Apple’s new HDTV is rumored to come with some sort of Siri integration which will apparently allow you to control your TV with voice commands, and now it would appear that Google may have something similar planned for their Google TV platform.
The guys over at Patently Apple have discovered a patent relating to voice controls for Google TV using either an application or a voice enabled remote control.
Just six days prior to Apple officially launching iCloud and Siri, Google was rushing their patent application to the US Patent and Trademark Office covering a new Google TV remote and/or application. The new remote will use voice controls associated with Google’s own cloud services. The user will be able to use their Android Phone as the remote to make inquiries about TV shows and the TV will list what’s available as illustrated in our cover graphic. Apple has had a similar feature under Remote for several years now, but it doesn’t relate to live TV as Google’s will.
Google’s Vision for Voice-Controlled TV
The integration of voice controls into Google TV represents a significant leap forward in how users interact with their television sets. By leveraging Google’s advanced voice recognition technology, users will be able to perform a variety of tasks without needing to use a traditional remote control. This could include changing channels, searching for specific shows or movies, adjusting volume, and even controlling other smart home devices connected to the Google ecosystem.
For instance, imagine sitting on your couch and simply saying, “Hey Google, find action movies,” and having a list of available options displayed on your screen. This hands-free approach not only enhances convenience but also makes the technology more accessible to individuals with disabilities who may find traditional remotes challenging to use.
Comparing Apple and Google’s Approaches
While both Apple and Google are exploring voice control for their TV platforms, their approaches have some distinct differences. Apple’s Siri integration is expected to be deeply embedded within the Apple ecosystem, allowing seamless interaction with other Apple devices and services. This could mean that users can ask Siri to play a movie on their Apple TV, control their HomeKit-enabled devices, or even get updates on their calendar events, all through their TV.
On the other hand, Google’s approach appears to be more focused on leveraging its extensive cloud services and Android ecosystem. The ability to use an Android phone as a remote control is a significant advantage, as it provides a familiar interface for users and integrates with other Google services like Google Assistant, Google Photos, and Google Calendar. This could potentially create a more unified and cohesive user experience across different devices and services.
It isn’t clear as yet whether or not Google will integrate voice controls into future Google TV devices, you can find out full details on what Google has planned over at Patently Apple.
Have a look at our handy guide in the difference between LCD and LED TVs.
The race to integrate voice control into TV platforms is heating up, with both Apple and Google making significant strides. As these technologies continue to evolve, consumers can look forward to more intuitive and seamless ways to interact with their entertainment systems. Whether it’s through Siri’s integration with Apple’s ecosystem or Google’s innovative use of cloud services and Android devices, the future of television is undoubtedly becoming smarter and more user-friendly.
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