What Are the Benefits of Using Voice-Controlled Remotes for Football Watching

Surveys show that viewers appreciate voice-based interaction. They find it a faster and more user-friendly method than the traditional hunt-and-peck search function of their TV or streaming device.

Voice commands send digitized voice data to the cloud for processing, so frequent use requires a good Internet connection. This could be a privacy concern for some users.

1. Easy to Operate

In a time when many consumers are comfortable using voice interfaces on their phones, it’s no wonder that they want to use the same technology on their TV devices. Surveys show that viewers who use voice command are very satisfied with the experience.

Moreover, viewers who are unable to type may prefer voice commands for the simple fact that it is easier and more convenient than clicking on a virtual keyboard. The on-screen keyboard is not only cumbersome but also slow, and it can easily result in typos or misspellings.

The most important aspect of any voice-controlled remote is its microphone. The best models feature built-in mics that can pick up your voice even with music or TV noise. The microphone should be positioned close to your mouth so that the remote can pick up your voice easily. The Comcast X1 Remote with Voice, for example, allows you to search and set Sunday night football on NBC and get recommendations simply by speaking.

2. Saves Time

For visually impaired viewers, voice-controlled remotes provide a way to access football content without the need to navigate on-screen menus or use a keyboard. The technology saves time and effort while providing a more user-friendly experience.

For example, a Comcast customer who has an X1 set-top box can use the voice command feature to search networks, shows and movies; set DVR recordings; get recommendations; and navigate Xfinity On Demand. Using natural speech, the system can even recognize hundreds of popular movie quotes, such as “Lions and tigers and bears! Oh my!” (a reference to The Wizard of Oz).

However, not all devices support the use of voice commands. And, for those that do, frequent use of the feature can quickly drain the battery, especially if it requires a large amount of data to be transmitted back and forth over a wireless network. This can be mitigated by a high-quality codec that enables efficient data compression, minimizing power consumption.

3. Easy to Find

For some viewers, the ability to search for TV shows and movies using their voice is essential. They’re already accustomed to the technology on their phones, and many of them want it on their TV devices too. Surveys show that if a device doesn’t have this capability, it may be the deciding factor when consumers are in the market to buy a new media player or smart TV.

A remote with hands-free voice can let viewers do a lot of things, such as searching for networks, shows or movies; setting DVR recordings; getting recommendations and navigating Xfinity On Demand. It can also play a sound when the remote is misplaced, so you can easily find it.

One of the best remotes with voice capability is Logitech’s Harmony Elite, which can control up to 15 different devices, and works on a variety of platforms. A less expensive option is the Amazon Fire TV Cube, which can only control Fire OS devices but has built-in voice capabilities.

4. Easy to Operate

Using voice control with technology has gone from futuristic to mainstream. Most people now use it on their smartphones regularly and expect the feature to be available on other devices, including TVs.

Research shows that viewers who have tried voice commands for their TV or media player are satisfied with the functionality. It is much easier than navigating an on-screen keyboard, which can be frustrating for anyone who has difficulty typing or has limited mobility.

With hands-free voice turned on, X1 viewers can search networks, shows and movies; set DVR recordings; get recommendations; navigate Xfinity On Demand; and more. Using the microphone on the remote, they can also say things like “Hey Roku, show me the news” or “Play Classic Rock.” Some of these commands may vary by device type. The remote uses an internet connection to send the digitized voice data to the cloud, which then translates it into a text query for a command.