Sky Q upgrades voice search to include app content

Sky has announced improvement to its Sky Q voice search, with an upgrade to its ‘What Should I Watch’ voice destination page that now includes app content.

When asked, Sky Q’s recommendation engine now bases results on what’s been watched from Sky, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and the BBC.

The command opens a destination page that includes: ‘Because you watched’, and ‘New series for You’ personalised recommendations, as well as ‘Top 10 this week on Sky’, ‘Popular on Netflix’, ‘Popular on Prime Video’, ‘More favourites’, ‘Trending on Sky Cinema/Sky Sports’ and ‘Continue Watching.’ Its repertoire is also expanding.

“We've created nearly 100 voice destinations and that's growing day by day by day,” Sky’s Group Chief Product Officer, Fraser Stirling told Inside CI. “So whether it's Harry Potter or James Bond, you can go there just using the power of your voice. It’s powered not just by our editorial prowess but improvements on the algorithmic side. When you ask What should I watch?, the results are based on your favourite channels, and the stuff you’ve recorded recently. Our New Series recommendations are based on things you’ve watched. This is going to be a growing user destination on the platform, and we want to make it more personalised.”

The TV box also responds to trailer prompts, responding to promo calls such as “Get ready for 2021" or "Sky Unmissable,” which leads to a collection of first look trailers.

Sky currently has more than 125 new Sky Originals on its 2021 slate, including 30 new Sky Original films and 30 new Sky Original documentaries.