Google has enabled a new option within its game streaming service, Google Stadia. Starting now, registered users can use their mobile phones as game controllers. An interesting solution, though not without some drawbacks. We'll explain what Phone Link is and how to set it up in Google Stadia.
Google Stadia adds new feature
Some time ago the company of the popular internet search engine launched Google Stadia, a streaming game service that added to other existing proposals such as Nvidia's GeForce Now or others that would come later such as Amazon's Luna. All this without forgetting iCloud, a Microsoft service that we now know by another name and is included with the Xbox Game Pass subscription.
Well, that bet by the big G was not easy at all. Although it is true that technology allowed it and during this time it has improved even more, the truth is that it depended a lot on the Internet connections of the users. Although the main pothole to overcome was the reluctance of each user, which had to change the chip and think that the gaming experience could be identical to that of those titles that run locally.
Without always being perfect, the truth is that Google Stadia has convinced many users that right now it is what they use to play. Neither console nor PC Gamer, although we cannot say that the path was easy either, because that idea of ​​developing exclusive titles through the video game studios created by Google and later closed down fell through.
However, focusing more on the technology itself, Phone Link is now coming to Google Stadia and could represent a significant change and advantage for many more users to commit to, or at least give, the service a chance.
What is PhoneLink
As you already know, Google Stadia works through the internet connection. You connect to Google's servers and that's where the title that comes to you through a streaming signal is executed. Here the better connection, the better user experience. Especially since if it is not fast, the problem you will have when playing for a high PIN will be noticeable.
However, assuming your internet connection works fine, what you should know by now is that Google Stadia can run from a new Chromecast with Google TV to a mobile phone, device with a full web browser like Chrome or Microsoft Edge as well as a TV with Android TV or Google TV.
Then to play you will need a controller. Google sells its own controller for Google Stadia, which can also be used alongside the Chromecast Ultra or other devices that can run Stadia. The problem is that you don't always have it at hand or if you just want to test how the service works, you're not going to spend 69 euros on the remote.
Hence the solution proposed by Phone Link: using your mobile phone as a game controller . The various controls appear on screen, such as the directional pad, analog sticks, and buttons. This allows you to use Stadia without any additional investment.
How to set up Phone Link on Google Stadia
Now that you know what Phone Link is, let's see how to set up and use your mobile device as a Google Stadia wireless game controller. Although it will not be the only option that allows this new functionality.
To use your mobile phone as a Google Stadia gamepad, you need to do the following:
- The first step is to make sure that you have updated all the Google Stadia applications, both those of your mobile phone and those of other devices where you use it. For example, TVs or HDMI dongles with Android TV or Google TV
- Once you have the updated apps, launch the Stadia app on the TV or screen where you want to use it and then the app on your phone
- To get both devices to connect, tap the controller icon and they should automatically detect and pair when both are logged in to the same user account
- Done, from that moment you can use your mobile as a Stadia controller and access all the options and menus that exist in the same way as you would with the original Stadia controller
If you want to use your mobile phone as a controller for Google Stadia on the Chromecast Ultra, the process is as follows:
- Turn on the screen or TV and connect the Chromecast Ultra
- Open the Stadia app on your mobile phone
- The classic code should appear on the screen to link a device to the Chronecast Ultra
- In the Stadia app for your mobile, tap on the controller icon and then on Touch Gamepad
- Press play on television and end up entering the code on the screen.
- Done, you should now switch to gamepad display mode on your phone
Phone Link as a link for Bluetooth controls connected to the mobile
One of the interesting features of Phone Link is that it also allows you to use other Bluetooth controllers connected to your phone to enjoy Stadia on your TV. All you need is a gamepad that's compatible with the number and mapping of buttons.
For example, you can connect a Chromecast Ultra to your TV or use one with Android TV or Google TV, then link your mobile phone to it with Phone Link and finally use the Bluetooth remote connected to the mobile phone.
Simple, right? The truth is that yes, and from now on you will be able to play and enjoy the service more when you don't have the controller you usually use. What's more, you can also test what it offers without having to invest in those controls. Because if you don't know if it will convince you, even if you can take advantage of them in another way, a gamepad doesn't make up for much if you don't have a Gamer soul.
Google Stadia Compatible Devices
Although there are devices that can use Google Stadia without compatibility, this is the official list according to Google. First mobile phones and then TVs and other streaming devices.
Compatible mobile devices
- Pixel 2, 2XL, 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4XL, 4a, 4a (5G), 5 and 5a
- Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, S8 Active, S9, S9+, S10, S10+, S20, S20+, S20 Ultra, S21, S21+ and S21 Ultra
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e, S6, S7, S7+, A and A7
- Samsung Note 8, 9, 10, 10+, 20 and 20 Ultra
- OnePlus 5, 6, 7, 7 Pro, 7 Pro 5G, 8 and 8 Pro
- OnePlus 5T, 6T, 7T, 7T Pro, 7T Pro 5G and 8T
- OnePlus Nord, N10 5G and N100
- Apple iPhone and iPad
- Asus ROG Phones
- Razer Phone and Razer Phone II
- LG V50 ThinQ, V50S ThinQ, V60 ThinQ, G7 ThinQ, G8 ThinQ and Wing
Compatible TVs and streaming devices
- Chromecast Ultra
- Chromecast with Google TV
- Hisense® Android Smart TVs (U7G, U8G and U9G)
- Nvidia® ShieldTV
- Nvidia Shield TV Pro
- Onn USB Streaming Drive (FHD) and Streaming Stick (UHD)â„¢
- Panasonic® JX800 Series (Europe)
- Philips® TVs with Android TV from 2019 (7304 and later) and 2020 (8505 and later)
- TCL® 5 Series and 6 Series (with Google TV)
- Xiaomi® MIBOX3 and MIBOX4
Google Stadia is a streaming game service that offers a free and a paid plan.