Xbox is testing a feature that turns your smartphone into a controller for smart TVs.
Xbox is testing previews that make cloud gaming easier on smart TVs. The phone controller preview lets Android and iOS phones act as controllers through the Xbox smart TV app via QR code. The cloud connect preview, curre…
Xbox Tests Two Cloud Gaming Previews and a Faster Xbox PC App
Background: Xbox Wire sets the timeline
On 4th November, Xbox announced two preview experiences for its cloud games. The focus is on making cloud gaming easier to start on a TV and on reducing latency for a new controller setup. One option lets a player use a phone when a controller is not nearby.
Development process: Phone controls and cloud connect
The first preview, the phone controller preview, is rolling out on supported TVs wherever Xbox Cloud Gaming is available. It works with both Android and iOS devices. The setup is simple: connect to the TV via QR code, and the controls open in the phone's browser.
The second preview is called cloud connect. It is currently limited to the US. It lets the new Xbox Nano controller communicate with a cloud session over Wi-Fi instead of pairing directly with the TV. Xbox says this helps reduce input latency, so gameplay feels more responsive.
Latest progress: How to try it and what remains limited
To try the phone controls, users need the latest version of the Xbox smart TV app. Go to Settings > Account and switch on Preview Features. Xbox has published a setup guide with full instructions.
The company also says both experiences are still being tested. Availability and supported games or devices may be limited while Xbox learns from feedback.
In related news, the company said that as of yesterday, anyone in the Xbox Insider Program can try Microsoft's updated Xbox PC app. Microsoft claims it now boots up 60% faster, several pages can launch up to 50 percent faster, and in-app windows can open up to 65 percent faster.
The current stage is still a testing period: the phone controller preview is expanding to supported TVs where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available, cloud connect remains US-only for now, and the Xbox PC app update is being tested through the Insider Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xbox testing?
Xbox is testing two cloud gaming previews: a phone controller preview that lets players use a smartphone to control supported smart TVs, and a cloud connect preview that lets the new Xbox Nano controller communicate with a cloud session over Wi-Fi to reduce input latency.
How do I try the phone controller feature?
Users need the latest version of the Xbox smart TV app, then go to Settings > Account and switch on Preview Features. The phone connects to the TV via QR code, and the controls open in the phone’s browser.
Which devices are supported for phone controls?
The phone controller preview works with Android and iOS devices on supported TVs wherever Xbox Cloud Gaming is available.
Is the feature available everywhere?
No. The phone controller preview is expanding to supported TVs where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available, while cloud connect is currently limited to the US. Xbox says both experiences are still being tested, so supported games and devices may be limited.
Is there a release date, price, or Chinese localization?
The article does not provide a release date, price, or localization details. It only says these features are still in testing and availability may be limited while Xbox collects feedback.
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