Nvidia continues to introduce new features on its Shield box and the latest software update adds DTS:X pass-through and support for Dolby Atmos in more apps, including Plex. Android TV version 7.0 – Nougat – is still pending.
Nvidia Shield update
Nvidia appears to be phasing out the current Shield box. Rumor has it that new hardware is coming soon. However, the company will continue to release software updates.
The latest update adds DTS:X pass-through in the Plex, Kodi, and MX Player apps. DTS:X is an alternative to Dolby Atmos, an object-based audio technology.
The Shield box already featured Dolby Atmos pass-through but it seems that a system update was required to activate it in the popular Plex app. At least that is what the release notes for the update say. Atmos was already supported in MX Player, SPMC, Vudu, and the preloaded Photos & Video app.
In June 2016, Nvidia made it possible to use Shield as a Plex server and also added support for YouTube 4K60 and improved HDMI CEC control.
Android TV Nougat coming later
The next major version of Android TV, dubbed 7.0 Nougat, is coming later. In May 2016, the company confirmed that Shield box will get Android Nougat.
The next major Android version will include picture-in-picture, app recording, multiple accounts, a new multitasking menu, and HDR support on a system level.
Nvidia has dubbed the update "Experience Upgrade 3.3" and it can be downloaded for free now.
New features in Nvidia Experience Upgrade 3.3
| DTS:X audio pass-through in Plex, Kodi v17 and MX Player |
| Dolby Atmos audio pass-through support in Plex |
| Delivers the latest monthly Android security updates |
| Adds support for Vulkan 1.0.1.0 Conformance Test Suite |
| New games from GeForce Now and Android |
| Improves video playback at 50Hz for interlaced content |
| “Access SHIELD folders on PC” setting persists through system restart |
| SHIELD + Plex Media Server no longer requires restart after adopting storage |
| Plex web app no longer displays adopted storage as “Null” |
