Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Computing
  3. News

Nvidia's Shield tablet is now more delicious with the Nougat software update

By

nvidia shield tablet update nougat controller feat
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Nvidia is rolling out a new update for its Shield-branded tablet. Dubbed as Software Upgrade 5.0, it brings support for the new Shield controller, improved notifications, better power consumption, and more. The update will have a staggered release over the next few days to make sure there are no immediate problems.

Nvidia released its second-generation Shield Controller in January. It sports a refined design, a better battery than the original, and a slim touchpad in the center that replaces the volume buttons. It’s also more aesthetically pleasing to the eye while adding dual vibration feedback in the process. The update brings the Shield Tablet up to speed with this peripheral so users have better control over their gaming experience.

Recommended Videos

Software Upgrade 5.0 also updates the operating system to Android 7.0 “Nougat.” This version adds features like running two apps side by side, a new “doze” feature for saving battery power while users are on the move, smarter notifications, a faster boot time, and more. Users will see 72 new emoji too.

Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming
Check your inbox!
Privacy Policy

Here is a detailed list of what Android 7.0 brings to the Shield Tablet:

Multitasking
Split-screen: Compatible apps can run side by side in portrait and landscape modes.
—————
Quick Switch: Double-tapping on the Overview button brings users back to the previous app.
Notifications
Bundled Notifications: Multiple notifications from a single app are now bundled together.
—————
Direct Reply: Users can reply to messages within notifications without having to open the app.
—————
Silence: Tap and hold on a notification to silence or block an app’s following notifications.
Power
Doze: This feature will conserve battery power when the device is in motion.
Usability
Adjustable Sizes: The display and font sizes can now be separately adjustable.
—————
Customize Quick Settings: This area can now be customized in the menu by tapping “edit.”
—————
Quick Settings Tiles: On the lock screen, users can now swipe down to access the top Quick Settings tiles.
—————
Improved Settings: Settings now includes a Navigation menu & Suggestions.
—————
Revised Overview: The “clear all” option in Overview now resides at the top right.
System Improvements
Data Saver: This feature will disable access to cellular data for apps running in the background.
—————
Updated JIT Compiler: In a nutshell, this speeds up the system and app update processes.
—————
Updated Security: Nougat updates Android to the December 1, 2016, Android Security Patch Level.

Software Upgrade 5.0 also introduces Shield Rewards, an exclusive “loyalty” program for Shield device owners. This program provides members with the latest news regarding apps, games, and products for Shield devices. It also serves up “premium rewards” like discounts, chances to win prizes, free games, and so on.

Launched in July 2014, Nvidia’s Shield-branded tablet is based on the company’s Tegra K1 all-in-one chip (SoC). Costing $199, it sports an 8-inch screen, a 1,920 x 1,200 resolution, 2GB of system memory, and 16GB of internal storage. Other features include Wireless N and Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, a 5MP camera, and support for Nvidia’s Shield DirectStylus 2.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Kevin Parrish
Kevin Parrish
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kevin started taking PCs apart in the 90s when Quake was on the way and his PC lacked the required components. Since then…
Best deal ever? Get 80% off PureVPN and an Uber Eats voucher
A close-up of a computer monitor displaying a generic VPN.

Everyone should sign up to a virtual private network, so if you're looking for VPN deals, here's one that you wouldn't want to miss -- two years plus three extra months of PureVPN's Max Plan at 80% off for just $4 per month, for a total of $108 for 27 months. That's $16 in savings per month for dependable online protection, and to top it off, you'll be getting an Uber Eats voucher worth up to $30. We're not sure how much time is remaining on this offer though, so if you're interested, you're going to have to sign up for the subscription immediately.

Why you should sign up for PureVPN Max Plan
A VPN is a necessity in this digital age because it will protect your data from being accessed by cybercriminals. It will also help you get around any geoblocking restrictions as you can have your device appear as if it's located in another part of the world. PureVPN is one of the best VPNs for these purposes, as it uses a global network of more than 6,500 servers that are located across dozens of countries.

Read more
Razer’s most boring product is also one of its best
The Razer Iskur V2 gaming chair in an office.

Razer isn't exactly known for subtlety. This is the company that released a Bane-like RGB face mask, a headset with haptic feedback, and most recently, a mouse pad that has RGB lighting from corner to corner. The Iskur V2 chair is an exercise in subtlety, however, and a change of pace that pays off for Razer in a big way.

There's nothing special about the Iskur V2 at first glance. It's a gaming chair fit with the usual racer-style back and some green trim to let you know it's a Razer product. But there are no motors promising immersive haptic feedback, and no RGB leaving you tethered to a wall outlet (yes, Razer has done both in a chair before). The Iskur V2 is just a well-designed, comfortable chair, and that's exactly why it's so impressive.
Out of the box

Read more
Best OLED monitor deals: Get an OLED screen from just $450
Marvel's Spider-Man running on the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8.

Up to a couple of years ago, OLED technology only really existed in OLED TVs and very-high-end monitors that cost thousands and thousands of dollars. Luckily, the prices have come down quite substantially, even on the best OLED monitors, especially as the market gets more saturated with options. That means that if you tend to use a monitor for the majority of your content consumption, such as gaming, then you can grab an OLED monitor for a great price and experience amazing visual fidelity and reproduction.

To that end, we've gone out and scoured all the major retailers and brands to find our favorite OLED monitor deals out there and compiled them below. That said, if you haven't quite found what you're looking for, or feel you aren't ready for an OLED monitor, be sure to check out some of these other great monitor deals.
LG UltraGear 27-inch gaming monitor -- $660, was $1,000

Read more