What you need to know
- Microsoft is now recommending Xbox Console Companion users switch to its newer Xbox beta app for PC.
- Microsoft notes the new Xbox app will eventually replace the older Console Companion app.
- The newer app includes access to Xbox Game Pass, but still lacks several features of the Xbox Console Companion.
Microsoft began testing a new Xbox app for PC in July of 2019, and it looks like it's finally ready to start pushing people to make the switch. The company recently started promoting the new app inside of the older Xbox Console Companion app, making note of its access to Xbox Game Pass, store, and more. Microsoft also notes the newer Xbox PC app will replace Console Companion eventually.
The message appears in Xbox Console Companion's sidebar, stating:
Discover and download new games with Xbox Game Pass, see what your friends are playing, and chat with them across PC, Mobile, and Xbox console.The new Xbox app is replacing the Xbox Console Companion. Download it today.
It's unclear when Microsoft plans to fully retire the older Xbox Console Companion app, but it says something that the company is now urging users to make the switch. It's worth noting, however, that the newer Xbox app is still missing features present in Console Companion. Namely, there's currently no access to your clips, Xbox Clubs, trending content, or an activity feed. Instead, the new app is mostly focused on allowing you to access the Xbox store and serving as a central hub for Xbox Game Pass titles on PC.
The new Xbox app for PC is still technically in beta, so we wouldn't expect the Console Companion app to be retired soon. However, it's worth checking out if your an Xbox Game Pass subscriber. The app recently underwent a major change by switching from being built on the Electron framework to being a React Native app, cutting its memory usage and making it more agile.
You can download the new Xbox Beta app now at the Microsoft Store.
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