Microsoft is developing a “Movies & TV” app for Android and iOS in an effort to boost downloads from the Microsoft Store, according to a new report.
Customers can enjoy content purchased from Microsoft only on Windows platforms for now. The company hopes that by supporting new platforms, it will encourage more people to use its store over competitors like iTunes.
After all but confirming Windows Mobile is dead, Microsoft has been focused on making its software and services as good as possible on Android and iOS. But some of those services are still missing.
Movies & TV is one of them, but that could soon change.
Microsoft will bring Movies & TV to rival platforms
Microsoft is developing a Movies & TV app for Android and iOS, according to Windows Central, which cites sources familiar with the plan.
The app will allow users to access content they have purchased from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft hopes that it will in turn encourage more people to choose the Microsoft Store when purchasing movies and TV shows.
“Lots of people buy digital movies and TV content, and Microsoft has a huge store that a lot of people seemingly ignore or don’t know about because there is no mobile companion app for their phone,” the report explains.
“These apps should minimize that barrier for a lot of people and further solidify Microsoft’s commitment to its digital offerings on the Microsoft Store.”
Microsoft will team with Movies Anywhere
Microsoft has another trick up its sleeve to attract new customers. The sources say it will also join the Movies Anywhere program, which allows customers to watch content they have purchased elsewhere.
For instance, if you purchase a movie from iTunes, which also supports Movies Anywhere, you’ll be able to watch it inside Microsoft’s Movies & TV app if you prefer. Google also supports Movies Anywhere through the Play Store.
Movies Anywhere support, alongside a new app for Android and iOS, will confirm Microsoft’s commitment to Movies & TV. Many have wondered whether the company will abandon the service after it bowed owed of the music streaming business last October.
Just don’t expect the new apps to arrive imminently. “I’m told not to expect them soon. Work is currently ongoing, and the apps will show up when they’re ready,” Windows Central adds.
