ZTE & Netgem to offer connected home solutions to European fibre operators

March 13, 2019
ZTE & Netgem 
to offer connected home solutions 
to European fibre operators

Netgem has signed a strategic partnership with ZTE, an international provider of telecommunications, enterprise and consumer technology solutions for the Mobile Internet, to offer connected home solutions to European fibre operators.

ZTE will provide its devices portfolio and innovation roadmap backed up with its production capability and a long-term financing facility. Netgem will provide its software assets, content relationships and its 20-year expertise in integrating local solutions for European TV multi-service providers.

Sources: 

https://advanced-television.com/2019/03/13/zte-netgem-strategic-partnership/

https://www.netgem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/PR-Netgem-ZTE-French-13-03-19.pdf

_____________
To Reamember:

Netgem announced  already (at 03/05/2017) a software agreement with ZTE,  for the delivery of complete TV solutions to Telecom operators in Latin America.

Source: 
https://www.netgem.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/1493795718_PR-ZTE-Netgem-TotalPlay-UK-03-05-17.pdf


***

Read also:
(13/03/2019)

EE and Amazon come together to save you up to £115 on a new mobile phone deal

Customers can also now take advantage of EE Video Data Pass, which will allow subscribers to use Prime Video, Netflix and MTV Play without impacting on their data allowance. The service costs £8.99 per month.

EE rivals Sky with a new deal customers may find very hard to refuse.

EE HAS revealed a fresh offer which includes six months of free Amazon Prime Video that you can watch without using any of your data. The offer follows a similar deal from Sky that was announced last week.

Sources: 

https://www.digitalspy.com/tech/a26803497/ee-deal-amazon-prime-video-mtv-streaming-six-months-free/

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/science-technology/1099292/EE-Amazon-Prime-Video-deal-offer-data-free-streaming-Sky-Mobile

Ooredoo TV Go (Netgem UHD/4K TV), WINS ‘Best Digital Content Service’

(Sep 18, 2018)

1. BEST NATIONAL OPERATOR NETWORK: OOREDOO OMAN
2. DIGITAL CONTENT SERVICES AWARD: OOREDOO TV GO

"Ooredoo won ‘Best Operator Network’ and ‘Best Digital Content Service’ in the 2018 Telecoms World Middle East Awards. "

"It's the recognition of Ooredoo TV Go, as ‘Best Digital Content Service’. Ooredoo TV Go is the first telco led OTT only TV proposition in the region. Ooredoo TV provides customers with access to best in class video content with some fantastic partners.

The line-up of content comes from Arabic, Bollywood and Western shows and movies and there’s over 6,000 hours to choose from.

Both prepaid and postpaid customers can enjoy their favourite movies and shows through the app 24/7. The app is an entirely new TV experience available in the palm of your hands, giving customers a world of entertainment in High Definition on both iOS and Android compatible devices anywhere in the Sultanate."


To remember (March 28, 2017):

Ooredoo Oman launches TV services with Netgem (4k TV)

Netgem, the entertainment solution provider for telecom operators, has been selected by international telecoms operator Ooredoo to deploy its multi-screen TV-as-a-service solution in Oman. This agreement is the first deployment of Netgem in the Middle East, and positions the company as vendor of choice in the region, with its solution now available in Arabic and supported by local content providers and deployment partners.

The Netgem-powered multiscreen TV-as-a-service will enable Ooredoo Oman to offer its customers a range of programming, including English and Arabic channels, and VoD services. An enhanced connected user interface will give Ooredoo’s customers the ability to enjoy a seamless experience across their devices.

Sylvain Thevenot, Managing Director Netgem #TelcoTV Services, “ We are very proud to support the launch of Ooredoo Oman TV with our feature-rich TV product offering a great range of international and local content. This is the first deployment of our TV-as-a-Service solution in the Middle-East, and reinforces that our cloud-based technology is the platform of choice to rapidly launch powerful entertainment services. With our award-winning user interface now adapted to support mixed Arabic and European content, we are looking forward to further deployments in the region.’’

Read also:
https://www.netgem.com/success/success-stories/ooredoo-story/

H1 2018 Results - Netgem OTT activity beyond the UK is under study

(August 2nd 2018)
Résultats du 1er semestre 2018

Total active user base which reached:
Q2 - 2018: 2,100,000 (+107,000 over the semester)
Q4 - 2017: 1,993,000

The growth in the number of active users:
Q1 2018: +34,000  (over the quarter)
Q2 2018: +73,000  (over the quarter)

"(...) 
Activity in the first half of 2018 was marked by the growth of the total active user base which reached 2.1 million at the end of June 2018, a gain of 107,000 subscribers over the semester, and by a slowdown much more pronounced than expected on traditional IPTV business.

