The NVIDIA Shield Android TV is what NVIDIA is hoping will give it a piece of the video game console market. It's a tough sell since it is a streaming box, but that doesn't matter if it is a good product. So, is it? Let's see what the critics have to say.
From all indication, the Shield Android TV is a reliable and well-built device. It can stream games and 4K content, and according to some critics, it is the best in the business right now. We don't see a lot of people streaming games just yet, but it should work wonders with 4K and other entertainment related content.
What some critics have to say:
Hot Hardware: "The NVIDIA SHIELD Android TV has a somewhat split personality. One personality is an elegantly designed, premium device with a feature set that's currently unrivaled. Media playback is excellent, the device and its accessories are well built and exude quality, and the software experience, even at this early stage, is quite good. And with Google and major networks now throwing their considerable weight behind the Android TV platform, we expect things to only get better with time."
Toms Guide: "Starting at $199, the NVIDIA Shield costs a lot more than the $100 Roku 3 and $69 Apple TV, but it also does a lot more. The powerful X1 processor makes smooth 4K video streaming possible and delivers a fairly strong gaming experience, albeit with a limited selection at present. When NVIDIA Grid leaves its beta phase, the Shield could deliver incredible games at a much lower price than its full console brethren."
IGN: "Despite its souped-up specs, the Shield feels more like a glimpse into the future of set-top boxes rather than its arrival. Loading up a 4K video or playing a AAA title with a controller is mostly good for showing off to friends, rather than something you'll spend hours on-there's just not much available yet in the way of endless entertainment. Android TV unfortunately seems to mirror Android Wear: its development is moving along slowly, and as a result, it hampers the potential of the hardware running it."
Bottom Line:
Since this is a streaming box, users will require a broadband Internet connection. To stream 4K content, they will need a powerful broadband connection, one that doesn't limit their bandwidth. Such speeds and power are not available in every country, and where available, they are usually expensive.
Additionally, the box is powered by Android TV, so it means any apps associated with the platform should work without an issue.
It is clear that the success of the NVIDIA Shield Android TV device walks hand in hand with the success of Google's platform. If it fails, then this device is a dead duck, and that would certainly be a shame.
