Google ‘experiments’ with Stadia access on more Android phones
There’s no guarantee that it will run well, though.
Google Stadia is a good idea -- on-demand cloud gaming -- but it’s mostly been a disappointment thus far. The library is lacking, performance is iffy and the mobile app only works on certain Android phones. Google announced that it’s fixing that last complaint -- any Android phone that can access the Stadia app can try out the company’s gaming pipe dream. However, this is just a test -- or an “experiment” as Google calls it.
To try it out, download the app, go to the settings menu and find the “Experiments” tab, then choose “Play on this device.” Performance may be lackluster, depending on your phone, but it may be worth checking out if you’re desperate for some gaming on the go.
Speaking of, you may not even need to bring a controller with you if you want to play Stadia on your phone or tablet. The app’s new mobile touch controls overlay transparent buttons, analog sticks and a directional pad onto the screen. You can use these in place of a controller for any Stadia game. This type of setup can be frustrating, but it might do in a pinch. To try it out, load a game without a controller connected and select “Try touch gamepad.”
While these updates probably won’t convince those skeptical of Stadia to join Google’s cloud gaming service, it does show that the company is putting some thought into it and is helping users get more out of their investment. Hopefully more improvements are on the way.
