Amazon has this week rolled out a new update to its Amazon Fire TV and Fire TV Stick hardware which enables the Universal Search to be able to reveal movies and episodes within third-party applications such as Netflix and HBO.
The updated Universal Search now provides results from HBO GO, HBO NOW, and other sources when users carry out voice search. Amazon has also rolled out a number of new Alexa voice controls that include the ability to :
“Skip ahead 30 seconds” (or any other length)
“Rewind 10 seconds” (or any other length)
“Next” to play the next episode
“Give me my sports update” to view scores for your favorite teams (as set in the Alexa app)
The update should be supported by both first and second generation Fire TV boxes as well as the Fire TV Stick but you will require a voice remote control or a smartphone application to be able to use the Alexa features with an Amazon Fire TV Stick. Amazon explains more :
Universal Search expanded to over 75 apps and channels. Use your voice to search across 75+ apps and channels, including Netflix. With support for universal search across more apps and content providers than any other streaming media player, Fire TV makes it easy to find and watch your favorite TV shows and movies. In addition, if a TV show or movie is available on multiple apps, Fire TV will now show you viewing options – watch, stream, rent, or purchase – so you can choose an app or channel based on convenience and value.
Customized content that’s easy to find. With Fire TV, you don’t have to launch multiple apps to see what’s new or get recommendations. Now, subscribers to popular providers like Netflix or HBO can quickly see personalized recommendations in custom rows available directly from the Fire TV home page. Fire TV gives customers a fast, easy way to access content they want with custom rows for popular apps and channels, including HBO, Netflix, and more in the coming months.
Alexa voice control for Amazon Video. Using just your voice, Alexa support for Amazon Video now lets you advance or go back in a video any amount of time you specify. Say “skip ahead 2 minutes” to jump past the opening credits. Miss something because you were interrupted? Just try “rewind 30 seconds.” Ready for the next episode? Just say “next.”
Sports Updates. Using Alexa, just say “give me my sports update” to see the latest scores and game info from your favorite sports teams right from your Fire TV. To select your favorite sports teams, simply go to Settings within the Alexa app, using a browser or your Fire tablet, iOS or Android device.
For more information on the new Amazon TV update jump over to the official Amazon press website for details by following the link below.
Source: Amazon
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