EE TV became one of the first set top boxes world-wide to offer a skill for Amazon Alexa, an artificially intelligent assistant that responds to vocal commands to carry out tasks.
Launched in 2014, EE TV is offered for free to mobile customers with an EE Broadband plan and supports over 70 Freeview channels, as well as video streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube and Wuaki.tv.
EE TV will support Alexa voice control through Amazon Echo or Echo Dot, meaning customers can just ask for information on what's on, or to record their favourite shows.
Customers can ask “Alexa, ask EE TV what’s on tonight?” and Alexa will respond with three recommendations provided from the same source that supplies Freeview Picks. Users can also ask about shows on any Freeview channel for either now or the following day.
The user then has the option to record any or all of the recommended shows using just their voice. This skill works whether EE TV is on or in standby mode, which ensures customers never have to miss out on their favourite programmes. It also allows them to quickly set up a recording, even as they head out the house.
The EE TV skill for Alexa is the first in a number of commands being reviewed for the EE TV platform. This includes reviewing Amazon’s Alexa Video Skill APIs for integration with the service.
Max Taylor, MD of Marketing, EE
We’re continually looking for ways to further enhance the accessibility and usability of EE TV - so we’re pleased to work with Amazon to launch the first Alexa skill on a set top box in the UK. The new skill will allow users to discover new content and help to enrich their TV experience, so they can make the most out of it.
Fabrice Rousseau, GM, Alexa Skills Kit EU
Customers can now ask Alexa to find things to watch and record the shows they want—no remote required. This is much more natural, and an experience that will get even better in future.
