Nvidia Updates SHIELD Hub, Brings 1080p 60 FPS Streaming To Console Mode

By Niels Broekhuijsen
published

Nvidia has updated its SHIELD Hub, adding 60 FPS 1080p streaming for console mode and a new interface.

Nvidia's mobile gaming device, the SHIELD, has been around for well over a year now, but that doesn't mean it isn't getting any love from Nvidia anymore. Today, the company announced that it updated the SHIELD Hub, which is the game launcher platform for the device. The update brings two new major changes. Naturally, the update is also available for the SHIELD tablet.

The first is an updated graphic user interface. It makes more efficient use of the limited screen real estate, meaning that it shows more of your games at once, reducing the need to scroll. It also brings the new Android look and feel to the launcher.

What's more interesting, though, is the improved GameStream functionality in console mode. GameStream is Nvidia's technology to use your desktop to render games, which then get displayed on your Nvidia SHIELD over a WiFi connection.

One of the features of the Nvidia SHIELD is Console Mode, which allows you to connect your SHIELD to a television. While in the past the quality was somewhat limited, with the new SHIELD Hub you will be able to stream 1080p content at up to 60 FPS, which is pretty cool. Do note, you will need to be connected to a 5 GHz 802.11n or 802.11ac network to be able to stream at 1080p, and it won't work at all over remote connections. Of course, under these circumstances, a lot of folks probably just connected their PC to the TV before this update.

The update is available for download immediately.

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Niels Broekhuijsen
Niels Broekhuijsen

Niels Broekhuijsen is a Contributing Writer for Tom's Hardware US. He reviews cases, water cooling and pc builds.

9 Comments Comment from the forums
  • dovah-chan
    Well when I want to play on the big screen I hook up my laptop and stream from my desktop using Steam in home streaming. I can see a lot of value (especially for me) the ability to lay in bed and play PC games.

    But seriously if you're that lazy to not get off your bum and sit down in front of a desk, then I don't know how you're typing this reply unless you're in bed on your phone (like me).

    Holy crap I love mobile devices that I can lay in bed with. Hurray for laziness!
    Reply
  • yumri
    It is a cool new feature of the nVidia Sheild but as said in the article everyone would would have wanted that before now on it would have most likely dont it with an actual TV by now

    @dovah-chan get a girlfreind instead of a gaming console you lonely guy as a lady is much better than a virtual anything.
    Reply
  • fuzzion
    Though i will be spending my money on either a free-sync or g-sync monitor or even an Oculas VR kit over this i view this as proof of future technology concept
    Reply
  • mortonww
    I think this means they can't call it "console" mode anymore ;)
    Reply
  • peterf28
    Iam also mega lazy . Like dovah-chan .
    Reply
  • 2Be_or_Not2Be
    Hmm... are people actually buying the Shield? It would interesting to see real sale numbers on it. I personally can't imagine why anyone would buy it over a 3DS, Vita, or even an iPad/Android tablet.
    Reply
  • aberkae
    Pretty sweet update i was waiting for this update, i always wanted to use my enthusiast pc as a server and stream games at 1080p around my home
    Reply
  • John Wittenberg
    2Be_or_Not2Be, while it may be small it's also the most powerful android tablet you can get - and it won't break the bank either. Even if you just use it as a regular tablet the price point is still better than most other (reputable) brands.
    Reply
  • Nick Burke
    As far as I understand, 1080p 60 streaming is for console mode only. Can you stream and display on the tablet's screen at 1080p 60 too or does it have to be plugged in to a TV?
    Reply