Many operators appear to be more cautious about their IPTV investments, especially in countries where ARPUs (revenue per subscriber) are the lowest and for which returns on investment are longer. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, Netgem achieved a consolidated revenue of € 23.0 million, down 30% compared to the first half of 2017.

The Group does not see this trend improving, which legitimizes the strategy of switching to the OTT undertaken for several years.

The rapid slowdown in IPTV activity could delay the moment when the contribution of OTT activity will offset this decline. Net revenue declined more slowly than revenue, due to recurring revenue from software maintenance and services calculated on the active user base (SaaS effect). It reached € 11.0 million in the first half of 2018, down 15% compared to the previous year period.
Operating expenses decreased by 14%, from € 10.0 million in the first half of 2017 to € 8.6 million in the first half of 2018, with no decrease in R&D.(...)"


"Significant events, strategy and outlook

Given the slowdown in IPTV business, the company will continue to rationalize its cost, started in the first semester, by focusing its investments on its most strategic markets.
In the first half, the company launched its OTT service on the UK market. This service offers a new generation TV experience and is the only one to offer in a unified interface, voice-controlled via Alexa, live and replay channels and the most popular OTT services such as Amazon Video, Youtube, Hayu or Rakuten, on all the screens of the home.

As a first step, this service is marketed as part of a "bundle" with the sale of connected equipment (smartTV adapter or smart soundbar). The distribution of the service is done through networks of Service Providers, and will, before the end of the year, be licensed in the "retail" networks.

The service and associated equipment have won several awards: "Most innovative in home device" at TV Connect 2018, The Connies 2018's "Best user experience beyond tv & video" and "Content Innovation Awards 2017" for "Consumer Equipment Innovation". The Group intends to continue to expand the range of devices compatible with its service.

The geographical extension of OTT activity beyond the UK is under study.

Revenue and gross profit for Q3’2018: October 18th, 2018, before market opening "

Sources:
https://www.netgem.com/investors/investors/press-releases-and-news
(Q1 2018 revenue)

* * *

NETGEM (Euronext Paris)

Par courrier reçu le 9 octobre 2018, la société FMR LLC1 (The Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19801, Etats-Unis), a déclaré avoir franchi en hausse, le 5 octobre 2018, indirectement par l’intermédiaire de la société FMR Co., Inc. qu’elle contrôle, le seuil de 5% des droits de vote de la société NETGEM et détenir indirectement 2 076 342 actions NETGEM représentant autant de droits de vote, soit 7,00% du capital et 5,36% des droits de vote de cette société2.
Ce franchissement de seuil résulte d’une acquisition d’actions NETGEM sur le marché.

SOURCE: www.amf-france.org
Document AMF n° 218C1654 du 9 octobre 2018
Déclarations de participation, de franchissement de seuil, d'intention, etc.


FMR LLC est une société holding d’une groupe indépendant de sociétés, agissant pour le compte de fonds, communément dénommé Fidelity Investments (cf. communiqué du 24 avril 2008)

Connected audio: OTT Trojan (Soundbox, Amazon, Alexa, Netgem, Voice assistant)

(March 8, 2018)
Netgem, presentation SFAF - annual accounts 2017

Connected audio, OTT Trojan

• With the Netgem Soundbox brings a new dimension "TV, video and audio quality" in the market for voice assistants.
• This equipment will eventually be the heart of the "smart home" replacing and expanding the role of the current "box" in IPTV.
• Its distribution, thanks to the OTT model, is no longer limited to broadband operators, and for sale coupled with access Internet.
• 1st Soundbox Marketing Live Branded Netgem on Amazon UK scheduled S1'2018

OTT: Netgem growth model for the coming years?

• Expand the distribution of our digital entertainment services, by ourselves and in partnership with our distributors / partners, benefiting from the development of OTT cards, and more particularly the following opportunities: ○ Mobile bundles + content bundles  ○ Equipment + content offers.
• Use the technological breakthrough represented by the DVA (digital vocal assistant) which installs a new generation of equipment (voice speakers connected) in homes that we believe futures will replace the current role of "box" operators of 1st generation: Project Soundbox.
• These new offers will be rolled out gradually in Europe in 2018.

