![]() ![]() There lies the next opportunity for Backbone, with deep integration with Xbox services, it's also the standout solution for cloud gaming on Apple phones.īackbone One is a different breed of accessory, with calculated hardware and software that tie the experience together. It supports countless iOS titles with gamepad integration, and a Microsoft partnership blesses it with the "Designed for Xbox" tagline. The gamepad is the first creation from Backbone Labs, a fresh San Francisco startup, currently working around the shapes and sizes of modern iPhones. Xbox Cloud Gaming introduces a new reason to convert to iOS gaming, with gamepads the best way to play console experiences on a touchscreen.Įnter the Backbone One, an iPhone controller which sprung onto my radar in the lead up to the arrival of cloud gaming. But navigating the Apple policies has repeatedly posed challenges, from Microsoft openly slating Cupertino's tight grip on the platform, now sidestepping the App Store for a web-based experience. The seasoned platform holder has expanded its Xbox Game Pass subscription offerings to iOS, with an expanded beta now available to all Ultimate-tier subscribers. I love my protective Otterbox for the iPhone 13 Pro, but it comes in three pieces and it's too thick to fit into the Backbone, even without the bundled gasket to adapt to the newer iPhones.Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central (Image credit: Source: Matt Brown | Windows Central)Ĭloud gaming is steadily becoming a reality, and while several contenders have already tried and failed, Microsoft is among the frontrunners with its Xbox "xCloud" game streaming tech. I spent most of my test time thinking about how much I'd like a white Xbox version - the PlayStation Edition was so much easier to find in my bag - and that I need an iPhone case that's easier to get on and off. ![]() (After it registered the first time, I had no problems.) You will want a longer cable than the typical Lightning cable, though. You're prompted to download an app when you first plug the controller into the iPad, but it took some plugging and unplugging before it initially registered. Playing on an iPad Pro with the Backbone One took a little trial and error to configure. Plus, I'd like a little more filtering within the games list specifically, I'd appreciate having an easy way to tell which games are supported by Remote Play. I'd like a preference setting to disable the autoplay, despite the engineering hoops Backbone jumped through to get it to work within the thumbnail grids. I know a lot of people like autoplay, but I'm not one of them. It will now autoplay videos within the game thumbnails, which I have mixed feelings about. Since Backbone first shipped the One, the company's made several notable updates to the app: 1,080p and 60fps recording, streaming and screen sharing while recording the ability to play on an iPad, PC or Mac using a Lightning-to-USB-C cable connection messaging, chat rooms and screen sharing better integration with iOS-native game discovery, such as directly connecting to the App Store to download and buy games and filtering by gaming platform plus more intelligent game recommendations, including games that you've actually heard of, and more. The controller retains the Xbox-style thumbstick layout. It's not a huge drawback unless your PlayStation muscle memory has you reaching for the wrong spot. But using the same fundamental hardware means the thumbsticks are in the Xbox-style one high-one low design rather than aligned with each other. The app also ensures the controller gets mapped with the PlayStation nomenclature within games, so PlayStation fans don't have to mentally translate the buttons from the more common Xbox standards. I still like the feel and responsiveness of the controller, though I wish the grips were a little more pronounced. ![]() It uses a small amount of power from the phone, which doesn't seem to impact battery life significantly. It still has crisp controls with minimal latency, decent passthrough analog audio and a Lightning passthrough connection to charge the iPhone. Sticking with the same basic hardware means the Backbone One has the same easy-on, easy-off design as the original model. Uses Xbox control layout for buttons and thumbsticks rather than PlayStation. ![]()
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