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Backbone Labs, Inc.
Company typePrivate
Industry
Founded2018
FoundersManeet Khaira
HeadquartersAtherton, California
Area served
Worldwide
Products
Websitebackbone.com

Backbone Labs is an American technology company with offices in Atherton, California and Seattle, Washington.[1] The company is known for consumer electronics and computer software products for gaming on Apple's iOS and Google's Android devices. Backbone operates the Backbone app, a social and content creation hub for mobile devices.[2]

Backbone’s software consolidates multiple gaming technologies—cloud gaming, remote play, and native mobile games—into a "single accessible portal" that works across publishers and platforms.[3] Traditionally, the video game industry has limited access to specific games through platform exclusivity, tying them to console hardware, a strategy responsible for the console wars. Backbone leveraged advancements in cloud-based game streaming, smartphone computational power, and cross-platform play to consolidate platforms and allow users to play console-quality games without owning traditional game console hardware.[3][4] Users can search a library of every available game and launch them directly through the Backbone app. The app offers access to platforms such as Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation Remote Play, Steam Link, Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, Apple Arcade, App Store (Apple), and Google Play.

History

[edit]

Backbone began as a startup by founder and CEO Maneet Khaira in 2018 while working at Google.[5] Khaira wanted to develop a more cohesive way to play games on mobile platforms.[6] The company financed the production of its first product, Backbone One, with investments from MrBeast, Preston Arsement, Kwebbelkop, Typical Gamer, Night Media, Nadeshot, and Ludlow Ventures, as well as Ashton Kutcher and Guy Oseary’s Sound Ventures.[7] Backbone launched the Backbone One controller on October 27, 2020 and made it immediately available for purchase via limited drops.[8]

In September 2021, Apple announced the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models featuring larger camera units.[9][10] While the Backbone One was still compatible with the new models, some users voiced a desire for a more comfortable fitment.[11] Backbone introduced an optional adapter for their device and released a free open-source 3D printable file for users to print at home within days of the iPhone release.[12][13]

In November 2021, Backbone launched the Backbone+ service.[14] The service gives users access to premium software features of the Backbone app, including the ability to stream to Twitch, enhanced recording options, and Xbox app integrations.[15] The service offers users in-app perks such as free trials to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Google Stadia.[16]

On February 23, 2022, Backbone announced it had raised $40 million in its Series A funding round led by Index Ventures.[17] Other notable investors in the round included Jason Citron (Discord), Nick Fajt (Rec Room), Patrick Spence (Sonos), The Weeknd, Kevin Hart, Amy Schumer, Sound Ventures, and Nico Wittenborn’s Adjacent.[5][18]

In July 2022, Backbone collaborated with Sony's design team to develop a PlayStation-branded Backbone One controller.[19][20] The device resembled the DualSense controller in appearance.[21] The Backbone One—PlayStation Edition is compatible with PS Remote Play on iOS and Android devices. The Sony partnership means Backbone has active partnerships with two major companies in the gaming console space, including Microsoft, which began in 2021.[20][22][23]

In 2023, the Backbone One 2nd Generation introduced refinements to the original design.[24] This iteration features a refined directional pad, improved phone stability, and magnetic adapters, enabling greater compatibility with most phone cases and larger phones.[25] The device debuted with support for both iOS and Android devices with USB-C connectors.[26] Backbone's retail expansion efforts made the product available from Backbone, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, GameStop, and Verizon.[27]

In September 2024, Backbone announced that its Backbone One 2nd Generation controller is compatible with the iPhone 16. Apple featured the controller alongside the iPhone 16 in its annual keynote showcase.[28]

Partnerships

[edit]

In March 2021, Backbone partnered with Nvidia to integrate their cloud gaming service GeForce Now with the Backbone platform and listed Backbone One as a recommended device for the service.[29]

In June 2021, the company partnered with Microsoft to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to iOS devices.[23] The Backbone One controller was added to the designed for Xbox partner hardware program and is available for purchase from the Microsoft Store. The packaging for the Backbone One was redesigned with Xbox branding.[30]

In October 2021, Backbone partnered with Iconfactory to bring exclusive Backbone-themed in-game cosmetics to the Apple Arcade exclusive second installment of the Frenzic series, Frenzic: Overtime. Players who connect a Backbone One controller to play the game will receive an alternate version of DoBot featuring Backbone branding.[31]

In November 2021, Backbone and Twitch announced a partnership to integrate Twitch features within the Backbone+ service.[16] IGDB, Twitch’s game database, is used with the Backbone platform to display richer content within the app.[32] The announcement also revealed that players would have immediate access to Twitch streaming and viewing directly from the Backbone app.[16]

In January 2024, Backbone partnered with Kojima Productions to launch a limited edition Backbone One Death Stranding Edition.[33] The device was themed after the studio’s premiere video game series, Death Stranding with translucent yellow plastic.[34] The limited edition controller was bundled with a free iOS copy of Death Stranding: Director's Cut.[35]

