DishTV to Use Amazon’s Alexa to Enable Voice Searches

The DTH provider has joined hands with Amazon to enable voice search via Alexa.

Use Alexa voice search to get program information of any channel on the platform. 

(Photo: The Quint)

DishTV hasn’t been the most innovative direct to home (DTH) service provider in the country but with competition increasing, they are looking to change the trend.

The India-based TV service brand has created a skill for Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant which lets you do voice search for programmes across channels, and even pay bills or register complaints directly to the Dish TV executive.

All this happens without using the mobile. The catch is that you’ll need to have Amazon’s Echo Dot, Echo or Echo Plus, with prices starting from Rs 3,199.

Once enabled, the skill would allow users to interact with DishTV through voice commands on all Alexa-enabled devices such as Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Spot and Echo Dot, the company said in a statement.

The DishTV skill can be accessed with the Alexa app available on iOS and Android as well. 

How to use DishTV with Alexa

• Download DishTV and Alexa app on phone
  
• Enable DishTV skill on Alexa app
• Access DishTV catalogue via Alexa with commands like “Alexa, launch or open DishTV”
• Link DishTV account with Alexa for monthly recharge, check balance and more
• Users can raise complaint via Alexa as well

This is definitely an interesting option for DishTV users, something that Tata Sky or Airtel doesn’t offer right now. And innovation is the need of hour, with content streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video gradually finding takers in the country.

Tata Sky for its part is reportedly looking at coming out with an upgraded set-top-box that cater to video streaming apps like Netflix. Airtel is partnering with Amazon to bundle Prime Video subscription to every existing or new user.

According to data published by Management Information System (MIS), cable TV has a share of 46.5 percent of the TV households in India while DTH companies have 42.4 percent. 

With Reliance entering the segment with Jio GigaFiber in the coming months, expect more goodies and features from TV service providers. With Alexa under its wing, it is likely that DishTV in the near future could enable voice-based control to change channels on your television.

With internet costs drastically reduced, it’s up to the consumer to decide if he/she wants to cut the cord. Switching to voice search could ensure you don’t have to change your TV habits.