Dish Network said it is now downloading software updates to its Hopper family of pay TV set-tops, enabling these devices to run Google Assistant voice control technology.
Dish has also introduced new Google-branded voice remotes, but can also turn its legacy voice remotes into Google Assistant-compatible devices.
The integration allows for a lot of basic TV control: Sample commands include “Change the channel to ESPN,” “Show me comedies,” “Search for Funny Cat Videos on YouTube” and “Launch Netflix.”
But there is also home automation command/control, such as “Dim the living room lights” and “Lock the front door.”
Subscribers can also access weather data with commands such as, "Will I need an umbrella today.”
And there's also access to various Google services, such as photo storage: “Show me my photos in Hawaii” was another one of the sample commands Dish included in its press release.
The update is available today at no extra cost on Hopper, Joey and Wally set-top boxes.
“Our customers have enthusiastically embraced voice control technology as a key part of their TV experience, so we wanted to find a way to provide even more value and entertainment with the introduction of the Google Assistant on Hopper family receivers,” said Rob Sadler, Dish director of product development. “With this update, we’ve expanded functionality to allow customers to not just control their Hopper, but to ask questions, get answers and control their smart home all through their remote.”
