As suggested by previous rumors, Nvidia does indeed intend to make its Nvidia Shield TV boxes under Android 11. Moreover, the deployment of the update has already begun on all models, including the one launched in 2015 .
As you may know, the Nvidia Shield TV, one of the most successful and popular Android TV boxes on the market, hasn’t migrated to a new Android version for several years now. Since the switch to Android 9 in the summer of 2019, an update to a more recent version of Google’s OS is still awaited by users.
In August 2021, Nvidia finally breaks the silence, but its statement does not really delight the owners of the TV box. Indeed, the manufacturer announces that it prefers to ignore Android 10, which has its eyes, does not bring enough new features compared to the previous version. What are the company’s plans then? Maybe a migration to Android 12 directly, the latest version of the Mountain View company’s operating system?
The vagueness remains, until rumors evoke a passage under Android 11. Once is not custom, these rumors were right. As Nvidia officially announced this Wednesday, January 12, 2022, theNvidia Shield TV set to receive Shield Software Experience Upgrade 9.0 update, which notably adds Android 11 and many new features.
Android 11 is finally coming to Nvidia Shield TVs
As the manufacturer points out, the deployment of the patch has already started (we were able to download it), and all generations of Nvidia Shield will be able to enjoy it, even the first models launched in 2015. In addition to the update to Android 11, the latest Shield software therefore brings some new features.
First, Nvidia decided to opt for Google’s Gboard keyboard for default text input, which makes it much easier to use the Google Assistant during your searches. In addition, the boxes are now compatible with aptX compatible Bluetooth headsets. Let’s list together the different additions of this update:
- September 2021 Android security update
- Option to automatically disconnect Bluetooth audio devices when in standby
- Option to adapt to the audio resolution of the content (high resolution stream)
- New power saving setting for advanced power customization
- Stadia button support with Xbox (including wireless), Playstation, SCUF, and Shield controllers
- Apple Remote support for the Apple TV app
- Automatic disconnection of Bluetooth devices when the box is in standby
- Added the following quick settings: Dolby Audio Processing and Match Content Audio Resolution
- Additional bug fixes
- Added support for DTS-HD HRA audio streams
- Added AV sync support for encoded audio (Dolby, DTS, etc.)
- Added some new apps like Apple TV, Google Play & Movies (Dolby Vision supported) and IQIYI
Note that subscribers to the GeForce Now premium plan (the RTX 3080 subscription billed at €99.99 for six months) will be able to take advantage of steaming in 4K HDR on their Nvidia Shield TV box. All with “ultra-immersive sound reproduction in 7.1″. Additionally, Founder and Priority members have early access to pre-orders on the GeForce Now portal.