Besides Google’s own Nexus Player, Nvidia Shield is the first device to get version 6.0 (Marshmallow) of Android TV. The software update adds new features and includes various bug fixes.
Android 6.0 for Nvidia Shield
Nvidia once again proves more proactive than the TV manufacturers that are still working on bringing version 6.0 to their TVs.
As reported, Google has mainly focused on fixing errors and bring devices up to speed with version 6.0 for Android TV. All Android TV devices released on 2015 suffered from widespread bugs.
However, Google has also found room for a few new features, including the ability to use an SD card or USB device as internal storage (documentation here), a simplified setup process, and the option to re-arrange rows on the home screen. These features will also come to TVs later.
Specific to Nvidia Shield is a support for the so-called Vulkan API that improves graphics performance in new apps and games that take advantage of Vulkan.
Nvidia also used the opportunity to highlight some of the latest games on Shield; Real Racing 3, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories, Oddworld Munch's Oddysee, Dead Effect 2, Minecraft Story Mode and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. These are not built on Vulcan.
In addition, Nvidia has fixed issues relating to color coding and HDMI control.
The update is available to download via the box’s settings menu. It ticks in a just below 1GB.
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
| Home screen customization (move and re-order your app and games via Settings > Preferences > Home screen) |
| New background for your home screen, plus a redesigned Google Play Store |
| Turn your SD card or external USB storage into encrypted internal storage for your apps and games |
| Set up a new SHIELD without any typing. Just say "OK Google, set up my device" from your phone and your Google account and Wi-Fi password will be automatically transferred to your TV |
Specific to Shield |
| Access the power menu on the home screen by holding the Back button |
| Seamlessly switch between surround sound and headset audio in Netflix app |
| Added 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. Go to Settings > HDMI > Dynamic Range |
| Improved support for Denon receivers and CEC volume control for more audio receivers |
| CEC volume control for more audio receivers |
| Supports the new Vulkan™ API for high-efficiency access to SHIELD’s graphics hardware |
