NVIDIA rolls out Android 7 Nougat software update for Shield Tablets

Nvidia has announced that the Shield tablet and Shield tablet K1 will be receiving Android 7 Nougat software update in coming days.

Where most of the smartphone makers have not entertained their customers with Android 7 software update who own over an year old devices. Some have only announced if there is an update coming for them. Nvidia has just surprised their customers with continuous support.

Previously, a couple of weeks ago, Nvidia also rolled out Android 7 update to the original Shield TV that was launched in 2015. Likewise the Shield tablets we are talking about here are as old as announced in 2014 and the Shield tablet K1 is still listing at $199 only.

Nvidia recently released notes about the Shield tablet software version 5.0 that’s built on Android Nougat core. The new software brings support of new controllers (announced along with the 2nd-gen Shield Android TV) to the Shield tablets.

In terms of features, the tablets will be receiving standard Android 7 features including split-screen, quick switch, Doze mode for optimizing battery life etc. Checkout full list of features coming to Nvidia Shield tablets

Upgrade Features
New Multitasking Features

  • Split-screen: Run two apps side by side* in Portrait or Landscape modes
  • Quick switch: Double tap the Overview button to quickly switch back to the last opened app

SHIELD Controller (2017) Support

  • Updates to SHIELD controller support

SHIELD Rewards Program

  • Introducing SHIELD Rewards, the exclusive loyalty program for SHIELD owners

Improved Notifications

  • Multiple notifications from the same app are now bundled for a streamlined experience
  • Reply to messages directly from within the notification*
  • Tap and hold on a notification to quickly silence or block notifications from the app

Improved Power Consumption

  • Doze on the Go: Doze is now smarter & kicks in even when the device is being carried around

Emoji

  • Includes all-new Unicode 9 emojis

Usability Improvements

  • Display & Font size can now separately adjustable to improve redability or screenspace
  • Quick Settings can now be customized directly from the menu by tapping “Edit”
  • The top Quick Setting tiles can now be accessed with a downward swipe from the lock screen
  • Settings now includes a Navigation Menu & Suggestions to improve usability
  • The “Clear all” option in Overview have been relocated to the top right

System wide improvements including

  • Updates to SHIELD controller support
  • New Data Saver: when enabled, limits access to Cellular data for background apps
  • New JIT complier: improves the speed of App & System updates
  • Update to Android Security Patch Level December 1, 2016