Providing Nvidia with a fresh sales distribution point for its Android TV-powered Shield gaming and video streaming platform, Google Fiber has begun to offer the product as an “accessory” to all current and new customers at its local retail and demo outlets (called Google Fiber Spaces) in Provo, Utah; Kansas City; and Austin, Texas.
Google Fiber, which offers a mix of 1-Gig broadband and pay TV services, also has buildout efforts underway in San Antonio; Salt Lake City; Nashville, Tenn.; Atlanta; Charlotte; and Raleigh-Durham. It’s also exploring expansions in Irvine, San Jose, and San Diego, Calif., Louisville, Ky.; Phoenix; and Portland.
The Google Fiber connection was one of several Shield-facing announcements from Nvidia, which launched the high-end console in late May, offering the base model for $199.99 (the remote is sold separately for $49.99). The device supports 4K streaming from sources such as Netflix, as well as apps and OTT services spanning Sling TV, Crackle, Showtime, Hulu, Epix, and Pluto TV, among others. A Live Channels app lets users watch live TV via a built-in tuner, when paired to a digital OTA antenna.
Support for NFL Sunday Ticket Pac 12 Football will be “coming soon,” Nvidia said.
Nvidia also launched a $7.99 per month game streaming service called GeoForce NOW, and launched the Shield and Shield Pro in the U.K., France, Germany, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Sweden.
