DISH (NASDAQ:DISH) is building the Google Assistant into its Hopper family of DVRs. In the coming months, customers will be able to use the DISH voice remote to ask the assistant to control smart home devices, provide weather and news updates, display photos and more. The integration builds on the DISH voice remote's existing ability to control the TV, including navigation, search and content selection.
"Our customers love the convenience of voice control, so we're expanding functionality to make it even more powerful," said Niraj Desai, DISH vice president of product management. "As a DISH subscriber, you will soon get the Google Assistant and all its incredible features - like adjusting your thermostat, managing your calendar or simply asking for the latest news - for free, right on your TV."
With the Google Assistant built-in on Hopper, customers will be able to use the DISH voice remote to ask the assistant questions and see answers on the screen like the weather forecast or games scores. Users will also be able to control smart home devices, such as dimming the lights or adjusting the thermostat, and pull up Google Photos on the TV screen.
Customers with a DISH voice remote and broadband-connected Hopper (all generations), Joey (all models) or Wally will have access to the Google Assistant. 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.
