So it looks like we’re finally getting Android 6.0 Marshmallow on the fastest Android device there is (for now) – the NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV console. It took a bit of time to get here, but we’re finally getting it. But that’s not all we’re getting – NVIDIA is also pushing the newfangled Vulkan graphics API to the SHIELD console, for better graphics resource management.
Android Marshmallow to the NVIDIA SHIELD console means we get all the power efficiency, tweaks, new features, and performance gains that Google pushed to the latest version of Android. That brings the NVIDIA SHIELD software version to 3.0, and it brings Marshmallow flavors and features like Adoptable Storage, which helps you super-size your storage capabilities. NVIDIA is also bringing an enhanced startup process for launching apps, compressing the steps users need to take before launching apps, movies, music and games.
The new Vulkan graphics API will make what is already a formidable graphics platform – the NVIDIA SHIELD boasts of the 256-core Maxwell GPU – all the more efficient, if that’s even possible. The Vulkan API provides efficient, low-level access to the Maxwell GPU in the SHIELD Android TV console, and makes rendering graphics more efficient for the device.
Here are the other improvements and tweaks you can expect from this new update:
– Upgradable storage and home screen customization
– Quick access to the power menu on the homescreen by long pressing the “Back” button
– Seamless switching between surround sound and headset audio in Netflix app
– Wireless support for SHIELD controller when charging via USB, including headset audio and voice search
– Improved color support for YUV 4:2:0 video playback
– Option to set 1080p 60Hz resolution on Ultra HD TVs
– Option to set RGB Full Range via Settings > HDMI > Dynamic Range
– Improved support for Denon receivers and CEC volume control for more audio receivers
SOURCE: NVIDIA
Shield TV ftw