A few days ago he ended a long process of decision making ecosystem and equipment, which according to assumptions would significantly expand the capabilities of my TV. I took into account the fact all the solutions on the market, but eventually fell device platform from Google. It arose also an opportunity to bring one of them, Shield TV from NVIDIA, and so a few days my TV is governed by Android, and in his hands wield alternately dedicated pilot and controller.
Android TV is not turned on each other so much attention which attracted new Apple product. Similarly, the situation presents itself on the market smartwatchy where the device debut of the Cupertino company rebounded with such an echo, of which each of the producers of watches from the Android Wear could dream of. But the fact is that in both these cases is an offer Google much better for my purpose. The amount to be paid for the Apple TV does not seem fully justified given the opportunities that we offer, and the Amazon Fire TV is not, unfortunately, a device dedicated to Polish users. With all three now looks best in my opinion just Android TV and Shield is currently offering the best hardware on the market. When the opportunity arose to bring the entire set too long over there I thought.
Complete with snap, and actually a mini-console. sold controller. It does not stand out look, but I did not expect it to be so comfortably held it in his hands when he first took it out of the box. Unfortunately, those waiting for the manufacturer presence of the remote control box will zawiedzone. It is available separately, for a fee, but if I had to briefly answer the question of whether or not to add it to your cart, without hesitation, answer yes. Fortunately package does not run out of power adapter, HDMI cable and USB cable. After this last reach for wanting to recharge the batteries in the remote control or controller that interact with the console through Wi-Fi Direct.
The TV Shield hard compared to any other TV box. In designing this equipment, it is clear that NVIDIA is not modeled on any of its competitors. Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Nexus Player of the Year fall within certain how such a device should look like. I am glad that NVIDIA handle this case differently and prepared something so good-looking, while becoming almost invisible when put Shield TV on the shelf next to or under the TV. What’s more, the device can also be located in the vertical position, but then we will be forced to further expenditure, as a stand dedicated NVIDIA decided to sell separately. A pity, because slim profile deserves a mention and Sield TV shows then even better.
The top of the device is not completely flat – angular grooves make a good impression, and confusion matte finish with a glossy also to my liking. Logo of the manufacturer, located in one corner of the front panel is touch-sensitive, allowing for start-up or shutdown, as barely visible item in the nearest edge. In operation, the protruding corner is highlighted in distinctive green color by adding a whole sensational effect. Importantly, the backlight does not interfere even when Shield TV will be very close to the screen, and the room is almost dark because the brightness level of the diode can be manipulated. However, I must mention the fact the said fast drawing to a glossy surface.
The rear edge is the only place where placed not only necessary but and these additional, as it later turns out to be very useful ports. A power connector and HDMI port no surprise, as well as two USB 3.0 ports. The exception is, however, an Ethernet port, whose presence is fully justified (more about that later). Apart from them at our disposal will also microUSB connector and a slot for memory cards microSD. Regardless of whether Shield TV set the horizontal or vertical, the entire wiring can be simply invisible, which for many people is a very important feature of the device.
NVIDIA decided not to leave any illusions as to what the use of its product has the highest priority. NVIDIA® Tegra® X1 256-core GPU coupled with 3GB of memory modules are sufficient power to all the tasks that are currently entrusted you with this device. Available in Google Play and Shield Hub games do not have any problems with liquidity operation, and applications instantly reads its contents. Shield TV supports 4K resolution, so when the equipment is connected to the appropriate screen will be able to feast your eyes video and game in ultra-high resolution (of course as they emerge and reach the Vistula). I could not omit information about only 16 GB of built-in memory, but expandable memory via USB sticks, disks or microSD card will compensate us. I would add that at present the market is more expensive version having a built-in HDD 500 GB, but with the relationship of users shows that the model is an emergency and it is better to choose a cheaper edition. Especially because of the possibility that introduce Android 6.0, or format the memory card functions as the internal memory with the option to install games or applications.
Despite this, that included the Shield TV comes with a controller, the remote is this accessory after which often reach for. It is designed to support music applications, VOD and definitely stands out from the competition. The longitudinal design and execution of aluminum make it more resistant to falls from plastic pilots. My initial concern about the ease of use so slender pilot proved unfounded after a few minutes spent with him in the hand. NVIDIA has placed in the almost all what I expected.
At the top of the front panel was microphone, below the four-way d-pad in the form of plastic rings, buttons “back” and “home” button activating voice features and … completely invisible touch panel responsible for controlling volume. Its presence can learn only through the protection film, which producer posted a corresponding mark. On the bottom edge are two connectors – microUSB, where Allow the battery in the remote control batteries, and mini-jack port for connecting our handset, which to me is extremely useful. What was missing? Playback controls (play / pause, and fast forward and backward), which appreciated the cheapest remote from Amazon for Fire TV Stick. Their absence can get used to it and no longer bother you after a few days, but really surprised me NVIDIA’s decision about their absence on the remote control of this size.
