It looks like NVIDIA is about to take a page out of Apple’s book -- by releasing a new device or product that carries the exact same name as its predecessor. The only way to tell the difference between the old and the new? The model year that is depicted in brackets after the name. There is a new NVIDIA SHIELD TV looming in the background for 2017, but what of its predecessor? Good news. There is a massive new update 5.0 being pushed out for the original NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2015) that will certainly bring it to be on par with the times. In fact, the latest update does more than offer a bump in the operating system version, it will also deliver other features and functions that would see action on the new NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2017). Does it make sense to purchase the new NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2017) then in this case?

First of all, let us see what update 5.0 brings to the table for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2015). Apart from having Android 7.0 Nougat humming underneath the hood now, NVIDIA will bring with it picture-in-picture support, in addition to a brand new settings menu that ought to charm users, and a recent apps page that helps greatly -- a feature that many programs have long incorporated. There are also different enhancements thrown into the mix for update 5.0, including a pause/play button that can be accessed simply by double tapping the volume slider, or perhaps to send data to an attached USB or SD card, having a cast option for HBO GO, not to mention playing nice with Plex speakers in 4.1, 6.1, and 8.1 configurations.

This update would not be that exciting if it was not accompanied by Amazon Video. In other words, Prime members alongside different Amazon fans are able to go ahead and stream Amazon’s entire catalog of movies and shows. To sweeten the deal, these will arrive in 4K HDR quality, now how about that for a visual treat? NVIDIA would like to make things easier for everyone as well by simplifying the layout, while throwing in an NVIDIA Games App. The NVIDIA Games App would enable users to enjoy games with GeForce NOW games, in addition to other “exclusive” Android titles, and GameStream titles. There will be no more SHIELD Hub as the NVIDIA Games App takes over.

Those who are appreciative of their NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2015) will certainly be pleased to know that the performance upgrade that comes with GeForce NOW enables one to enjoy the GeForce GTX 1080 over the cloud, while enjoying live streams via Nest Cam video. What advantage then, would there be in picking up the NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2015) compared to the NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2017)? Well, the latter would definitely come with more bells and whistles right out of the box, not to mention having a naturally longer lifespan in the market. Support for the NVIDIA SHIELD TV (2015) would also end earlier than the 2017 model -- that much is obvious, so why not get on with the program for the future?