Consumers have demonstrated a clear preference for voice assistant products and usage occasions. According to recent studies, U.S. Hearable Voice Assistant Users have more than doubled from 2018 to 2020. Estimates place the number of users at nearly 50 million and growing exponentially. Related to usage, the market for voice and speech recognition products is expected to grow around 17 percent compounded annually and reach $26.8 billion by 2025. [Source: https://medium.com/voiceui/voice-tech-trends-in-2021-34dfbf726a6d]
In response to this trend, URC’s Total Control system has launched an integration with Comcast Xfinity, the first certified integration in the CI industry. This new integration includes native experience where the end-user can leverage voice control with most Total Control interfaces and via most Comcast Xfinity handheld remotes.
URC User Interfaces with Voice Control:
- Tabletop System Controllers with 7- to 10-inch touch screens: TDC-9100 and TDC-7100
- In-Wall System Controllers with 5- to 10-inch touch screens: TKP-9600, TKP-8600, TKP-7600, and TKP-5600
- Ergonomic Handheld Remote with 2.4-inch capacitive touch screen: TRC-1480
Comcast Xfinity Cable Boxes and Handheld Remotes including the following:
- Arris XG1v1 (MX011AN)
- Arris XG1v3 (AX013AN)
- Arris XG1v4 (AX014AN)
- Arris Rackmount (AX11RAN)
- Arris Xi6 (AX061AEI)
- Technicolor Xi6 (TX061AEI)
- Pace Xi5 (PX051AEI)
URC’s Voice Control integration was released to URC dealers in December and Comcast Xfinity started rolling out set-top box firmware last week, and plan to be 100 percent deployed by Friday, January 21.
Earlier in 2021, URC launched the TKP-8600 touch screen, offering next generation integration of automation, control, voice activation, and audio capabilities. This in-wall touch screen features an 8-inch high-resolution screen and sleek profile. The high-resolution LCD displays vivid images including live video from door stations and surveillance cameras. The built-in AV intercom offers convenient room-to-room communication. It is designed for high-end residential and commercial installations.
Given the growth in voice activation and control, manufacturers like URC are planning more products and integrations to ensure unique, innovative, customized experiences for its end-users.
For more information, visit https://www.urc-automation.com/.