The speaker can use Alexa to control your cable TV
Cable company Altice has entered the smart speaker market with Amplify, a debut device that’s got a simple leg-up over the competition.
Taking advantage of Altice’s cable infrastructure, the speaker will be able to control TVs in the same way it would smart lightbulbs or music playback. The speaker has built-in Alexa, so, if you’re already using an Altice One system for your TV, you’re a voice command away from whatever channel you want.
Essential reading: Best speaker with Alexa
The Amplify has six microphones fitted to make sure that voice commands can be clearly received, but also includes a mute button for those who want some time away from the voice assistant, too. It even boasts an automatic volume-adjustment feature to moderate volume, which sounds a little like Sonos’ night mode feature.
On the surface, Altice seems to be encouraging Altice One owners to get the speaker that will best integrate with their cable setup, and opt for the Amplify. Customers of Altice’s existing brands Optimum and Suddenlink will get $100 off the price of the Amplify.
Aside from that canny integration, the Amplify is also set to offer impressive sound specs. Audio giant Devialet has provided two woofers for the speaker, and it also packs in a serious amp.
The speaker’s design is also reminiscent of the Sonos One orLG ThinQ WK9, with a sleek look that should blend into the background of most rooms. With just a low-key logo at the speaker’s base, it’s got an anonymous look that could be attractive for those who don’t want a speaker that draws the eye.
The Amplify doesn’t yet have a release date, but you can sign up to be notified on Altice’s official page. The speaker will cost a princely $499, but, with that discount for existing customers, the price drops to $399. We’ll update this story with more details when they arrive.
