Nvidia has released a major software update for the Shield media player. As part of Android 8 Oreo the Shield gets a compelely revamped user interface.
Android Oreo on Nvidia Shield
At last year’s I/O conference, Google announced a revamped user interface for Android TV but it took a full year for Android 8 – or Android Oreo – to reach the first popular device.
Unspurprisingly, this device is the Nvidia Shield. The company previously postponed the roll out, arguing that app developers had yet to update and prepare their apps for the radical changes to the user interface that involves switching away from the old icon-based content rows to a new user interface based on ”channels”. With the change, Netflix, HBO, Youtube, and all other service get their own dedicated channel row that can be used to push content on the main screen.
Nvidia explains that users can customize the home screen as desired to include only favorite apps. Other apps can be hidden in an app drawer. A new initiative with Android Oreo on TV is ’Play Next’ that recommends new content from multiple services in one of the a content rows.
Also watch: Video: First impressions of new user interface in Android TV
Updating to Android Oreo will likely come as a surprise to many users due to the drastic changes but you might as well get used to it as Google dictates most elements of the Android TV user interface. The same user interface changes are coming to Android TVs from Philips, Sony, and other brands in the future.
Security & performance fixes
Nvidia used the opportunity to highlight a handful of app releases and updates on Android TV. Amazon Video was recently updated with a refreshed user interface and Plex now lets you store recordings on external USB devices.
The company also highlighted new games, including Shadowgun Legends, Crashlands, Mophite, and Dandara.
Lastly, the software includes various security and performance fixes. See the table below for more details.
’Nvidia Experience Upgrade 7.0’ is free and is rolling out gradually over the coming weeks.
Nvidia Shield Upgrade 7.0
What's New?
A Brand New Home Screen
All your entertainment is now in one place with Android 8.0 Oreo. Live TV, video-on-demand, streaming media, and games - it’s all there and it’s fully customizable!
Favorite Apps: You choose the apps and the order! Hold the Select button on an app to move it. To access all your apps, hold the Home button or select the red Apps icon.
Play Next: Continue where you left off in TV shows, movies, and games. To add content to Play Next, navigate to the content and hold the Select button. Note: Not all apps support Play Next.
Channels: Discover new entertainment from your favorite apps. You choose the channels and the order. Navigate left on a channel to move or remove it. Note: Not all apps support Channels.
Apps are TV Channels
Organize your favorite apps into a “TV guide” style layout. See shows from each app on the home screen. |
Other Enhancements
- The latest monthly Android security updates
- Quick access to Settings when you’re on the home screen by holding the Back button
- Support for high polling rate gaming mice for NVIDIA GameStream
- Improved support for game controllers:
- Customize SHIELD controller thumbstick dead zones (Settings-> Apps-> Input viewer)
- Xbox 360 and DualShock 4 v2 controllers
- DualShock 4 controllers using USB wireless adapter
- Adds “Connect” option to re-pair disconnected Bluetooth accessories (Settings->Accessories)
- Ability to connect to Wi-Fi without disconnecting Ethernet (Settings-> Network-> Ethernet)
- General stability fixes on SHIELD remote (2017) and controller (2017)
- Latest accessory firmware versions:
- SHIELD controller (2017): v1.24
- SHIELD controller (2015): v1.96/99/3.71/0.32
- SHIELD remote (2017): v1.33
- SHIELD remote (rechargeable): v.1.30 |
- Source: Nvidia
