Other queries possible with conversational voice assistants include: 

• What’s on at 8 pm tonight? 
• Record tomorrow’s episode of The Tonight Show. 
• Add Stranger Things to my watch list.
• Go to minute 22. 

If a consumer uses a basic remote for these commands, it would require multiple types, swipes, or buttons to reach the desired outcome. Voice assistants reduce irritation by expanding what is possible for users to achieve quickly, easily, and hands-free. With the improved functionality, brands will see an increase in positive reviews, brand loyalty, and even revenue. 

Want to learn more about how voice assistants improve TV’s functionality? Check out the following video: 

2. Voice ads and monetization

Voice ads and voice commerce opportunities that bring value to the user, also open up possibilities for television manufacturers. Without a conversational voice interface, a TV doesn’t have the capabilities to monetize the user experience. If a user wants to order a pizza or have popcorn and snacks delivered from the store while watching a movie, they would have to use a completely different device, which they may or may not do, depending on the proximity of the device. More importantly, they may not think of ordering food without a prompt reminding them that it’s a possibility.

With a voice-enabled TV, viewers can receive suggestions and recommendations and make a purchase in a seamless, friction-free environment. Monetization and voice ads create more opportunities for media companies and TV manufacturers to drive real revenue while delivering value to users through helpful suggestions.

3. Content discovery and search through voice

Search and filtering are common pain points for users of media devices, from voice-enabled TVs to entertainment apps. Often, there is a large, complex catalog of content that users need to navigate through. Voice assistants reduce pain points by eliminating the multiple taps, types, or swipes required to find the desired content. 

Voice AI’s advanced filtering capabilities make searching through large volumes of content easy and fast. Instead of having to select multiple filters, scroll through irrelevant searches, or enter in text via tiny arrow keys, users can simply say something like, 

• “Show me LGBTQ shows.” 
• “Play a workout playlist.”

Voice assistants reduce the tediousness of searching through a vast amount of content on either a small screen or with minuscule buttons. Content that could get buried in a sea of unrelated results can be easily and quickly be found through a conversational interface, and users can search for what they want—even if their hands are otherwise occupied.

4. Eliminating context switching with voice assistants

When consumers use media devices, whether a TV or an app, their goal is to be immersed in the experience and entertained. While listening to music or watching TV, users are otherwise engaged and don’t want to context switch to search for a new song or movie. 

Context switching, or changing your mental control settings, happens when you quickly switch from one task to the next. For example, watching TV and then having to use a remote, listening to music, then having to navigate a screen, or posing for a picture, then having to scroll through filters. It removes the user from the experience and divides their focus. If they’re actively doing another activity while enjoying the content, such as cooking, cleaning, or dancing, then that’s an additional level of context switching and interruption that occurs. 

A query as simple as “Play the next song” would otherwise require users to unlock their phone, navigate to the app, and press the next button. With a voice assistant, users can simply speak naturally and conversationally what they want while still keeping their attention on enjoying the content, which will result in users interacting with the device longer and with less frustration.

5. Integrating with smart home technology

While traditional TVs are limited to streaming content, TVs enabled with voice AI can go beyond simply delivering content by integrating with smart home technology to become the central hub. Users wouldn’t have to switch devices or go to different apps to access their thermostat, blinds, lights, sprinklers, or home appliances. Using an AI-enabled smart TV, consumers would be able to achieve control over all their smart home devices by simply using their voice. 

TVs are often positioned in a main focal point of the house that is frequented most often, making them the perfect one-stop location to access smart home technology around the house. Users could easily close the blinds and turn down the lights when watching a show without having to get up or switch devices. Voice-enabled TVs open the door for many possibilities of what users can access and control.