Google controls the software on the device. That means no waiting for updates. Unlike my damn Shield TV that still hasn’t even gotten Android O, the JBL Link Bar will have all updates provided by Google.
That alone is a killer feature for me.
All the other cool bits are just a bonus, not the least of which is that I wanted a sound bar anyway.
there is nothing wrong with the software updates on Nvidia Shield. It's android TV - not a cellphone that you might want nightly builds on.. plus nothing comes close to the Shield hardware currently ...
Your take on this device is short-sighted and you are mistaken about the update process.
I want a shitty sound bar so it runs the latest version at all times regardless of the impact of those updates. Having a version number is more important to me than the quality of the hardware.
Fixt that for you
The Shield doesn't have Android O because the app support for the OS is not ready for prime time. I have a Nexus player with O and the interface is awful without support from the apps
/u/mikeydangerous serious question: Why do you want Android O on your Shield? NVidia has purposely held it back. I know this comes down to personal tastes but I detest the UI changes (my family inadvertently updated our Nexus Player to it). The Shield on the other hand has been flawless so is it that you want the new UI or is it something else.
Wait.... People actually want and/or like the newer interface on Android O?
Really?!? Its a steaming pile.... The standard "old" Android TV interface is soooo much better. Giant boxes to select want you want. Not a bunch of useless grey boxes next to much smaller icons ala Nexus Player.
The Shield is perfectly stable and works great with the current interface. I really hope they don't ever bring the O interface to the Shield.
I'm definitely not going to overlook price and performance just to have the latest update it's basically got the same computing power as the mi box and most (pure)speculation puts the price around $300usd without a subwoofer
It's HDR versus UI/UX... Of course I think that Google and nvidia should sit down and solve the problem.
I can't stand the Oreo UI, perhaps with more app support my opinion could be changed. But considering how the single recommendations row is supported by existing apps, I expect it to be years before apps of all categories will give me a useful Oreo UI. Not to mention the apps I still have to sideload, because they are not considering the TV platform or because they think Chromecast support is good enough for them, and can't see how the expenses for ATV support can be justified.
Personally I don't have the TV, content or use pattern for HDR to be very important to me, but I understand those who do. If I had spent a fortune on a new TV with all the bells and whistles and my primary use was Netflix, I'd also be annoyed, if not disappointed, that the top of the line streaming box I also bought can't give me the best streaming experience.
So, I have two solutions for Google and nvidia to choose from:
Google let's nvidia put the Nougat launcher on top of Oreo, so happy owners don't turn unhappy.
Google makes a layer to integrate existing apps and sideloads with the Oreo launcher to an acceptable level, without all the apps needing additional development. This comes with the risk that many apps will never do the effort of full integration. But as I said, many apps still don't do the Nougat integration very well... It's gonna take forever.
As I see it, it was a major mistake to tie the UI layer so tightly to the OS, that you can't even use a previous version... Can't even change background image as a user. It was, in my opinion, also a mistake to make sideloading difficult, I have alternative stores installed just to easily keep my sideloads up-to-date (even though the apps are in play store).
So, I side with nvidias decision, but I don't like the unfortunate side effects.
You really bashing the shield for its lack of updates?
https://shield.nvidia.com/support/nvidia-android-tv/release-notes/1
After the fiasco I've had with my Google enabled speaker JBL Link 300 I wouldn't purchase another device that isn't from Google. The speaker stopped creating alarms since January. Every time I attempt to make a alarm I get errors or glitches. I chat and emailed Google who said the software updates are done from JBL. Contacted JBL and since January they've known about the issue and all I keep hearing next week the speaker will have a update. 4 months later and still can't create alarms.
Also before purchasing make sure Google Calls and Broadcast are available on the Link Bar. If it doesn't have either this isn't a real Google device. My JBL Link doesn't support either.
LOL this thread
How many shills does Nvidia have on here?
Never before in my life have I seen people arguing against having updated software.
Multiple people posting the same nonsense too...
Nvidia themselves are holding back O on purpose, there was some discussion of this on the MiBox Oreo screenshot thread.
Unless something changes, my next device wont be AndroidTV.
Soundbars only really provide surround sound in rectangular rooms, right?
Worthless in any kind of open space area where the TV isn't facing towards a wall on other side
Might as well get a shoe phone while you're at it.
Shield is fine on Nougat since they still give updates to fix things.
Yeah I'm looking at this aswell...but it comes down to one thing for me, price....and I don't think it'll be cheap
If Google provide the software updates then that is a good thing.
Personally I've never seen so many people arguing against software updates. But each to their own I guess.
I want different though. I want the latest software, latest features, latest updates. I want this irrespective of hardware. I want this drive to tie devices to specific versions of software gone. I also want companies to stop adding software layers (lets face it they are not just customisations of the base) on top of base software releases - not unless they are willing to keep pace with the base software updates.
I think Google promote this behaviour on one hand and don't on another. It's very confusing and not at the same time. $$$$ right.
This is where Apple and Microsoft have it right to some extent. I was a long term Apple user until I switched to Android 2 months ago. I love my Android device but I'm already seeing that, despite having a device which kills most others out there, I'm never going experience the same sort of update schedule I had with Apple.
Then I read a CNET article this morning with a couple of lines in it explaining Microsofts attitude:
"The PC, and the Windows software that powers it, came across as mere window dressing (sorry)."
"pitched themselves as the company whose stuff you use no matter what device you have."
A little off topic sort of rant BUT sort of linked in my head. Come on industry (or maybe I'm only talking to Google and its partners) let's decouple hardware from software. If the hardware is available, sell it. We will upgrade the hardware when we need to, but if the device is physically capable of running the software we can do so.
I might sell my Shield TV for this. But I already have a sound bar, and damnit, the Shield is a beast of a machine. I've yet to see any streaming box approaching its power and versatility.
I am very happy that Google is controlling the software. That being said, I have no complaints about Nvidia's support. They have been making constant updates to my 2015 box, and they are only holding off on Oreo because of the lack of developer support. I am hopeful they are working with some partners to get some apps to use the new features in Oreo and get them out at the same time as they release the upgrade, which is good for Android TV.