Samsung, LG TVs Will Work With Amazon Alexa And Google Assistant

Intelligent assistants are coming soon to a television screen near you.

Several of the world’s leading television manufacturers announced at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas that they would open their devices to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Samsung Electronics, the most successful television-maker in the world, just announced that its 2019 televisions will respond to commands issued via Amazon Echo and Google Home speakers.

It was the latest in a number of manufacturers to jump on the intelligent assistant bandwagon.

Earlier today, LG said it would allow users to get things done with Alexa, or, if they prefer, use Apple’s Siri. The new LG television lineup supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 wireless standard — so customers will be able to control their LG TV using the Home app or by asking Siri.

China’s leading TV manufacturer, Hisense, announced that its new TVs will be compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.

Television manufacturers have been dabbling in voice control for years, recognizing the relative ease of speaking to a device rather than figuring out which buttons on the remote control push.

South Korean electronics giant Samsung introduced its own personal assistant, Bixby, initially to control it s Galaxy smartphones. The technology quickly migrated to its TV remotes and a range of appliances.

The cluster of announcements reflects the gathering momentum of smarthome devices. Television manufacturers hope to position the slab of glass in the living room as the centerpiece of the connected home.

The Consumer Technology Association estimates this product category, which include smart thermostats, smart locks and doorbells, and other such devices, will account for $4.6 billion in U.S. sales this year, an increase of 17% from a year ago.