Nvidia Updates Shield Android TV, Introduces Vulkan Support
Nvidia released an update to its Shield Android TV device today that introduces Android 6.0 Marshmallow to the device. The company also revealed the new update features drivers for the just released Vulkan graphics API.
Nvidia first revealed the new Shield Android TV updates to us at CES in January. In addition to updating the OS to Android 6.0 Marshmallow, the new version of SHIELD Android TV will let you increase your storage capacity with removable media, and customize the home screen to your liking. Nvidia also said you can now access the power menu on the home screen by holding the "Back" button down until the menu appears.
Nvidia told us a lot about the new update in January, but neglected to mention one important aspect. Today, Nvidia said that it is "equipping Android developers with fully conformant Vulkan drivers just one week after the specifications launched." The latest update for Shield Android TV is fully complaint with the Vulkan graphics API from the Khronos Group.
The update includes a number of small changes as well:
- Seamless switching between surround sound and headset audio in the Netflix app.
- Wireless support for Shield controller when charging via USB, including headset audio and voice search.
- Improved color support for YUV 4:2:0 video playback.
- Option to set 1080p 60Hz resolution on Ultra HD TVs.
- Option to set RGB Full Range via Settings > HDMI > Dynamic Range Improved support for Denon receivers and CEC volume control for more audio receivers.
Nvidia said this is an over-the-air update that is available today.
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Kevin Carbotte is a contributing writer for Tom's Hardware who primarily covers VR and AR hardware. He has been writing for us for more than four years.
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derekullo "The latest update for Shield Android TV is fully complaint with the Vulkan graphics API from the Khronos Group. "Reply
Freudian slip? -
kcarbotte 17548292 said:"The latest update for Shield Android TV is fully complaint with the Vulkan graphics API from the Khronos Group. "
Freudian slip?
lol.
definately a typo. -
Orions_1 Warning if you're using the Gamesome app. After the update It messes up your configuration because it changes the folder location of your USB stick. It can't be fixed either because Gamesome crashes when you try to go back to the parent folder. Hopefully when Gamesone updates it'll get fixed.Reply
One other I don't like is that you still can't move data to the SD Card. So if you sideload an app with data. Especially large data. It still goes on the Internal HDD taking up storage space. You can move the app to the SD Card but it only moves the tiny portion installed from the apk file. Data will not be moved to the SD Card. -
ohim Oh the irony in this .. Vulkan has a lot of Mantle API code from AMD and they didn`t want to support Mantle ... Nvidia is like the envious kid from the school.Reply