Espial's (TSX:ESP) Elevate cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) video platform now features a user interface (UI) with voice control for live and on-demand TV and DVR recordings. Designed to be compatible with all Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) Alexa-enabled devices, Espial Elevate supports voice controls for features including channel changes, search, UI navigation, trick play management, and playback of time-shift TV, VOD and DVR recordings.
"We are excited that Espial has integrated Alexa into the Elevate video platform," said Daniel Rausch, vice president at Amazon. "Offering the ability to easily find content, control playback, and change channels, hands-free, will help Elevate customers interact with their favorite content in a way that is simple and intuitive - just ask Alexa."
"Adding Amazon Alexa support to our Elevate platform allows pay TV operators to ride the wave of consumer excitement and the massive industry investment in voice technology," said Mick McCluskey, head of product management at Espial. "Today's television viewers want simplicity when it comes to their entertainment experience. Offering advanced voice control on our Elevate user interface dramatically reduces the time to discover content. When viewers are satisfied, they watch longer, which leads to increased customer retention and revenues for pay TV operators."
Voice control is now available to new and existing Elevate customers via the cloud.
