EE TV becomes the first UK set top box to offer a hands-free control option via Amazon Alexa
EE TV today became one of the first set top boxes world-wide to offer a skill for Amazon Alexa. From today, EE TV will support Alexa voice control through Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, meaning customers can just ask for information on what's on, or to record their favourite shows.
Customers can ask “Alexa, ask EE TV what’s on tonight?” and Alexa will respond with three recommendations provided from the same source that supplies Freeview Picks. Users can also ask about shows on any Freeview channel for either now or the following day.
The user then has the option to record any or all of the recommended shows using just their voice. This skill works whether EE TV is on or in standby mode, which ensures customers never have to miss out on their favourite programmes. It also allows them to quickly set up a recording, even as they head out the house.
The EE TV skill for Alexa is the first in a number of commands being reviewed for the EE TV platform. This includes reviewing Amazon’s Alexa Video Skill APIs for integration with the service.
Max Taylor, Managing Director of Marketing, EE said: “We’re continually looking for ways to further enhance the accessibility and usability of EE TV - so we’re pleased to work with Amazon to launch the first Alexa skill on a set top box in the UK. The new skill will allow users to discover new content and help to enrich their TV experience, so they can make the most out of it.”
“Alexa integration with EE TV creates a truly hands-free TV experience,” said Fabrice Rousseau, General Manager, Alexa Skills Kit EU. “Customers can now ask Alexa to find things to watch and record the shows they want—no remote required. This is much more natural, and an experience that will get even better in future.”
Customers can link EE TV to their Alexa account by enabling the EE TV skill via the Alexa app. For further information on EE TV, please visit www.ee.co.uk/eetv
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About EE
EE, part of BT Group, is the largest and most advanced mobile communications company in the UK, delivering mobile and fixed communications services to consumers.
EE runs the UK's biggest and fastest mobile network, having pioneered the UK's first superfast 4G mobile service in October 2012 and was the first European operator to surpass 14 million 4G customers in December 2015. EE has more than 550 shops across the UK. EE's 4G coverage extends to more than 80% of the UK’s landmass (equal to more than 99% of the UK population) and EE has an ambition to extend 4G to 95% UK geographic coverage by 2020.
EE has received extensive independent recognition, including being ranked the UK's best overall network by RootMetrics®; Best Network at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Mobile News Awards; Best Consumer Network at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Mobile Industry Awards; as well as Fastest Network and Best Network Coverage at the 2017 uSwitch Mobile Awards.
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