Nvidia recently announced the Shield Experience Upgrade 8.0 for the Shield TV. The update finally brings Android 9 Pie to the Shield TV, the first Android TV device to get Google’s latest version of Android.
Pie streamlines the interface to make it easier to access the apps and settings. Along with an updated interface are the updated colors, improved organization, and a streamlined set-up process. There’s also a heavier emphasis on Google Assistant, with an enormous microphone icon and search area at the top of the main menu.
The update additionally highlights the updated Hulu with Live TV app. The interface is analogous to what one can see on the smartphone and tablet versions of the app, with a horizontal list of categories and vertical lists of shows and movies. The updated Hulu with Live TV app can complete its rollout within the returning weeks.
Other goodies embrace 20 new GeForce Now games, three new Shield TV games, and more. Here’s the full changelog:
- Updates “Display and Sounds” advanced setting into two easier to navigate menus.
- Adds option to match content colour space (Settings > Display & Sound > Advanced).
- Improved volume dynamic range for USB and Bluetooth connected headsets.
- Shield TV remote app adds Bluetooth assist for pairing and improves connection.
- Enables 720p refresh rate switching on supported apps.
- Adds “Disconnect Bluetooth accessories” option to quick settings.
- Adds IR power control options to customize on/off functionality.
- Adds the option to turn off USB power when Shield sleeps.
- Adds option to connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network with shared SSID.
- Latest accessory firmware versions:
- Shield controller (2017): v1.30
- Shield controller (2015): v1.96/99/3.71/0.32
- Shield remote (2017): v1.43
- Shield remote (2015): v1.36
Your everyday experience with the Shield will not modify dramatically after the update, but that’s a good thing. Nvidia is maintaining this piece of hardware higher than any other Android device. Even though it’s running behind on updates with Android Q returning soon, it’s still been supported for more than four years. If solely you may expect that from Samsung once you buy its latest $1,000 smartphone. The Shield remains on sale nowadays (in its second incarnation) beginning at $180.
