Today during Google I/O 2017, Google announced the next available version of Android O. This is the second developer preview of Android O, and one which is now available to download on a number of Nexus and Pixel devices, including the Nexus Player. Speaking of which, the Nexus Player seems to be one of the devices that is getting the most significant of changes with this latest Android update. At the very least, aesthetically speaking. This is due to the Developer Preview 2 of Android O bringing with it a new interface for Android TV. However, in Android TV land, the Nexus Player is quite likely no longer the most widely-used device. That title more than likely now belongs to the NVIDIA SHIELD. So if you are the owner of an NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV (2015 or 2017) and are wondering when Android O will become available for your device. The short answer is – NVIDIA is working on it.
NVIDIA’s General Manager of SHIELD, Ali Kani, has confirmed to us that NVIDIA is in the process of getting Android O ready for the NVIDIA SHIELD. Specifically, Kani notes that SHIELD owners should “stay tuned for future details” and that NVIDIA is “looking forward to the exciting new features that Android O will bring to SHIELD TV.” Of course, this does not provide any firm details on when the SHIELD will get Android O, but Kani does also note that NVIDIA is “eager to deliver” those features included with Android O to its SHIELD customers.
If you missed the earlier announcement on Android TV, then as mentioned, this preview version brings with it what Google states is an improved user interface. This is mainly summed up by the interface adopting a style which looks to promote some apps and content over others – with the assumption being content and apps that you want to see more prominently. However, in making some apps more prominent, it seems others are being pushed into the background a little more. So while it does seem that not as much content will be as readily available as it once was, Google hopes what is more prominent, will be what an Android TV user wants to see.