Backbone Labs
{{Short description|American technology company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Backbone Labs, Inc.
| native_name =
| logo = Backbone (company) logo (new).svg
| image =
| image_caption =
| type = Private
| industry = {{Unbulleted list | Consumer electronics | Software services | Online services
}}
| founded = 2018
| founders = Maneet Khaira
| hq_location = {{nowrap|Atherton, California}}
| products = {{Unbulleted list|Backbone One|Backbone App}}
| defunct =
| area_served = Worldwide
| website = {{URL|https://www.backbone.com/|backbone.com}}
}}
Backbone Labs is an American technology company with offices in Atherton, California and Seattle, Washington.{{Cite web |title=Early Money: San Francisco-based mobile gaming startup raises $40 million in Series A funding |url=https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/inno/stories/fundings/2022/02/24/early-money-mobile-gaming-firm-raises-40-million.html |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=www.bizjournals.com}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Backbone App - Backbone |url=https://playbackbone.com/app/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=playbackbone.com |language=en}}
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. 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.{{Cite magazine |last=Hill |first=Simon |title=Mobile Gaming Is Having a Moment—and Backbone Wants to Unite It |url=https://www.wired.com/story/mobile-gaming-in-2024-backbone/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}{{Cite web |last=Cabral |first=Matt |date=2022-04-25 |title=The Backbone One controller turns your iPhone into a true gaming console |url=https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/backbone-one |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=CNN Underscored |language=en}} 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
Backbone began as a startup by founder and CEO Maneet Khaira in 2018 while working at Google.{{Cite web |last1=Astle |first1=Aaron |last2=Writer |first2=Staff |title=Backbone raises $40 million to bring console and PC games to mobile |url=https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/78207/backbone-raises-40-million/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=pocketgamer.biz|date=23 February 2022 }} Khaira wanted to develop a more cohesive way to play games on mobile platforms.{{Cite web |last=Nelson |first=Major |title=767: Battlefield 2042 and Backbone |url=https://majornelson.com/podcast/767-battlefield-2042-and-the-backbone/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Xbox's Major Nelson |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Backed by Mr. Beast and Nadeshot, Backbone One could finally crack mobile gaming |url=https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=TechCrunch |date=27 October 2020 |language=en-US |archive-date=2022-02-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084331/https://techcrunch.com/2020/10/27/with-backing-from-mr-beast-and-nadeshot-backbone-one-could-finally-crack-competitive-mobile-gaming/ |url-status=live }} Backbone launched the Backbone One controller on October 27, 2020 and made it immediately available for purchase via limited drops.{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=2020-10-27 |title=The Backbone One is a stunning controller that turns your iPhone into a more capable gaming device |url=https://www.theverge.com/21525741/backbone-one-iphone-ios-controller-gaming-portable-review |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Verge |language=en}}
In September 2021, Apple announced the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models featuring larger camera units.{{Cite web |title=Apple unveils iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max — more pro than ever before |url=https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2021/09/apple-unveils-iphone-13-pro-and-iphone-13-pro-max-more-pro-than-ever-before/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Apple Newsroom |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-05-10 |title=Report: iPhone 13 models will be thicker with even larger camera bump |url=https://www.imore.com/report-iphone-13-models-will-be-thicker-even-larger-camera-bump |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=iMore}} While the Backbone One was still compatible with the new models, some users voiced a desire for a more comfortable fitment.{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=2021-09-24 |title=The iPhone 13 Pro's camera bump is a problem for the Backbone controller |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/24/22691301/iphone-13-pro-camera-bump-backbone-one-gaming-controller-accessory |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Verge |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2021-09-24 |title=Backbone Made a 3D-Printed Adapter, So Your New iPhone 13 Pro Will Fit in the Controller |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/backbone-one-ios-mobile-controller-iphone-13-pro-max-camera-bump-issues |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=IGN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Byford |first=Sam |date=2021-09-27 |title=Backbone releases free adapter and 3D-print files for iPhone 13 Pro camera bump issue |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/9/27/22695887/backbone-controller-iphone-13-pro-camera-bump-3d-printed-adapter |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Verge |language=en}}
