Google Launches Phone Link Support For Stadia Turning Your Smartphone Into A Controller

Although the idea of a cloud infrastructure oriented for intense video games appears to be a very complex and difficult task to manage, it is reassuring that a company like Google is responsible for the ambition. Despite the underwhelming release of the service back in late 2019, Google remains to offer more exciting additions to the platform with AAA titles and smaller teams also shipping ports for the platform as well.

Noted, Google also happened to deliver on extended support for Stadia as well. Previously, the firm shipped an extension of native TV applications for Stadia to offer compatibility for Hisense, Onn, Philips, and Xiaomi, displays at the time. Also, the tech giant went on to launch the beta for YouTube Crowd Play which enables viewers to join the games respected streamers are playing in real-time.

This week, Google announced that it is further supporting Stadia with a new Phone Link feature for the service. In that, users at home can launch the Stadia and link their smartphone to use as a personalized controller which can be mapped to their liking. Even more, you can use the new tool to link your preferred controller to Stadia as well.

We’re always working on bringing you more ways to play Stadia on your TV. With Phone Link, you’ll be able to connect your phone to your compatible TV as a touch controller, or even use your phone to link your favorite compatible third-party controller and play away.

While Stadia does not support Bluetooth as Google has mentioned prior, the new Phone Link enabled the ability to use any of your game paddles that require the functionality. Additionally, those that play on a VPN might want to take caution in using Phone Link as Google does go on to suggest turning off the service to enable the feature for Stadia.

Elsewhere in the Phone Link FAQ, Google discloses that the feature is also available for tablets as well. “You can connect your controller through any mobile device that can run the Stadia app Stadia icon on Android or the web app on iOS.” It is refreshing to see more mobile support for cloud initiatives from the likes of Google. Already, Microsoft has launched support for touch screen controls for dozens of titles on xCloud. You can read the initial report by heading here.

Are you interested to try Phone Link for Stadia?

Source: Google