Android 5.0 Lollipop Update Arrives for NVIDIA Shield Tablet

This week has been all about the latest Android 5.0 Lollipop update rolling out to many Nexus smartphones and tablets, but we have one more tablet getting it today.  NVIDIA recently confirmed the company’s impressive new SHIELD Tablet will be among the first tablets to run Google’s latest Android 5.0 update, and today it’s finally arriving.

Last week Google released Android 5.0 Lollipop updates for most Nexus users. Those include the Nexus 7 (2012 & 2013) as well as the Nexus 10, not to mention the Nexus 5 smartphone. While the updates are rolling in slow, other manufacturers are quickly getting their updates out too. Including NVIDIA.

Read: Nexus 9: Hands-on & First Impressions

The Nexus 9 was the first device to arrive with Android 5.0 Lollipop, and is the only tablet available with the newest update out of the box. However, along with Nexus tablets, today NVIDIA’s impressive SHIELD Tablet is getting the Android 5.0 Lollipop update. Being one of the first tablets to receive the tasty new OS upgrade.

NVIDIA released the SHIELD Tablet earlier this year, but it has most gone under the radar in a sea of Samsung tablets, the Nexus 7 and new Nexus 9, and of course all those iPad options. However, it’s a very capable device and is now running Google’s latest OS well ahead of the competition, and before many Nexus 7 users have even received Android 5.0 Lollipop themselves.

The NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet comes with an 8-inch 1080p HD display, a similar NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor as the new Nexus 9, 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage as well as micro-SD support, 5 megapixel front and rear cameras, and even dual front facing speakers, just like the Nexus 9. Add in a stylus, accessories like a flip case and cover, and a low price point, and this is a great alternative to the expensive Nexus 9.

The SHIELD is $299 for the 16GB model, and $399 for the 32GB 4G LTE variant. Meaning it’s much more wallet friendly than the Nexus 9. Above is a quick teaser video of the SHIELD Android 5.0 Lollipop update, one which all owners can expect to arrive today, or within the next 24-48 hours.

NVIDIA has been one of the best manufacturers when it comes to quick and timely updates, and a lot of that is due to the nearly stock pure Android experience on its devices. Aside from a few tweaks and additions, like the Tegra Zone, the SHIELD Tablet runs pure Android like a Nexus, offers great performance, and a low price.

Along with the improvement to Android 5.0 full of visual changes and improved performance, is also goodies from NVIDIA. Things like an updated SHIELD Hub with the material design look and feel, and improved dabbler app so users an enjoy the stylus, and even some games. The number one PC game of all time is on board, Half-Life 2, and HL:2 Episode 1 is also included with the update. As long as you buy the 32GB version.

Read: NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet Takes on Nexus 9

Users can expect the Android 5.0 Lollipop update to arrive today via and over the air update. You can also head into settings > about tablet > and select check for updates yourself to see if Google’s newest software update is ready for your device.