DirecTV has updated its iPhone app that allows users to access live and on demand programming, as well as manage their DIRECTV DVR, with new voice recognition features today. Accessible from a new tab called “Voice” within the app, the Voice Search feature allows users to “speak to the app just as you would to a person” in order to find and play specific programs.
As you can see from the screenshot to the right, DirecTV has created a UI similar to Siri and other voice-based apps that allows users to see their dialogue as they speak. The app will also let users switch to a TV mode in order to view dialogue and results from Voice Search on their TV instead of the iPhone’s display.
With Voice Search, DirecTV said users will be able to “search for programs by mentioning title, channel, keyword, actor, time frame, genre and more,” and also “change the channel, record, and play content” at home. The new TV Mode also offers a view of personalized recommendations on the big screen.
The update has not yet hit the iPad app and the TV Mode will require users to have an Internet-connected HR24 DVR model or above.
A full list of what’s new in version 2.5 of the DirecTV app for iPhone is below:
What’s New in Version 2.5.0
NEW IN THIS VERSION Search and discover entertainment with the power of your voice. – Just talk as you would to a person and the app finds what you’re looking for. – Search for programs by mentioning title, channel, keyword, actor, time frame, genre and more. – Switch to TV mode to see your dialogue and search results on your TV screen. HD DVR (HR24+) required. Your phone and HD DVR must be connected to same Wi-Fi network. – See personalized recommendations as soon as you switch to TV mode.
