Today we're taking a peek at the smart TV, Android TV device called NVIDIA SHIELD TV and its latest update. This update is the 25th update to the device since its launch in May of 2015. This is a device that's been praised for updates long after competitors have abandoned their devices - it's one of the longest-lasting Android devices ever made.
Game streaming news continues to flow especially during these days when the console hardware market seems to be waiting with bated breath for the next big thing. The promise of universal gaming is strong but its current implementations are not that convincing since you're limited by what devices or specific models are officially supported. NVIDIA might be preparing to expand the coverage of GeForce NOW that could give it an ironic advantage over Stadia on Google's own turf.
There has been a surge in purchases of entertainment consumer electronics these past months because of the prospect of being bored at home. Many of these involve the likes of smart TV and consoles like the Nintendo Switch but some have also opted to finally get their hands on NVIDIA's latest Android TV device. Much to their surprise and dismay, some outlets have listed the SHIELD TV Pro as "discontinued" but NVIDIA is quick to assure them that it isn't the case at all.
A rumor today suggests that Google may finally have an answer for the Amazon Fire TV Stick and other dongle-like smart TV platforms. This device would be a follow-up to the Google Chromecast Ultra, a relatively small device that plugs into an HDMI port at the back of a television and requires its own power source - generally provided by a power cord also included in the box. That device does not run Android TV - this new device might.
Cyberpunk 2077 will be playable on an Apple computer on launch day - despite its complete lack of compatibility with macOS (or Mac OS, if you prefer). This release works with GeForce NOW, the NVIDIA game streaming system that allows users to take advantage of NVIDIA's game servers to play anywhere you've got a good internet connection. Cyberpunk 2077 is also supposed to be released with Google Stadia, but no release date has yet been revealed.
It isn't uncommon for companies, especially those with fewer resources to devote to multiple generations of products, to discontinue an old model once a new one becomes available. The common practice, however, is to make sure that the new one is really available to consumers before yanking the old one out of the picture. Whether by mistake or by design, that isn't the case of NVIDIA's new SHIELD Remote and anyone who needs to buy one will have to wait for the new Remote to start shipping in about two months' time.
NVIDIA shook things up a bit when it launched its new SHIELD TV products. The Pro model, while looking exactly the same, got a much-needed spec bump while the non-Pro version sported a new and curious tubular design. Both, however, shared one thing in common beyond the Tegra X1 chip. Both had a redesigned and more powerful remote control that may have just gotten more useful thanks to a third-party button remapping app.
For something intended to be hidden out of sight, the NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2019) sure is a funny shape. Then again, after four years solidifying its reputation as the go-to Android TV box, perhaps NVIDIA's brand new SHIELD TV is allowed to step outside the lines a little. One thing's for sure: with a new AI-powered upscaler, lower sticker price, and brand new remote, there's more to this 2019 model than just a fresh shape.
NVIDIA's much-loved SHIELD TV is getting an upgrade, and this time the two versions of the Android TV set-top box each pack a new, AI-powered upscaling system. For gamers and the most demanding users, there's the SHIELD TV Pro, while those who simply want a potent way to watch streaming content get the SHIELD TV (2019).
Amazon made a mistake in listing the NVIDIA SHIELD reboot for the year 2019 today. Apparently the Android TV device was not yet meant for this world, as it's been once-again de-listed as quickly as it appeared. The TV set was shown available on pre-order for approximately $199.99 USD with free shipping. This device was listed with a new NVIDIA Tegra X1+ processor that's "25% faster than the previous generation" with "enhanced HD video in real-time to 4K for clearer, crisper visuals using next-generation AI upscaling."
After NVIDIA bowed out of the mobile rat race, it didn't completely step out of the Android market. In fact, by removing smartphones and tablets from its attention, it was able to pour all its focus on the NVIDIA SHIELD, an Android TV device that just keeps on giving nearly five years later. That said, the device is showing its age and there have been signs of a new NVIDIA SHIELD but, apparently, it won't just be one but will have two models coming hopefully really soon.
The original NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV device was released in the year 2015. In the year 2019, NVIDIA is still releasing significant software updates. Our modern hardware/software world makes most people expect that any non-laptop or desktop PC device they purchase will work fine for a couple years, then will probably slow a significant amount. With the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV smart gaming device, that does NOT seem to be true.