As of July 18, Microsoft has discontinued the sale and rental of movies and TV shows on its Xbox platforms and through the Windows online store. This represents a notable shift for users who previously accessed video content this way.
Any content that was purchased before this date will remain accessible for viewing within the “Movies & TV” application. Furthermore, users located in the United States have the option to utilize the Movies Anywhere service to stream some of their acquired films and series on various other compatible devices.
Microsoft has clarified that refunds for previously bought video content will not be provided. This decision aligns with the company`s terms of service, which stipulate that movies and TV shows are not eligible for reimbursement.
While Microsoft did not offer a specific rationale for this change, its frequently asked questions section indicates that Xbox and Microsoft Store users can still buy and rent digital videos through a range of alternative, popular services. These include Prime Video, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV, among others.
The “Movies & TV” app, originally introduced in 2012 under the name Xbox Video, has a long history. It is worth noting that the version of this application designed for the Xbox 360 console was retired at the end of July 2024.
In other news related to Xbox, Microsoft recently undertook significant organizational changes, including widespread layoffs that resulted in the cancellation of several game projects and the closure of at least one development studio. Despite these internal shifts, the company is actively progressing with the development of a new console, having recently announced a strategic partnership with AMD to support this initiative.