The latest software update for Nvidia Shield adds support for Google Assistant, 360-degree YouTube, YouTube Kids, smart home control through SmartThings, and other new features.

Google Assistant on your TV
Nvidia Shield is the first Android TV powered device to get Google Assistant. The voice system lets you search for content by using the remote control or hands-free via the Nvidia game controller.

- ”Shield TV just became the world’s first hands-free streaming device. With the new Shield controller nearby, you can say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” to control your TV and your home without picking up a remote. Google Assistant is at your command, hands-free,” said Nvidia.

To use the system hands-free you need the 2017 game contorller, which includes a far field microphone. Each app developer will have to implement support for Assistant. It currently works with HBO Now, Netflix and YouTube, allowing you to speak commands such as “Watch Game of Thrones on HBO” or “Show me popular Netflix shows”.

Assistant is available in the US only. It is coming to more regions later.

Google Assistant is also coming to Philips Android TVs this fall as well as Sony Android TVs sometime in the future.



Other new features
In addition, the software update adds support for the SmartThings system, which is Samsung’s platform for the connected home.

- ” With the SmartThings Link, Shield TV becomes the first streamer to integrate SmartThings hub. This makes it the brain of your connected home. Control hundreds of smart devices around your home with automated routines and voice control. Coming soon,” the release notes said.

The SmartThings apps will be released ”soon” in the US.

Lastly, Nvidia highlights new features such as voice search for Vudu, support for 360-degree videos on YouTube, a YouTube Kids app, a faster Amazon Video app, and bug fixes.


 
Nvidia Experience Upgrade 6.0
Google Assistant on SHIELD TV
Reimagine how you interact with your TV.
Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s always ready to help.
 
Hands-Free Google Assistant with 2017 game controller
SHIELD TV just became the world’s first hands-free streaming device. With the new SHIELD controller nearby, you can say “OK Google” or “Hey Google” to control your TV and your home without picking up a remote. Google Assistant is at your command, hands-free.
 
SmartThings support
With the SmartThings Link, SHIELD TV becomes the first streamer to integrate SmartThings hub. This makes it the brain of your connected home. Control hundreds of smart devices around your home with automated routines and voice control. Coming soon. Requires SmartThings Link and app.
 
Vudu Adds Voice Search and Updated UI
Finding the latest 4K movies on Vudu is easy with new voice search. The updated Vudu app has also been redesigned with a faster, more responsive user interface.
 
360-degreeo Video in YouTube
SHIELD TV is the first streamer to support YouTube 360o video. Transport yourself into the action with 360-degree viewing, new in the redesigned YouTube app.
 
YouTube Kids App
Dive into a world of discovery, learning, and fun--designed just for kids. It’s free, simple to use, and full of family-friendly videos.
 
New Features in the Amazon Video App
Navigate faster with new seek settings and thumbnail preview images. The updated playback engine delivers improved A/V sync and streams 4K video almost instantly.
 Other enhancements:
The latest monthly Android security updates.
The ability to stream DTS-HD Master Audio to older DTS-capable receivers.
The option to power on your TV and receiver using both CEC and IR simultaneously.
New setting for accessories to enable/disable double tap of the volume slider to pause.
SHIELD remote upgrade to firmware v1.15.
SHIELD remote with headphone jack upgrade to firmware v1.16.
SHIELD controller upgrade to firmware v1.14.
 
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