Microsoft releases beta of new Xbox app for Android with remote play

Microsoft has released a public beta of an all-new Xbox app for Android. Via the app, the remote playfunction, to stream games locally from an Xbox console to an Android device, available to all users.

Remote play is the feature that Microsoft previously called Console Streaming in a preview phase. This allows users to run Xbox games on their console and play them on an Android device. This works via streaming over a local network. Previously, the feature was only available to Xbox Insiders, but in the public beta of the new Android app, it’s available for everyone to use. There is no beta version for iOS available.

Microsoft will also use the new Xbox app in the installation process of the Xbox Series X and S. According to Microsoft, users can log in with the app and adjust settings while the console receives updates. This should speed up the installation process. Once set up, the app can be used to install or remove games and as a remote control.

It is also possible to receive Xbox notifications in the app and to chat with friends. There will also be new possibilities for sharing recorded gameplay clips. The renewed Xbox controller has a button for that.

The new app has been redesigned from the ground up and gets the new interface that Microsoft showed in August. That interface is also coming to consoles and PC; all Xbox devices must be aligned with it. The new design should be available when the Xbox Series X and S come out in November.