Voice-activated control continues to dominate a variety of consumer electronics-related press, and hands-free control of key entertainment features now available on Vizio SmartCast TVs is the latest in a string of such stories. Irvine, CA-based Vizio has announced the SmartCast skill for Amazon Alexa on select 2016 and 2017 Vizio P-, M- and E-Series 4K UHD displays, enabling easy voice control of volume, channel and input settings, as well as the on/off function. The feature will also be available on 2018 Vizio displays ‘in the coming weeks’.
The SmartCast skill for Alexa will allow users with Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Amazon Tap and other Alexa-enabled devices to ask Alexa to control their Vizio displays, and further features will include playback functions such as fast forward, rewind and pause on select apps.
“VIZIO SmartCast is an industry leader with voice control and mobile device integration, in addition to a traditional remote and SmartCast TV interface,” said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “With the introduction of the VIZIO SmartCast skill for Alexa, we’re excited to expand voice controls, giving users with Alexa-enabled products a convenient way to control key features on their VIZIO SmartCast TVs and displays.”
Consumers who already own Vizio SmartCast TV-enabled displays with Amazon Alexa can also browse and launch content directly from their displays with their remote.
Home automation and voice-activated devices are not necessarily a lure for seasoned home theater devotees and movie lovers, but if you’re currently using Alexa-based products in conjunction with your Vizio display or A/V system, please let us know if the comments below.
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Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
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