NVIDIA has come a long way from being known just as a graphics card maker to another big name in the gaming console industry. It launched the NVIDIA SHIELD TV back in 2015 and the company has only been releasing updates to improve the system. There’s no hardware upgrade yet only major software updates. We see to it that we share them with you so your NVIDIA device will be up-to-date. The last NVIDIA SHIELD TV update we noted was the 6.3 version. It didn’t deliver Oreo but only the Android security patches for Spectre vulnerability, USB compatibility mode, and YUV 8 bit BT 2020 video playback support.
This time around, NVIDIA is finally rolling out one important upgrade: SHIELD EXPERIENCE UPGRADE 7.0. Finally, the much-awaited Android 8.0 Oreo is here. We’re complaining that it took NVIDIA a while. In fact, we’re just grateful for it’s one of the few brands that are committed to bringing updates to an older device in order to work as if new. The device was launched with Android 5.1 Lollipop with Android TV. It was updated to Android 6.0 Marshmallow and then Android 7.0 Nougat.
There’s SHIELD Experience 6.3, 6.2 adding Google Support for more services, and 6.0 for Google Assistant from last year. It’s good that NVIDIA is working on the software instead of planning and developing for new ones. Really, this is how tech companies and device manufacturers should do it. OEMs must not focus more on the hardware but give importance to software.
As for SHIELD EXPERIENCE UPGRADE 7.0, this update brings a brand new home screen. Android 8.0 Oreo brings all entertainment in one place. In one screen, you can watch live TV, stream media, access video-on-demand, and play games. You can all customize the screen according to your preferences and set only the items you want to see.
On the home screen, you can choose your favorite apps and set the order. Simply hold the ‘Select’ button on the app to move it. Hold the ‘Home’ button to access all apps. You may also choose the red Apps icon. With the Oreo update, you can continue watching or playing where you left off. The ‘Play Next’ option lets you add content so you can restart watching if you don’t finish a show, movie, or game. The Oreo version also lets you choose the channels you enjoy watching and the order. Navigate left to move a channel or remove it.
You can prepare your own “TV Guide” by organizing your favorite apps. Right on the home screen, you can preview shows from each app or channel. Several apps for NVIDIA are also receiving updates. They are as follows:
• Amazon Prime Video – new user interface, ability to add/remove shows to Watchlist
• PLEX Media Server – expanded storage options, move to USB storage devices
• ESPN+ – watch live sports sans a cable plan, subscription service now available
• YouTube Red Originals – watch in 4K Ultra HD on YouTube TV
• FandangoNOW – more movies in 4K Ultra HD
• SmartThings Hub – update allows Zigbee and Z-wave devices to run locally without cloud processing
• CNBC – watch CNBC’s business news, financial information, and market data-related shows
• Dish Network – access live TV, recorded shows, or on-demand movies from your SHIELD device
• Trulia – start searching for your dream home on our TV
• Google Assistant – six new voices are added
NVIDIA also adds new smart home partners including Arlo cameras, Emerson Sensi, Ikea Tadfri, LG Smart Appliances, Scenes support for Phillips Hue and support for new services such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Lonely Planet Travel Guide, and UPS.
SOURCE: NVIDIA
