In February, Nvidia released the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for the Shield Android TV, which also introduced the next-generation Vulkan graphics API to the system. Also included in the update are home screen customization options, quicker power menu access from the home screen and enhanced color support.
Nvidia is now also pushing out the Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update to the Shield Tablet K1, with Vulkan API support also included in the software upgrade.
According to the changelog of what Nvidia named as the Shield Tablet K1 Software Upgrade 1.2, there are several changes coming to the gaming tablet from its move up to Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow.
Among the changes are the repositioning of the navigation buttons when the tablet is in landscape mode, updated emojis, the feature of launching the Shield Camera app by double tapping on the tablet's power button, and the Do Not Disturb Until Next Alarm option.
The update also adds support for the power-saving Doze mode of Android Marshmallow, along with introducing other power optimizations.
Other new features and changes coming to the gaming include the following:
- Addition of USB MIDI support
- Enhances memory compression
- Improvement in Wi-Fi connectivity when waking up from sleep
- Fix to the Compass feature
- Fix Gamepad Mapper issues
- Fix issues when transferring apps to an SD card
- Fix HDMI output issue for Doom 3
- Repositioning of Lasso Capture icons in landscape mode
- Update to Android 6.0 Security Patch
- Enhancement of overall stability and security
Coincidentally, Google is also now rolling out support for the Vulkan API in the Android N Developer Preview 2 for Nexus devices. The API will further enhance the Shield Tablet K1's gaming experience as the GPU will be accessed more efficiently.
The software upgrade is being pushed out as an over-the-air update, so for Shield Tablet K1 users that have yet to receive it, just be patient. The update will be arriving shortly.
