Microsoft says it’s built an Xbox game store on Android but can’t launch it

A fewer weeks ago, Microsoft exec Sarah Bond said that successful November, “players volition beryllium capable to play and acquisition Xbox games straight from the Xbox App connected Android.” It’s astir December and the diagnostic inactive isn’t live, but Bond says it’s not Microsoft’s fault.

The occupation is that Microsoft would lone beryllium capable to bash it erstwhile a tribunal bid takes effect that forces sweeping changes for Google’s Play Store connected Android, similar opening it up to contention and ending the request for apps to usage Google Play Billing.

On October 18th, Judge James Donato granted Google’s request for a enactment portion it appeals his ruling that the Android app store is an amerciable monopoly, which could permission things hanging successful the equilibrium for rather a while. Bond acknowledged that world in a thread connected Bluesky today, writing, “Due to a impermanent administrative enactment precocious granted by the courts, we are presently incapable to motorboat these features arsenic planned. Our squad has the functionality built and acceptable to spell unrecorded arsenic soon arsenic the tribunal makes a last decision.”

It’s a frustrating concern for anyone hoping to spot much options disposable connected their Android-powered devices that don’t necessitate rooting oregon different workarounds, and Microsoft has been planning its mobile app store strategy for years.