Last week, the 2017 SHIELD TV was spotted on the Google Play Console as one of the devices that supports Android Pie, the latest version of Google"s OS. There wasn"t an official announcement at the time, but now Nvidia has revealed that the SHIELD TV is getting the SHIELD Software Experience Upgrade 8.0, which includes Android Pie in addition to other new features. There"s no mention of the 2015 model, so it would seem that the update is only available for the newer one.
With this release, the SHIELD TV becomes the first Android TV device to get Android Pie, which introduces a redesigned settings menu and a faster setup experience for new users. There are some improvements specifically for Nvidia"s device in Upgrade 8.0, such as a new "Match Content Color Space" setting for HDR TVs, which lets the SHIELD TV adjust the display mode automatically to display the best colors.
Alongside the new version of the software, many apps are getting updates, most notably Hulu, which now includes over 60 live TV channels in addition to on-demand content. This update is rolling out over the coming weeks. Netflix is also getting an update with support for Dolby Digital Plus 5.1 surround sound, while Amazon Prime Video now supports casting 4K content from your phone thanks to a recent update. There are also brand new apps such as Bravo and E!, and you can find the full list of new and updated apps here.
On the gaming front, there are new titles available, such as SiNKR2 and Unknown Fate. If you use GeForce NOW, there have been over 20 game additions to the game streaming service, bringing the total number of available titles to over 500. You can sign up for the GeForce NOW beta here.