Latest news with #BackboneOne
CNET
2 days ago
- CNET
iPhone Gaming Is Convoluted. Here's What the iPhone 17 Needs to Sway Me as a Gamer
I've been trying to use my iPhone as a gaming handheld for years but I often hit the same roadblocks when trying to have it replace my Nintendo Switch when I travel. And it's not for lack of Apple and other companies trying, as there's tons of gaming content available for the iPhone between titles that run directly from the device to more-intensive games that I can stream over a strong internet connection. Gaming on the iPhone is more convoluted than it should be and it's frankly easier to do on Android. For example, the openness of Android's operating system makes it easy for me to install alternate stores like the Epic Games Store. And there's also a longer history of companies developing Android phones that are optimized for gaming, offering high refresh displays and responsive screens that are easier to use for fast-paced games. But Apple appears to be refining its gaming experience with iOS 26, partly with a new Games app that serves as a dedicated hub similar to what I see on gaming phones from RedMagic and Asus. However, it's going to take more than adding a fancy gaming menu to make the iPhone feel more like a Steam Deck or a Switch. Here are a few of the issues I experience when trying to game on the go with the iPhone, and what I think Apple could do with the iPhone 17 and iOS 26 to provide a more compelling alternative to more traditional platforms. The Backbone One provides a good grip for playing games but at $100 it's expensive. Mike Sorrentino/CNET The iPhone 17 needs a good controller There are so many options for connecting gaming controllers to an iPhone, but none fit exactly right. I've purchased clips that let me tether my iPhone with an Xbox controller, which are relatively cheap and easy to find between $10 and $30 . These are great for letting me use my console controller with the iPhone, and I can choose to either use a Bluetooth connection or hardwire my controller to the iPhone. Yet they aren't great for use while on a train or for long periods, because they start feeling heavy because they support the entire iPhone's weight. Not to mention my concern if a bumpy moment on the train might shake the phone out of the clip, potentially leading to an unwelcome fumble for my phone. If you want a more comfortable gaming experience, controllers like the Backbone One let you slot your iPhone in like it's a Nintendo Switch. These are the most ideal because you have a solid grip on your device, have console-like controls and -- in the case of the Backbone -- you are hardwired into the controller to reduce latency. But at $100, the Backbone One specifically is quite expensive (I was thrilled when a colleague had a review unit I could borrow). The iPhone itself is an expensive device, and I don't want to have to spend an extra $100 on a controller just to make it better for gaming. Apple has dodged the matter of having a good gaming controller by lending its endorsement to a variety of products. Sometimes you'll even see the Apple TV paired up with Sony's DualShock controller at an Apple Store for Apple Arcade demos. While I do appreciate the iPhone's universal compatibility with different gaming controllers, it might help if Apple were to officially partner with at least one controller for what the company would consider an "ideal" experience for gaming on the iPhone. Perhaps it could be a controller grip that makes use of MagSafe as an attachment, or even a controller created in partnership with a third-party like 8BitDo. The goal wouldn't be to replace the freedom of using any controller you want but to perhaps bring a coherent experience to what would be the most ideal way to even get started with playing games on your iPhone. Sayonara Wild Hearts launched on Apple Arcade and can be played on the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV (pictured here) with the subscription. Or you could buy it on a console and just own it. Sarah Tew/CNET Apple Arcade's subscription is nice but not flexible When the Apple Arcade subscription service launched in 2019, it promised a library of high-quality games that would mostly be exclusives and run locally on the iPhone. Six years later, Apple Arcade is still here but has become a place where some games become trapped. For instance, Sega released Sonic Dream Team in 2023 on Apple Arcade to largely positive reviews. Two years later, Sonic Dream Team is still only available on Apple Arcade and there isn't even an option to just buy the game a la carte. While streaming exclusives are common on video services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, for gaming it's not ideal for me to only be able to access a title while I have an active subscription. I like to play through a number of games in short doses. While Sonic Dream Team isn't a long game, it's one that I would probably play over a span of months in between Fortnite matches or playing Sonic Mania. Because Apple Arcade focuses exclusively on mobile platforms, some of these titles do get released on consoles and the PC. For instance, Sayonara Wild Hearts launched on Apple Arcade and on all three major consoles. It's a game that I still enjoy -- especially the narration by Queen Latifah and its gorgeous art style -- and it's one that I simply purchased on Nintendo Switch to make it easier to access than on maintaining an Apple Arcade subscription. Xbox Game Pass streaming runs inside of a web app, which does indeed look a lot like a native app downloaded