Rumors are again swirling about a new SHIELD Android TV device from NVIDIA, this time stating that CES is the launchpad for the unveiling of the new unit. Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time that rumors have popped up about a replacement to the current model SHIELD Android TV. Back at the end of August some documents appeared at the FCC which pointed to a new SHIELD Android TV device coming, although there doesn’t seem to have been much in the way of details about the device since then, at least until now.
Other than it’s arrival and official confirmation at CES, the rumor also mentions that there will be some changes to the new unit, but ultimately that NVIDIA will be keeping things relatively similar in terms of hardware, although they will supposedly be updating the device’s specs where they need to. According to the details from SlashGear, the new SHIELD Android TV will have support for Wi-Fi 802.11ac, and to ensure that it always gets the best connections it reportedly has MIMO antennas inside. It’s also said that the name of the new device will not change, so when and if it actually launches consumers will probably be able to expect that it will be called the NVIDIA SHIELD, no more, no less.
There is also said to be some changes coming to the NVIDIA SHIELD controller. The current controller relies more heavily on Wi-Fi direct for a connection, while the new controller will instead transition to using Bluetooth Low Energy which may be due to a potentially better connection, although this is not stated. The remote that can be purchased for the SHIELD Android TV could end up transitioning to the new connectivity method as well, but it’s also possible that it could continue using Wi-Fi direct to connect up to the actual unit. Whether or not either accessory for the SHIELD changes up their connection method, it’s reported that both will have better battery life than the currently available models, which would certainly be a big benefit to any consumers looking to potentially pick up the device.