Jordan O'BrienVoice control is a huge market in 2016 thanks to devices such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home – but despite coming up with Echo and Alexa, Amazon lacked comprehensive voice search on the Fire TV. Now, in addition to Alexa support which was rolled out in the US earlier this year, the Amazon Fire TV is now better at locating exactly what the user needs when asked by voice. That’s because Amazon is adding voice search support to over 75 Apps and services, including Netflix.
Amazon has a sort of love-hate relationship with Netflix. It’s understandable considering the two compete in the online video world, but Amazon realises that in order to succeed at hardware and take on the likes of Apple TV and Roku it needs to make nice and offer the functionality users expect.
“At Netflix, we are always seeking new ways to help connect people with stories they’ll love,” notes Scott Mirer, vice president of device partner ecosystem at Netflix. “Now, Fire TV customers have more ways to discover great TV shows and movies on Netflix through personalised recommendations available in a custom row right on the home page or through universal voice search – making it more convenient for them to find their favourite show on Netflix.”
The Amazon Fire TV has always boasted voice control support, but it was limited to locating content on Amazon’s own on demand video service. Now thanks to support from even Apps, users will be able to find content that Amazon may not necessarily have on its servers. Despite that, Amazon is still giving its customers a better experience – with users now able to control playback controls on Amazon Video content using nothing but their voice.
“Customers have told us they love having access to the wide selection of Apps, games and Alexa skills on Amazon Fire TV, and they love how easy it is to find their favourite shows with universal voice search,” says Marc Whitten, vice president, Amazon Fire TV.
“Now, we’re making it easier than ever for customers to find their favourite content with universal voice search across 75 apps and channels, and a new, simple way to see recommendations from Netflix, HBO GO, and HBO NOW right on the home screen.”
The update is rolling out today, although it’s not known whether those in the UK will see it right away. Alexa support for Amazon Fire TV is currently restricted to the US – so this update could be too. Given Amazon is planning an event for next week however, that could soon change.