NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablet Receives Marshmallow OTA Update (Updated)

We may earn a commission for purchases made using our links.

12/21/15 10:30pm CT Update: The article has been updated to add a response from NVIDIA PR regarding the update for the original tablet model.

When NVIDIA announced the reworked SHIELD K1 tablet last month with Lollipop, it noted at launch that the newest version of Android would be making its way to the device within a few months. To build up a bit of excitement for the update, NVIDIA previewed a sneak peek of the build on YouTube last week. Today, they have quietly announced the update on their website. This means that owners of the revised SHIELD Tablet will get not only the latest version of Android, but a distinguishing software package in contrast to the original release version.

Since the re-release of the K1 tablet was only available in 16GB capacity, NVIDIA fortunately has elected to leave in the functionality of Marshmallow to allow a MicroSD card to function as either portable or internal storage. SHIELD K1 Tablet owners are kindly reminded that should they choose to use the MicroSD card as internal storage, any information should be backed up prior to selection, as the card will be wiped in the process. The update also comes with Bethesda Software’s Fallout Shelter bundled along with new wallpapers and the long awaited features of 6.0 such as Now on Tap, improved app permissions and improvements to device standby.

To update, just check for updates on your SHIELD K1 tablet or follow this thread in our forums. Users in the thread are already discussing the update; at time of writing it was mentioned that the over-the-air update package should also be available soon for those who want to try and update manually. Regarding the original version of the SHIELD Tablet, fear not – NVIDIA’s Jordan Dodge has sent us the following: “We’re working on the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for original SHIELD tablets. Look for more news early in the new year.” (Our thanks to NVIDIA for the prompt response to our inquiry!)

Do you think this update will help increase the popularity of the NVIDIA Shield K1 Tablet? Would you like to share your feedback and experiences on this update? Feel free to add your comments below, or join the discussion in the forum thread!