When it comes to Android TV, the platform does bring with it a number of nice features and certainly a much greater ability to consume media content than on other devices. However, in terms of features, one device which does continually stand out is the NVIDIA SHIELD. This is already the most feature-rich Android TV device available, as it brings with it all the ‘stock’ features you will find on other Android TV devices, as well as a number of unique SHIELD-only features like access to more than 300 dedicated SHIELD games. A list of features which will soon become even bigger with the arrival of the next update, SHIELD Experience Upgrade 3.2.
While NVIDIA has not revealed exactly when the next update will arrive, the company has confirmed that it will arrive in the next few weeks. Some of the new features that are on the way had been already disclosed during Google I/O with NVIDIA confirming that the next update will include support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) and in particular with the likes of Netflix, YouTube, GameStream and VUDU. Speaking of which, VUDU support in general is also a feature which will come as a result of the next update with the app being optimized to be used specifically on the SHIELD. In addition, Netflix will be gaining in-app voice search controls and YouTube will be gaining 4K playback at 60fps.
Some of the other new features that will be on offer include Dolby Atmos support for better audio quality during playback and especially with the likes of VUDU, Plex, MX Player and SPMC, to name a few. Earlier today, NVIDIA and Plex also announced an extremely useful new feature which will be arriving with the next update. This is the implementation of the Plex Media Server as a natural built-in feature on SHIELD and one which will provide owners of the SHIELD the ability to run the entire Media Server directly off the SHIELD. Of course, this is also not taking into consideration the amount of new apps and games which will be in the pipeline and en route following the update. As mentioned, there is still no firm details on when the update will begin its roll out to the NVIDIA SHIELD, although it will be happening within the next few weeks and with it, will come a ton of new features for SHIELD owners to make use of.