Backbone (company)

Backbone is an American technology company located in Vancouver, Washington.[1] The company is known for consumer electronics and computer software products for gaming on Apple iOS and Android devices. Backbone operates the Backbone app, a social and content creation hub for mobile devices.[2]

History

Backbone began as a startup by founder and CEO Maneet Khaira in 2018 while working at Google.[3] Khaira wanted to develop a more cohesive way to play games on mobile platforms.[4] 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.[5] Backbone launched the Backbone One controller on October 27, 2020 and made it immediately available for purchase via limited drops.[6]

In September 2021, Apple announced the iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models featuring larger camera units.[7][8] While the Backbone One was still compatible with the new models, some users voiced a desire for a more comfortable fitment.[9] 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.[10][11]

In November 2021, Backbone launched the Backbone+ service.[12] 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.[13] The service offers users in-app perks such as free trials to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Google Stadia.[14]

On February 23, 2022, Backbone announced it had raised $40 million in its Series A funding round led by Index Ventures.[15] 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.[3][16]

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.[17]

In June 2021, the company partnered with Microsoft to bring Xbox Cloud Gaming to iOS devices.[18] 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.[19]

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.[20]

In November 2021, Backbone and Twitch announced a partnership to integrate Twitch features within the Backbone+ service.[14] IGDB, Twitch’s game database, is used with the Backbone platform to display richer content within the app.[21] The announcement also revealed that players would have immediate access to Twitch streaming and viewing directly from the Backbone app.[14]

References
  1. "Review: This Backbone iPhone controller is your best option for xCloud". Windows Central. 2021-07-22. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  2. "Backbone App - Backbone". playbackbone.com. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  3. Astle, Aaron; Writer, Staff. "Backbone raises $40 million to bring console and PC games to mobile". pocketgamer.biz. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  4. Nelson, Major. "767: Battlefield 2042 and Backbone". Xbox's Major Nelson. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  5. "Backed by Mr. Beast and Nadeshot, Backbone One could finally crack mobile gaming". TechCrunch. Archived from the original on 2022-02-24. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  6. 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.
  7. "Apple unveils iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max — more pro than ever before". Apple Newsroom. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  8. "Report: iPhone 13 models will be thicker with even larger camera bump". iMore. 2021-05-10. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.
  13. "Backbone One's companion app gets an overhaul, with a subscription fee for new users only". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  14. "Backbone One iPhone controller users get new features with optional subscription". AppleInsider. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  15. Holt, Kris. "Backbone Raises $40 Million From Index Ventures And Celebrities To Grow Its Gaming Business". Forbes. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  16. 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.
  17. "GeForce NOW Recommended Routers & Controllers". NVIDIA. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  18. "Expanding Designed for Xbox Mobile Accessories to iOS Devices". Xbox Wire. 2021-06-28. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  19. "Hit iPhone controller Backbone One scores Xbox Game Pass partnership at xCloud's iOS launch today". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  20. "The Test Lab: A Daily Frenzic Challenge • The Breakroom". Iconfactory Blog. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
  21. "Backbone One review". Engadget. Retrieved 2022-03-22.
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