Xbox App Finally Coming to Google TV, But with Caveats

Google TV is finally getting the Xbox app after Fire TV devices have had it for over two years. The announcement was made by Microsoft, which confirmed that the Xbox app will launch on select TCL smart TVs 'in the coming months.' This means a native Xbox app for Google TV could be available before the end of 2026.

The biggest caveat is that availability will be limited at first because it will only be available on select TCL smart TVs. It's still unclear when or if it will launch on all Google TV devices, including the Google TV Streamer, Onn's lineup of Google TV streaming devices, and other smart TVs that run Google TV.

Xbox Cloud Gaming is a key feature of the Xbox app, which allows users to play games directly from the cloud on their TV without needing a console. However, Microsoft recently faced controversy after announcing changes to the service in November, including limits on the amount of time users can play games from the cloud.

The new usage limits will limit the cheapest Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription to 5 hours of cloud gaming per month, while Game Pass Premium will get 10 hours and Game Pass Ultimate will get 15 hours. Microsoft will also allow subscribers to buy additional game time, but has not disclosed how much that will cost.