Amazon extends voice search on Fire TV products

Amazon has announced new features for its Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick, including expanded voice control and universal search functionality.

With the update, Amazon said it is making it easier for customers to find their favourite content with universal voice search extending across 75 apps and channels, including Netflix.

Alexa voice control support for Amazon Video will also lets users navigate through a video by giving instructions such as “skip ahead two minutes”, “rewind 30 seconds” or move to the next episode by saying “next”. Sports updates will be available too via Fire TV devices using Alexa.

Users who subscribe to popular providers like Netflix or HBO will now be able to see personalised recommendations in custom rows on the Fire TV homepage.

Viewers will also be given viewing options if a TV show or movie is available on multiple apps, so that users can choose where to watch, stream, rent, or purchase the title.

“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,” said Marc Whitten, vice-president, Amazon Fire TV.

The new features will be enabled automatically as part of a free, over-the-air software update.