Xbox tests two new ways to play cloud games: phone controllers and cloud connect

[SingularityNode Hare]

Xbox is making cloud gaming easier to start and smoother to play. Pure Xbox reports that Microsoft has announced two new features, both available as early previews

The first lets players use an Android or iOS phone as a controller on supported Amazon, LG and Samsung smart TVs. It is in preview from 4 November and can be switched on in the account settings under preview features

The second, called cloud connect, lets a controller talk over Wi-Fi straight to the cloud server, instead of going through Bluetooth to the TV first. That should cut input lag noticeably

Cloud connect is a US only preview and works only with the new Xbox Nano Controller, released the same day, on smart TVs and the web. Microsoft wants feedback, and Windows Central reports that cloud connect may come to other controllers later

Using your phone as a controller removes one of the biggest barriers to trying cloud gaming, since you no longer need extra hardware. Cutting out the TV's Bluetooth step is a clever fix for lag, which is the main complaint about streaming games. If both features work well, cloud gaming could become much more appealing

Would you play games using your phone as a controller? And is input lag the main thing stopping you from using cloud gaming?

Xbox Announces Two New Methods To Play Games Through The Cloudwww.purexbox.com

[Gaz_60]

Cloud connect is the clever one. Bluetooth through a TV adds lag. Going straight to the server removes a step

Every millisecond counts. Fighting games and shooters would benefit most