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Microsoft previews Wi-Fi controller and phone controls for cloud gaming
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
Microsoft has confirmed two new Xbox Cloud Gaming previews: a Wi-Fi connection from its Xbox Nano controller directly to cloud servers, and a feature that lets players use a phone as a controller on smart TVs. The direct connection may reduce input latency and make gameplay feel more responsive.
Players in the US can try cloud connect on the Nano controller from today; players elsewhere can preview the phone controller feature on smart TVs. Setting up cloud connect requires the Xbox beta app on Android or Xbox Accessories on PC, while the phone option is enabled in Xbox Cloud Gaming settings. Microsoft says availability, supported games and devices may be limited during testing.
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In short
- Microsoft has confirmed two Xbox Cloud Gaming previews.
- US players can test the Nano controller’s direct Wi-Fi connection.
- Players elsewhere can try using a phone as a smart TV controller.
How this story developed
- 45 minutes ago Microsoft is previewing two ways to control Xbox Cloud Gaming: connecting the new Xbox Nano controller directly to cloud servers over Wi-Fi, and using a phone as a controller on smart TVs.
- 49 minutes ago Microsoft has confirmed two new Xbox Cloud Gaming previews: a Wi-Fi connection from its Xbox Nano controller directly to cloud servers, and a feature that lets players use a phone as a controller on smart TVs.
Full account
Microsoft is previewing two new ways to control games streamed through Xbox Cloud Gaming. One lets players use a phone on selected smart TVs; the other allows the Xbox Nano controller to connect to cloud servers over Wi-Fi. Both are experimental, and Microsoft says access and compatibility may be limited.
With phone control, a player opens a browser-based interface on a supported TV and uses the phone in place of a separate Bluetooth gamepad. Some games offer layouts designed for touch controls. The option may suit titles that rely less on quick reactions or intricate inputs, though its usefulness will vary by game. To enable it, players must switch on Preview Features under Settings > Account in the Cloud Gaming interface on the TV.
The Nano controller’s Wi-Fi mode is intended to send inputs directly to the server running the game, rather than routing them through a Bluetooth connection to the TV. Microsoft says this may reduce input delay and make play feel more responsive. Setup requires the Xbox beta app on Android or Xbox Accessories on PC; PC users also need to be enrolled in the Xbox Insider programme. The controller and Cloud Gaming must use the same account. The reports say the feature is currently limited to the United States and works on smart TVs and the web.
The two previews have different regional availability: the first report says US players can try Nano Wi-Fi connectivity, while people elsewhere can access the phone-control preview. Both reports describe the phone option as available on selected or supported TVs, but do not give the same level of detail about its reach. One report also places the announcement alongside upcoming Cloud Gaming time limits and compares phone controls with Netflix and Stadia; the other focuses on the launch and setup instructions. The Wi-Fi approach recalls Google Stadia’s controller, which also connected directly to cloud games, and Stadia likewise offered phone controls for TV play.
Where outlets differ
From the full account, which is AI-written from the sources:
The first report says the phone-control preview is available to people outside the US, while the second describes it as available on selected TVs without specifying a region.
The second report adds context about upcoming Xbox Cloud Gaming time limits, comparisons with Netflix and Stadia, and the Xbox Insider requirement for PC setup. The first gives more explicit instructions for enabling phone control through the TV interface.
Coverage · 2 sources
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Verge as “Xbox previews two new ways to control cloud games”.