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Nvidia Explores Next-Gen Shield: What Upgrades Could Come?
3 Feb
Summary
- Nvidia Senior VP expressed interest in a new Shield TV.
- Potential upgrades include HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and AV1 codec.
- Customer customization for reducing interface ads is a key factor.
Nvidia's well-loved Shield streaming device, now a decade old, may see a successor. Andrew Bell, Nvidia's senior VP of hardware engineering, has stated he "would love to" see a new Shield TV box and that the company is actively exploring "new concepts." Although a new release isn't confirmed, the company will proceed if they find a concept they are "super-excited about."
A next-generation Shield could feature significant hardware upgrades. A new model would likely include HDMI 2.1 for 4K 120Hz output and processing power to support it, a jump from the current HDMI 2.0. Enhancements to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are also anticipated, with a move towards Wi-Fi 7. Software updates are expected, moving beyond the current Android 11.
Priorities for a new device would include VP9 Profile 2 hardware decoding for YouTube HDR, the AV1 codec, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision profiles. Beyond hardware, the Shield's appeal lies in its software flexibility. The ability for users to customize the interface and reduce advertising is a significant draw, and it is hoped this will continue in any future iteration, distinguishing it from other streaming options.
