Alexa can now change channels and control playback in PlayStation Vue on the Fire TV

The PlayStation Vue app on the Amazon Fire TV has just been updated with deeper Alexa voice integration. Simalar to how Alexa can now directly start Netflix content, you can now use voice commands to jump directly into a channel, as well as several common playback controls.

If you’re subscribed to PlayStation Vue and have the app installed on your Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, or Fire TV Edition television, you can now simply say “Alexa, go to [Channel Name] on PlayStation Vue” to jump directly into a channel. The commands work using either the Fire TV Voice Remote or an external Alexa device, like the Amazon Echo or Echo Dot. you also don’t need to have the PlayStation Vue app open for the command to work.

Depending on your setup, you may not need to include “…on PlayStation Vue” at the end of your voice command. If PlayStation Vue is the only such app you have associated with your Amazon account, you should be able to just say “Alexa, tune to [Channel Name].” Other variations that also work include “change to [Channel Name]” and “switch to [Channel Name].”

In addition to changing which channel you’re watching, you can also control playback while watching content in the PlayStation Vue app. You can say “play” or “pause” to start or stop playback. You can also say “jump forward/back [#] seconds/minutes” to fast forward or rewind.

These new features are part of Alexa’s recently added ability to control audio/video devices. Once more apps are updated to support the new features, you’ll be able to control even more content with your voice. Other apps which plan to introduce similar capabilities include Hulu, Showtime, CBS, NBC, Bravo, CNBC, and NBC News. Big thanks to reader J.P. for the heads up on these new capabilities.

10 comments
  1. Llyod says:

    Now if it could only control Sling TV the same way…

  2. Theodore Thompson says:

    Just upgrade. Alexa doesn’t respond to voice command to change channe.

  3. Moke says:

    Ok needed to update the ps Vue app

  4. Eddie says:

    Why does it work sometimes and other times Alexa says its changing channels but the channel does not change?

  5. lee hein says:

    I have 4 tv’s, each with Amazon Fire TV. At first, they all responded properly when asked Alexa to change local channels (I have PS Vue). This past weekend they all stopped working properly. Alexa says changing to channel ABC etc on PS due, but nothing happens.
    Last night, 1 TV started properly responding, and I did nothing different. The other 3 still don’t change local channels on PS Vue.

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