Tag Archives: cloud gaming

Turtle Beach Atom Controller’s ingenious split two-piece design takes mobile gaming on Android to new level

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There is a reason why Backbone controller rides at the pinnacle of the mobile gaming industry. It is not just the ability to turn a phone into a PlayStation portable to play compatible titles. That’s because the gaming controller snaps to any Android phone or an iPhone with equal dexterity. This is one trick that most such controllers, made to turn a phone into a portable gaming mega-device imbibe.

In this scenario, gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach has hit the market with a split two-piece design controller which works only with Android phones, leaving the universally compelling domain of the iPhones begging. This new member in the league of mobile gaming controllers, the Atom Controller, is by virtue not compatible with PlayStation. It has no link with the iPhone either. But in all likeliness, it packs the punch to provide Android buffs an exemplary mobile gaming experience.

Designer: Turtle Beach

Whether you like it or not, mobile gaming is a huge industry; triggered sky-high with cloud gaming at the helm. In the scenario where mobile gaming becomes “part of everyday life” controllers such as the Atom Controller test the water of cloud gaming on mobile phones with a bold heart to leave out PlayStation and iPhones from its compatibility list.

That said, the Atom Controller is aesthetically a different guy as well, which will definitely play in its favor when it is available for purchase starting November 14. The controller is built in two parts that connect magnetically to fit into the pocket and split apart into two modules for the left and right hand. When it’s time to play, simply allow your Android phone to rest between the spring-loaded clamps on either module and you’re good to go. The controller uses a 2.4GHz wireless link to keep sync wirelessly, while the low-latency Bluetooth connection allows for a lag-free gaming experience on the smartphone.

Since the Atom Controller is designed for cloud gaming, it is compatible with streaming services like Nvidia GeForce Now, Steam Link, and is officially licensed for Xbox Game Pass. For the latter, Atom features the Xbox Guide button and comes with a month of Xbox Game Pass subscription. The controller touts about 20 hours of playback time and comes in three color options: black and yellow, black and teal, red and black, to choose from. If you’re an Android mobile gamer or want to jump on the bandwagon – you can pre-book the Atom for $99.99 right away. Whether it’ll be able to take on the Razer Kishi, only time will be the testament.

The post Turtle Beach Atom Controller’s ingenious split two-piece design takes mobile gaming on Android to new level first appeared on Yanko Design.

Logitech G Cloud handheld device puts a different spin on mobile gaming

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For gamers, being able to play anywhere at any time is a bit of a dream come true. Of course, that has always been possible with certain game systems, like the Nintendo Game Boy, the Sony PlayStation Portable, or even smartphones, but a single device that is able to do all of these is still an unreachable goal. Thanks to advancements in technology, particularly in cloud computing, that dream is slowly becoming a reality. And it’s that kind of reality that Logitech’s latest device is trying to achieve with a gaming handheld that lets you play almost any game available, at least any game that’s available on smartphones or through the cloud.

Designer: Logitech

Logitech is best known for its line of computer accessories ranging from keyboards and mice to webcams. It doesn’t make nor sell computers, and this Logitech G Cloud handheld would be one of, if not its first, computing device. It’s a device aimed at a rather niche market that straddles the line between smartphone and gaming console, and it’s a market that it might have difficulty winning unless it plays its cards right.

This isn’t the first handheld gaming device to come in this form, after all, with the Nintendo Switch and Valve’s Steam Deck leading the market in terms of popularity. It isn’t even the first dedicated Android-powered gaming handheld to make its way to the market. And as those other attempts might have proven, it’s not an easy market to conquer. Then again, they might have just been ahead of their time.

In terms of design, the Logitech G Cloud aims for comfort and convenience to set it apart from both smartphones as well as other gaming handhelds. It’s relatively light, thanks to having nearly the same specs as a 7-inch mid-range Android tablet. Compared to a smartphone or tablet, however, it has dedicated physical controls that make playing many games easier. Logitech has even set its sights beyond just technical performance, boasting of the device’s carbon neutrality and sustainable packaging.

In terms of user experience, the gaming handheld is pretty much an Android tablet with a few built-in features related to gaming. In addition to a game launcher that takes a page out of the Nintendo Switch, it also has built-in support for cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Game Pass and NVIDIA GeForce Now. Additionally, it can also stream games running on an Xbox console or Steam PC at home, thanks to remote play functionality available on these platforms. In other words, the device can practically run any game from any platform except the PlayStation, presuming those services and features are available in the owner’s region, of course.

