The new Google TV-like user interface for Android TV devices has started rolling out on Nvidia Shield in select regions. It has new features like 'Discover'.
Not quite Google TV
It looks like Google TV but some features and tabs (like 'For You') are missing. On existing Android TV devices you will see three main tabs: Home, Discover, and Apps
After coming to Sony TVs from 2020 and earlier, the refreshed Android TV user interface has now started rolling out on Nvidia Shield. The company says that it should appear automatically on devices in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and USA over the next week or so.
All regions except Italy and Spain will get new 'Discover' tab. Nvidia did not comment on its roll-out plans for other regions but based on Google's comments we expect the new interface to reach all countries eventually.
Old Nvidia Shield (left) and new Nvidia Shield (right)
Content recommendations
Google says that it is a more content-centric interface that should make it easier to find and discover content. There big space at the top (where you see Loki in the screenshot) is reserved for 'content recommendations', a move that draws ire from some users who see it as a large billboard ad. Until now, Nvidia had steered clear of Android TV homescreen ads.
Also read: Review: Nvidia Shield 2019
The new user interface does not require a system update on Nvidia Shield. The company has yet to comment on its plans to update Shield beyond Android 9 from 2018.
- Source: Nvidia via The Verge
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