VIZIO Adds Support for New Alexa Voice Control Features on SmartCast TVs

Enhanced Alexa voice controls are now available through SmartCast displays.

VIZIO has announced expanded support for Alexa voice search and commands via its lineup of SmartCast TVs when paired with a separate Alexa device. The update is now available for VIZIO display models with SmartCast Home dating as far back as 2016. 

"At VIZIO, we are always looking for ways to enhance the entertainment experience and bring more value to our customers. We are thrilled to offer improved SmartCast features not only to new customers, but for current VIZIO SmartCast TV users as well," said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "The timing couldn't be better with the excitement around fall TV premieres because the new Alexa features give viewers more ways to easily find the content they love."

While SmartCast TVs already supported Alexa commands for controls like power, input selection, and playback functions -- this new update now adds the ability to search for content by title, genre, or cast members via hands-free queries with a connected Alexa device. The SmartCast platform will then display voice search results across multiple services. Likewise, users can also browse through different categories of titles by asking Alexa to showcase specific genres. And outside of searches, the update also adds the ability to launch apps like Prime Video and Hulu through voice commands.

Beyond upgraded Alexa compatibility, VIZIO is also set to expand Google Assistant support to more SmartCast models. VIZIO's 2019 TVs are now available nationwide. The collection is led by the flagship P-Series Quantum X, the P-Series Quantum (full review HERE), and the M-Series Quantum.

Source: VIZIO