Exclusive offer: Get NordVPN  + 3 additional months

Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

Soon Alexa could be used to control everything you watch on TV

Chris Smith By Chris Smith

Amazon has released a new Video Skill API that will make it possible for all streaming apps to be controlled via the Alexa voice assistant.

While Alexa-device owners can already summon content from apps like Netflix, the new API will enable developers to built the functionality into their own apps.

As well as video streaming apps, this could also apply to cable and satellite providers, Amazon says.

For consumers, this will boost the ability to search for content from a larger number of different sources.

In a post to developers, Amazon says: “Companies can now teach Alexa how to interface with their video content and services. This means you can build experiences that allow your customers to easily find and consume video content without invoking a specific skill. For example, a customer could say, “Alexa, play Manchester by the Sea” without specifying a provider or device.”

Should cable and satellite providers get on board, users will be able to say “Alexa, find comedies” to get a rundown of the available content from a number of networks (via TechCrunch).

As far as consumers are concerned, providing there Video Skill API has been incorporated, all consumers will need will be an Amazon Echo or an Alexa-based device like the Fire TV box or stick.

Dish Network in the US is already building in this functionality, while YouView in the UK is also planning to do likewise.

One can imagine standalone streaming apps and on-demand platforms will likely follow suit.

VI Video was already generated for this page.

Is Alexa’s voice going to end up in every home in the UK? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Chris Smith
By Chris Smith
Chris Smith is a freelance technology journalist for a host of UK tech publications, including Trusted Reviews. He's based in South Florida, USA.  …

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

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.

author icon

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.

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

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.

author icon

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.