Dish has announced its Voice Remote, sporting voice recognition, a clickable touchpad and backlighting features. The pre-announcement of the same was done at the CES in Las Vegas, in January 2016.

Dish will be offering the device to Hopper 3 and 4K Joey users at $30.

The remote allows navigation, searching and selective programming via spoken commands. Channels can be browsed and shows can be recorded using the user’s voice. Also the remote can interpret natural language, populate search results based on program title, actor or genre, and build 5.59” (L) x 2.25”(W) x 1.02″(D) contextual searches to narrow options.

The Voice Remote can work with two IR devices (TV/AUX models). New and current Hopper 3 and 4K Joey subscribers can purchase the Voice Remote by calling 1-800-333-DISH or by visiting the company website.

Dish says the remote device is universal and comes packed with learning capabilities, with a dual function touchpad and an RF4CE remote control finder. The remote claims to work for 4-6 months on two AA batteries and is fully backlit. The small enough to fit in the palm design of the remote has dimensions of 5.59” (L) x 2.25” (W) x 1.02” (D).

The touchpad modes are: default displays a blank touchpad allowing navigation and the numeric mode illuminates a keypad when channel or password entry is the priority.

“Leveraging modern navigation paradigms like touch and voice, this remote represents a complete reinvention of the outdated remote control customers have come to expect from cable providers,” said Vivek Khemka, chief technology officer of DISH.

Similar remotes are in market from Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV, though features like the universal remote and clickable touchpad with backlight and illuminated numeric mode sets this remote apart from the others.

Vina Krishnan
[email protected]