Not Much Is Known About The New Nvidia Shield Tv Controller, Except That It Might Hint To A New Device Altogether.
New NVIDIA SHIELD Accessory? What is it?
According to a new filing in the FCC, the new accessory is a controller, and although it's not yet clear if this accessory will be compatible with the current NVIDIA SHIELD TV, signs seem to point towards a new device altogether. The new controller links to the NVIDIA SHIELD TV Android player via Bluetooth instead of Wi-Fi direct. Apparently it lacks a headphone jack now as well, which might mean that NVIDIA is simplifying its device to lower the price and be able to compete with the Amazon Fire TV. [Read:Amazon Fire TV apps can now use a 4k interface]
All of this is mere speculation until now, but if it turns out to be true, then the NVIDIA SHIELD TV might have the upper hand, mainly because it offers a more open environment for user-installed apps. Amazon has blocked FireStarter as well as other apps in the past, in order to have more control over the end-user experience. Direct competition with a device such as the NVIDIA SHIELD TV, even if it's a version with less features, might make Amazon backtrack and offer a less restrictive user experience. Either way, the arrival of a new and cheaper NVIDIA SHIELD TV streamer would offer a good alternative for you to set up your media center.
Alejandro is an electrical engineer, working as a software developer and part-time writer. He has a passion for technology, languages and games, and has been around the web since 2004.
