Amazon enables Smart Home Skill API for Alexa UK, Sony TVs offer control integration

Amazon has enabled Alexa’s Smart Home Skill API entertainment device controls for UK users, allowing the device to control AV devices like televisions, without needing to invoke a specific skill. Available commands include: “Alexa, turn on the TV”, “Alexa, change the channel to BBC One HD”, “Alexa, fast forward” “ and “Alexa, switch input to Blu-ray.”

The first TV brand to enable these new entertainment capabilities is Sony, while Logitech has embraced it for its harmony remote control. Sony Android TVs are due to receive a firmware update in November that will allow Alexa to power the TV on or off, adjust volume, switch inputs, and control content using Play, Pause, Rewind, and Fast Forward commands.  A TV Control Setup with Amazon Alexa app will appear on the TV’s Home screen. 

Similarly, the Logitech Harmony is introducing the Alexa Smart Home skill, allowing users to control entertainment devices by using voice to play, pause, skip forward, change the channel, or control volume.

“The beauty of our newly-enhanced skill is how much more simple it is to control your favourite living room entertainment,” said Rory Dooley, Head of Logitech Smart Home. “This latest collaboration with Amazon is a great example of how we continually upgrade our products to ensure they deliver the best experience possible, wherever you are in the world.”

More information on the enhanced entertainment capabilities in Alexa’s Smart Home Skill API can be found on the Alexa Developer Blog: Compatible devices include the Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, Echo Show and Echo Dot.