from the App Store. But there are small quirks that remind you that it is running inside of a web browser. Mike Sorrentino/CNET Let streaming apps run natively on the iPhone 17 Apple has a complicated relationship with game streaming services. For instance, when Microsoft wanted to bring Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (then referred to as Xcloud) in 2020 to the iPhone, Apple apparently blocked the attempt and required Microsoft to individually list each game on the service as a separate app in the App Store. Microsoft responded by developing a web app that circumvents the need to get Apple's approval, which is still in use today for streaming titles from the Xbox Game Pass library. It's a similar situation for Amazon's Luna cloud gaming service and the defunct Stadia service from Google. I've been using Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on the iPhone through this web app for years and, while it largely works, there's definitely some kinks to this workaround. I often need to log back into the web app if it's been a few days since I've last used it, and even though the app is designed well, I can't help but think that the web app introduces some additional latency to the experience. While this is not something I can test, I can say that cloud gaming is still highly-dependent on a strong internet connection, and even with a 5G internet signal it's often challenging to use a cloud gaming service for a long period of time. I'd like to see Apple dial down some of these requirements because it just serves as a barrier for me from accessing games that I play through a subscription I pay for. A cloud gaming service like Xbox Game Pass would likely be able to take better advantage of the iPhone by running as a local app, and hopefully provide better performance because using such a service is bandwidth-intensive. By limiting these services further to just a web app, it's blocking them. Apple does allow some game streaming in limited circumstances on apps you can download from the App Store. You can stream a game that's on your console using Microsoft's Xbox app or Sony's PS Remote Play app, which is then reliant on the strength of your home internet connection to stream to your phone. You can also use Nvidia's GeForce Now to stream some games you own from stores like Steam. 26 More Things Hidden in iOS 26 26 More Things Hidden in iOS 26 Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 5:29 Loaded : 1.85% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 5:29 Share Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. 26 More Things Hidden in iOS 26 Now is a great time for Apple to make the iPhone a gaming device With the cost of technology fluctuating right now partly because of tariffs, it's a particularly opportune time for Apple to make the iPhone a more friendly place to game. We're already seeing prices rise across all Xbox consoles and older Nintendo Switch handhelds. If Apple could position the iPhone as an easy way to play console-quality titles without needing to buy additional hardware, an argument could be made that your phone could be enough for portable gaming. We'll likely find out more about Apple's plans for gaming whenever the company announces the iPhone 17, which is presumed to take place this fall. You can also check out early impressions of the Games app in iOS 26, which my colleague Zachary McAuliffe has been testing.
Tom's Guide
22-07-2025
- Tom's Guide
Backbone just launched its epic 'Pro' controller in the UK — what you need to know
Backbone has long made some of the best mobile game controllers you can buy, and the company's latest creation has just become available in the U.K. The Backbone Pro controller has been available in the United States for some time and is a major upgrade over the existing Backbone One. Let's get this out of the way first, though. It doesn't come cheap. The Backbone Pro will set you back £169 from Backbone's official store. And while we'll keep our eye out for discounts from the likes of Amazon and Currys, it's a big chunk of change when you could be eyeing up a Nintendo Switch 2 for your handheld gaming requirements. My colleague Anthony Spadafora over in the U.S. has already given us a pretty thorough breakdown of why the Backbone Pro is such an appealing gaming proposition and you can read his thoughts here. For something suitably "Pro", Backbone has added remappable back buttons, made the controller more comfortable to hold and boosted the thumbsticks to full-sized. This larger, more comfortable mobile game controller from Backbone allows you to play directly on your phone or wirelessly on you PC, tablet and other devices. It also features full-size thumbsticks and two remappable back buttons. But the real killer feature is making this a fully wireless controller alongside the standard USB-C connection that lets you plug it directly into your phone. That means you can switch from using this with one of the best Android phones seamlessly to using it with a PC, tablet or smart TV. Backbone states you'll get 40 hours of battery life and on the bottom of the Pro's handles you'll find a USB-C port for passthrough charging on the right and a 3.5mm headphone jack for plugging in a pair of wired headphones on the left. Backbone has come out all guns blazing with the Pro and having a controller that can seamlessly switch between your iPhone and your PC or console is a pretty tempting proposition. The question remains whether gamers will be willing to part with £169 for the privilege. Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.