In November 2021, Backbone launched the Backbone+ service.{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=2021-11-04 |title=The best iPhone gaming controller now works with Android phones — but you'll need a cable |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/11/4/22753567/backbone-one-plus-iphone-gaming-controller-android-phones |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Verge |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Backbone One's companion app gets an overhaul, with a subscription fee for new users only |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/11/04/backbone-ones-companion-app-gets-an-overhaul-with-a-subscription-fee-for-new-users-only/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=TechCrunch |date=4 November 2021 |language=en-US}} The service offers users in-app perks such as free trials to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Google Stadia.{{Cite web |title=Backbone One iPhone controller users get new features with optional subscription |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/11/04/backbone-one-iphone-controller-users-get-new-features-with-optional-subscription |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=AppleInsider |date=4 November 2021 |language=en}}
On February 23, 2022, Backbone announced it had raised $40 million in its Series A funding round led by Index Ventures.{{Cite web |last=Holt |first=Kris |title=Backbone Raises $40 Million From Index Ventures And Celebrities To Grow Its Gaming Business |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/krisholt/2022/02/23/backbone-raises-40-million-from-index-ventures-and-celebrities-to-grow-its-gaming-business/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Forbes |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Beresford |first=Trilby |date=2022-02-23 |title=Gaming Company Backbone Reveals Series A Funding Backed by Ashton Kutcher, The Weeknd, Kevin Hart and More |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/gaming-company-backbone-funding-backed-by-celebrities-1235095928/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}
In July 2022, Backbone collaborated with Sony's design team to develop a PlayStation-branded Backbone One controller.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-28 |title=Introducing Backbone One – PlayStation Edition, an officially licensed controller for PlayStation |url=https://blog.playstation.com/2022/07/28/introducing-backbone-one-playstation-edition-an-officially-licensed-controller-for-playstation/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=PlayStation.Blog |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Kaser |first=Rachel |date=2022-07-29 |title=Backbone launches a licensed PlayStation-style controller for iPhone |url=https://venturebeat.com/games/backbone-launches-a-licensed-playstation-style-controller-for-iphone/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}} The device resembled the DualSense controller in appearance.{{Cite web |title=Sony Releases an Official iPhone Controller for PS5 In Backbone One |url=https://www.pcmag.com/news/sony-releases-an-official-iphone-controller-for-ps5-in-backbone-one |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=PCMAG |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Faulkner |first=Cameron |date=2022-07-28 |title=The first official PlayStation-friendly iPhone controller is a Backbone One |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/28/23277204/sony-playstation-backbone-one-iphone-mobile-gaming-controller-ps-remote-play-games |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=The Verge |language=en}}
In 2023, the Backbone One 2nd Generation introduced refinements to the original design.{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2024-03-19 |title=Backbone One Second Gen Controller Lets You Game On your Phone, Without Having to Take the Case Off |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/backbone-one-second-gen-details-pricing-release-date |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=IGN |language=en}} This iteration features a refined directional pad, improved phone stability, and magnetic adapters, enabling greater compatibility with most phone cases and larger phones.{{Cite web |last=Altland |first=Rikka |date=2024-03-19 |title=Backbone debuts 2nd Gen iPhone Lightning controller grip with magnetic adapters, new D-pad, more |url=https://9to5toys.com/2024/03/19/backbone-one-2nd-gen-controller-grip-debut/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=9to5toys}} The device debuted with support for both iOS and Android devices with USB-C connectors.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-19 |title=The Best Controller Grip for iPhones Just Got a Major Upgrade |url=https://www.inverse.com/tech/backbone-one-second-gen-iphone-controller-lightning |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Inverse |language=en}} Backbone's retail expansion efforts made the product available from Backbone, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, GameStop, and Verizon.{{Cite web |author1=Zachary Boddy |date=2023-11-08 |title=The new Backbone One is the USB Type-C mobile controller to play them all, and it's available now |url=https://www.windowscentral.com/accessories/the-new-backbone-one-is-the-usb-type-c-mobile-controller-to-play-them-all-and-its-available-now |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Windows Central |language=en}}
