Microsoft has partnered with TCL to bring the Xbox app to supported TCL smart TVs. The app connects to Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing users to stream Game Pass games or select games they own over the internet as part of their subscription. The announcement came as Xbox Cloud Gaming expanded to more TVs and Microsoft made significant changes to its cloud gaming service; the headline stated that the service would switch to a pay-as-you-go model, but no details were provided. TCL became the latest TV manufacturer to partner with Microsoft. Hisense began adding the app to its TVs using VIDAA OS at the start of the year; the app is also accessible on most Samsung, LG and Amazon Fire TV devices.
Why it matters
The development shows that access to Xbox games is no longer limited to console owners and that TV manufacturers play a direct role in providing that access. With the addition of TCL, the range of devices on which the app is available has expanded, while the supported TV model and the subscription terms of the service being used will be the determining factors for users. The distinction between games included in Game Pass and select games owned by users shows that not every game offers the same form of access. Microsoft’s announcement regarding a pay-as-you-go model creates expectations of changes to the service’s pricing structure, but since no details have been disclosed, it is not yet clear who will be affected or which game access options will be impacted.
Background
Microsoft is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 5 news reports mentioning the name in the last 90 days; the latest is dated September 5, 2026.