OPTUS COLLABORATES WITH FETCH TV AND GOOGLE TO ENABLE HANDS-FREE ENTERTAINMENT

Customers can now use their voice to control their Fetch box by asking the Google Assistant

Optus today announced the Fetch set-top box now works with the Google Assistant on devices like Google Home and, compatible Android and iOS mobile phones. Using voice activated AI technology, Fetch customers now have the option of hands-free entertainment and can use their voice to search for something to watch, find out what’s on, set recordings, change the channel and more.

Optus Managing Director of Marketing and Product, Ben White said the telco worked with Google and Fetch TV to develop this capability as part of a wider strategy to offer convenient technology that simplifies its customers’ lives.

“At Optus, we see an industry trend towards smart home technology and we’re really excited to be one of the Australian companies driving the development of AI products that can perform useful, everyday tasks.

“Optus, worked closely with Google and Fetch TV to further enhance the Fetch experience by enabling voice activated capability.

“Voice commands really simplify the way you can interact with Fetch, for example instead of scrolling through the menu customers can simply say “Ok Google, ask Fetch to watch Optus Sport 1”, and the latest Premier League action will launch automatically,” Mr White said.

By saying “Ok Google, ask Fetch…” customers can search for a TV show or movie, launch and browse the Fetch menu, and find out when a specific show is playing just by asking their Google Assistant. They can also find out what’s playing now or next on a particular channel and can even turn the volume up or down.

Searching for content is made easier, instead of typing out individual letters with the Fetch remote a customer can say “Ok Google, ask Fetch to find Moana”.

The Google Assistant functionality has been rolled out to all Fetch set-top boxes as part of the latest software release.

The new functionality is now available on all Fetch Mini, Mighty and Gen 2 boxes and works with selected features of Fetch including:

• Searching for movies and TV shows e.g. “Ok Google, ask Fetch to find Moana”
• Finding out when a show is on TV
• Setting recordings on Mighty or Gen 2 boxes e.g. “Ok Google, ask Fetch to record The Project”
• Changing channels
• Adjusting the volume e.g. “Ok Google, ask Fetch to mute”
• Pausing live TV
• Launching apps including Optus Sport
• Showing contextual help

Optus has championed smart home technology since it opened its first flagship experiential store in Sydney in September giving customers the chance to experience first-hand the convenience and benefits of a connected home. The store features a lounge room and kitchen fitted with smart home technology and enables customers to test out the technology for themselves.

Further information is available at www.optus.com.au.

Terms and conditions:
Google Home requires Wi-Fi, Google Account and a compatible device. Selected features on the Fetch set-top-box are compatible with Google Home.

About Fetch TV:
Fetch TV partners with Optus and other internet service providers, along with leading retailers to provide subscribers with an entertainment service delivered to the TV over a broadband connection to a set top box. In addition to a 1 terabyte personal video recorder for recording TV, the content line-up includes an in-home movie store with over 7,500 titles including the latest new releases, a TV store with leading TV shows to purchase, access to YouTube and SVOD services Netflix and Stan, Free to Air and subscription Catch-Up TV services, and full multi-room and mobile viewing capability. There is also the option to add subscription entertainment channel packs from major content providers. Visit fetchtv.com.au for more information.

Media enquiries:
Alyssa Sharpe
Optus Corporate Affairs
(02) 8082 7850
media@optus.com.au