Microsoft is currently testing a “My apps” feature within the Xbox app for Windows 11. This addition enables users to install and launch third-party applications, encompassing web browsers, gaming utilities, and even competing storefronts, directly from the Xbox application.
The “My apps” feature aims to streamline the process of accessing various gaming-related applications. Devin Dhaliwal, a product manager for Xbox experiences, explained, “My apps is a new tab within the Xbox PC app’s library that allows players to locate, view, and download third-party applications and most commonly used storefronts.” Dhaliwal stated that this consolidation of gaming apps in one location supports the aggregated gaming library, which will make it easier to find, download, and launch games from various sources.
Microsoft intends for the “My apps” interface to be particularly beneficial on handheld PCs, like the ROG Ally, where navigating the standard Windows desktop environment can be less convenient. According to Dhaliwal, “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.”
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Early testing of the “My apps” view reveals a listing of applications such as Battle.net, Chrome, and GOG Galaxy. In instances where applications are already installed, like Chrome and Battle.net, the Xbox app initiates their launch. Conversely, for applications not yet present on the system, such as GOG Galaxy, the Xbox app attempts to download and install them through its user interface.
During initial tests, the installation process for GOG Galaxy encountered an error. However, Microsoft acknowledges that such issues are to be expected during beta testing phases. The company is currently trialing the “My apps” feature with a restricted range of applications and anticipates broadening support to include more apps in the future. Microsoft had articulated its ambition to establish the Xbox app as the central hub for PC gaming, and this latest development appears to be a step toward fulfilling that objective.
