Nvidia Shield upgraded to Android 11, gets Peacock offer

Nvidia’s Shield TV, one of the most popular and versatile Android TV STB devices on the market, has received a major update which brings the latest version of Android to the product.

The company, more famously known for its graphics cards, has begun rolling out the Shield Software Experience Upgrade 9.0 which delivers the Android 11 operating system along with a number of key quality of life features.

Along with the latest version of Android, a major change for the device is the switch to Google’s Gboard keyboard for text entry, which will provide support for Google Assistant in text fields.

The device has also added support for aptX-compatible Bluetooth devices, which will automatically disconnect accessories when the device goes into sleep mode.

Access to Nvidia’s cloud gaming service GeForce Now has also been enhanced, with the latest update allowing subscribers to use the premium GeForce NOW RTX 3080 membership. This provides players with access to 4K HDR graphics and 7.1 surround sound.

Elsewhere, Nvidia has announced a partnership with NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock. Shield Owners in the US are provided with six months complimentary access to Peacock Premium (typically US$4.99 per month).

The update makes the device range one of the most-supported Android products on the market, with the Shield Software Experience Upgrade 9.0 supporting all Shield STBs including the original from 2015.