Xfinity Creates Voice-Based Light Show Integration for March Madness

Xfinity created voice commands and smart bulb integration for the X1 remote corresponding to the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament, it said Wednesday. For the 19 days of the tournament, beginning Thursday, Xfinity customers with the X1 voice remote and either xFi internet or Xfinity home service can have a light show mapped to the 68 teams in the tournament, it said. The integration works with color-emitting bulbs from Lifx or Philips Hue, priced under $50 each, Xfinity said. After customers pair the bulbs with Xfinity Home or xFi and see colors kick in when certain phrases are said. It gave as an example of the less-than-spontaneous commands the phrase .“Xfinity Home, Go Villanova” to have bulbs automatically turn blue and light blue, the university’s colors. Other voice commands give access to standings, news, highlights and game summaries.