NVIDIA Shield TV is equipment designed to play, so prepare the controller and put it in a box with a mini-console is properly motivated. I admit that the drawings of the manufacturer and the pictures shared by other users controller did not look like what the reality is. After taking him into the hands once you find out how much is massive. No, this translates into the mass which can be compared to the weight of the controller to the Xbox One. Pad NVIDIA does not have such a rounded shape, and added below the touchpad analogues significantly increased its front surface. Several seconds is the maximum time that it takes for easy gripping a controller, and then find out that its design is not accidental and actually sticking with it comfortably and securely.
What’s more, placed side by side, and below the d-pad and four action buttons analogues not irritate me as much as those in gamepad on the PS3 – mainly due to robust size Shield-pad. In the center of the front panel are four touch-sensitive keys. The one with the logo of the manufacturer will launch controller, while the other three will navigate the interface Androidowym Shield TV. As I mentioned, at the opposite end I placed touch panel, and right under the volume buttons. NVIDIA could not forget about the next four buttons necessary during the game – L1, L2, R1, R2 or simply triggers and bumpers. Unfortunately, they did not make me feel as good as the rest of the function rains, especially triggers that remind me of controllers with significantly lower shelf (maybe just too accustomed to those in the pad for the Xbox One). As expected, the controller also been recharged using a microUSB cable and is connected to it with any headphones with a mini-plug, which, to repeat, is proving to be extremely useful feature.
My decision to indication on the Android TV was primarily motivated by the prospect of development of the system, which I look through the prism of present its capabilities. Apple decided to force developers to support remote control from the set, as a major enhancement to control games, and the Amazon Fire TV operates on the basis of a separate store, so I did not take into account double purchases of titles on Android. Googlers TV platform is also currently the most tolerant in terms of all sorts of manipulation by the user, like the installation of programs from outside the store. There is the larger and the competent any problems, because the process looks exactly the same as on your smartphone with Android. To Shield TV simply plug the stick of APK files and subsequently install applications and games. Unfortunately, running some of them will be problematic, because the total lack of support Android TV application (not adding a manifesto by the developer) results in a lack of shortcuts among other “tiles” on the home screen. Repeated visits to the “Applications” in the system settings can be reduced considerably reaching the outer launcher.
Currently, the biggest disadvantage for Android TV I narrow resources Google Play. After the first week of viewing its contents is not difficult to see that we have installed nearly everything that could interest us. Against the background assortment App Store or Google Play for smartphones and tablets is even a little overwhelming. Yet it is impossible not to mention the titles of which the purchase cost exceeds the amount we are used to associating with mobile devices. Such titles as Star Wars KOTOR trilogy Grand Theft Auto (III, Vice City and San Andreas) and refreshed Chinatown Wars and Hotline Miami attract the letter to the screen for a long time, but because of the need to re-experience the same adventures and high prices, the purchase should decide only during sales.
And what about other, cheaper or free games? Here the situation looks exactly the same as in the case of mobile shops and you will come across titles that we totally disappointed (GT Racing, Modern Combat 5) and those that are sufficiently us intrigue and devote more time (Dead Trigger 2, Xenowerk) . Not all available in Google Play games require a fall (any, are marked accordingly), but do not count on the fact that an ordinary remote control comfortably you play in something better than Crossy Road. Noteworthy service prepared by Nvidia, which allows for standard games streamed from the cloud or our computer, if we have a graphics card from the same manufacturer. For this reason, I have no way of checking the local streaming, but we have already described the service more widely GeForce works as it should (only objection to it can be a high cost that must be borne).
Media, which films and music, is also a strong party Android TV and Shield TV. With Plex we can to stream the contents of your computer directly to your TV screen, and the MX Player or VLC ensure compatibility with most existing video files that recreate even from an external drive. Shield can also act as Chromecast, so all compatible with this feature mobile applications (VOD.pl HBO Go) will work seamlessly. For Android TV can find the current two Polish applications VOD.pl from Onet and TVP Stream and the dedicated Android TV Player.pl, IPLA or TVP.pl are available only on Sony TVs (if one of the users obtain files * .apk, it probably They will also work on TV or Nexus Shield Player.
Purchase NVIDIA Shield Android TV is today a significant investment in a product that will develop the wing into the indefinite future, because for this I have no doubt. The equipment NVIDIA will provide us however respectively performance level for a longer time and the “only”, which will remain in the realm of our expectations will be updates Android TV and the expansion of the offer Google Play for supporting TV a variation of the system applications and games. The controller and pilot communicates via Wi-Fi Direct function perfectly, making handling Shield is pure pleasure. The proposal from NVIDIA is in my opinion the best at this moment offer equipment from Android TV, although the price might scare the undecided – $ 199 for a set Shield with a gamepad and an additional $ 49 for remote render a decision no small wrinkle (there is also a promotion, in which the pilot get free). I believe that the equipment is worth the money, as long as we are fully aware of the possibilities and the (temporary?) Limitations on the Android platform TV.
Despite the fact that Android 6.0 Marshmallow received only a few mobile devices, developers are already working on version 6.1. His name will not change and will continue to be named Marshmallow . What is true is not yet entirely clear whether it will be Android N for which information has emerged recently, or whether this letter will be marked version of Android, which will be presented in future. We should find out about it soon. 