Google’s Stadia controller now works with android

It took more than six months, but now Google’s Stadia controller is finally working wirelessly on Android devices. Google initially released its Stadia platform back in November as a subscription to stream TV, Android, and web-based games. Wireless controller assistance for Android devices was surprisingly lacking at the launch, which required you had to communicate the Stadia controller ineptly using USB.

Google is today releasing a Stadia update to its Android app that will allow for wireless support. Stadia subscribers will have an excellent opportunity to test how well the Stadia controller roams between a Chromecast, the Web, and Android devices.

Although the delay in promoting wireless Android controllers wasn’t ideal, Google was slowly developing Stadia and adding the features it initially promised during the initial unveiling of the cloud streaming service. The 4K video debuted in March, and Google’s Stadia free service was made publicly available in April.

Because of the free version and the gradual addition of more games to the subscription, Google’s Stadia still loses a sold pool of players and multiplayer games to produce inherent enjoyment on Google. Google is trying to offer over 120 games to Stadia throughout 2020, so the range of games will surely expand in the upcoming weeks.

Google’s Stadia gamepads and screens compatibility

Stadia games can be played with a variety of a TV with a Chromecast Ultra, gamepads on a computer, and also on the following mobile devices:

1. Pixel 2, 2XL, 3, 3XL, 3a, 3a XL, 4, 4XL
2. Samsung S8, S8+, S8 Active, Note 8
3. Samsung S9, S9+, Note 9
4. Samsung S10, S10+, Note 10, Note 10+
5. Samsung S20, S20+, S20 Ultra
6. Asus ROG Phone, ROG Phone II
7. Razer Phone, Razer Phone II
8. OnePlus 5, 6, 7, 7 Pro, 7 Pro 5G, 8, 8 Pro
9. OnePlus 5T, 6T, 7T, 7T Pro, 7T Pro 5G

The Stadia Controller is required to play Stadia on a TV. If you do not have a controller, you can play on your computer using the touch gamepad preview or using a mouse and keyboard or on an appropriate mobile phone.

See in the below table how devices will connect to Google’s Stadia.

Important Things to Know about Google’s Stadia Controller

1. A few of the gamepads mentioned above may require individual drivers to function correctly on Microsoft Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, and macOS with Stadia.
2. The Xbox Adaptive Controller’s “Home” button does not support Android, ChromeOS, or Linux.
3. Also, when pressed, the “Home” button on Windows for Xbox Controllers will open the Windows Game Bar; Stadia does not allow this on Microsoft Windows. So, you must press Shift + Tab on your computer keyboard to enable the Stadia menu in-game.
4. The DualShock 4 Controller (on Google Chrome when connected to USB) and the Stadia Controller allow audio input and output through headphones connected to the 3.5 mm socket. Headphones should be linked directly to the smartphone or computer for audio input and output for all other peripheral devices and platforms.
5. Google’s Stadia Controller is the only gamepad that supports getting audio during chat and game and providing microphone input through linked headsets. You will need to connect your headset straight to your phone or computer while using other third-party gamepads.
6. When you get lower-quality audio from a headset connected to your Stadia Controller, close any extra browser windows that you have opened, and plug your headset right into your device rather than your controller.
7. Bluetooth isn’t supported on Linux for Xbox One Wireless Controllers.