Panasonic’s 2018 4K TVs get Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa

By Becky Roberts
published

Voice control is only a firmware update away

Voice control is continuing to reach new levels of ubiquity - even in TVs. 

Panasonic has just released a firmware update enabling its whole 2018 range of 4K smart TVs in Europe to work with the Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa via a compatible smart speaker.

The new functionality will allow Panasonic TV users who own an Alexa and/or Assistant-powered smart speaker to, for example, power their TV on and off, change channel and adjust volume simply by using their voice.

Owners should be prompted to update their TV’s firmware upon launching any internet-connected app. When the update is completed, the TV can be paired with a smart speaker via the Google Home or Amazon Alexa app.

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Becky Roberts
Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.