Source:
Netgem, Presentation SFAF - 2017 financial statements - March 8, 2018

Smart soundbar (OTT / IPTV Hi-Fi Soundbox), is now available!

(Feb 2018)

SoundBox is the first smart sound bar,

Best of Music, Audio & TV!

JT surpasses competition by offering latest innovation in Hi-Tech OTT / IPTV / Hi-Fi sound systems, to its customers.

The first operator with a smart OTT / IPTV soundbar!

This Smart Sound Bar (Soundbox by Netgem) is now available for more than 1,2 million JT customers !!!

There are (at June 2017) more than 1.2 million JT SIM cards connecting devices for cardiac monitors in Canada to payment systems in East Africa.

JT M2M works with partners to provide African business connectivity across a range of devices.

Sources:
1) JT Annual Report 2016/17
2) jtglobal.com/Global/Global-Landing-Page/About-Us2/

With this offer only lacks to JT, to offer TV services to its customers! 

Does Netgem's fast implementation OTT solutions, on the way ?!

***

TO REMEMBER:

December 21, 2017.

[CES2018 - JAN 9-12, 2018, LAS VEGAS, NV] 

Voxtok Soundbox: 

a soundbar with integrated TV decoder, and more...!

At CES 2018 in Las Vegas, which will be available in a few days, Voxtok will be able to present the Soundbox.

This is a product that aims to remove a large number of boxes that are usually found in our living rooms, below the TV.

With full support of Amazon Alexa, SoundBox can be operated by voice control and has amazing skills!

Netgem and Voxtok worked hand-in-hand to bring together a TV set-top box and a sound bar in one piece. Netgem is indeed a set-top box builder for access and service providers. Voxtok is specialized in sound as we have already seen.

Read:

https://www.on-mag.fr/index.php/video-hd/news/home-cinema/17181-voxtok-soundbox-%20une-barre-de-son-avec-decodeur-tv-integre-et-plus-encore

EE at the cutting edge of technology: smart TV !!!

"Get EE if…
you're at the cutting edge of technology 
and want a smart TV "!!!

Source:
Home Broadband reviews
"BT vs EE broadband - which is best?"

Thursday, February 15, 2018  ByKim Staples

***

TO REMENBER: 

"You can now (17 AUGUST 2017), control EE TV set-top boxes with Amazon Alexa voice commands !!!"

(Netgem & EE TV continuous in a solid partnership!)

"Whether it's for phones or Bluetooth speakers, Amazon's march towards squeezing its Alexa voice assistant into every conceivable connected gadget continues apace. The latest device to join its ranks is EE TV, the set-top box from the mobile network giant.

From today, owners of both the EE TV box and a compatible Alexa device, such as the Echo or Echo Dot, will be able to use voice commands sent from the connected speakers to control certain aspects of the TV interface...."

"The move makes the BT-owned outfit the first UK service provider to provide an Amazon Alexa skillset on its set-top boxes."

Source /more: http://www.techradar.com/news/you-can-now-control-ee-tv-set-top-boxes-with-amazon-alexa-voice-commands

See also:

http://www.netgem.com/soundBox.php

" (June 08, 2017) Netgem, an entertainment solution provider for telecoms operators, has created its own Alexa skill enabling content discovery and Set-Top Box control with voice. This skill will be available soon in the UK."

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2017/08/17/ee-tv-brings-in-alexa-voice-control/

http://www.digitaltveurope.net/732582/ee-tv-launches-amazon-alexa-voice-control/

Netgem CA T4 2017: +13% de sa marge brute & +18% d'abonnés

(Janvier, 18, 2018)

"Netgem affiche une croissance de +13% de sa marge brute au quatrième trimestre, à 6,8 millions d'euros, et de +6% de son chiffre d'affaires à 16,5 millions. 

Sur l'ensemble de l'exercice de 2017, sa marge brute a atteint 24,6 millions d'euros (-11%) et son chiffre d'affaires 61,8 millions (-17%). *

Le chiffre d'affaires et la marge brute ont progressé en Europe en 2017 par rapport à 2016, mais ont été impactés par l'accord de licence logicielle avec ZTE et Totalplay au Mexique et la baisse des ventes de matériel qui s'en est suivie, a indiqué Netgem.

Enfin, la base d'abonnés actifs a augmenté de 18% par rapport à fin décembre 2016 pour atteindre près de deux millions d'utilisateurs quotidiens à fin décembre 2017."

* => Et il faut aussi noter que Vitis n'est pas consolidée dans les chiffres rapportés pour 2017!!! 