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.{{Cite web |last=Morris |first=Iwan |date=2024-09-13 |title=Backbone One 2nd gen controller to feature support for the upcoming iPhone 16 |url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/news/iphone-16-compatibility/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=www.pocketgamer.com |language=en}}
Partnerships
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.{{Cite web |title=GeForce NOW Recommended Routers & Controllers |url=https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/recommended/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=NVIDIA |language=en-us}}
In June 2021, the company partnered with Microsoft to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to iOS devices.{{Cite web |date=2021-06-28 |title=Expanding Designed for Xbox Mobile Accessories to iOS Devices |url=https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2021/06/28/expanding-designed-for-xbox-mobile-accessories/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Xbox Wire |language=en-US}} 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.{{Cite web |title=Hit iPhone controller Backbone One scores Xbox Game Pass partnership at xCloud's iOS launch today |url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/06/28/hit-backbone-iphone-controller-scores-xbox-game-pass-partnership-at-xclouds-ios-launch-today/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=TechCrunch |date=28 June 2021 |language=en-US}}
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.{{Cite web |title=The Test Lab: A Daily Frenzic Challenge • The Breakroom |url=https://blog.iconfactory.com/2021/10/the-test-lab-a-daily-frenzic-challenge/ |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Iconfactory Blog |language=en-US}}
In November 2021, Backbone and Twitch announced a partnership to integrate Twitch features within the Backbone+ service. IGDB, Twitch’s game database, is used with the Backbone platform to display richer content within the app.{{Cite web |title=Backbone One review |url=https://www.engadget.com/backbone-one-ios-gamepad-review-143015385.html |access-date=2022-03-22 |website=Engadget |date=19 January 2022 |language=en-US}} The announcement also revealed that players would have immediate access to Twitch streaming and viewing directly from the Backbone app.
In January 2024, Backbone partnered with Kojima Productions to launch a limited edition Backbone One Death Stranding Edition.{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2024-01-24 |title=Death Stranding-Themed Limited Edition Controller Announced by Backbone |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/death-stranding-themed-limited-edition-controller-announced-by-backbone |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=IGN |language=en}} The device was themed after the studio’s premiere video game series, Death Stranding with translucent yellow plastic.{{Cite web |title=Death Stranding Limited-Edition Backbone Controller Is Selling Out Fast |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/death-stranding-backbone-controller-preorder/1100-6520599/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=GameSpot |language=en-US}} The limited edition controller was bundled with a free iOS copy of Death Stranding: Director's Cut.{{Cite web |last=Velocci |first=Carli |date=2024-01-24 |title=There's a new Death Stranding-inspired phone controller, and it's pee-colored |url=https://www.polygon.com/2024/1/24/24049119/death-stranding-directors-cut-backbone-one-controller-iphone-android |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}
In June 2024, Backbone and Post Malone released a limited-edition Backbone One mobile gaming controller.{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Mitch |title=Post Malone's New Backbone Controller Is Translucent Green And Glow-In-The-Dark |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/mitchwallace/2024/06/18/post-malones-new-backbone-controller-is-translucent-green-and-glow-in-the-dark/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=Forbes |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |author1=Duncan Robertson |date=2024-06-18 |title=Post Malone and Backbone are collaborating on a limited-edition mobile controller |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/hardware/gaming-controllers/post-malone-and-backbone-are-collaborating-on-a-limited-edition-mobile-controller/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |website=gamesradar |language=en}} Limited to 500 units and priced at $199.99, it featured enhancements like an aluminum D-pad and laser-etched buttons.{{Cite magazine |last=Johnston |first=Rylee |date=2024-06-25 |title=Post Malone Is Leveling Up Gaming Accessories With a Limited-Edition Backbone Controller |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/product-recommendations/post-malone-backbone-controller-where-to-buy-online-1235717062/ |access-date=2024-11-01 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}