The latest update for the NVIDIA SHIELD has been detailed. This update isn’t scheduled to arrive until early April, but it is one that should have SHIELD users looking forward to seeing arrive. NVIDIA has said this update will bring the system to Android 4.4.2. While Kit Kat sounds nice, there is so much more involved here including key updates for Gamepad Mapper, TegraZone, and GameStream.
Gamepad Mapper
Beginning first with the Gamepad Mapper. Here we have what is being dubbed a “new, polished up user interface.” NVIDIA mentioned how this means easier access to download and share Mapper profiles, as well as the ability to access Mapper with a long press of the NVIDIA button or the Start button.
TegraZone
In terms of the TegraZone portion of the update — this means a new UI which should help in regards to game organization and discovery. TegraZone will also get a new integrated news feed with the latest SHIELD and TegraZone articles. NVIDIA also mentioned how there are now 140 games available in the TegraZone.
GameStream
With Gamepad Mapper and TegraZone out of the way, we can now get into what seems to be the key piece of this update — the GameStream portion. This includes Remote GameStream, notebook support, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support and more.
Remote GameStream and the notebook support are both noted as being in beta. As for the Remote GameStream, this means SHIELD users will be able to stream PC games to SHIELD from outside the home. This will include wake on LAN support and remote login support. The notebook support will allow users to stream PC games to SHIELD — provided they are using a compatible GeForce GTX-based notebook computer.
The Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support touches on the Console Mode on SHIELD. Basically, those streaming a keyboard and mouse PC game from the computer to the big screen (through Console Mode on the SHIELD) will now have proper peripheral support. And lastly, those additional GameStream enhancements break down as follows;
- Manually add unofficially supported games to your GameStream list from GeForce Experience.
- Pin-based PC to SHIELD pairing with ability to pair multiple PCs to your SHIELD .
- USB Y-cable support – charge your SHIELD when using Ethernet in Console Mode with a micro USB Host OTG Y Cable .
- Advanced Settings – manually set bitrate, FPS, and optimal settings preferences. In TegraZone, go to Settings -> GameStream PCs -> Menu -> Advanced.
