Microsoft has begun trialing a new “My apps” feature within the Xbox app on Windows 11, aiming to streamline the management of PC gaming applications.
The “My apps” feature enables users to install and launch third-party applications directly from the Xbox app, encompassing browsers, gaming utilities, and even competing storefronts. This initiative is designed to consolidate gaming-related applications in a centralized location, thereby facilitating a more unified gaming library experience.
According to Devin Dhaliwal, a product manager for Xbox experiences, the “My apps” tab within the Xbox PC app’s library allows players to “locate, view, and download third-party applications and most commonly used storefronts.” Dhaliwal emphasizes that this feature supports the aggregated gaming library, making it easier to “find, download, and launch games from multiple locations.”
The new feature is particularly beneficial for handheld PCs like the ROG Xbox Ally, allowing users to navigate between applications more seamlessly from the Xbox full-screen interface. Dhaliwal notes that “My apps enables players on an ROG Xbox Ally or other Windows 11 handhelds to more easily navigate between applications from the Xbox full screen experience.”
Early testing of the “My apps” view included applications like Battle.net, Chrome, and GOG Galaxy. The Xbox app successfully launched already installed applications like Chrome and Battle.net. However, during testing, the installation of GOG Galaxy through the Xbox app failed.
Currently, Microsoft is testing the feature with a “tailored selection of apps” and intends to broaden support to include additional applications in the future. This move signifies Microsoft’s continuing efforts to converge the Windows and Xbox ecosystems, particularly in the realm of handheld gaming PCs. The company reiterated its ambition from last year to establish the Xbox app as the central hub for PC gaming.
Microsoft’s integration of Steam, Battle.net, Ubisoft Connect, and other PC games into a unified library within its Xbox app further underscores this ambition. The “My apps” view is anticipated to be particularly useful on handheld PCs, minimizing the need to interact directly with the Windows desktop interface.
