Nvidia's "New Shield" features Google Assistant, AI mics, 4K HDR streaming
Nvidia "Spot" mics bring Google Assistant to every room in the house.
Mark Walton - Jan 5, 2017 3:51 am UTC
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Nvidia has launched a new version of its Shield Android TV streaming box that not only features 4K HDR streaming from the likes of Netflix, Amazon, YouTube, and Google Play, but also allows gamers to stream 4K HDR games from their PC to their TV.
The "New Shield" also features Google Assistant, the first device outside of Google Pixel phones and Google Home hub to do so. In conjunction with small plug-in microphones called Nvidia Spot, users can trigger Google Assistant from anywhere in the home where a Spot is plugged in, with the New Shield executing the commands via WiFi.
Those commands include the usual music playback functions, as well as control of certain smart home devices like Samsung's Smart Things.
Weirdly, the New Shield doesn't actually feature any improved internal hardware, and is instead based on the same Tegra X1 SoC as its predecessor. It does, however, come with a new, more angular controller that promises to be more comfortable than its predecessor.
The New Shield comes bundled with the new controller and is available immediately for $199/£199. The Spot mics launch later this year and will be sold separately for $50 (UK price TBC, but probably £50).
Existing users will also get access to the Google Assistant via a software update, but will require the new controller for hands-free voice commands without a Spot.
Mark Walton Mark is Consumer Editor at Ars Technica UK by day, and keen musician by night. He hails from the UK, the home of ARM, heavy metal, and superior chocolate.
Email mark.walton@arstechnica.co.uk // Twitter @markalexwalton