- Nvidia's (NVDA -0.4%) promises its 8" Shield Android tablet, rumored for weeks, "[take] mobile gaming to another level." In addition to sporting a Tegra K1 processor (heavy on GPU power), it features an optional gaming controller and the ability to stream games via Nvidia's GameStream (PC-based) and Grid (cloud-based) services.
- A 16GB Wi-Fi-only model goes for $299, and a 32GB 4G model goes for $399. A Console Mode UI pops up when the device is connected to a TV.
- The tablet faces a slew of challenges, including: 1) The iPad's dominant position in the tablet gaming space (has much more game developer support than Android tablets). 2) The presence of many cheaper 7"-8" Android tablets. 3) The fact the controller costs an extra $59.
- As with its Shield console, Nvidia's primary goal might be to compel OEMs to make similar hardware, and in doing so boost Tegra sales.
- Meanwhile, Xiaomi (quickly gaining Chinese share) has opted to use Qualcomm's Snapdragon 801 processor in its new flagship, the Mi4. Xiaomi used both Nvidia's Tegra 4 and Qualcomm's Snapdragon 800 for the prior-gen Mi3.