Nvidia has officially started pushing Android 6.0 Marshmallow as an over-the-air update to its Shield Tablet K1, bringing the slate to the latest Android version.
This makes the Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 one of the first tablets to get a taste of the much-hyped Marshmallow. So far, only the HTC Nexus 9 and the Google Pixel C got to bite the Marshmallow treat, but that was expected since they're both in Google's lineup.
Just last week, Nvidia posted an exciting teaser that gave us a sneak peek at how Android 6.0 Marshmallow would look on the Shield Tablet K1. At that time, the company didn't announce an exact rollout date for the update, but the teaser nonetheless hinted at an imminent release.
Fast forward to the present date and the Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 is officially getting Android 6.0 Marshmallow as an over-the-air (OTA) update, rolling out now to bring a slew of neat features and improvements.
One of the biggest highlights involves the new Google Now on Tap, but adoptable storage is just as exciting. The Nvidia Shield Tablet already allowed users to move apps to the SD card, but that functionality now gives way to something better.
Adoptable storage now allows users to have microSD cards act as internal storage, which means they will be integrated with the main built-in storage of the device. The system will auto-manage this adoptable storage, which means less hassle, more convenience and smoother performance for users.
After the update, inserting a microSD card into the tablet will prompt a pop-up notification that asks you what you want to do with that card. You can either choose to use it as external storage, or integrate it as internal memory thanks to the new adoptable storage feature. However, there's one thing you have to keep in mind, as Nvidia points out.
"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," explains the company.
"NVIDIA recommends to back up the MicroSD card prior to downloading this update."
Google Now on Tap, meanwhile, is an enhanced version of Google's virtual assistant and adds its own set of neat functionality. With Google Now on Tap, users can now check for more information about whatever they have on their screen, without having to search for it separately.
Let's say you're reading a text message from a friend, who invited you to a nice restaurant they like. The Now on Tap button would allow you to quickly find Google-sourced info about that restaurant straight from the respective message. Such information could include the restaurant's location on a map, reviews, business hours, contact information and so on.
Next up, another useful feature included in the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update now switches on Google's App Standby System, allowing users to set when an app should automatically go into standby mode based on the last time they opened and used it.
The Nvidia Shield Tablet K1 also gets a number of notable interface improvements with the latest Marshmallow treat. Google Now voice commands, for instance, are finally available from the slate's lock screen, while the Quick Settings menu now allows users to re-arrange things based on their needs and preferences. Nvidia also throws in new wallpapers for both the lock and the home screen.
The change log further mentions a new Nvidia Shield Camera app, which brings a Material Design-inspired user interface, better burst shots functionality, and new real-time HD Image Effects.
