Twitter announced today that it is shrinking its presence on the big screen this week. Starting May 24, the Twitter app for Xbox One, along with those for Android TV and Roku, will no longer be available or supported. Instead, Twitter is directing users to its desktop experience and mobile apps.
On Thursday, May 24, Twitter for Roku, Twitter for Android TV and Twitter for Xbox will no longer be available. To get the full Twitter experience, visit https://t.co/fuPJa3nVky on your device or desktop.On Thursday, May 24, Twitter for Roku, Twitter for Android TV and Twitter for Xbox will no longer be available. To get the full Twitter experience, visit https://t.co/fuPJa3nVky on your device or desktop.— Twitter Support (@TwitterSupport) May 22, 2018May 22, 2018
For Xbox users, the app likely won't be missed by many. The app launched late in 2016, primarily as a way to keep track of trending content on your TV. And while keeping up with moments and live video may be fine for some, you can't actually tweet from the app. Currently, Twitter for Xbox One is sitting at a 1.6-star rating (out of five) on the Microsoft Store.
According to TechCrunch, the sudden shutdown was spurred by Twitter's efforts to comply with Europe's new GDPR privacy rules, which are set to go into effect on May 25. The apps apparently weren't worth the time to ensure compliance. Issues related to the video player on Xbox and Roku also contributed to the decision, TechCrunch says.
Twitter will still maintain a presence on TVs, but through its Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV apps. But, if you're currently using the app for Xbox, just be aware its days are now numbered.
