DISH’s voice remote is now compatible with the Independa AnyTV Companion, the companies announced Wednesday.
When the Independa system is connected to a television installed with DISH’s Wally receiver, users can control both their TV entertainment and Independa services with DISH’ voice remote.
“Television is the main source of entertainment and news for many older Americans,” Vice President of DISH Business Alistair Chatwin said. “By combining the Independa system with our technology, we’re turning the TV into a solution that delivers services to help provide a better quality of life as well as operational efficiencies for organizations in senior care.”
Launched in 2016, the Independa AnyTV Companion is a candy bar-sized set-back box that turns any TV with an HDMI connection into a bi-directional engagement platform for senior living units and other settings.
With the technology, residents can schedule appointments, receive medication reminders, communicate with others via video chat and messaging, and stay up-to-date on community information, such as dining menus and event calendars, directly on their televisions. The platform also is designed to be compatible with health sensors and devices, such as blood pressure monitors and scales, to provide organizations and residents’ families with a holistic view of the resident.
DISH’s voice remote interprets natural language to control navigation, search and content selection on Wally. It also features motion-activated backlighting and two custom buttons, one to launch the Independa system and the other to signal professionals and family members for support.
“Independa and DISH are delivering an industry first, where a second remote is not needed for the operation of the Independa system,” Independa founder and CEO Kian Saneii said. “Simplicity and ease of use are key factors here, and DISH customers can now enjoy all the benefits of an Independa system right on their TVs, without the need for a computer, tablet or smartphone. No passwords, no software updates — nothing new to learn.”
More information is available on DISH’s senior living webpage.
