Vodafone launched its new command with voice control in December 2019. This seeks to offer a completely renewed customer experience when accessing content or browsing the 4K deco, in addition to activating basic functions. In recent days we have been able to try the new Vodafone TV voice control command that can be purchased in exchange for 39.90 euros and we tell you our tests, opinions and if it is worth doing with this element to raise a level in the experience of use of Vodafone TV.
Vodafone TV is the French operator’s television platform that is committed to unifying content from several different sources under the same interface. One of the novelties presented in 2019 in the field of hardware was a new command with voice control that allows access to exclusive functions such as performing personalized searches with several criteria at the same time (by actors, directors, phrases …) and total control of the video (being able to move forward and backward exact amounts of time or go to a specific moment of content).
Its price is 39.90 euros in Vodafone stores (also on the accessories website or in distributors such as Carrefour, Media Mark or El Corte Inglés) for acquiring it in property, that is, we must not return it if we unsubscribe from the service. At the moment, it works only with the Vodafone TV interface, but not within the applications of HBO Spain, Netflix, Amazon, Filmin or TIDAL.
Vodafone TV voice control knob: technical features
The Vodafone TV voice control command maintains the design of the current 4K decoder control , with the same dimensions and a virtually identical weight. In this way, users who already have the 4K deco, the only one compatible with the new remote, will not have to get used to a new design or placement of the buttons.
Mind you, we have some subtle changes. The first change is required and includes the microphone hole just below the power button . The second visible change is that the number keys now have letters in case we have to write something with the command. Finally, the Info button, located in the lower right part of the control wheel has been replaced by the button to activate the microphone.
The connection is made via Bluetooth Low Energy that works up to 10 meters away. This allows us to use the remote without having to aim directly at the decoder, in addition to placing it in the most suitable position to speak to the microphone. In addition, it is a universal control that we can also use to control the television without using two controls for functions such as turning on, off, volume up and down.
Compatible Vodafone TV decoders
The new Vodafone TV voice control controller is not compatible with all its sayings, something that we must make clear to avoid misunderstandings. Currently, we have three types of decoders: the 4K deco, the hard disk deco or the ADSL deco. Within the deco 4K we have models before 2017 that are not compatible with this model.
To give us an idea, this remote is compatible with Vodafone TV 4K decoders. In contrast, Vodafone TV ADSL and HD decoders with built-in hard drives, as well as 4K models before 2017, are incompatible. If you have an incompatible decoder, we can migrate the Vodafone TV 4K (SAGE2) for 60 euros.
First steps and configuration
Once with all the necessary installation to be able to test the command, we start with the first steps and the initial configuration. The voice control command arrives in a red box in which it clearly indicates the product before which we are, its design and that summarizes in broad strokes all that we can do with this new equipment.
Inside the box we find the remote control and two AAA batteries for its operation, as well as a small, but useful manual on the initial configuration and functions. This manual also explains how to configure the remote as a universal remote for television. On the Vodafone website we will also be able to access all that information.
The truth is that, with the batteries already installed in the remote control, the startup process cannot be easier. The remote attempts to connect automatically with the 4K deco from Vodafone. In case of obtaining it, we will be able to start using it, but if this does not happen, the connection will be tried again during the next 100 times that we press any key on the remote.
Although we have not had a problem and everything has been linked to the first one at lightning speed, Vodafone gives us a series of tips to pair it manually. In addition, it confirms that we will not be able to use it with a second decoder that we have at home, since it is only linked to a device, and that after a battery change it is not necessary to reconfigure anything.
After this we can configure the remote control as a universal control to also control the television, something that we can do by pressing the OK button and Yellow at the same time until the luminous ring flashes twice. Then we will point to the television by pressing and holding the on / off button until it turns off. By releasing the button, we will have the universal control configured. With this we can control the volume.
Daily use and operation
All of the above is very good, but the safest thing is that if you have bought or plan to buy the voice control command it is precisely because of that special feature. With the command already set up and running, it’s time to see what it is capable of. The activation of the function is very simple and it is enough to keep the microphone button pressed while we “talk” to the command. We will release once we have issued the order.
Vodafone recommends that we speak naturally, but the truth is that it requires some practice to know some commands . For example, to increase the volume we can say “increase volume” or “put volume to 50%”, in the same way that for the mute we will use the “mute” command. But what about removing the silence? Well, I had to try a couple of times until I got the command right.
Another quite comfortable aspect of the voice button is to be able to say commands like “Pon Fox” or “Pon Antena 3” and we will quickly be watching that channel. The truth is that it recognizes the names of the channels quite well and we have had problems in this aspect. Opening applications is also very easy, being only necessary to say your name.
The last section we have tried is the one that allows us to search for things within the Vodafone TV content. Here we can do searches like “look for action movies” or say the name of an actor / actress. In addition, we can chain searches to fine-tune the content. “Start from the beginning” is a command that I’m sure I will tell you many times.
Unfortunately, voice control does not work within applications , something that could be improved in the future. In addition, we can not “press” on a specific content with a voice command and we will have to use the traditional command. However, except for the applications, the rest of the inconveniences are aspects that only require time to get used to and get the most out of it.
Strengths and points to improve
After testing the Vodafone TV remote with voice control, we are clear about the strengths and points to improve:
Strengths
- Comfort to search
- Understand voice commands well
- Quick access to functions
- Universal remote
Weak points
- Price
- No voice control within apps
What do you think of Vodafone’s voice control command? Do you have any more questions about its operation?