Xbox's Android App Game Streaming Delayed Due to Court Ruling

The rollout of Microsoft's Xbox app feature, which enables Android users to buy and play console games, has been delayed due to an ongoing legal dispute between Google and Epic Games. According to Xbox president Sarah Bond, the feature is ready for launch but has been held up by a temporary court order. Bond had initially announced that the feature would be available starting in November, with Android devices in the US being the first to receive it. However, the court's decision has put the launch on hold. The temporary stay is related to the Epic Games vs Google case, in which Epic Games emerged victorious in a jury trial last year. As a result, the judge ordered Google to open up its marketplace to other app stores and no longer require developers to use Google Play Billing, which would have entitled Google to a 30% cut of all transactions. Google has appealed the decision and has been granted a temporary stay, allowing it to delay implementing the changes to its mobile ecosystem. In response to the delay, Google spokesperson Dan Jackson stated that Microsoft has always had the option to offer its Android users the ability to play and purchase Xbox games directly from the app, but has chosen not to do so. Jackson also expressed concerns that the court's order could compromise the safety and security of the Google Play experience. Microsoft is eager to expand its mobile offerings, having recently launched a beta for a game streaming service that allows Xbox owners to stream games to smartphones, tablets, PCs, and smart TVs. The company is also working on a dedicated mobile store, although its launch has been delayed as Microsoft conducts further research on the mobile market.