DirecTV today updated its iPhone app with the ability to search channels and discover new entertainment with voice commands. The app allows users to view search results on the TV (via a supported DirecTV DVR) or on the iPhone.
Similar to how one would interact with Apple's Siri, the app allows DirecTV customers to ask questions like "what action movies are on tonight?" or to make requests like "record True Blood" or "show me comedy movies." The app also allows searches for programs by title, channel, actor, time frame, genre and more.
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.
DirecTV for iPhone is a free download on the App Store. [Direct Link]
Top Rated Comments
The iPad version of the DirecTV app is unbelievably good. You can control your DVR, watch live streaming TV, search for content, schedule recordings, view program guides, and tons of other things.
Oh, and the DVR controls include a 2.5 minute skip-forward button.
(In addition to the standard 30 second skip.)
The list of APIs that Apple has created and kept to themselves is getting pretty annoyingly long.
Siri, widgets, and lock screen apps are a few off the top of my head... I've come up with more extensive lists on this topic in prior posts.