NVIDIA announces SHIELD, another entry into the growing field of devices to stream videogames and movies throughout a home, saying this Android-powered set top box is "Built for next-generation gaming and entertainment. Powered by a gaming supercomputer in the cloud. SHIELD is Made to Game." This also marks another entry into the growing field of devices called NVIDIA SHIELD, as they have previously released a handheld and a tablet with the exact same name. Word is this will launch in May for USD$199.00. They tout the SHIELD's ability to stream PC games from the cloud, saying "NVIDIA GRID is a game streaming service that delivers PC quality gaming to the living room," adding that this will also introduce "a whole new era" in Android gaming, as it "enables a new class of Android™ games– with immersive gameplay, intense multiplayer action and stunning graphics." Gizmodo has details from the project's unveiling, saying NVIDIA CEO Jen-Hsun Huang claims this is 35 times more powerful than the Apple TV and that NVIDIA claims "whisper quiet" operation and enough power to leapfrog last (generation's) home game consoles. They have impressions of Android ports of a couple of real (our term) games as well as the latest on GRID Game Streaming, which will also officially launch as a commercial service in May boasting a bunch of AAA games. Here's word on two tiers of subscription this will offer:

Grid will come in two tiers—a premium subscription level that streams games in 1080p at 60 frames per second, and a cheaper model limited to 30fps and 720p, and both will have access to a ton of always-available games to stream. Want more games? You can buy them piecemeal, with new AAA games available on launch day and playable within seconds of buying it.

Huang showed us live on stage, scrolling through the Grid store and picking up a copy of Resident Evil Revelations 2, launching it from the stage. Yup. You can totally buy and stream games, assuming your internet connection is up to snuff. When the service launches in may, NVIDIA plans to have 50 games available, and will add another 50 within the first six months.

The Grid is more than just simulated console games, though. Huang insists that it's technically the most powerful gaming platform available today. Technically, he's right—the service is backed by supercomputers, and just has a lot of raw power at its disposal. You probably won't ever use it (and you don't have direct access to it) but as far as specs go, that virtualized super computer blows the Xbox One out of the water.