Comcast introduces voice-controlled TV remote

Fights over the remote are about to get a lot louder.

Comcast has introduced a voice-controlled TV remote for some of its Xfinity cable TV customers. Users can search for shows, channels, movies, TV recordings and on-demand programs with their voice.

Customers can change the channel after they press a blue button on the remote and say “Watch ESPN,” for example. They can also set up a recording with their voice, search for movies based on popular quotes or ask “What’s trending?” to see what TV shows are popular.

Searching for shows or movies with a traditional remote can be difficult, and cable providers and streaming companies believe voice search will make it easier. Amazon.com, for example, offers a voice search with its Fire TV streaming device. Roku, another streaming device seller, began offering voice search last month.

The Associated Press

This story was originally published May 6, 2015 at 11:16 AM with the headline "Comcast introduces voice-controlled TV remote."