Google announced that Google Assistant is coming to DISH TV, expanding its reach. Now, owners of DISH Hopper DVR devices can talk to their remote controller and access everything Google Assistant offers.
With Google Assistant on DISH TV, users can control smart home devices, find phone numbers for local businesses, and quickly navigate to DISH entertainment content.
Google Assistant and Voice Search Growing in Importance
This development signals we are well beyond the early stages of voice search. Google recently announced a full upgrade of Google Auto, its integration of Google Assistant in automobiles. Partnering with DISH is another indication that Google Assistant should be a major consideration for online publishers.
Google increasingly relies on Schema.org structured data to help process information. As voice search becomes ubiquitous, structured data such as the Speakable structured data property (currently in beta at Google) may become more important. This highlights the urgency of becoming familiar with and integrating structured data now rather than playing catch-up later.
Google Assistant and Voice Remote Integration
Google Assistant is available through DISH TV’s voice remote.
According to Google’s announcement, DISH TV + Google Assistant will allow you to:
- Find entertainment
- Control smart home devices
- Manage tasks
- Get answers
Manage Tasks with DISH TV
Google Assistant via DISH TV can access your calendar, add items to your shopping list, and provide traffic information.
Google Assistant Answers on DISH TV
This part of the announcement directly impacts online publishers. DISH TV users will now be able to obtain local search information. According to the announcement:
“Ask your Assistant questions and see the answers on your TV screen with DISH. Get answers related to what you’re watching, favorite shows, characters, and actors. You can also get information on local businesses, flight details, and game scores. For example, ‘What pizzerias near me are open now?’ or ‘What’s the score of the baseball game?’”
Customers who don’t already have a voice remote can obtain a free remote if they are eligible. This means Google Assistant on DISH TV will be available to a wide group of users.
Takeaway
This news underscores the importance of voice search to online publishers. Whether you are a local business, an advertising-based informational site, eCommerce, or a news organization, understanding how voice search applies to your business is a priority. This means integrating JSON-LD structured data, Google’s preferred structured data markup.
