ANALYSIS: VOICE CONTROL Home Entertainment


February 2023 ertonline.co.uk


huge music library, including 4K music videos. Compatibility with Apple Home kit allows for voice interaction with Siri. Arguably the most seamless integration of voice control on a TV platform yet seen has come from Sky. The all-in-one Sky Glass IPTV product (left), and sibling Sky Stream device, utilise an interface that is primarily voice first.


Rather than simply using voice functionality for


programme search, it’s built into the operational DNA of Sky’s Entertainment OS. Near-field microphones mean it becomes second


26 A complete ecosystem


Meanwhile, LG has expanded support for Siri on its webOS smart screens, placing Apple Music alongside the Apple TV app, and offering full AirPlay and HomeKit compatibility to models running webOS Hub 2.0.


For customers who are fully committed to the


Apple ecosystem, this move could be a clincher, particularly if they’re not overly swayed by Google Assistant or Alexa voice assistants.


For one thing, it saves having to invest in a separate Apple TV streaming box. The Apple TV+ app has been available for some time, but the addition of Apple Music opens the door to a


nature to switch on the screen and select channels without ever reaching for the remote control. The latest 1.1 firmware rollout for the two products builds on this with additional voice control refinement. A new ‘Play’ command helps users access content quicker than before. If a show is highlighted, shouting “play” allows subscribers to start watching. If you’ve not finished watching a show or movie, this command also picks up from where you left off. For franchises, for example “play Harry Potter,” takes you to a page of Potter-related search results. The lustre may have faded on the voice control


market of late, but we’re betting that many users will still find it magical.


The convenience of connected living


LG has its own smart technology. Dubbed ThinQ, it has been used across a range of hardware, from TV to home appliances, but it’s been more of a facilitator than an assistant.


“Consumers are more willing to invest in appliances and technology that will make life just


The LG Styler


that bit easier for them,” observes David Palmer, LG Senior Product Specialist Home Appliances. “Our ThinQ app enables people to monitor and control their compatible home appliances remotely, offering ease, reliability and the peace of mind that consumers are looking for today. Users can balance a myriad of daily tasks through one simple app that will track and remember their usage habits to better anticipate their needs. “Of course, LG’s appliances also work with


Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa so users can control smart features with their voice.” Mr Palmer cites the brand’s InstaView Door-in- Door (GSXV91BSAE) fridge freezer (right), the LG (F4V1112BTSA) washing machine and LG Styler (left), all of which can be monitored and controlled via the LG ThinQ app.


For example, the temperature of the InstaView fridge freezer can be controlled via voice commands given to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, which can be helpful when consumers are in the middle of cooking or have just arrived home from a big grocery shop.


“These features help people to save energy while giving them more flexibility when using their home appliances,” Mr Palmer continues.


“At LG, we listen to the needs of our customers when developing our smart technologies and appliances so we can answer their demands, which include the growing interest in remote-controlled appliances and voice control functions.” And at CES this year, the brand introduced its new ThinQ UP upgradeable home appliances – where users


can enjoy new


features and functions on their refrigerators, washers, dryers, ovens and dishwashers without having to make any additional


purchases.


Launched initially in South Korea in January 2022, LG ThinQ UP will begin rolling out intern


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