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NVIDIA Updates SHIELD With Android 4.3 Jelly Bean, Console Mode, New Titles
MojoKid writes "NVIDIA announced a major update to its SHIELD Android gaming device today, with the over-the-air update delivering the latest build of Android (v4.3 Jelly Bean) to the handheld console. NVIDIA also launched GameStream in order to bring more PC titles to streaming devices. Wait, need more? How about SHIELD Gamepad Mapper, which turns touch-based Android games into ones that can be enjoyed with SHIELD's console-quality controls. Alongside that Android update comes Console Mode, which turns SHIELD into a portable living room game console. Users will be able to pair up a Bluetooth controller, kick back on the couch, indulge in Android games, browse the Web, and watch your favorite movies all at 1080p."
And here I thought Console Mode means running vim and bash.
We've contacted all five users of nVidia Shield and they're quite happy with the update.
I don't understand the hate for SHIELD, yes it's expensive and doesn't do any except gaming. But people buy 3DS/2DS and Vita. This is the same but you get to play your existing Android library of games plus stream gaming. How much are 3DS games vs Android games? You'll make back the difference after about 5-10 games.
Users (third person plural) will be able to watch your (second person) favorite movies. Does that sound creepy to anyone else?
I've got an HTC One (that's a fine phone), but controls are f'in awful for some games. I can appreciate what many devs are trying to do, but some games simply need physical controls.
I'm very nearly going to buy a MOGA for those, but then that's just some handheld controls applied to a few games.
I *love* the idea of being able to stream my games from my PC to a handheld within my house, and decent controls chucked in, but... well it's really f'in obvious what the issue is. Most of the tech in the shield is already approximated in my phone and if I chucked on a MOGA than as far as I can see "I've bought a Shield" hardware-wise. Just seems wasteful to buy the hardware all over again.
What nVidia should be doing is adding the remote streaming in as a Tegra4 function. If the HTCTwo, or Galaxy5 gave me the streaming ability, and I just had to pick up a MOGA, then I'd be happy as a pig in shit (and it would certainly influence my choice of my *next* phone).
SHIELD Gamepad Mapper is the feature I have been waiting for!
For years I have been frustrated with having to retrain my reflexes when switching between similar console games like FPS, or beat'em ups. One game insists on throwing grenades with button X or Z the other one with A or B. Or in the heat of the battle, instead of hitting your enemy on the head, you find yourself ducking cowardly, just because you are so used to playing a similar game with a different button layout. Add to that the fact that I am left-handed and not even all games support switching of analog sticks.
So, yes, freely configurable buttons ARE important for me!
The SHIELD is the first handheld in history with two analog sticks and freely remappable buttons. This makes it stand out BIG TIME from the rest. Reason to buy for me.
Unfortunately, AMD's drivers would have to stop being shit.
Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!