CNET
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Razer Kishi V3 Pro Tops My New Favorite Line of Mobile Game Controllers
CNET's expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Jason Cockerham/CNET Razer is one of the biggest names in gaming, and for good reason. It consistently delivers high-quality, high-performance products, even if they are usually more expensive than most competitors'. Razer first threw its hat in the ring of mobile controllers with its Junglecat in 2014, and launched its first modern, Joy-Con-like controller design with the second generation in 2019, before it rebranded the line as Kishi in 2020 with an updated design. This year, Razer's hit its stride with the third generation, now an entire line of options: the Kishi V3, V3 Pro and V3 Pro XL. Yes, they're expensive, but as far as I'm concerned they're the best mobile controllers you can buy right now. The basics are the same across all three, and Razer nailed them. Class-leading hardware Ergonomics make or break a controller for me. I've tried so many mobile versions over the years, and very few of them don't tire my hands and arms after 30 minutes or so, and none feel as good as the Kishi V3 models. The grips are taken from Razer's Wolverine V3 Pro, which is the best-feeling controller I've ever used. For reference, I find the Backbone One controller too small to use comfortably for long periods, and the new Backbone Pro, while larger and slightly more ergonomic, is still uncomfortable for me after more than about 20 minutes. It's not necessarily true if you have smaller hands. All three Razer controllers have full-size Tunneling Magnetoresistance thumbsticks, the new hotness in thumbstickland -- the Hall Effect is so 2024. TMR sticks are supposed to be even more sensitive, precise and durable than Hall Effect, as well as require less power, and most of the higher-end pro controllers are switching to TMR sticks. There are Hall Effect triggers on top (with two additional bumpers on the Pro and Pro XL), and two mappable buttons on the back. The back button switches are pulled directly from Razer's top-end gaming mice, which have the same optical switches, and they feel great. The bottom USB-C port supports passthrough charging but no display or audio out, similar to the Backbone. There's also, thankfully, a headphone jack. I know I'm the minority here, but sometimes I still prefer to use wired headphones when gaming and sadly more controllers are forgoing the 3.5mm plug these days in favor of Bluetooth wireless. Another big advantage of the Kishi: It can work as a PC controller as well, at least in theory. You simply connect it to your PC via a cable and it's supposed to work with any game. While it worked fine on my personal laptop, I wasn't able to get it working properly on my gaming laptop. Excellent software Aside from the hardware, the standout feature of the Kishi lineup is Razer's Nexus app. The software isn't all that different from that of Backbone and others, but there are a couple of standout features. The first is Razer's Sensa HD Haptics, basically a supercharged version of the typical haptics you get with most controllers. It works by mapping audio to physical feedback, which means the effects can be more nuanced and detailed than traditional haptics. Sadly, it only works on Windows 11 or Android 12 and higher. The second, welcome and uncommon capability comes via Razer Cortex, software that lets you stream any game from your PC directly to your phone for remote play. The best part is it's free and it works on any phone, with any controller, so while it may work best with a Kishi controller, you don't need one to use it. Hide our expert take Jason Cockerham/CNET Photo Gallery 1/4 Jason Cockerham/CNET $97 at Amazon Pros Great design and feel Solid buttons Responsive and durable TMR joysticks and Hall Effect Triggers Well implemented, feature rich Razer Nexus/Cortex software Cons Expensive Not very compact No case options Photo Gallery 1/4 Jason Cockerham/CNET Razer Kishi V3 Jason Cockerham/CNET Photo Gallery 1/4 Jason Cockerham/CNET $97 at Amazon Let's start with the bottom of the lineup. The Kishi V3 is designed to be the entry point to the Kishi line, intended as a compelling option for those who want to upgrade their mobile gaming but don't need all the extras of the Pro. Razer did a great job keeping most of the best aspects of the hardware without compromising the experience. The base Kishi is the smallest model in the line and will fit almost any phone. You can use it as an external controller for a tablet, but it won't physically fit around one. The face buttons are what Razer calls "quiet tactile," a description I agree is apt. They're quiet and noticeably