Why is it that the only company besides Motorola (at least when they were under the Google umbrella) that really does updates right is a relative newcomer to mobile device manufacturing? It's all the more absurd when you weigh the "value add" software from Samsung/LG/HTC/etc. vs. what Nvidia brings to the table. Keep it close to stock, add value through non-duplicative apps that aren't tied to some crap system wide goop which kills your core update velocity.
^ This. So much this. I picked up a Shield Portable relatively late in the piece and loved that prior to getting the Shield Tablet at release. The fact that they could demonstrate reliable update support was a big factor. Absolutely agree with your assessment of the advantages of not tying value-add stuff to system frameworks, and also having genuine value-adds which Nvidia has done well with compared to others.
It's good to keep in mind the portfolio of the respective companies. If you are having 10+ devices, keeping everything up-to-date becomes more difficult. And afaik, LG, Samsung, HTC have pledged 5.0 for their current and last year flagships.
Indeed. But even if you look at only the _single_ flagship phone from each manufacturer, they lag Nvidia considerably with updates (which now has 3 devices to update and does so across all 3 quickly). And the fact that those OEM lineups get updates so unevenly points to poor development practices. Their code base should be 90%+ the same across their entire lineup. Even Cortex A7 devices can run Lollipop, it's not like it is a huge burden hardware wise for any phone released within the past 2 years. The OEMs are in an unfortunate position where they can all buy the same components and feel their best way to differentiate is through software, but in general they really aren't that good at it.
Their efforts at being up-to-date aren't lost on customers I think. Shield Tablet is on my short list of possible devices and that list grows shorter and shorter. Their attention to this kind of thing along with sticking as much as possible to stock Android are two of the core things which have me considering it.
I was blown away by the power of the Shield tablet, but what it really did is focus me on the Shield Portable, as my Terga 3 Asus Transformer Prime is still a great tablet. What a great gaming device the portable Shield is! I have had it a couple weeks, and all I can say is wow! I hope they make a phone, because their software support is first rate!
I can safely say they have been great with updates. Remember this thing is very young only out a short time and already they are showing strong commitment. I had an issue with mine, and called them so they sent me a new one that day and then all the RMA stuff with it. No down time and issue resolved. If you are a Gamer then Wow. This tablet is awesome. For the money it is Great and the front facing stereo speakers make a killer media device.
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kron123456789 - Tuesday, November 4, 2014 - link
I wonder if Shield Portable and Tegra Note 7 also will recieve update to Android 5.0Bob Todd - Tuesday, November 4, 2014 - link
I think they already announced they'd get the update back in the summer. And it's a pretty safe bet based on their track record.Bob Todd - Tuesday, November 4, 2014 - link
Why is it that the only company besides Motorola (at least when they were under the Google umbrella) that really does updates right is a relative newcomer to mobile device manufacturing? It's all the more absurd when you weigh the "value add" software from Samsung/LG/HTC/etc. vs. what Nvidia brings to the table. Keep it close to stock, add value through non-duplicative apps that aren't tied to some crap system wide goop which kills your core update velocity.NZtechfreak - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - link
^ This. So much this. I picked up a Shield Portable relatively late in the piece and loved that prior to getting the Shield Tablet at release. The fact that they could demonstrate reliable update support was a big factor. Absolutely agree with your assessment of the advantages of not tying value-add stuff to system frameworks, and also having genuine value-adds which Nvidia has done well with compared to others.Death666Angel - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - link
It's good to keep in mind the portfolio of the respective companies. If you are having 10+ devices, keeping everything up-to-date becomes more difficult. And afaik, LG, Samsung, HTC have pledged 5.0 for their current and last year flagships.Bob Todd - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - link
Indeed. But even if you look at only the _single_ flagship phone from each manufacturer, they lag Nvidia considerably with updates (which now has 3 devices to update and does so across all 3 quickly). And the fact that those OEM lineups get updates so unevenly points to poor development practices. Their code base should be 90%+ the same across their entire lineup. Even Cortex A7 devices can run Lollipop, it's not like it is a huge burden hardware wise for any phone released within the past 2 years. The OEMs are in an unfortunate position where they can all buy the same components and feel their best way to differentiate is through software, but in general they really aren't that good at it.savagemike - Tuesday, November 4, 2014 - link
Their efforts at being up-to-date aren't lost on customers I think. Shield Tablet is on my short list of possible devices and that list grows shorter and shorter. Their attention to this kind of thing along with sticking as much as possible to stock Android are two of the core things which have me considering it.ol1bit - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - link
I was blown away by the power of the Shield tablet, but what it really did is focus me on the Shield Portable, as my Terga 3 Asus Transformer Prime is still a great tablet. What a great gaming device the portable Shield is! I have had it a couple weeks, and all I can say is wow! I hope they make a phone, because their software support is first rate!oiche_shamhna - Wednesday, November 5, 2014 - link
I can safely say they have been great with updates. Remember this thing is very young only out a short time and already they are showing strong commitment. I had an issue with mine, and called them so they sent me a new one that day and then all the RMA stuff with it. No down time and issue resolved. If you are a Gamer then Wow. This tablet is awesome. For the money it is Great and the front facing stereo speakers make a killer media device.