NVIDIA announced through a blog post on its website Wednesday that a new software update (Upgrade 8.0) for its Shield TV set-top streaming media adapter brings an upgrade to the Android TV platform (Android 9.0 Pie), a redesigned settings menu and various app additions and enhancements.
NVIDIA said Shield “is the first Android TV device to upgrade to Android 9.0 Pie” and will offer faster and easier setup for new users.
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At the same time, enthusiast-level users will be able to enjoy a new feature called Match Content Color Space that will automatically switch the display mode to deliver more accurate colors both on the home screen and when viewing content including 4K movies with high dynamic range (HDR).
The 8.0 update also brings the Hulu Live TV streaming service and a new UI from Hulu. Hulu’s Live TV subscription offering will be offered along with the previously available on-demand shows, movies, and Hulu Originals, NVIDIA said.
NVIDIA said the firmware update begain rolling out Wednesday and should be completed in time for the start of the college and pro football coverage.
In addition, the Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Twitch apps have been updated in the NVIDIA Shield firmware release. In the case of Netflix NVIDIA said the sound quality has been enhanced to a level that “rivals professional recording studios in the form of Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound for audio up to 640 kbps.”
The Amazon Prime Video app, meanwhile, has been upgraded to support 4K Ultra HD such that users can cast favorite Prime Video movies or TV shows from a mobile phone to Shield in full 4K. Similarly, the FandangoNOW app received an update to present new movie UHD movies like Captain Marvel, Dumbo and US in 4K and HDR streaming.
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The Twitch app gets a fully revamped UI, with better navigation and the ability to use an onscreen keyboard.
New app additions to Shield include Bravo and E!.
For gamers, the update brings a new version of the SiNKR puzzle game, entitled SiNKR2. This includes an all-new layout. In addition, more than 500 supported games are now available on GeForce Now, with new titles added regularly.
Other noteworthy enhancements include the following:
“Display and Sounds” settings add easier to navigate menus.
Improved volume dynamic range for USB and bluetooth headsets.
Shield TV remote app adds improved Bluetooth pairing and connection.
720p refresh rate switching on supported apps.
“Disconnect Bluetooth accessories” option added to quick settings.
Customized on/off functionality through new IR power control options.
USB power off option in sleep mode.
Option to connect to 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network with shared SSID.
By Greg Tarr
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