A new update is now on its way out to NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV devices. The update comes in the form of the ‘SHIELD Experience Upgrade 6.1’ and is now en route to both the 2015 and 2017 models. As a result, owners of both of these models should already have the update ready and waiting to be downloaded and installed.
As for what’s new, the headline feature is the upgrade seems to be readying the SHIELD Android TV for the arrival of YouTube TV. Google and YouTube earlier today announced the arrival of app support for Android TV devices and did specifically name-drop the SHIELD as one of those devices which will see support being added. As a result, it seems NVIDIA is looking to ensure the SHIELD hits the ground running when YouTube TV does become available – which is expected to happen this week. For those less interested in YouTube TV support, the changelog also does note that this upgrade includes improvements to the Google Assistant integration. Namely, Google Assistant is now able to order an Uber or a pizza (through Domino’s), shop at select online retailers including Costco, Target, and Walmart, and can also now open and control HULU content. While those in the UK are getting a pretty good app addition in the form of the ITV Android TV app.
As per usual, there are a number of bug fixes and improvements thrown in for good measure and according to the details, these mainly consist of a fix for those experiencing an issue with the SHIELD Controller not properly sending IR commands. Likewise, those experiencing an issue with the SHIELD automatically sleeping after waking should see the issue remedied. Adding to the fix list, VUDU will no longer show up in areas where the app is not supported, and the UK English version of the keyboard will no longer display Russian – for those that were encountering this issue. NVIDIA also notes an improvement to the Logitech Harmony Hub setup over Bluetooth is included, as is the ability to now update SHIELD Controllers when connected via USB. Last but not least, the latest monthly Android security update is also packaged in with the update – which NVIDIA states includes fixes for WPA2 protocol, aka ‘KRACK.’
Don't forget to individually upgrade the remote control and gaming controller!!