more tactile than what I've used on other mobile controllers: They aren't stiff, but they definitely aren't mushy either. I'd say they're one step below the buttons on pro controllers like the Xbox Elite Wireless 2, but still quite nice. There's a four-way D-pad, which feels a tad too stiff for me but probably still great for most people. At $100, the Kishi V3 is also the cheapest of the bunch, but still pricey. It competes directly with the Backbone One, which has its own advantages, but the Kishi's hardware by itself makes it a better option than Backbone. It certainly is the best hardware you can get for $100, but there are several solid controllers that are lighter on the wallet. Hide our expert take Show our expert take Jason Cockerham/CNET Photo Gallery 1/7 Jason Cockerham/CNET $150 at Amazon Pros Fantastic hardware Swappable joystick caps Wide device compatibility Cons Not a very carry-friendly design, including joystick caps that can pop off in a backpack Expensive Photo Gallery 1/7 Jason Cockerham/CNET Razer Kishi V3 Pro Jason Cockerham/CNET Photo Gallery 1/7 Jason Cockerham/CNET $150 at Amazon The step-up V3 Pro has several upgrades over the base Kishi. First is size: It's not too much bigger than the other model, but is large enough to fit small tablets like the iPad Mini, Lenovo Legion Tab or RedMagic Astra. Another big difference is the face buttons. Instead of the "quiet tactile" buttons, the V3 Pro incorporates the same Mecha-Tactile buttons as the Wolverine V3 and V3 Pro. The feel might not work for everyone, but like Josh Goldman, who reviewed the Wolverine, I thoroughly enjoy them. They don't have as much travel as more traditional controller buttons and may take some getting used to, but they're ultimately a lot more responsive. The D-pad also gets a solid upgrade. This model has a floating eight-way D-pad that also uses the Mecha-Tactile switches. Again, not everyone will like the feel, but I do. It's a fair bit more sensitive than a standard D-pad, like the one on the entry Kishi -- that's not necessarily a bad thing, it just comes down to preference and the games you play. In a big upgrade over the Kishi Ultra, the joystick caps are swappable. Razer even includes two different cap sizes in the box. If you've never tried swapping joysticks or caps before, simply switching stick heights or from concave to convex can make a big difference in FPS games. The V3 Pro also gets two additional bumpers up top, again straight from the Wolverine V3. They're mainly intended for oddball claw grippers, but I found them useful when I didn't want to change my grip to hit the standard bumpers. The Pro's price jumps to $150, which is a lot for any controller, especially a mobile one. But it's actually $20 cheaper than the Backbone Pro, which makes it an even better option. Show our expert take Show our expert take Jason Cockerham/CNET Photo Gallery 1/4 Jason Cockerham/CNET $200 at Amazon Pros Fantastic hardware Swappable joystick caps Cons Huge Expensive Cumbersome for long sessions Photo Gallery 1/4 Jason Cockerham/CNET Razer Kishi V3 Pro XL Jason Cockerham/CNET Photo Gallery 1/4 Jason Cockerham/CNET $200 at Amazon Identical to the V3 Pro but in a supersized package, the V3 Pro XL is for hardcore tablet gamers. I've heard from some diehards who refuse to game on anything other than their M4 iPad Pro, and those people are Razer's target buyers for the XL. Also, if you're one, we need to talk. Collapsed, it's almost as wide as my 16-inch laptop. Fully extended, it can accommodate 10- to 13-inch tablets up to 11.1in/282 mm on their long edge, which includes the 13-inch iPad Pro. In fact, it's the only premium controller option big enough for that large a tablet. It also fits a range of larger Android tablets, including the 12.1-inch OnePlus Pad 2 (but probably not the newer 13.1-inch OnePlus Pad 3), according to Razer's specifications. The extra size will cost you though; the Pro XL is $200. But if you're buying this to game on your $1,200 iPad Pro, I doubt the price is much of a factor for you. Show our expert take Not very bag- or Android-friendly As much as I love the hardware on the Kishi controllers, they all miss in one big way: portability. Not only are they fairly big compared to other mobile controllers, but Razer doesn't bundle -- or even offer -- one at the moment. Moving these in and out of a bag is annoying, and the joystick caps constantly pop off the V3 Pro and Pro XL when I pull them out of my backpack. I haven't lost them yet, but it's only a matter of time. It may not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but this is a vital aspect of the design for a controller that's meant to be carried everywhere. The biggest disadvantage of