In June 2024, Backbone and Post Malone released a limited-edition Backbone One mobile gaming controller.[36] The device was said to be inspired by Malone's style and gaming passion, the controller has a translucent green design with glow-in-the-dark elements.[37] Limited to 500 units and priced at $199.99, it featured enhancements like an aluminum D-pad and laser-etched buttons.[38]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Early Money: San Francisco-based mobile gaming startup raises $40 million in Series A funding". www.bizjournals.com. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  2. ^ "Backbone App - Backbone". playbackbone.com. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  3. ^ a b Hill, Simon. "Mobile Gaming Is Having a Moment—and Backbone Wants to Unite It". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  4. ^ Cabral, Matt (2022-04-25). "The Backbone One controller turns your iPhone into a true gaming console". CNN Underscored. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  5. ^ a b Astle, Aaron; Writer, Staff (23 February 2022). "Backbone raises $40 million to bring console and PC games to mobile". pocketgamer.biz. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  6. ^ Nelson, Major. "767: Battlefield 2042 and Backbone". Xbox's Major Nelson. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  7. ^ "Backed by Mr. Beast and Nadeshot, Backbone One could finally crack mobile gaming". TechCrunch. 27 October 2020. Archived from the original on 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  8. ^ Faulkner, Cameron (2020-10-27). "The Backbone One is a stunning controller that turns your iPhone into a more capable gaming device". The Verge. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  9. ^ "Apple unveils iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max — more pro than ever before". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  10. ^ "Report: iPhone 13 models will be thicker with even larger camera bump". iMore. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  11. ^ Faulkner, Cameron (2021-09-24). "The iPhone 13 Pro's camera bump is a problem for the Backbone controller". The Verge. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  12. ^ Lyles, Taylor (2021-09-24). "Backbone Made a 3D-Printed Adapter, So Your New iPhone 13 Pro Will Fit in the Controller". IGN. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  13. ^ Byford, Sam (2021-09-27). "Backbone releases free adapter and 3D-print files for iPhone 13 Pro camera bump issue". The Verge. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  14. ^ Peters, Jay (2021-11-04). "The best iPhone gaming controller now works with Android phones — but you'll need a cable". The Verge. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  15. ^ "Backbone One's companion app gets an overhaul, with a subscription fee for new users only". TechCrunch. 4 November 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  16. ^ a b c "Backbone One iPhone controller users get new features with optional subscription". AppleInsider. 4 November 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  17. ^ Holt, Kris. "Backbone Raises $40 Million From Index Ventures And Celebrities To Grow Its Gaming Business". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  18. ^ Beresford, Trilby (2022-02-23). "Gaming Company Backbone Reveals Series A Funding Backed by Ashton Kutcher, The Weeknd, Kevin Hart and More". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  19. ^ "Introducing Backbone One – PlayStation Edition, an officially licensed controller for PlayStation". PlayStation.Blog. 2022-07-28. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  20. ^ a b Kaser, Rachel (2022-07-29). "Backbone launches a licensed PlayStation-style controller for iPhone". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  21. ^ "Sony Releases an Official iPhone Controller for PS5 In Backbone One". PCMAG. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  22. ^ Faulkner, Cameron (2022-07-28). "The first official PlayStation-friendly iPhone controller is a Backbone One". The Verge. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  23. ^ a b "Expanding Designed for Xbox Mobile Accessories to iOS Devices". Xbox Wire. 2021-06-28. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  24. ^ Lyles, Taylor (2024-03-19). "Backbone One Second Gen Controller Lets You Game On your Phone, Without Having to Take the Case Off". IGN. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  25. ^ Altland, Rikka (2024-03-19). "Backbone debuts 2nd Gen iPhone Lightning controller grip with magnetic adapters, new D-pad, more". 9to5toys. Retrieved 2024-10-31.
  26. ^ "The Best Controller Grip for iPhones Just Got a Major Upgrade". Inverse. 2024-03-19. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  27. ^ Zachary Boddy (2023-11-08). "The new Backbone One is the USB Type-C mobile controller to play them all, and it's available now". Windows Central. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  28. ^ Morris, Iwan (2024-09-13). "Backbone One 2nd gen controller to feature support for the upcoming iPhone 16". www.pocketgamer.com. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  29. ^ "GeForce NOW Recommended Routers & Controllers". NVIDIA. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  30. ^ "Hit iPhone controller Backbone One scores Xbox Game Pass partnership at xCloud's iOS launch today". TechCrunch. 28 June 2021. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  31. ^ "The Test Lab: A Daily Frenzic Challenge • The Breakroom". Iconfactory Blog. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  32. ^ "Backbone One review". Engadget. 19 January 2022. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  33. ^ Lyles, Taylor (2024-01-24). "Death Stranding-Themed Limited Edition Controller Announced by Backbone". IGN. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  34. ^ "Death Stranding Limited-Edition Backbone Controller Is Selling Out Fast". GameSpot. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  35. ^ Velocci, Carli (2024-01-24). "There's a new Death Stranding-inspired phone controller, and it's pee-colored". Polygon. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  36. ^ Wallace, Mitch. "Post Malone's New Backbone Controller Is Translucent Green And Glow-In-The-Dark". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  37. ^ Duncan Robertson (2024-06-18). "Post Malone and Backbone are collaborating on a limited-edition mobile controller". gamesradar. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  38. ^ Johnston, Rylee (2024-06-25). "Post Malone Is Leveling Up Gaming Accessories With a Limited-Edition Backbone Controller". Billboard. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
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