XBOX Tests Phone-as-Controller and Nano Cloud Connect Previews
Both previews began rolling out on November 4, with cloud connect limited to the US and phone control live in supported cloud gaming countries.
XBOX began rolling out two XBOX Cloud Gaming previews on November 4, the company said on news.xbox.com. The first lets players on supported Smart TVs use a supported Android or iOS phone as a controller through the phone's browser. The second, cloud connect, is available in the US as a preview with the XBOX Nano Controller.
In the phone-controller preview, some games carry controls tailored to how they play. The preview is available in the countries where XBOX Cloud Gaming is already supported.
Cloud connect works differently from a standard setup: the controller uses Wi-Fi to link directly to the cloud server running the game, rather than connecting to the TV over Bluetooth. It is available on supported Smart TVs and on the web.
Setup for cloud connect uses the XBOX beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC, with XBOX Insider enrollment required for the PC app.
XBOX said both previews are still being tested, and that availability, supported games and supported devices may be limited.
Quick answers
What is cloud connect on the XBOX Nano Controller?
It is a preview feature in the US that uses Wi-Fi to connect the controller directly to the cloud server running the game instead of pairing with the TV over Bluetooth.
Which devices can use a phone as a controller?
Supported Smart TVs, using a supported Android or iOS phone and the phone's browser, in countries where XBOX Cloud Gaming is supported.
How do I set up cloud connect?
With the XBOX beta app on Android or the Xbox Accessories app on PC; the PC app requires XBOX Insider enrollment.