the Kishi controllers, which isn't entirely Razer's fault, is the Android compatibility. On iOS, they all work natively with every controller-compatible game available on the app store, but Android is very much a mixed bag. Some games work fine, but others, like Call of Duty: Mobile, require you to use the touch remapping -- which I found very hit and miss. There was even some difference in compatibility between devices. On my OnePlus 13 the Pro XL worked better than on my RedMagic Astra tablet; the latter would disconnect or fail to register inputs during play, particularly with CODM. Other games worked OK, but were still inconsistent overall. Razer finishes first For mobile controllers, Razer is competing aggressively with the veteran Backbone One and new Backbone Pro, and Razer comes out ahead. The Kishi V3 is the same price as the Backbone One, while the V3 Pro is great plus $20 cheaper than the Backbone Pro: Razer takes the W, hands down. The Kishis' ergonomics are better, the hardware is better, and the software is better. The only thing Backbone has over the Kishi is a better design for carrying -- obviously quite important for a mobile controller -- but I still prefer the Kishi V3. If you're on Android, it's a little less clearcut, but again, that also depends somewhat on what games you play. For exclusive CODM gamers, Backbone has better native compatibility, but the virtual touch mapping on the Kishi works well, at least on most devices, if you don't mind taking the time to tweak the settings. Other games can be hit and miss with native compatibility. If you're exclusively an iOS gamer, then any of the Kishi V3 controllers are hands-down the best mobile controller you can get. Even on Android, it's still far and away my first choice.
Stuff.tv
20-06-2025
- Stuff.tv
Reviewing the Backbone Pro controller has opened up gaming on even more of my gadgets
Stuff Verdict A truly does-it-all mobile controller that'll play nicely with tablets, laptops and other gaming gear. The Backbone Pro is expensive, though – and overkill if you just want to play on your phone. Pros Bluetooth massively expands your device options All the familiar Backbone features return The most comfortable Backbone to date Cons Hall effect sticks would've been nice at this price Speaking of, ouch this is expensive Got to go solo to play on a tablet, unlike some rivals Introduction Buying tech that's truly multi-talented can be a great way to save a buck or two. Why get a camera or music player when you've got a smartphone in your pocket? Now mobile-first gaming expert Backbone is trying something similar, adding Bluetooth to the mix so you don't actually need to plug in your phone to play anymore. The Backbone Pro will pair with your PC, tablet, and even your TV. If you're not a console convert, that could be enough to make it the last controller you'll ever buy. It also addresses a few of the Backbone One's shortcomings, gains some customisable buttons, and swaps to Xbox-grade inputs. Upgrades rarely come cheap, though. At $170 (it's coming to the UK and Europe later down the line) the Pro is almost double the price of the Backbone One. It's also more expensive than Razer's rival Kishi V3 Pro, which remains laser focused on mobile but has a few features you won't find here. Can this Backbone really do it all? How we test gaming hardware All games consoles and gaming hardware tested on Stuff are put through their paces with days' worth of play time. We use our years of testing experience to judge areas such as build quality, software experience, battery life and other features. Manufacturers have no visibility on reviews before they appear online, and we never accept payment to feature products. Find out more about how we test and rate products. Design & build: same but different No, I've not been using a regular Backbone One by mistake – the Backbone Pro might look awfully familiar, but the firm has made quite a few little tweaks. A new, textured surface on the extendable centre piece is the biggest indicator, although keen eyes will also spot the thumbsticks are now the same size as the ones you'll get on an Xbox controller. This is still a telescopic controller first and foremost, its two halves connected by a spring-loaded spine that can swallow pretty much any modern USB-C smartphone. My Google Pixel 9 Pro XL even slotted home securely while still in its official case. Got an older iPhone? Sorry, you'll have to stick with the older Backbone One with a Lightning connector. Two sets of rubber attachments in the box help you find a firm fit. What this won't do is open wide enough to grasp a tablet. Even an iPad Mini is a no-go – but that doesn't matter as much when you can connect via Bluetooth