require app developers to use the company’s in-house payment system in the Play Store. Additionally, developers should be able to inform users within the Google platform where their apps can be obtained outside the Play Store. Requirements apply to USA only. The European Union has its own rules for large online platforms with DMA digital legislation.
However, the Internet company does not agree, so Google is taking action against the Epic decision on the Play Store and has filed an appeal in this antitrust case. Before a federal appeals court, Google’s lawyers decried several procedural shortcomings. The responsible district court judge did not adequately take into account that Google was in competition with Apple and that the order to open up Google’s ecosystem would put the company at a significant competitive disadvantage.
Google denies crime
The controversy over payments on Android devices is now affecting the Xbox app, with Microsoft blaming Google for the delays. Google itself has rejected this allegation and said told The Verge: “Microsoft has always been able to allow its Android users to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the app – they just chose not to do so.”
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Google spokesperson Dan Jackson further said, “The court order and the haste to implement it jeopardize Google Play’s ability to provide a safe experience.” “Microsoft and Epic are ignoring these very real security concerns. We’re focused on supporting an ecosystem that works for everyone, not just the two biggest gaming companies.”
It’s unclear when the Xbox app will allow you to purchase games and when the Xbox Mobile Store will be available online. Ultimately, the antitrust proceedings between Google and Epic Games may drag on. The first oral hearing was scheduled for February 3, 2025.
(FDS)
