The Google Home can now be used as a voice-activated remote control for Sony’s 4K HDR Android TV sets, while it’ll also pair with Sony speakers featuring built-in Chromecast technology.
Thanks to a firmware update, those rocking the specific televisions will be able to link up their Google Home speaker and summon content from Netflix and YouTube without lifting a finger.
The new Netflix skill rolled out to other Chromecast-enabled displays last week, while voice-activated YouTube functionality has been available since Google Home went on sale last month.
Why it wasn’t initially available on the Sony Android TV products, which have Cast tech built in, is a bit of a mystery, but it’s all academic now.
Related: Google Home – Complete guide
Likewise with the speakers, which also gain Google Home compatibility today.
The Google Home is compatible with Spotify, Google Play Music, TuneIn Radio and Pandora so there’s a solid range of audio content you can command through word of mouth.
The compatible Sony audio products include the HT-ST9, HT-NT5, HT-CT790, HT-XT2, HT-RT5 sound bars, model STR-DN1070, STR-DN1060, and STR-DN860 receivers, model SRS-X99, SRS-ZR7, SRS-ZR5, and the SRS-HG1 wireless speakers.
Also, as per TrustedReviews contributor John Archer, Amazon Video finally became available on recent Sony Android TV sets, bringing a double dose of good news for Sony Android TV owners.
https://twitter.com/statuses/811594261082832896
Google Home is gradually gaining new third-party Actions, but is struggling to compete with the large suite of Skills the Amazon’s Echo’s Alexa assistant has accrued.
We’ve tested the Google Home extensively and will have a full review posted in the coming days.
Amazon Echo review
Will you be buying Google Home when it eventually arrives in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