instead. The grips are more rounded than before, so the whole thing is easier to hold. This has also made room for two re-mappable rear action buttons, almost putting this on par with console-grade Pro controllers for number of additional inputs. Backbone then elongated the triggers in the name of comfort, and quietened the clicky action of the face buttons. It's still not what I'd call silent, but meant I could finish a level before bedtime without waking up my sleeping wife. I'd avoid tossing the controller into a bag by itself, as that's unlikely to do those analogue sticks any favours. Backbone has an official case that'll keep it safe; the felt finish looks and feels suitably premium, while the sculpted interior will keep the Backbone Pro from rattling around. It'll set you back an extra $25t on top of the cost of the controller itself, though. Features & battery life: all the ways to play All of the Backbone One's features have been carried over to the Pro model, so you still get a USB-C passthrough port in the right grip to keep your handset topped up while you game, and a 3.5mm port in the left grip. That's particularly handy if you've got an older wired gaming headset, now that phones with headphone connectors are rarer than a snowball in the Sahara. This is also where you'll find the new pairing button. Wireless play is almost as easy as plug-and-play with your phone: press and hold the button and the Backbone Pro will show up in your machine's Bluetooth devices list. My Android tablet, gaming laptop and even my LG TV all recognised it as a controller right away, with all the standard inputs working as expected. To have one controller that can to all this, and also clamp around my phone when I want to play mobile games, is fantastic. You could use a Backbone One on your PC or Mac through a tethered USB connection, but the setup process was convoluted. This is seamless, and doesn't require any cables. I especially like how you can pair to multiple devices and then pick which one is active through the companion app, so you don't need to go through the pairing process every time you swap. The built-in battery is good for up to 40 hours of wireless play, which is multiple times more than I've ever managed in a single session. Because the passthrough USB-C port tops up the controller as well as any connected handset, I rarely needed ti plug it in specifically to charge – though you might find otherwise if you spend more time gaming on devices other than your smartphone. This Backbone largely earns its Pro monicker, although it's not rocking any sort of haptic motors. Unless your phone is delivering the vibration, you'll forego any kind of force feedback here. Software experience: it'll cost ya It has seen a bunch of updates since I last used it with the Backbone One PlayStation Edition, but the Backbone App feels largely familiar. It still launches automatically when you plop your phone between its two halves, and still acts as a launcher for all your App store or Play Store games, Cloud gaming services, and local streaming tools like Steamlink. Per-game profiles, button customisation and firmware updates are all handled here too, and it's where you'll head for instant device switching. It's also handy for game discovery, with a Netflix-style scrolling layout that can help uncover hidden gems you didn't know were part of your Xbox Game Pass or Nvidia GeForce Now memberships. There's a lot more here, but only if you're willing to break out the credit card. A Backbone+ subscription, which lets you capture 1080p60 video clips, voice chat with other members, and assign buttons to onscreen overlays for games that don't support controllers, runs to $40 per year. iPhone owners also get beta access to an in-app emulator for retro titles, but Android owners currently miss out. Sure, it's slicker than having to bounce between multiple apps, but that's a lot of money to pay for convenience – especially when rivals like Razer don't charge for a similar setup. Performance: size matters Gaming with the Backbone Pro was comfortable and problem-free for the most part. Those full-size analogue sticks made my directional movements feel more precise and purposeful than they did on the Backbone One, in part because the concave shape provided a place to comfortably rest my thumbs. The right analogue stick is perhaps a little too close to the face buttons – which themselves are still on the small side – so multiple simultaneous inputs could be a little tricky. But while the left and right bumpers are still a bit skinny, I had no trouble with missed inputs. The triggers are much improved, with more room to rest your index fingers and a good amount of pull resistance. I'm not