2018 was a great year for voice control at DISH. We launched an integration with the Google Assistant in July that allows customers to control their TV by pairing a Hopper receiver with a Google Assistant device, like speakers, phones, and more. We also upgraded more customers to our voice remote, with more than 70 percent saying it has enhanced their TV viewing experience. In 2019, we’re dedicated to building on these voice control offerings to make them even more powerful.
Today, DISH announced it’s building the Google Assistant into its Hopper family receivers. This means that later this year, you’ll be able to access the Google Assistant directly on your TV using your DISH voice remote – no additional devices required.
While DISH’s voice remote already gives you the ability to control your TV experience, including navigation, search and content selection, now you’ll be able to use it to ask the Google Assistant questions and see answers on the screen like the weather forecast or game scores. You’ll also be able to control smart home devices, such as dimming the lights or adjusting the thermostat. Or, you’ll be able to relive favorite memories by pulling up Google Photos on the screen, all with your voice.
Customers with a voice remote and broadband-connected Hopper (all generations), Joey (all models) or Wally will have access to the Google Assistant built-in on DISH. New DISH customers receive the voice remote with all Hopper family receivers at no extra cost; current customers without a voice remote can upgrade for $20.
To learn more about the new Google Assistant built-in feature on DISH, check out our press release.