Using your voice to control the world around you is becoming more and more prevalent every day. Who hasn’t heard of Dragon Naturally Speaking to control the computer and then there is always Siri on Apple devices to send emails, setup reminders or check the weather. There are also assistive technology devices that allow you to control your TV, DVD, Radio, or even lights and fans, all with just your voice.
Pedaling for Possibilities (P4P) is in full swing throughout the year providing assistive technology devices and services to those in need. This past week I was in Strasburg, ND, visiting Val, a recent P4P grant recipient to set up her new voice activated remote control, the Voice IR. Val initially submitted an application to P4P because she was frustrated with having to call care staff every time she wanted the TV turned on, a channel changed, or a fan turned on for comfort. Val is dependent on staff for these activities because of Multiple Sclerosis and also stated she was worried about becoming a burden. The Voice IR is able to do all of the things Valerie wants in her bedroom environment by training the device to her voice and repeating those commands to be performed. Initial feedback from Valerie has been positive as she is using the device and showing all the things she can do to her care staff.
Currently using and Invoca 3.0 voice control remote. Been through three of these and while they serve the purpose they don’t always accept the commands and is sometimes very frustrating. Would look for a replacement if I knew there was one. Where can I find out additional information about the Voice IR, pricing, capabilities, etc. Need a remote that will handle the TV (Samsung) and Radio (Bose).
Thanks.
Hello Dave, at present the only seller of this device (that we know of, and believe me we’ve searched) is Broadened Horizons, http://www.broadenedhorizons.com/voiceir. The word is that the device has been discontinued by the manufacturer but Broadened Horizons has a few available yet. Regarding the experiences you are having with the Invoca, they are similar to what we have experienced. Take a look at the Voice IR and let me know if you have further questions.
HI DAVE. THERE’S 1 CALLED SURFBOARD. SUPPOSEDLY WORKS 4 SOME.
Thanks Leif. We have used the Surfboard remote (http://www.accendaproducts.com/surfboard/) in the past and it worked pretty well. Unfortunately it is no longer manufactured.
Hi I could use some assistance in finding a tv voice activated remote control…My son is in a nursing home.He has MS and is a quad..we had a surfboard but it has broke…It was fantastic.. He loved it.. Don’t know what to do..do you have any ideas…The INVOCA does not have very good reviews and I need something that he can depend on… THANK YOU
Hi Helen! I will email you privately, as I have some questions for you regarding his current abilities before I can provide solutions. I wish I had better news for you. The options have become limited in the past few years with the Surfboard remote no longer being manufactured. Our experience with the Invoca remote is similar to the reviews you have read, some have had good success and others not so much. The other option is the Voice IR that is featured in this article. This is another example of a device that is being discontinued and also quite expensive. Right now the Invoca may be the best option with price as a major consideration.Thanks for posting!
Have you any experience with LG Magic Remote voice activation? I’ve been looking at that for Mom, who has a condition on the bad end of the Parkinsonism spectrum, and soon will be bedbound. Like the rest of us, she does much of her “living” (shopping, communicating with friends) on line so needs a way to access the web that doesn’t rely on dexterous fingers. She also needs a new TV to replace the c 1992 monster that commands her bedroom. Am hoping that the LG VA remote in combination with web-enabled TV technology might be the answer? Any thoughts?
We do not have experience with that device. In looking at some user reviews it did not give complete access for someone using only their voice. One thing you will want to consider is a device that will be reliable over time and also flexible to change with your mother’s needs and abilities. If you are a ND resident we can discuss all the options she has available and if not your state has a program like ours that can help identify options as well.
I have been a quadriplegic for 31 years, no use of hands… In desperate need of device to operate TV completely by voice from my bed, live alone… Would appreciate any positive feedback on current problem. Thank you, Leon
Hi Leon, I would be happy to assist. The device that is highlighted in this article is the Voice IR and can be found here: http://bit.ly/OQXev0
You may want to check out the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program for more help with this and possibly a demonstration and rental of the device to see if it will work for you: http://www.ncatp.org/
My son is paralized, is thre a voice activatd remote for his fla screen tv, he has two, need aprice
Hi Gillian-There are a few voice activated remotes available. The one that is in this story is available here:http://www.broadenedhorizons.com/voiceir-ecu
There are others, but to start with I will need to know what type of TVs (brand, model) he is using. Call me at 1-800-895-4728 or email me at jmkrull@ndipat.org. Thanks-Jeannie
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