The Android app that allows users to play Xbox games wirelessly is now in beta

Xbox Insiders might recognize the concept of Remote Play, an in-progress app by which a user's phone or tablet could stream titles downloaded onto the console in question. Now, Microsoft has announced that this new function is open to the public, in the form of the Xbox App (beta).

This app now encompasses a range of additional controls and functions for the Redmond giant's gaming ecosystem. They include a "unified notification inbox", which allows access to party invites, follower updates, messages and so on via the mobile device. Furthermore, clearing them on this platform does the same for all other linked Xbox devices.

The new beta also allows users to try out the new screenshot- and clip-sharing function (facilitated by dedicated buttons if using an Xbox Wireless Controller). They can be sent via shortcuts already set up for services that include Snapchat, WhatsApp and Instagram. Users can also assemble parties, send message and chat thanks to its inbuilt on-screen keyboard.

Finally, the Xbox App can also, of course, be used to play games. Logging in beforehand has been overhauled compared to the Insider's Console Streaming (Preview): a user can now log into any number of Xbox devices, and is no longer restricted to a single app login. These possibilities are not available on iOS as of yet, but can be obtained from the Google Play Store as of today (September 21, 2020).