Nvidia's Shield TV is perhaps one of the best supported devices in recent memory. The original unit from 2015 and its refreshed sibling from 2017 are both getting another software update, starting today. Shield TV Software Experience 7.1 has an impressive changelog, full of new stuff and improvements.

Here's a quick rundown of what Nvidia says is included with Software Experience 7.1:

  • In-game voice chat support – for communicating in top GeForce NOW games like Fortnite – with headsets connected to the 3.5mm headset jack on SHIELD controllers
  • Improved keyboard and mouse support in GeForce NOW
  • Smoother, more accurate mouse movements
  • Keyboard shortcuts
  • Keyboard and Mouse games row
  • More day-and-date releases including Monster Hunter World and F1 2018
  • The upcoming release of Shadow of the Tomb Raider
  • NVIDIA SHIELD TV companion app with a virtual keyboard and mouse that makes entering user names, email addresses and password simple
  • The triumphant return of NVIDIA Share features (Broadcast to Twitch, recording and screenshots)
  • 120Hz modes for supported TVs and monitors
  • Quick settings for power off, restart and sleep

Nvidia Share is returning! This was a feature that previously allowed you to grab screenshots, record gameplay footage, or stream to Twitch from a Shadowplay-esque popup. Most of the other improvements relate to GeForce Now, which is still in beta. In-game chat, something which is pretty crucial in some multiplayer games, is now supported via headsets that are plugged into the 3.5mm headphone jack at the bottom of the Shield Controller.

If you're using a keyboard and mouse, Nvidia says that this update will improve mouse smoothness and adds keyboard shortcuts. There's also now a dedicated KB/M row in GeForce Now so that you can quickly access compatible titles.

The Shield TV app that we saw pop up last month is now getting fleshed out in this update. It provides a virtual keyboard and mouse to make logging into services much easier. And if you have your Shield TV hooked up to a 120Hz TV or monitor, you'll now have full support for that, too.

Despite its problems, notably with remotes, the Shield TV remains one of my favorite devices. It's my Plex server and how we watch TV in my home. The two-year anniversary for the 2017 refresh is not that far off, so maybe we'll see Nvidia put out a Shield TV (2019), but that's just wild speculation.

The Shield TV Software Experience 7.1 upgrade is rolling out starting today, so be checking for that update notification. If you're interested in the really nitty-gritty details of this update, Nvidia is pointing users like you to the Release Notes page.

Source: Nvidia