The new NVIDIA SHIELD TV, with a smaller body and improved controller

Far more than just a graphics card manufacturer, NVIDIA now extend their reach into areas such as artificial intelligence and automotive technology. Today we take a look at the highly anticipated new-generation NVIDIA SHIELD TV game console, wich is now 40% smaller and features a number of improvements.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV – a game console and multimedia centre in one

NVIDIA SHIELD TV combines the functions of a game console and a multimedia device. The latest generation is almost half the size of the previous version, while maintaining the same high performance. The impressive LED design feature also stays, making it a stylish addition to your home.

Streaming in 4K HDR

NVIDIA SHIELD TV is certainly not lacking in power. It comes with an eight-core NVIDIA Tegra X1 chipset, working on 64-bit architecture that can render 4K images at 60 frames per second. This means only one thing: films and TV shows in stunning detail. HDR technology offers an outstanding dynamic range and more steps in brightness, meaning smoother transitions and more detail in bright and dark areas.

NVIDIA SHIELD TV now comes with a remote control

To achieve its smaller size, NVIDIA had to remove the internal hard drive. Nevertheless, it can easily be coupled with an external HDD to cover your storage needs. The microUSB connector and slot for microSD cards has also beeen removed and replaced with a HDMI port, 2x USB ports and a LAN port. Also, the new generation now comes with a remote control, which was previously sold separately.

The controller now communicates via Bluetooth

The gamepad has undergone several changes. Firstly, it is now smaller and lighter than the previous model and has done away with the touchpad completely. The gamepad now supports Bluetooth connection, while response times will remain as fast as its WiFi-Direct predecessor. The controller retains its headphone jack, which is useful when you don't want to disturb others, and now features a touch-strip volume controller.

Android 7.0 Nougat

NVIDIA SHIELD TV runs on the Android 7.0 operating sytem, with a slightly redesigned user interface and access to 4K content from the Google Play Store. Installed software is neatly divided into applications and games, including those available via GeForce Go and GameStream.

Among the new applications, you can use Amazon Video or Steam to stream games from your computer, even in HDR. NVIDEA SHIELD TV also comes with the recently released Google Assistant, an intelligent personal assistant, with voice commands entered through a microphone in the gamepad.