Last month, NVIDIA refreshed it’s SHIELD Tablet K1 with updated specs, a price point of just $200, and a vow that it will be bringing Android 6.0 Marshmallow to the device. Well, today, that promise has come to pass. NVIDIA has begun rolling out the latest version of Android to the K1. However there are the usual updates in Marshmallow featured in the update that we’re all used to, NVIDIA did pack in some improvements and enhancements unique to the K1.
Here’s what Android 6.0 brings to the K1 according to NVIDIA:
This update for SHIELD Tablet K1 upgrades the Operating System to Android version 6.0
NVIDIA SHIELD Camera
- New UI inspired by Material Design, improved burst photo functionality
- Adds new real-time HD Image Effects
Now on Tap
- Quickly find information related to what you are seeing on the screen, also from inside an app
Adoptable Storage
MicroSD cards can be integrated with main internal storage, auto managed by systemUser Interface Upgrades
- Personalize Home & Lock screens with different wallpapers, new NVIDIA wallpapers
- Personalize Quick Settings menu, add/remove, rearrange toggles
- Google Now voice commands can be launched from lock screen
Improved App Permissions
- Permissions are now managed centrally
Power Consumption
- App Standby power improvements
- Improved BT Low Energy scanning power efficiency
System wide improvements including
- Monitor Memory Usage with detailed usage of each app
- Optimized preloaded apps
- Adds Fallout Shelter game
IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY USING A MICROSD CARD IN THIS SHIELD TABLET:
In Android 6.0 there are changes to how expanded storage works. After this upgrade, there will be 2 ways to setup the MicroSD card, please read carefully:
Portable Storage: This option will not delete data from the SD card
Internal Storage: This option wipes all data from the SD card. If you are currently storing data the SD card, please make sure it is first backed up.
NVIDIA recommends to back up the MicroSD card prior to downloading this update
As you can see, there’s some pretty cool stuff in the latest update for the K1. What really caught my eye was the new storage configurations available. That way, you really have extra storage, you know? I mean simply inserting a microSD card and transferring music, photos, videos, apps, and other media is great, but having it mounted as internal storage is even better. This way, you don’t have to wait for your “external storage” to mount to your device. I mean, you still have to wait obviously, but in theory it should be much faster.
In case you were wondering, the K1 features a Tegra K1 quad-core processor (which is clocked at 2.2GHz), and great graphics thanks to a Kepler GPU. There’s a pair of front-facing speakers for a cinematic media consumption experience, a 5MP front camera and a typical 5-megapixel camera on the back (both of which have HDR). Finally, there’s 2GB RAM and 16GB of expandable storage. And remember, you’re getting all of this for just $200.
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