Donc les résultés sont plus meilleurs (il faut intégrer Vitis pous savoir le résulté total de 2017 - Vitis, filiale à 56% de Netgem**) !

=> Vitis n'a pas été consolidée en 2017, le chiffre d'affaires et la marge brute comparables avec l'année 2016 aurait été respectivement de 70,3 millions d'euros et de 26,4 millions d'euros. (SOURCE: netgem.fr)

DONC, la comparaison correcte entre années est sans Vitis aux deux exercices de 2016 et 2017:

..Marge Brute 2016: 26.4 M€ 
..Marge Brute 2017: 24.6 M€
=> - 7% <== 
   (pas -11%)

..CA 2016: 70.3 M€
..CA 2017: 61.8 M€
=> -12% <== 
   (pas -17%)

---

Vitis en 2016:
Marge Brute au 2016: 1,1 M€
CA au 2016: 4 M€ 

Et Vitis chiffres en 2017: ?
** La réponse au peur être au 9 mars 2018 avant l'ouverture du marché: 
aux Résultats 2017

SOURCEs:

http://netgem.fr/netgem-news.php

http://netgem.fr/datas/media/1516217047_PR%20Q4'17%20-%20Netgem%20-%20UK.pdf

Netgem: une décennie de distribution de dividendes supérieures à 5%

Netgem: une décennie de distribution de dividendes supérieures à 5% 

A NOTER:

Quand l'OPRA se termine efficacement,  Netgem a annulé les 10 millions de titres de l'OPRA + 1 695 717 d'actions auto détenues avant l'OPRA.

On passe donc de 41 360 384 actions à 29 664 667 soit une réduction de 28,28%.

A noter qu'après cette opération, Netgem possède encore 1 573 691 en autodétention, soit encore 5,3% du capital et de l'ordre de 10,5 M de tréso (je compte : 35,9 après T3 moins 25 pour l'OPRA moins 0,3 ou 0,4 de coûts liés à l'OPRA)

Après la reductión des titres, sur un cours de 2.32 € l'action, hors auto détention et hors cash le dossier est donc valorisé à environ 55 millions pour un ROC (résultat opérationnel courant) annoncé en ligne avec 2016, soit 5,5 M

La distribution d'un dividende 15 centimes leur coûterait maintenant 4,2 M€, a 20 centimes, ça coûterait 5,6 M€.

Avec 10,5 M€ en caisse fin T3 et post OPRA + les résus T4 : je pense qu'ils peuvent poursuivre tranquillement leur politique de distribution !

=> si les 15 centimes se maintenirons, sur un cours de 2,32 € representerà un dividend de 6.5%

---

(Résus 2017 le 9 mars 2018 avant bourse:  Nous saurons à ce moment là quel dividende sera proposé.)

Calendrier​ ​prévisionnel​ ​de​ ​communication​ ​financière:

- Chiffre d'affaires et marge brute du T4 2017 18 janvier 2018, avant bourse

- Résultats 2017 9 mars 2018, avant bourse

- Chiffre d’affaires et marge brute du T1 2018 3 mai 2018, avant bourse

- Assemblée générale annuelle 3 mai 2018

- Chiffre d'affaires et résultats du 1er semestre 2018 3 août 2018, avant bourse

- Chiffre d'affaires et marge brute du T3 2018 18 octobre 2018, avant bourse

---

Sources:

Résultats de l’offre publique de rachat d’actions

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/NTG.PA  => chart

http://www.boursorama.com/forum-netgem-resultat-opra-et-commentaires-448491417-1 (lchauvea 20:07 - 16.11.2017)

Bring or not bring to OPRA Netgem?

(24 october 2017)

"Oddo BHF publishes this Tuesday a study in which revaluates Netgem from 2.60 to 2.90 euros!

This analysis leads Oddo BHF to advise its clients not to bring Netgem shares to OPRA, which closes on 27 October!

Oddo BHF believes that the value of the OPRA (2.50 Eur) does not fully reflect the prospects for the group with the ongoing transformation of the business model!..."

Netgem at the OPRA closes on October 27, 2017.


Sources:
http://www.boursier.com/actions/actualites/news/netgem-faut-il-apporter-a-l-opra-745106.html

 http://netgem.fr/datas/media/1505853010_Netgem%20-%20Note%20d'information%20OPRA%20-%2019%2009%2017.pdf


----------------------
TO READ ALSO:
(October 13, 2017)

Netgem maintains in 2017 the economic performance of 2016. 
Major growth expected for 2018!

