Xbox previews phone controls and Wi-Fi cloud connection for Cloud Gaming

Technology · First reported 4 Nov, 19:00 · Updated 22:22

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center / Jonny Kim · Public domain

Microsoft is testing two Xbox Cloud Gaming features: using an Android or iOS phone as a controller on supported smart TVs, and connecting the Xbox Nano Controller to cloud servers over Wi-Fi. The phone feature is available as a preview in regions where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported; Nano Controller cloud connect is limited to the US. Microsoft has not announced when either feature might become generally available.

The phone-controller preview works with Android and iOS phones on supported smart TVs. Players scan a QR code and use controls in the phone’s browser, without downloading an app.
To enable the phone feature, users turn on Preview Features in the Xbox app on their TV. When a game starts without a physical controller connected, the TV offers the phone-control option.
The phone preview is rolling out in regions where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported, but requires a compatible smart TV. Some games will have controls tailored to their gameplay.
The second preview lets the Xbox Nano Controller connect to cloud gaming servers over Wi-Fi rather than to the TV over Bluetooth. Microsoft says this may reduce input lag; the preview is limited to the US and does not work with every cloud gaming experience.
Both features are previews, and Microsoft has not given a date for wider availability.

Summary written by Lux AI from 4 articles

Key facts

Phone compatibility: Android and iOS phones; controls open in a browser after scanning a TV QR code.
Phone feature availability: Preview in regions where Xbox Cloud Gaming is supported, on compatible smart TVs.
Nano Controller preview: Cloud connect is available for preview in the US.
Nano Controller price: $49.99.
Wider release: No date for wider availability was reported.