Nvidia today announced its latest revision to Shield, its Android TV-powered streaming box. The new Shield TV features a sleek and elegant design that is 40 percent smaller than its predecessor, and it now ships with a game controller as well as a remote.
The Shield packs all the usual features that you will find in other Android TV-powered set-top boxes and TVs. However, what sets the Shield apart is its ability to stream 4K HDR videos from Netflix and Amazon Video — making it the first Android TV-powered device in the market capable of doing so. Nvidia also notes that YouTube’s flagship TV app will make its way to the Shield in the coming months.
Nvidia is also expanding on its Geforce Now catalogue that will allow Geforce graphics card owners to stream games to their Nvidia Shield-powered TV from their PC. The company is adding popular new titles to its catalogue, like Watch Dogs 2 and Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. The company also noted that the list of native Shield optimised games is now over 1000, with popular games like The Witness, Tomb Raider, and Shadowgun Legends coming soon to the platform.
The new Shield will also be the first Android TV-powered device to offer hands-free “Ok Google” experience. Nvidia will also add support for Samsung’s SmartThings Hub down the line that will allow the Shield to act as a smart hub for all your connected devices.
The new Nvidia Shield TV is already available for pre-order in the United States, Canada, and select European countries. It will go on sale later this month for $199.99, which includes the game controller and remote. Nvidia will also launch Shield Pro featuring 500GB of storage space, controller, and a remote with headset jack later in January.
