PSA: You can use wireless Xbox One controller on Chrome OS right now via beta channel

Xbox One controller, we already know, supports Chrome OS via a wired connection. However, a new Reddit post claims that it is possible to use a wireless Xbox One controller (via Bluetooth) on Chrome OS currently.

As per the post, support for the wireless Xbox One controller is there in the latest beta channel (version 78.3904.35 and Platform version: 12499.14.0). Just for reminder, the latest beta channel update for the ChromeOS came on September 30.

In the changelog, there is nothing specifically mentioned about the support for the wireless Xbox One controller.

However, the commits do talk about “Support new Xbox Wireless Controller FW” and note that Microsoft is expected to “to update the firmware for Xbox Wireless Controller (045e:02fd) to modify which field is populated with the Xbox button state.”

Also, the changelog talks about addressing an issue with the vibration in the Xbox One S Wireless Controller over Bluetooth. Prior to this beta channel, the vibration didn’t work as intended.

So, the changelog does hint of working towards adding and smoothening support for the wireless Xbox One controllers. However, there is no more official information on it for now. But the change has been confirmed by a few Reddit users.

Moreover, users say the latest beta channel not just supports wireless Xbox One controller, but also a third-party controller and DualShock 3 as well. As of now, it is not clear which third-party controllers are supported, but one Reddit user confirmed that his Gamesir is working fine.

Talking of why Google might have added the support for the wireless Xbox One controller, many say it is in preparation for the Stadia gaming service. Google, as we all know, is working very hard to make Stadia, which is set to arrive sometime later this month, a big success.

Therefore, by adding support for all major controllers and all major platforms in all forms, the search giant likely wants to extend the reach of its upcoming gaming service. Google Stadia will allow you to play modern games on almost any screen without downloading or installing them.

Another likely reason for the support of the wireless Xbox One controller could be related to the Xbox game streaming app. Microsoft is currently working on two products to help users stream games on small screens.

First, is the Project xCloud and the second, is the new console streaming preview, which was only recently in news. While Project xCloud is a cloud-based service, the new console streaming allows you to play the games that you have on your console.

Earlier this week, Microsoft allowed Xbox One testers to access the Console Streaming feature. The feature allows you to play any of your own Xbox One games (on your console) on a mobile device.

Project xCloud, currently, supports just four games. The Console Streaming feature supports all Xbox 360 and Xbox One games that you have on your console. However, the Console Streaming feature is limited only to a few users presently.

“If you’re an Xbox Insider in the Alpha and Alpha Skip-Ahead rings in the US and UK, you can now try a preview of Xbox Console Streaming,” said Xbox program manager, Jonathan Hildebrandt.

As for the support of wireless Xbox One controller on Chrome OS (via beta channel), we will update the story with any new development.

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