NVIDIA has confirmed that the next update for the SHIELD Android TV is now in the process of rolling out. This update brings with it the ‘SHIELD Experience Upgrade 5.2’ and is rolling out to eligible devices over the course of the next couple of weeks. Although, those who are part of the SHIELD Preview Program, should expect to see the update sooner, if they have not already.
As for the actual update, this one brings with it support for a specific Plex feature that was only announced by Plex earlier today. That feature is support for free live TV for existing Plex Pass subscribers. Plex had confirmed that the newly added support for live TV would become available starting from today, and firstly on Android TV devices. In terms of the SHIELD, this update will add the updated version of Plex. Making the SHIELD one of the first confirmed devices supporting Plex’s new live TV feature. Of course, one of the added benefits of accessing this new feature via the SHIELD TV, is that the SHIELD is currently the only all-in-one Android TV Plex Media Server solution available. Which coupled with the addition of last year’s Plex DVR support, means the SHIELD is now a device that can single-handedly allow the user to view, watch, and record live TV. As well of course, allowing the user to watch remotely on other devices, due to the SHIELD’s ability to act as the main server hub for the Plex Media Server.
As part of the launch process of live TV on Plex, NVIDIA has also confirmed that new SHIELD TV owners will be able to take advantage of a free six-month subscription to Plex Pass – which is the subscription needed to take advantage of the newly-announced free live TV access. According to the details, this is a limited time promotion and is only available to new SHIELD TV owners. Generally speaking, the bulk of this update does indeed seem to be largely Plex-focused, although NVIDIA has noted some of the other aspects that the update brings with it. Most notably, the SHIELD now also supports a wider number of USB tuners, such as the WinTV USB tuner from Hauppauge – a tuner like this will be needed to take advantage of Plex’s live TV access and NVIDIA specifically name-dropped this one as a tried and tested tuner. In addition, the update also includes enhancements to the network storage directory and connectivity, improvements to Wi-Fi performance, and general SHIELD Remote and Controller ‘experience enhancements.’