Nvidia's Shield TV has defied the odds of obsolescence, remaining a stalwart Android device with support that spans over 10 years. The company's commitment to long-term update support is a testament to Nvidia's passion for product longevity.
The story of Shield began in 2015 when Nvidia released the first version of the Android-powered set-top box. According to Andrew Bell, Nvidia's senior VP of hardware engineering, the initial goal was not to build a gaming console but rather to create an "all-in-one" device that would bring together Nvidia's expertise in full-stack systems and provide a high-performance streaming media player.
Over time, Nvidia refocused on the Shield's core strengths, including its ability to stream content with high-quality audio and video support. The company's strategy was not just about selling devices but also about providing a premium user experience that would set it apart from competitors.
The key to Nvidia's success lies in its dedication to supporting all versions of the Shield platform for as long as possible. This has resulted in bug fixes, new features, and security enhancements over the years, including a significant update released just last year that fixed a critical vulnerability on older models.
Nvidia's commitment to Shield is not just driven by business considerations but also by its passion for product support. As Andrew Bell recalled, Nvidia had initially committed to supporting Shield "as long as we shall live," echoing the words of Jensen Huang, who would later become CEO of Nvidia.
While new hardware has been in development, there are no concrete plans for a refreshed version of the Shield TV with updated features like VP9 Profile 2 hardware decoding or newer Dolby Vision profiles. The company is focused on supporting existing products and exploring new concepts in its labs, rather than rushing out new releases.
One area where Nvidia does plan to make improvements is the Netflix button on the remote control. With no financial incentives from Netflix for this feature, Nvidia hopes to scale back the size of the giant "N" button in a future refresh.
In conclusion, Nvidia's Shield TV has become an iconic device that has outlasted many other Android-powered set-top boxes and streaming media players. Its long-term update support is a testament to the company's dedication to providing a premium user experience and its commitment to supporting all versions of the product for as long as possible.
The story of Shield began in 2015 when Nvidia released the first version of the Android-powered set-top box. According to Andrew Bell, Nvidia's senior VP of hardware engineering, the initial goal was not to build a gaming console but rather to create an "all-in-one" device that would bring together Nvidia's expertise in full-stack systems and provide a high-performance streaming media player.
Over time, Nvidia refocused on the Shield's core strengths, including its ability to stream content with high-quality audio and video support. The company's strategy was not just about selling devices but also about providing a premium user experience that would set it apart from competitors.
The key to Nvidia's success lies in its dedication to supporting all versions of the Shield platform for as long as possible. This has resulted in bug fixes, new features, and security enhancements over the years, including a significant update released just last year that fixed a critical vulnerability on older models.
Nvidia's commitment to Shield is not just driven by business considerations but also by its passion for product support. As Andrew Bell recalled, Nvidia had initially committed to supporting Shield "as long as we shall live," echoing the words of Jensen Huang, who would later become CEO of Nvidia.
While new hardware has been in development, there are no concrete plans for a refreshed version of the Shield TV with updated features like VP9 Profile 2 hardware decoding or newer Dolby Vision profiles. The company is focused on supporting existing products and exploring new concepts in its labs, rather than rushing out new releases.
One area where Nvidia does plan to make improvements is the Netflix button on the remote control. With no financial incentives from Netflix for this feature, Nvidia hopes to scale back the size of the giant "N" button in a future refresh.
In conclusion, Nvidia's Shield TV has become an iconic device that has outlasted many other Android-powered set-top boxes and streaming media players. Its long-term update support is a testament to the company's dedication to providing a premium user experience and its commitment to supporting all versions of the product for as long as possible.