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Voice activated TV remote controls?
cj iwakura
The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
The Rhythm RegentBears The Name FreedomRegistered User regular
My father has a tough time using a remote control due to his tremors, but everything I can find that's voice activated requires a smart phone, and he's about as tech savvy as my cat, so I'm wondering if there's any simple alternatives? Price isn't a huge issue, as long as it works and is hopefully foolproof.
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Amazon FireTV has a remote with a microphone that works well. Google Chromecast + Google Home Mini has a similar effect, though I'd say the FireTV has the edge in available applications as the Chromecast mostly lets you cast from a device, though it does run Netflix from the stick. I'm sure an Amazon Echo + FireTV probably removes the need to use the remote control at all, but I can't confirm it with experience.
There are applications for devices with big screens (tablets) that allow them to become a universal remote with very big colorful buttons, the downside is that you have to find a tablet still made with an IR blaster.
FireTV
I'd say start with a FireTV and see if he can handle the button for voice control for navigating the applications. If not, perhaps add an Echo DOT.
For turning your TV on/off or adjusting volumes you may have to just buy a big-button remote control. My grandmother needed one when she was older and it worked quite well. They're inexpensive and you can just keep 2-3 around so if it gets lost, just use another.
If you're talking about managing a comcast / directv box... I have no idea, because the interface and remotes for those things are fuck awful.
Edit: Some TV's will allow you to control all the functions through a compatible HDMI device, which would mean you could turn on/off the TV using voice commands. I've never owned a TV with anything like that, in fact mine is a 14 year old DLP that I keep replacing the lamp in.
I think the roommate that set it up did some programing behind the scenes tho, so I'm not sure how workable this actually is.
I know Harmony hub also comes in a pack with a Amazon Alexa dot, so it's a real thing, but not sure how operational it is out of the box
Edit: also, smart TVs are/we're a thing. I think my 2013 Panasonic plasma has some voice recognition thing, but I never set it up. I'm sure the tech has probably gotten better since then?
Not THAT bad, it's only if his hand sits a certain way. I think larger buttons could help, but voice activated would have been amazing.
For example I have Comcast and it came with a voice remote.
The newest Sony TVs have Alexa integration and Google Home built in.
Harmony Hub and Alexa work pretty well together. But there's a caveat. If you want to set up favorite channels, make sure to do it the first time. Adding more channels later means wiping the Alexa integration, adding the channels, and re-adding the Alexa skill. It's an enormous pain in the ass.
Good idea, but AT&T told me to go kick rocks.
You'd have to program the Harmony with presets like "NBC" that turns on TV and goes to channel 120.
Harmony program is pretty good, Echo is ok.
Once setup, he can use the Echo to call out voice commands to change channels, volume, etc.
We have the Harmony +Alexa configuration at home, and it does take some backend set up, but once done, it works great. The base commands are pretty simple to learn.
Edit: A refurb Dot is about $35, or you can buy Anker's version for about the same price. Costco has the Harmony remote and Hub bundles for about $110. Setup is straightforward, but should be done by someone with experience.
You would need a phone to set up the Echo, I believe. So you would have to add his Echo on your phone initially.
Not required to use, no.
Once configured, the system runs purely on the Echo commands. You could also get him a cheap Android tablet to use as a backup remote.
Seems like it's about the same price as the harmony. Shame there's no real way to see how effective it'd be for him.
From personal experience, my father picked up on the commands quick, because they're intuitive:
"Alexa, turn on the TV."
"Alexa, turn the TV to (channel)."
"Alexa, turn up the volume by 2."
As long as his voice is clear, Alexa will understand him,and training her will improve recognition.
Sounds like a plan, guess we'll give it a go when it's out. Thanks.
If you're a Prime member and pre-order by tomorrow, you can get $30 off.
I'm not unfortunately.