In my hand, I hold a slender, futuristic-looking device. It’s lightweight and slides easily into my palm. Is it the new iPhone? No. But like other voice-controlled tech, it does obey my every command.
Or almost every command. Because Xfinity’s newly designed voice-control remote gives me next-level control over my TV, Internet and movie watching needs.
“I love using it,” says Rosalyn, 42, of Chicago. “It’s so easy.”
Our newly designed X1 Voice Remote builds on what customers love about the device, combining more intuitive functionality with an award-winning design. https://t.co/b284L3VNjw
— Comcast (@comcast) December 11, 2017
The Easy-to- Use Platform
Easy. If ever there was a buzzword more necessarily associated with tech, it’s “easy.”
That’s because Millennials – generally defined as those born between 1980 and 2000 – are a generation of convenience-seeking, screen-loving individuals. But don’t be fooled; just because they came of age during the digital revolution and are, as a group, the most connected generation that has ever existed, they’re also a demographic that values efficiency over service, and experiences over money.
And this is why Millennials are embracing the new X1 system offered by Xfinity. Say a command into the sleek remote, and you’re given access to thousands of hit TV shows, movies, and sports channels. Even your social media can be displayed, giving you HD access to Snapchat and Instagram on the same screen you use to watch Game of Thrones. It’s all displayed on the X1 portal, a layout which is similar to Netflix, but with more features.
“We want everything to be simple, just like it is on our phones,” says Noehly, an Xfinity user in her early twenties from Chicago. “And the voice-controlled remote is great, because I never know what channel my shows are on.” She explains that, when using her phone, she can quickly access everything with the touch of a button. Why should TV viewing be any different?
Access to @TeamUSA is easier and more advanced with the X1 Voice Remote. pic.twitter.com/mXzs6YRLYa
— Comcast (@comcast) February 22, 2018
Millennial Habits
“[Millennials] don’t care for [traditional] TV, actually,” says Hector, an Xfinity sales rep and father of three. “They just want the Internet, and the power of being able to stream via Netflix or whatever it is that they watch.”
And that’s exactly why younger people are embracing the technology offered by Xfinity. With 89% of Millennials saying they watch most of their TV on Netflix, and spend 55% of their TV-viewing time watching content after its aired, Xfinity’s video and X1 platforms are poised to accommodate this powerful spending demographic.
The Future of At-Home Entertainment
Remember the days of your youth when, if you wanted to watch a show, you had to be home at the exact time it aired? For me, it was Friends. Rachel, Ross, and Phoebe made their way into my living room every Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. And if I happened to not be home at 7pm on a Thursday? I missed the show. Forever.
But forever is no more in today’s world, where pulling up a YouTube video of Rachel and Monica fighting in their apartment circa 1996 or Fergie singing the National Anthem circa one a week ago is as easy as 1, 2 – done.
The new @pandoramusic experience on X1 makes it easier than ever for customers to access and discover personalized music alongside the live, on-demand, DVR and web programming included in Xfinity TV. https://t.co/2gOXPTURyM
— Comcast (@comcast) December 18, 2017
Whether using the Xfinity X1 platform to find old episodes of Seinfeld or The Brady Bunch pre-set the DVR to record the newest installment of Chicago Fire, Millennials are feeling pretty comfortable with the power to stream, watch, and record at their fingertips.
What are You Watching?
According to Business Insider, 74% of millennials base their TV-watching on referrals from family and friends, or overall buzz about a show.
“I’m watching The Crown, This Is Us, and Grey’s Anatomy,” says Stephanie Paixâo, 28, of Chicago, who says the way she discovers new shows is by getting recommendations from friends. When asked what’s most important to her when sitting down to watch a show, her response echoes the research – control. “I want to be able to watch [my shows] on my schedule and pause them when I need to. I don’t want to sit through a bunch of ads.”
Remote of the Future
Nowadays, people are using their voice to send text messages, set timers, and call their dentist. Why should their remote control be any different?
The remote I’m holding is, simply put, the coolest thing ever. It’s easy to use, highly sensitive to my commands, and can even tell me the weather, or give me the final score from yesterday’s game. As digital technology continues to improve and broaden its appeal, it’s we as the users that benefit most.