Xbox Game Pass now works on Android TV - Sort of

Xbox Game Pass now works on Android TV - Sort of

Xbox Game Pass games can now be streamed on PC, Android, and iOS, but there is still no easy way to stream games to a TV. However, this situation may change, as the latest version of the Xbox Game Pass Android app includes official support for Android TV.

But before you sync your Xbox controller and Chromecast with Google TV, note that the Xbox Game Pass for Android TV app basically doesn't have the functionality yet. How long we'll have to wait for full support is also a mystery.

Information comes from 9to5Google, where writer Ben Schoon investigated the latest update to Xbox Game Pass for Android app. Digging deeper into version 2017 of the app, he confirmed that it includes a stable channel for Android TV updates and supports an icon on the Android TV home screen.

In short: Microsoft has not yet officially released the Xbox Game Pass app on Android TV. However, the infrastructure is all in place, suggesting that sooner or later we may see an update that will make the whole project a reality.

Some wise readers must remember that Android TV, like the Android mobile OS, allows users to side-load content. Therefore, it is certainly possible to add an Xbox Game Pass icon to the Android TV home screen if one is willing to track down an APK and work a little magic with a USB stick.

But it's not worth the bother at this point; Schoon tested this method and found that the app runs slowly, doesn't play well with anything but touch, and freezes as soon as you try to load a game. Xbox Game Pass icon. If you want it to appear on your Android TV, it can, but it won't help much at this point.

Still, for those who have dreamed of playing Xbox games on their TVs without having to buy an expensive console, this news is encouraging; there is a good chance that the Android TV feature will prove unusable, but a stable release channel is is often a sign that an update is imminent. Furthermore, Microsoft has publicly stated that it plans to incorporate the Xbox streaming app into its existing ecosystem:

"Xbox is working with global TV manufacturers to embed the Xbox experience directly into Internet-connected TVs, and controllers No extra hardware other than the controller is required," the company said in a June blog post. Since many TVs run on the Android TV OS, it is easy to see how the two ideas fit together.

We now know that Microsoft plans to expand its streaming capabilities to Xbox consoles, as well as the company's upcoming streaming hardware. Owners of a gaming PC, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S will continue to be the best place to play Xbox games.

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