URC’s Total Control system has launched an integration with Comcast Xfinity, the first certified integration in the CI industry for the content platform. The new integration includes native experience where the end-user can leverage voice control with most Total Control interfaces and via most Comcast Xfinity handheld remotes.
Comcast Xfinity serves 39 states with coverage across key markets like Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington DC, Jacksonville, Miami, Atlanta, Nashville, Chicago, Detroit, Houston, Denver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco. Xfinity cable internet is available to an estimated 111 million users making it the largest residential cable provider in the U.S.
Related: URC and Allterco’s Shelly Brand Partner on Total Control Integration
URC has recognized the consumer preference for voice assistant products and use cases. According to recent studies, U.S. Hearable Voice Assistant Users have more than doubled from 2018 to 2020. Estimates place the number of users at nearly 50 million and growing exponentially. Related to usage, the market for voice and speech recognition products is expected to grow around 17% compounded annually and reach $26.8 billion by 2025.
Driven by the pandemic, voice recognition technology has been fueled by a growth in ecommerce. Additional technology advancements and applications are expected to continue this trend into 2022 and beyond. Areas of voice that have expanded dramatically include voice assistance for device control, voice-enabled shopping, dynamic dialogue with applications in gaming, and voice-enabled professional/commercial processes.
Within the custom installation market, smart residential and commercial automation is helping to fuel this trend by leading with products and integrations that leverage voice control to enhance the end-user experience. End-user engagement is rising across environments due to the natural ease of voice communication to control smart environment systems.
As this trend continues, integrations between CI manufacturers and media/technology brands are also driving growth. URC, for its part, has enabled voice control in its TDC-9100 and TDC-7100 tabletop system controllers with 7- to 10-inch touchscreens, respectively. The company also offers voice control in its TKP-9600, TKP-8600, TKP-7600, and TKP-5600 in-wall system controllers with 5- to 10-inch touchscreens, as well as its TRC-1480 ergonomic handheld remote with 2.4-inch capacitive touchscreen.
Comcast Xfinity Cable Boxes and Handheld Remotes including the following:
Arris XG1v1 (MX011AN)
Arris XG1v3 (AX013AN)
Arris XG1v4 (AX014AN)
Arris Rackmount (AX11RAN)
Arris Xi6 (AX061AEI)
Technicolor Xi6 (TX061AEI)
Pace Xi5 (PX051AEI)
Earlier in 2021, URC launched the TKP-8600, URC’s latest innovation in user touchscreens, offering next generation integration of automation, control, voice activation and audio capabilities. This premium in-wall touchscreen features an 8-inch high-resolution screen and sleek profile. The brilliant, high-resolution LCD displays vivid images, including live video from door stations and surveillance cameras. The built-in AV intercom offers convenient room-to-room communication.