always a fan of extra rear buttons, as if they're even a little bit of a stretch to reach I'll largely not bother with them. That wasn't an issue here; the M1 and M2 buttons fell naturally beneath my ring fingers. Does it sit quite as confidently in your hands as a console gamepad? Not quite – but it gets damn close. The perfectly balanced weight between the two halves really helps, though having an especially top-heavy smartphone negates that a little. It's also a shame Backbone didn't go with Hall Effect analogue sticks; the firm used the long life tech for the triggers, but stuck with potentiometers (which don't have the same shelf life) for the sticks. That's not to say I had any issues with stick drift during my testing, but equally they won't be immune from it years down the line. Backbone Pro verdict This the new gold standard for mobile controller connectivity. Adding Bluetooth has massively expanded the Backbone Pro's potential, which is great news if you game across multiple devices and want one gamepad to rule them all. The larger analogue sticks and triggers make this a lot more comfortable than the Backbone One, too. Without haptic vibration and Hall effect analogue sticks, the Backbone Pro isn't quite as 'pro' as it could've been, though. The part-paywalled software suite is hardly what I'd call good value, and the cost of entry is pretty steep. The Razer Kishi V3 Pro adds even more buttons for a little less cash if you only want a mobile controller – but if convenience across all your kit matters most, it's the Backbone you should check out first. Stuff Says… Score: 4/5 A truly does-it-all mobile controller that'll play nicely with tablets, laptops and other gaming gear. The Backbone Pro is expensive, though – and overkill if you just want to play on your phone. Pros Bluetooth massively expands your device options All the familiar Backbone features return The most comfortable Backbone to date Cons Hall effect sticks would've been nice at this price Speaking of, ouch this is expensive Software features are paywalled, too Backbone Pro technical specifications Compatibility Wired: Android/iOS (USB-C) Wireless: Android/iOS/Windows/Mac/SteamOS/smart TV Connectivity USB-C, Bluetooth Battery Up to 40 hours Dimensions 181x50x101mm (contracted), 203g
Time of India
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Google just dropped a whole diamond district in Roblox, and it's giving VIP energy
The tech gods have spoken—and they are wearing diamond-studded headphones. Google Play just launched its first-ever immersive Roblox experience, and yes, it is called the Diamond District. This glitter-filled virtual zone is serving real VIP energy and is exclusively available from now until July 2. Google drops a digital flex in Roblox Tied directly to Google's Play Points rewards programme, the Diamond District lets users link their Play Points accounts and unlock an entire world of perks. We are talking obstacle courses, shiny loot, wild mini-games, and a literal vault for Platinum, Gold and Diamond-tier users. Because why just play Roblox when you can play it in style? This Roblox takeover is more than just a pretty pixel. Google Play is clearly levelling up, blending its rewards system with one of the most popular digital playgrounds on Earth. According to Jackie Titus, Google Play's director of activations and engagement, the idea was to evolve their rewards programme into something bigger, more exciting, and globally interactive. Titus shared that after last year's success with Play Points, the team wanted to go even deeper. Roblox made perfect sense—it is where their users already are, and now it is where their loyalty gets rewarded. Digital drip and real-life rewards Inside the Diamond District, members can snag exclusive digital items, like gliders and headphones, all sparkling with that signature Play diamond flair. But wait—there is actual, physical merch too. We are talking a custom Google Play x Backbone One controller and a limited-edition gift box. And for those who love chaos and education? Duolingo's iconic green owl is crashing the party as a plushie giveaway. Titus explained that they wanted to bridge the gap between the digital and real worlds, offering tangible items to make the Roblox experience even more memorable. Built by the community, for the community Apparently, this Roblox realm was not just a plug-and-play project. Titus revealed the creative process began all the way back in January, with hands-on workshops, testing sessions, and custom builds. From the jump, the focus was on creating something that genuinely delighted Play Points users. If this is the future of loyalty programmes, sign us up, link the accounts, and hand us a glider.
