Foxtel now has voice control.
The function was demonstrated by CEO Patrick Delany at Foxtel's virtual showcase event.
A major software update for 1.1 million iQ3 and iQ4 customers, which together with the new Foxtel Voice Remote, will provide the ability to search, browse and navigate with the touch of a button and the sound of a voice.
Foxtel is using a TVC staring a cockatoo who uses voice to run his Foxtel whole the family is out, to launch voice commands.
Users can search for a specific show, sporting team, actor, director, character or even use a famous movie quote from a film.
For example, “Good Will Hunting” will return the movie, while saying a famous movie quote like “may the force be with you” will show Star Wars movies.
Combination search commands are also available such as “action movies” and “just the ones with Tom Cruise”.
Plus the Voice Remote understands the local lingo navigating with ease to sporting team nicknames like “Rabbitohs” or “Magpies” and recognising 10 major Australian accents.
Browse specific themes, genres and moods of content. For example, “show me Christmas movies”, “show me romantic comedy movies”, “show me air crash investigation shows” or “show me home renovation shows” will return a list of content.
Voice can also adjust volume, play, pause, rewind, skip ahead, channel change and schedule recordings.
“With the launch of our new user interface last year and now the Voice control, we are continuing to invest in innovation to reimagine people’s experience of Foxtel and ensure we provide a premium experience of the best of TV and on-demand, all in one place," says Delany.
The Foxtel Voice Remote is only active when the microphone button is pushed, rather than always being in listen mode waiting to be activated by a speech command.
The update enabling the Voice control is due to be completed in October and November.
More than a quarter of a million Foxtel customers already have a Foxtel Voice Remote. A new remote Foxtel costs $29.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.