NVIDIA Shield TV app among 20 new updates
Ever wish you had a keyboard and mouse handy so you could log in to apps on your NVIDIA Shield TV?
Well, now you do.
The NVIDIA Shield TV app is among a number of new features and improvements being rolled out today as part of the Shield’s Experience Upgrade 7.1
Here are a few highlights that should be of interest to cord cutters and gamers.
- NVIDIA Shield TV app: a virtual keyboard and mouse companion that significantly cuts down on login frustrations. Download it for Android from the Google Play Store or for iOS on the App Store.
- NVIDIA Share: This feature allows you to capture screenshots, record game highlights and stream your gameplay to Twitch. It can be enabled within the NVIDIA Share menu in System > Settings.
- In-Game Voice Chat: support for communicating in top titles like Fortniteand PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS. You can now connect a headset and mic to the SHIELDcontroller 3.5mm jack.
- 120Hz modes for supported TVs and monitors
- Quick settings for power off, restart and sleep
The Experience Upgrade 7.1 marks the 20th software upgrade for Shield TV since the 4K streamer hit the market in 2015. NVIDIA said in a released statement that, “we’ve tried to deliver on the requests of our passionate fan base without asking them to buy new hardware year over year. We want Shield to be the only device you need for living room entertainment.”
Over the years, Shield owners have received new streaming, gaming and smart home features; as well as three operating system upgrades, including a revamped user interface with Android 8.0 Oreo.
4K Streaming with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
The Shield was the first streaming media player to deliver 4K HDR in many top apps like Netflix and Prime Video. Now it’s the home to the largest 4K library of any media streamer.
It’s the best device for Plex users because Shield has the capability to watch and record live TV, while serving entertainment libraries as both a Plex client and Plex Media Server. The Shield can stream content at up to 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos and DTS-X surround pass-through.
Users can tap into both Prime Video and Amazon Music by casting to the Shield. And there’s support for iTunes Movies through the Movies Anywhere app and iTunes Music via Google Music Manager mean. So iOS users can now bring their libraries to Shield.
NVIDIA has also been upgrading deep search integration and direct play media controls with your voice. Shield powers an immersive YouTube experience with YouTube TV, YouTube 360 and YouTube Kids. Check out my latest review comparing the NVIDIA Shield TV vs Fire TV Cube.
Did you update already to Experience Upgrade 7.1? What’s your favorite new feature? Tell fellow readers in the comments below.
Founder and Editor of The Cord Cutting Report. Before launching the site in 2016, he worked for more than two decades as a staff writer or correspondent for a number of daily newspapers, including The Boston Globe. His enthusiasm for tech began with the Atari 2600. Follow @james_kimble
Leave a Reply