Dish Network's 'Hopper' DVR now offers Google Assistant voice controls
Dish Network customers won't have to change the channel from their remote controls anymore. Now, they can just ask Google.
Dish Network announced on Monday that all generations of its Hopper DVR set-top boxes will be compatible with Google Assistant, allowing customers to control the channel with their voice. The feature is compatible with Google Home speakers and the Google Assistant app on iOS and Android.
The update marks a major shift for Dish Network, who will now give voice control options to the "tens of millions" of people who have bought a Google Home smart speaker. Those customers can now use the Assistant to ask for navigation across channels. It will also let you turn the set-top box on or off.
The new voice control options come with commands like “Show me reality TV” or asking for content based on the genre or who stars in it. You can also launch applications like Game Finder, Netflix, or YouTube with your voice.
You can even use your voice to set recordings. This might be particularly helpful when you want to record something while watching it, so that you won’t have to go through on-screen menus that block the screen in order to initiate the recording.
Since this integration also works with the Google Assistant, you don’t have to buy a Google Home to take advantage of this, either. Interested customers with a Hopper DVR (all generations), Hopper Duo, Joey client (all models) or Wally single-tuner HD can download the Google Assistant or Home app on their phone.
While DISH does offer a voice remote, this new approach is more consumer friendly, since it gives people who want to change the channel by yelling at their TV more options. The Hopper integration with the Google Assistant is rolling out today to customers and while you don’t have to worry about misplacing your remote, definitely keep an eye on your phone.
Topics Google Google Assistant Google Home