For the quarter ended September 30, 2017, Netgem announces consolidated revenues of € 12.4 million and gross margin of € 5.1 million, bringing consolidated sales and gross margin first nine months of 2017 at 45.3 million euros and 17.8 million euros respectively (unaudited data).

Revenues and gross margin in Europe and Asia are in line with 2016, with lower consolidated sales and gross margin primarily related to the licensing agreement with ZTE and Totalplay in Mexico, transforming hardware sales in software licenses.

To note:

"From ZQ 2017, ZTE delivers Total TV Set TV Set Top Boxes on Netgem's software platform Netgem continues to maintain and deliver its software platform directly to TotalPlay, both on the basis of existing subscribers and all new decoders that will be delivered by ZTE to TotalPlay.

Netgem will receive from ZTE a single fee for each new equipment delivered and will receive from TotalPlay a recurring software maintenance revenue based on the number of installed equipment, including the new decoders delivered by ZTE. "

"The transition to a software model in Mexico will have no impact on the operating result of 2017, which should be in line with that of 2016."

The active subscriber base grew by 24% compared to September 30, 2016, reaching 1.9 million daily users at the end of September 2017.

Source:
http://netgem.fr/datas/media/1507928128_PR%20Q3%2017%20-%20Netgem%20-%20FR%20(1).pdf

Vitis CA et marge brute aux 9 mois 2016 (la vibre en France - videofutur)

Source:
13 Octobre 2017 - Activité​ ​du​ ​3ème​ ​trimestre​ ​2017​ ​et perspectives

"Si Vitis n'avait pas non plus t consolid en 2016, le chiffre d'affaires et la marge brute pour les neuf premiers mois de 2016 auraient t respectivement 55,3 millions d'euros et 20,5 millions d'euros"

DONC, la compaireson correcte entre les annés est sans Vitis, pour 2016 et pour 2017:
..CA aux 9 mois 2016: 55,3 M€
..CA aux 9 mois 2017: 45,3 M€
=> -18% (pas -23% du comuniqué de 13 Octobre 2017)

..Marge Brute aux 9 mois 2016: 20,5 M€
..Marge Brute aux 9 mois 2017: 18.8 M€
=> - 8% (pas les -17% du comuniqué de 13 Octobre 2017

Vitis en 2016:
CA aux 9 mois 2016: 3,5 M€ 
Marge Brute aux 9 mois 2016: +1,0 M€


A notter (13 Octobre 2017):
"Sur l'ensemble de l'année 2017, l'activité en Europe et en Asie devrait légèrement progresser par rapport à 2016 et la base d'abonnés actifs du Groupe devrait croître au-delà du seuil des 2 millions.
==> La transition vers un modèle logiciel au Mexique n'aura pas d'impact sur le résultat d'exploitation de l'exercice 2017, lequel devrait être en ligne avec celui de 2016.
Au 30 septembre 2017, la trésorerie du Groupe s'élevait à 35,9 millions d'euros, la transition vers le modèle logiciel au Mexique permettant d'améliorer le besoin en fonds de roulement."

VITIS est un acteur innovant des « autoroutes du divertissement », alliant développement du Très Haut Débit et accès au meilleur des contenus : cinéma, séries, animation, TV, Replay et VOD. EN SAVOIR PLUS

Lire aussi (05/09/2017):

Vitis satisfait des premiers résultats en Alsace rurale
Vitis, l’un des six fournisseurs d’accès internet sur le réseau d’initiative publique Rosace en cours de construction en Alsace, enregistre des taux de pénétration à deux chiffres depuis début juillet 2017. "
http://www.forcemedia.fr/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/2017-09-02-LALSACE-02-SEPT-17-10000000052180858.pdf

Netgem maintien en 2017 la performance économique de 2016. Major croissance attendue pour 2018!

(13 Octobre 2017)

Pour le trimestre clos le 30 septembre 2017, Netgem annonce un chiffre d'affaires consolidé de 12,4 millions d'euros et une marge brute de 5,1 millions d'euros, portant le chiffre d'affaires et la marge brute consolidés des neuf premiers mois de l’année 2017 à respectivement 45,3 millions d'euros et 17,8 millions d'euros (données non auditées).

Le chiffre d’affaires et la marge brute en Europe et en Asie sont en ligne avec 2016, la baisse du chiffre d'affaires et de la marge brute consolidés étant essentiellement liée à l'accord de licence avec ZTE et Totalplay au Mexique, transformant les ventes de matériel en licences logicielles.

