Rumours are circulating this week that NVIDIA may have cancelled the development of a successor to the NVIDIA Shield Tablet K1. Earlier this year, specifications were leaked via an FCC filing that NVIDIA was developing a successor offering 2.4GHz and 5GHz 802.11ac Wi-Fi.
However, sources close to its development and a “dismissal request letter” submitted to the FCC by NVIDIA now seem to suggest that NVIDIA has now put an end to the new tablet.
Declining Tablet Market
Previously, NVIDIA has hinted that due to declining tablet sales, the company may invest their focus elsewhere developing new hardware. The tablet market has seen a significant downturn in recent years, with many consumers opting for larger smartphones or more versatile 2-in-1 devices. This shift in consumer preference has led many tech companies to reconsider their strategies regarding tablet development.
For instance, Apple has managed to maintain a strong presence in the tablet market with its iPad lineup, but even they have diversified their offerings to include more productivity-focused devices like the iPad Pro. Similarly, Microsoft has found success with its Surface line, which blurs the lines between tablets and laptops. In contrast, traditional tablets without these added functionalities have struggled to maintain their market share.
NVIDIA’s Strategic Shift
NVIDIA’s decision to potentially scrap the Shield Tablet successor could be seen as a strategic move to allocate resources to more promising ventures. The company has been making significant strides in other areas, such as gaming, artificial intelligence, and automotive technology. For example, NVIDIA’s GeForce Now cloud gaming service has been gaining traction, offering gamers the ability to stream high-quality games on various devices without the need for powerful local hardware.
Additionally, NVIDIA’s advancements in AI and machine learning have positioned them as a leader in these fields. Their GPUs are widely used in data centers for AI training and inference, and their DRIVE platform is making waves in the autonomous vehicle industry. By focusing on these high-growth areas, NVIDIA can leverage its strengths and continue to innovate in ways that have a more substantial impact on the market.
Unfortunately, as you would expect, NVIDIA has not confirmed the closure of development for a new tablet, but the letter below pretty much spells it out. If more details are announced about further hardware developments, we will keep you up-to-date as always.
The decision to halt the development of the Shield Tablet successor also raises questions about the future of NVIDIA’s Shield brand. The Shield TV, a popular streaming and gaming device, has been well-received and continues to receive updates and support. It remains to be seen whether NVIDIA will introduce new products under the Shield brand or if they will pivot entirely to other areas of their business.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of the NVIDIA Shield Tablet successor may disappoint some fans, it is a reflection of the broader trends in the tech industry and NVIDIA’s strategic priorities. The company is likely to continue focusing on areas where they can drive innovation and growth, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
Source: Android Police
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