Android L 5.0 Release Date & Download: Nvidia Shield Tablet to Get OS November
Among the list of devices expected to get the sweetest treat from Android yet is the Nvidia Shield Tablet. Android Central reported that the device will be receiving the new Android 5.0 Lollipop later this month.
Also known as Android L, the new OS was rolled out on Nov. 3, according to the company's official blog. We have previously reported that HTC's Nexus 9 and Motorola's Nexus 6 will originally house the latest OS, while older models Nexus 5, Nexus 7, Nexus 10 and Nexus 4 will get it as an update.
It appears the Shield Tablet will be the world's first non-Nexus and non-Google Play Edition device to acquire Android 5.0 Lollipop, noted Phone Arena.
Nvidia particularly brands its Shield Tablet as a gaming platform, calling the device "the Ultimate Gaming Tablet." The tablet retails at $299 for its Wi-Fi 16 GB version, while the Wi-Fi + 4G LTE 32 GB version comes at $399.
The device is powered by the Tegra K1 mobile processor, providing full support for PC-class gaming technologies. Nvidia noted that it is the first mobile processor to run Unreal Engine 4. In addition, the Shield Tablet is run by 2.2 GHz ARM Cortex A15 CPU with 2 GB of RAM.
Full HD resolution is also sported by Shield, readily appreciated in its 8-inch display. Both rear and front cameras snap 5 MP HDR photos, only that the rear shooter is powered by autofocus.
Shield weighs 13.7 oz (390g). The device has a net length of 8.8 in (221mm). It is 5.0 in (126mm wide), with a thickness measuring 0.36 in (9.2mm). Connectivity specs include mini-HDMI output, micro-USB 2.0, microSD storage slot and a 3.5 mm stereo headphone jack with microphone support.
Softwares included in the tablet are Google Play, Nvidia Shield Hub, "Trine 2: Complete Story," Multi Language Handwriting Recognition, Nvidia Dabbler, JusWrite, Evernote, Adobe Reader and Camera Awesome.
Along with the mobile OS update, a short introductory clip from Nvidia revealed that the Shield tablet will also be receiving a new Dabbler app featuring a fresh user interface. An updated Shield Hub will also be available.
The new Android 5.0 Lollipop showcases a "bold, colorful and responsive" user interface design that allows convenient and intuitive device navigation. Material design is at the heart of the operating system, sporting vivid graphics and "edge-to-edge imagery" that promises focused attention.
Lollipop users also become more in-control of their device's notifications, through the ability of hiding sensitive content, accessing messages in lock screen, Priority Mode and intelligent notification ranking.
See and purchase the Nvidia Shield Tablet here.
Watch Nvidia's Android 5.0 Lollipop sneak peek on the Shield tablet below.