Xbox Previews Phone Controls And Wi-fi For Cloud Gaming
Microsoft is testing a phone controller for smart TVs and direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the Xbox Nano controller, with availability limited during the previews.
Microsoft is previewing two ways to control Xbox Cloud Gaming: a phone-based controller for games streamed on supported smart TVs, and a direct Wi-Fi connection for the Xbox Nano controller. Both options are available to try starting today, November 4, though Microsoft says supported devices and games may be limited while testing continues.
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A phone can stand in for a controller
On select smart TVs, players can use a phone to control a streamed game without downloading a dedicated controller app. According to Engadget, the controls open in a browser, and some games have layouts tailored to them. To try the feature, players can open Xbox Cloud Gaming on their TV, go to Settings > Account, and turn on Preview Features.
The Verge says the phone option is available to players outside the US, while Engadget describes it as available on select TVs without specifying a region. Engadget notes that other streaming services, including Netflix, have offered phone controls. It suggests the option may be more useful for a turn-based game than one with fast-paced action or complex inputs, particularly when a physical controller is not nearby.
The Nano connects through Wi-Fi
The second preview lets players in the US connect the Xbox Nano controller directly to Xbox Cloud Gaming over Wi-Fi. The Verge reports that this connection reaches the cloud server running the game rather than sending inputs through a Bluetooth connection to the TV. Microsoft says that approach may reduce input latency and make controls feel more responsive; neither report provides results from gameplay testing.
Setting it up requires the Xbox beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on a PC. Engadget adds that players using the PC app must be enrolled in the Xbox Insider testing program to try the Wi-Fi feature. After setup, the controller connects when the player opens Xbox Cloud Gaming with the same account used to configure it. For now, Engadget says, Nano Wi-Fi connectivity works only on smart TVs and the web.
Both options remain in preview
Microsoft cautions that availability and support for particular games or devices may be limited during testing. Neither control method is entirely new to game streaming: Engadget points out that Google’s discontinued Stadia service offered a Wi-Fi-connected controller and also let players use phones as controllers for TV play. For Xbox Cloud Gaming players, the previews offer two more ways to play, but their usefulness will depend on the device, game and location.
Sources
This story was compiled by AI from the reports below. Read the originals for the full details.