While it sounds like heaven for gamers, it’s still uncertain whether it will be a commercial success for Logitech. Many of these features can also be enjoyed on a large smartphone these days, so the Logitech G Cloud doesn’t really sound too unique. It does have the convenience of having a single device for gaming with built-in controls, but almost everyone has that kind of device in their pockets these days; they just need a good controller to go along with it.

The post Logitech G Cloud handheld device puts a different spin on mobile gaming first appeared on Yanko Design.

This transforming TV remote to remote controller is the modular design trend future gadgets must have

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A cool little controller for cloud gaming and streaming content without the need for a TV remote because the controller is the TV remote and vice versa!

Cloud gaming has changed the complexion of content consumption with Stadia, GeForce Now, Amazon Luna and Microsoft xCloud venturing into the future of entertainment. Even Netflix has jumped the bandwagon and announced that its cloud gaming service integrated into the current portfolio will come out sometime next year. So, one can expect a unified ecosystem of services and accessories to keep users engaged in the loop. Accessories such as controllers and remote controls for the TV.

Even better, how about a 2-in-1 controller that doubles as a remote control for the TV input when you are now going crazy over multiplayer action titles on services like Netflix? We’ve already been awe-struck by the Netflix Necon gaming controller that’s completely inspired by the leading streaming service’s theme with a hint of Nintendo influence. Now, designer, Andrew Chang gives us all reason enough to get excited for a seamless ecosystem of streaming entertainment, high-octane gaming rush and a complete diversification of how accessories for entertainment systems are created.

This is the Olio 2-in-1 modular gadget that acts as a controller and remote for your TV too. The cute little accessory has the basic design of a controller with strategically placed buttons for streaming-centric controls. Things like AI-assistant buttons or the volume toggle and program scanning buttons. The arms of the controller retract back into the middle section when not in use to employ the trigger buttons for customizable controls inputs. And the home and play/pause buttons bang in the middle are very hard to go unnoticed when in the remote configuration as they are masked when in the controller configuration. The minimal design of this 2-in-1 accessory has truly got me excited, how about you?

Designer: Andrew Chang

The post This transforming TV remote to remote controller is the modular design trend future gadgets must have first appeared on Yanko Design.

Netflix Necon Pro gaming controller with its multi-directional control input could be a part of our reality soon!

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A cool gaming controller for the most popular video streaming service will bring an unprecedented level of control to the in-game action for hours of fun on the go.

Netflix has redefined streaming content in more ways than one for more than a decade now. The platform has a whopping 207.64 million paid subscribers worldwide as of the first quarter of 2021 as reported by Statista. But according to internal reports, Netflix’s growth graph is on a flattening trajectory in the last couple of years, and the next big avenue to look forward to is gaming. The gaming service will be a part of the current Netflix portfolio and will be offered at no extra cost to the subscribers. This will give Netflix an edge over current competitors like Disney+, Amazon Prime Videos and Apple TV+.

The cloud gaming service is set to debut early next year and we could expect an announcement by the end of this year too. This gives the perfect opportunity to concept designers for coming up with Netflix branded gaming accessories that will ultimately brace the platform just like Google Stadia, Xbox Gaming pass, Nividia GeForce Now, and Amazon Luna. The gaming controller has a very distinct form factor – something akin to the Nintendo Joy-Con controllers but still very unique in its own rights.

Designers Seong Bin Yoon and Cheolhee Lee have envisioned the video streaming service to get a gaming controller that is good for casual gaming as well as AR and VR-assisted gaming fun. The vertical grip positioning with bumper buttons on the sides coincides with that vision for the freedom of movement in all directions. The front has the customary joystick, directional pad and buttons for in-game input. Interestingly the left and right sections of the controller can move independently for a more immersive game input and better control in the game for tactical advantage.

On both sides, there are volume dial buttons, so I’m assuming the controller can beam stereo audio through the speaker-like vents on the bottom front on both sides. This cool Netflix cloud gaming controller design gets a thumbs up from my side. For sure it is a refreshing take on the gaming controller accessories which have not evolved much in terms of design over these years. Moreover, it aptly matches the distinct image of Netflix as a video streaming platform!

Designer: Seong Bin Yoon and Cheolhee Lee

The post Netflix Necon Pro gaming controller with its multi-directional control input could be a part of our reality soon! first appeared on Yanko Design.

Microsoft is testing 1080p Xbox Game Pass streaming

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The 720p resolution for Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming (aka xCloud) is decent on a phone, but that's clearly not going to cut it when the service comes to PCs and iPads. Thankfully, a resolution bump appears to be in order. Windows Central and T...