This morning the company is announcing several new features for the aforementioned software. One caveat: Companion apps/services will continue to be free for existing users, but will cost new users a few dollars a month. Backbone’s companion software acts as a comprehensive hub for your controller.
Not only does it provide a quick and pretty way to all Backbone-friendly games, it also provides cross-game voice chat and parties, a system for grabbing and sharing clips, and more. You will also learn some new tricks soon. The company has a big blog post announcing a new feature set here, but if you’re looking for a shorter version: Users can now connect and control their Backbone One to other devices such as iPads, Macs and PCs. Video recording quality improved from 1080p 30FPS to 1080p 60FPS on all devices running iOS 15.
The toggleable Smart Recording feature lets you retrospectively record the last 15 seconds of gameplay.
With built-in Twitch streaming support, you can broadcast your mobile gaming skills to the world in just a few clicks.
In iOS 15, when you connect your Backbone One, iOS automatically goes into game focus mode, which you can configure to silence notifications except for the ones you think are most important. Now you can share your screen directly with your friends at parties that you want to go live but may not be everyone on Twitch.
Improved game search and improved overall load times and stability.
With these new additions, Backbone will start charging a monthly fee for access to the companion app, but only for new users. If you already have a Backbone One, access to the app and related services currently named “Backbone+” will remain free for life.
If you’re a new user, you can get Backbone+ access free for one year, after which it costs about $50 per year. Don’t want to pay for the companion app? Backbone’s CEO Maneet Khaira said it will continue to work well as a controller and will continue to be able to update the controller’s software via the app.
I am a Big Fan of Backbone One. Are you? Please leave comment, if you want to hear further updates of Backbone One.
