Vizio SmartCast TVs now play nice with Alexa
Change the channel and control the volume and playback with your voice.
Today, Vizio announced that owners of select TV models can now control displays with their voices, thanks to a new Amazon Alexa skill. All 2016 and 2017 SmartCast P-, M- and E-Series 4K models are compatible with this new feature. The 2018 Full HD and HD models will also be able to take advantage of the Alexa skill in coming weeks.
The displays will respond to volume, channel, power and input setting changes with a voice command. Users can also fast forward, rewind and pause on some apps. Note that Alexa isn't built into the display; this is a skill integration, so it requires an Amazon Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show or any other piece of Alexa-enabled hardware to work.
To activate this Alexa skill, download the Amazon Alexa app. Make sure you're signed into the app, and that your Alexa-enabled speaker or product is set up. If your Vizio's Quick Start mode isn't enabled, you'll want to toggle that on or Alexa will not be able to turn on your display. On your Vizio remote, launch Smartcast TV, and then press the up arrow. Click "Extras" on the menu bar that appears, then go to "Voice Settings" and "Pair Display." Now, on your phone, go to the website address that appears on your Vizio. Create a My Vizio account (or enter your username and password if you have already done that) and sign in. Finally, enter the PIN on your TV screen. You can see a step by step guide in the video below.
