Alexa and Genie DVR

It wasn't regardless of the impact, but the value of discontinuing it was worth more than the small group of customers that used it.

There are no decisions to make the business and every single customer happy. So they go with what is overall best for them when weighing the options, which does take into account how it impacts customers.

For someone who is a customer, not an employee, how do you know what process DTV used to make the decision.  Even the DTV help people didn't know about this. 

Nonetheless, you are entitled to your opion, just as I am entitled to my opinion.  Enought said.

@Wannabe32 

Correct I am not an employee. However as part of the "ACE" group, occasionally we can get clarification from official channels when a situation like this pops up. And the forum help team does seem to now be on the correct page.

So officially (not an opinion but fact) DirecTV's business decision is supporting Alexa Voice was not worth it for them compared to the small group of people who used it.

Beyond that there are concerns with how this change was notified, which we all have our opinions on. As for why the short notice or message delivered ahead of all agents being in the loop, that doesn't have more info (at this time). It is my opinion that it could/should have been done better, but you can't put the Genie back in the bottle.

I appreciate your feedback but at this point the “why” doesn’t matter.  DTV is taking away something I need and want.  Voice control for a disabled person is not trivial.  I think the key point is that while there may only be a small number of people using it, WHO are they and why are they using it.

In the end all that matters is that DirecTV made a decision that was better for them as a business. We don't have to agree with it or like the "why".

I get the reason WHY you are using it does matter. But WHO you are doesn't as we are all equal as customers. Being lower middle class, child of a senator, or the pope doesn't make you any better or worse than any other customer.

@Kalickim52 

The newer Gemini box uses Google voice remote. Perhaps DirecTV will swap yours. Give them a call. 

AFAIK he can't press the mike button on the Gemini remote per his first post.

Just got a new message, they extended it till 11/08/23.

I have been a loyal DirectTv customer since their inception in 1994 and also have a fully integrated Alexa Smart home. This news saddens me and for the first time considering jumping ship. Even the Gemini alternative is not close to the convenience now available!

It appears Dish supports Alexa control of their receivers by voice.

Very disappointed,  Directv said the replacement is better,  but The Gemini is not a suitable replacement it cannot interface with my Smart Home functionality.   I have been using the Alexa Skill to turn my receiver on and off, fast forward playback on recorded programming, hands free.

The Gemini will do none of these.   First you have to pickup the remote,  press a button then give a voice command. Sounds simple,  but what if the customer has limited mobility,  or unable to have use of hands? This is not fundamental with the same,  "form, fit and feel "  I don't really mind Directv updating equipment,  but this is adding to the reasons to start looking to replace my service all together. 

Directv doesn't have a Customer feedback portal,  you are not allowed to fill any formal complaint. 

If they flipped the switch off on the Alexa skill, they should let the customer have a voice,  if not a choice. 

George B

When I asked Direct TV for the rationale for terminating this useful feature their response was "The Alexa command was removed due to a low usage rate among our customers."   I asked for the data that shows this but of course they never provided it.

Then they tried to convince me to get the Gemini receiver but that would commit me to a 2 year contract, which I was not interested in doing.

I feel the pain,  BLIND Management decision without measurable data.  As the CONSULTANT Juniper so rudly stated it is Their decision and we as customers have a take it or Drop Directv and oh you are going to like it.

No chance.

I was able to configure my obsolete Harmony Smart Control hub to verbally tune to Directv channels.  In my case the Alexa voice controll was a fundamental user convenience feature which became a part of my routine daily operation. Glad I was able to find a workaround to maintain it.

I feel for those who require verbal control due to disability.

I am definitely now not an advocate of AT&T product and services based on their dropping of Alexa voice controll of DirectTv!