You can now search for Netflix and Hotstar titles using voice commands on Amazon Fire TV

Fire TV Stick users can now search and find content from Netflix and Hotstar simply by asking the Alexa Voice Remote that comes bundled with the Fire TV stick. You can now simply ask “Alexa, play Game of Thrones” or “Alexa, find Better Call Saul”, and Alexa will play the content directly from Hotstar and Netflix, respectively.

Earlier, the Alexa would only play or find content from Amazon’s Prime Video service. With the feature expanding to other platforms supported by the Fire TV stick, users won’t have to manually go to the Netflix or Hotstar app and search for what they want to watch.

Alexa will directly take users to the search results showing the relevant content. In fact, you can even choose a particular season or an episode of a show that’s on Netflix or Hotstar. Furthermore, content from Netflix and Hotstar have already started populating the home page by content theme like comedies, thrillers and the like. On top of that, you can now search for content on these two streaming platforms based on actors, directors, and the likes.

Consolidating streaming platforms in one place

Extending Alexa search to rival streaming platforms, the Fire TV stick now offers a seamless way to watch web-based content on your TV. The fact that the platform also supports the Apple TV app now, makes it a one stop shop for all major streaming content. To be fair, Apple TV is present in some Samsung and LG TVs, but a Fire TV stick can turn any TV into a smart TV if it has a HDMI port.

Having said that, the Fire TV still doesn’t support Chromecast or Apple Air Play, so you won’t be able to play content present on your phone wirelessly to the TV.

One device to rule them all

A Fire TV stick and the Alexa Voice Remote is also a good substitute for an Echo speaker. The voice remote can natively control all Alexa-enabled products like the Philips Hue bulbs, along with smart switches and the likes. And lastly, the new Alexa Voice Remote that ships with the Fire TV stick has the much-asked for volume buttons.

Overall, the Fire TV stick is more than just a streaming platform. The capabilities will never let you leave the couch.

from Latest Technology News https://ift.tt/36wIvii