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Xbox Cloud Gaming previews with phone controller and direct Wi-Fi connectivity

Published 1 min read

The Verge reports two new Xbox previews enabling a phone as a controller on smart TVs and a cloud connect feature on the Xbox Nano. The previews are described as still in testing with limited availability.

Editorial illustration: Microsoft Xbox previews. WorksTogether editorial illustration, not an official image.

In short

  • Two new Xbox previews will let players try out using a phone as a controller on smart TVs, as well as cloud connect on the Xbox Nano to connect directly to cloud servers.
  • The controller is available on the Xbox Cloud Gaming website, allowing people to use the streaming service without a dedicated Bluetooth controller.
  • Microsoft says “both experiences are still being tested” and that “availability and supported games or devices may be limited” during this beta phase.

What happened

The Verge reports that Xbox Cloud Gaming will introduce a phone controller and new direct Wi-Fi connectivity for the Xbox Nano.

The Verge notes two new Xbox previews enabling a phone-as-controller on smart TVs and cloud connect on the Xbox Nano to reach cloud servers.

The Verge quotes the Xbox team saying cloud connect uses Wi-Fi to connect directly to the cloud server running the game instead of a Bluetooth connection to a TV.

The Verge states the controller is available on the Xbox Cloud Gaming website, allowing use of the streaming service without a dedicated Bluetooth controller.

The Verge says both experiences are still being tested, with availability and supported games or devices potentially limited during this beta phase.

The Verge explains that setup for cloud connect on the Nano requires the Xbox beta app for Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC, and the smart TV phone controller only needs a toggle of preview features from Settings > Account in Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Editorial illustration by WorksTogether, not an official image.

Why it matters

  • Impact

    These previews indicate Microsoft is expanding how players interact with cloud gaming by enabling direct Wi-Fi connectivity and phone-as-controller options.

What we know

The Verge reports Canva is announcing changes and layoffs affecting 22 percent of its staff.

Related Tech News

Sources

  1. The Verge — Xbox previews two new ways to control cloud games
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