Netgem highlights role in EE TV Amazon Alexa voice launch

TV technology provider Netgem has confirmed its role in bringing Amazon Echo voice navigation to the EE TV platform in the UK. EE recently announced it was launching voice control through the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot devices, giving its TV customer the ability to ask for information about what is on TV and to record shows.

Netgem has added integration of Amazon’s Alexa Voice Service to its cloud-based entertainment software suite, meaning that the Netgem-developed Alexa skill is available to operators looking to add voice capability to their offerings.

The skill enables customers using Amazon Echo and Echo Dot to interact with their set-top box using their voice. After linking EE TV to Alexa via the Alexa app, customers can simply say “what’s on TV tonight”, and get recommendations that they can then watch, or set the programmes to be recorded using a simple voice command. Consumers can also ask Alexa what’s currently on and what’s coming up on a particular channel, so they don’t miss the programmes they want to watch.

Skills are app-like capabilities third party developers can add to Alexa, enabling customers to engage with their products and services through voice.

“Voice is rapidly becoming an integral part of how users interact with their devices. This dedicated Alexa Skill represents our latest innovation to enable viewers to better engage with their TV content quickly and easily, instead of requiring them to scroll through a text-based EPG. The launch of this feature reinforces Netgem’s commitment to provide operators with innovative and market-leading solutions that will offer them a competitive edge in a fast-moving marketplace,” said Netgem operator solutions managing director Sylvain Thevenot.