Microsoft previews phone controls and Wi-Fi for Xbox cloud gaming

Microsoft has introduced two preview features for Xbox Cloud Gaming: a way to use an Android phone or iPhone as a controller for games playing on supported smart TVs, and a direct Wi-Fi connection for its Xbox Nano controller. The company says the phone feature is available in countries where its cloud gaming service operates; Cloud Connect is limited to the United States. With the phone feature, the game runs on the television while the player uses a touchscreen for controls. To start, players enable Preview Features in the Xbox app on a supported smart TV, launch a supported game without a physical controller connected and select the phone-controller option. A QR code on the television links the game session to the phone, where the controls open in a browser. Some games will have touch layouts designed for their specific controls, rather than a single generic virtual gamepad. Microsoft says device and game support may vary during the preview. The reports describe support for Android and iPhone devices, but do not establish that every smart TV or game will work with the feature. Cloud Connect offers another option for players using the Xbox Nano controller. Instead of...