Major Nvidia Shield TV update adds Android 11 support

Fire up your Nvidia Shield TVs – there's a big update out with several features that are even compatible with the original 2015 hardware.

Included in the Shield Software Experience Upgrade 9.0 is support for the Android 11 operating system. Part of this adds Google's updated Gboard keyboard and support for Google Assistant voice-activated controls, allowing you to browse streaming content hands-free.

4K and HDR streaming support have also been unlocked with app updates for content services including Apple TV and Google Play, plus support for Dolby Vision and Atmos, for sharper visuals and richer soundscapes.

Another big addition to Shield TVs is support for the new tier of Nvidia's cloud-based gaming service, the GeForce Now RTX 3080 membership, which enables playing games at 4K resolution and in HDR – which hasn't hit Australia yet, but we'll keep you posted.

Plus, if you prefer watching TV while wearing wireless headphones, Shield now supports aptX-compatible low latency Bluetooth headsets.

There are also improvements and further options for privacy, so you can give apps one-time permissions – such as location data – that expire once you finish using the app.

Several other incentives are US-only, like access to NBC's streaming service Peacock. Check out Nvidia's website for the full patch notes of everything coming to Shield TVs.