Optus has announced a tie-up with Fetch TV to ensure that the the latter's set-top box will work with the Google Assistant on Google Home and compatible Android mobiles and iPhones.
A statement from the telco said this was made possible by voice-activated AI technology.
"Customers now have the option of hands-free entertainment and can use their voice to search for something to watch, find out what’s on, set recordings, change the channel and more," the company claimed.
Optus managing director of Marketing and Product, Ben White, said this capability had been developed in partnership with Fetch TV and Google as part of a wider strategy to offer convenient technology for customers.
{loadposition sam08}“At Optus, we see an industry trend towards smart home technology and we’re really excited to be one of the Australian companies driving the development of AI products that can perform useful, everyday tasks," said White.
“Optus worked closely with Google and Fetch TV to further enhance the Fetch experience by enabling the voice-activated capability.
“Voice commands really simplify the way you can interact with Fetch, for example instead of scrolling through the menu customers can simply say 'Ok Google, ask Fetch to watch Optus Sport 1', and the latest Premier League action will launch automatically."
The new functionality is now available on all Fetch Mini, Mighty and Gen 2 boxes and works with selected features of Fetch including:
- Searching for movies and TV shows e.g. “Ok Google, ask Fetch to find Moana”;
- Finding out when a show is on TV;
- Setting recordings on Mighty or Gen 2 boxes e.g. “Ok Google, ask Fetch to record The Project”;
- Changing channels;
- Adjusting the volume e.g. “Ok Google, ask Fetch to mute”;
- Pausing live TV;
- Launching apps including Optus Sport; and
- Showing contextual help.