The NVIDIA Shield TV was released in early 2015, but it’s still one of the best Android TV boxes around… both because of hardware that’s stood the test of time and NVIDIA’s track record of offering regular software updates that bring new features to the platform.

When the Shield TV first shipped, it ran a version of Android 5.1 Lollipop. As of today, it supports Android 9 Pie thanks to NVIDIA’s new Shield Experience 8.0 software update.

As Android Police points out, that very well make the Shield TV the longest-supported Android device ever, at least when it comes to official support from the manufacturer.

In addition to bringing the base operating system up to Android 9, the latest update brings support for a new Hulu TV app (rolling out the coming weeks) for folks Hulu subscribers who want to watch live TV.

Other changes include:

  • Netflix app update with support for Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 audio (up to 640 kbps)
  • Amazon Prime Video app now supports 4K video casting
  • FandangoNOW app now supports 4K and HDR
  • There’s an updated Twitch app with a new user interface
  • NVIDIA GeFroce NOW has added support for more than 20 additional games

There are also new features that make it easier to adjust some settings, connect or disconnect Bluetooth accessories, shut off USB power when the Shield is sleeping, and more.

You can find a full list of changes in the NVIDIA Shield Experience update notes.

Four years after launch, the NVIDIA Shield TV continues to be one of the best Android TV devices… but it’s also still one of the most expensive. A Shield TV with a media remote and game controller carries a list price of $200 (although you can pick one up for about $188 from Amazon right now). But if NIVIDA continues providing long-terms support for the platform, it might just be worth the price.

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12 replies on “NVIDIA brings Android P to the Shield TV (a 4-year-old Android TV box)”

  1. I don’t need to be reminded that it is a 4-year old android tv box. Is that supposed to be a slight against it (they could have added ‘and the best’ on to that line)? I’ve enjoyed all 4 years with mine and will probably buy a few more before they stop making them. The new update is great and just insures more years of enjoyment. Learn to love it people, because it is the best thing going!

  2. I love my Shield; it’s the 1st gen one and I kept meaning to pick up a 2nd gen one when they were on sale but held off because the Amazon FireTV it would have replaced could do Prime in 4k.

    I’ll probably get the 3rd gen box when it comes out an pay full price,

    “Value is remembered long after cost is forgotten.”

  3. Nvidia support is a real hero with this device. Not just support but pushing the platform too really. I’d buy another Nvidia product in a heartbeat from my experience here.
    However the box itself has had its ups and downs. I admit I have not used it in months. It got Amazon Prime – which was great. But then that app updated and was a constant PITA. Always freezing, etc…
    Due to that I started using the apps on my LG TV I purchased over the holidays last year. For now they are kept up to date and have worked very well overall. The major apps I use are all available.
    I bet I have not switched that Shield TV box on since perhaps February or something….
    I’ll turn it on to do this update but then really I have no reason to not just keep using the LG TV apps at the moment.
    They too have had their ups and downs but right now are working quite well and have never worked as poorly as that Amazon Prime app that drove me off the Shield TV at the time.

    1. Odd. I have had absolutely no issue with the Prime video app. It’s one of the main reasons I use it. It works marvelously in 4K with a 4K Samsung tv.

      1. I agree, the entire Nvidia Shield Handheld, Shield Tablet, and Shield TV are decent/great products. The only issues with them is their age.

        Sure Cortex A15/A57 and 28nm/20nm were good technologies to be using back in 2013 but they’re pretty dated these days. Even a modest refresh to a 16nm Cortex A73 (let alone a 5nm Cortex A77) would bring in new life.

        A part of me thinks, that Nvidia needs to become an Android OEM. I guess somewhat similar to OnePlus, using a Stock-ishOS. Nothing outrageous, light refreshes every 1.5 years and just a couple products: one phone (with JoyCons), one tablet (with Keyboard), one tv box (with BluRay).

  4. This is a classic case of ‘you get what you pay for’. I’ve spent more than $200 on imitations (A95X / H96 type boxes) that didn’t work well and got zero support. On the other hand, my Shield TV (2017) keeps working, has high Wife (and Kids) Acceptance Factor, and keeps getting updates. Easy choice.

  5. I’m not surprised the X1 chip has been way ahead of its time it could probaly out run anything mobile in its
    device price range..
    for at least 2 or 3 more years

    1. I dunno, those new Snapdragon 730, Kirin 810, and Exynos chips are getting very close to its gpu performance, but at a lower price-bracket. Meanwhile, it’s cpu performance has long been surpassed.

      And this is when comparing “mobile” to “console”, a huge thermal handicap for the new processors.

  6. This level of update support should be the bare minimum for Android manufacturers.

    1. I agree. Google needs to hold OEM’s over a barrel and tell em: No 4 year major Android release update guarantee? No Google Play Services licensing.

      1. How will Google say that to OEM when Google themselves only provides 2 year of OS update in Pixel devices. Google and other Android OEM’s hands are tied, Qualcomm only provides 2 years of driver support so OEM don’t update their devices after 2 year (Google gives 3 year Security update because those updates don’t need latest drivers).

        On the other hand Nvidia makes their own Processors.

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