A  noter:

"A partir du 2ème trimestre 2017, ZTE livre à TotalPlay des Set Top Boxes TV embarquant la plateforme logicielle Netgem. Netgem continue à maintenir et délivrer sa plate-forme logicielle directement à TotalPlay, à la fois sur la base d’abonnés existante et pour tous les nouveaux décodeurs qui seront livrés par ZTE à TotalPlay.

Netgem recevra de ZTE une redevance unique pour chaque nouvel équipement livré et percevra de TotalPlay un revenu récurrent de maintenance logicielle basé sur le nombre d’équipements installés, incluant les nouveaux décodeurs livrés par ZTE."

"La transition vers un modle logiciel au Mexique n'aura pas d'impact sur le resultat d'exploitation de l'exercice 2017, lequel devrait être en ligne avec celui de 2016."

La base d'abonnés actifs a augmenté de 24% par rapport au 30 septembre 2016 pour atteindre 1,9 million d'utilisateurs quotidiens à fin septembre 2017.

Source:
http://netgem.fr/datas/media/1507928128_PR%20Q3%2017%20-%20Netgem%20-%20FR%20(1).pdf

----
Pour evaluer la performane industirel et economique de Netgem, après 2017, le plus important c'est la Evolutión de la Marge Brute, parce le nouvelle modèle transforme les ventes de matériel en licences logicielles !

CA aux dernieres 7 trimestres:
T1 2016: 19.0
T2 2016: 20.1
T3 2016: 19.7
T4 2016: 15.5
T1 2017: 14.7
T2 2017: 17.3
T3 2017: 12.4 
T4 2017: ?

Marge Brute aux dernieres 7 trimestres:
T1 2016: 7.4
T2 2016: 7.2
T3 2016: 6.9
T4 2016: 6.0
T1 2017: 6.2
T2 2017: 6.5
T3 2017: 5.1
T4 2017: ?----

Credits for Netgem, on EE TV Amazon Alexa voice control ! (vs Sky Q)

August 17, 2017

“Credit should go to its partner Netgem for further differentiating EE TV over rivals. This latest move clearly underlines the importance of software in enhancing a TV service. Undoubtedly EE TV is a great option for consumers who are looking for a good set-top-box with access to a wide range of programming including free-to-air, on demand and a la carte purchases to premium content.”

The move makes the BT-owned outfit the first UK service provider to provide an Amazon Alexa skillset on its set-top boxes.

YouView, the broadcaster-supported platform that is used by BT and TalkTalk for their TV services, also announced in June that it was piloting Alexa voice control for its connected set-top boxes.

“EE continues to push the boundaries with its TV service. Given the fragmented nature of TV services today, we believe that voice will play a pivotal role in finding the programmes consumers want to watch. More importantly the support for Amazon Alexa goes one step further than Sky Q in supporting additional voice features,” said Paolo Pescatore, vice-president, multiplay and media, CCS Insight, commenting on the launch.

Source: http://www.digitaltveurope.net/732582/ee-tv-launches-amazon-alexa-voice-control/

But SKY TV has also rolled-out an update to Sky Q customers that finally enables its long-awaited voice search feature, which promises to make it easier to find and watch movies, shows and sports.

***

YES, what you do with "Amazon’s voice-controlled assistant, Alexa", will be possible with on Set Top Boxes by Netgem ! 

SEE 8 amazing things to do in the future with SoundBox by Netgem! 

NEW: EE TV set-top boxes with Amazon Alexa voice commands (what Sky Soundbox doesn't do)

"You can now (17 AUGUST 2017), control EE TV set-top boxes with Amazon Alexa voice commands !!!"

(Netgem & EE TV continuous in a solid partnership!)

"Whether it's for phones or Bluetooth speakers, Amazon's march towards squeezing its Alexa voice assistant into every conceivable connected gadget continues apace. The latest device to join its ranks is EE TV, the set-top box from the mobile network giant.

From today, owners of both the EE TV box and a compatible Alexa device, such as the Echo or Echo Dot, will be able to use voice commands sent from the connected speakers to control certain aspects of the TV interface...."

"The move makes the BT-owned outfit the first UK service provider to provide an Amazon Alexa skillset on its set-top boxes."

Source /more: http://www.techradar.com/news/you-can-now-control-ee-tv-set-top-boxes-with-amazon-alexa-voice-commands

See also:

http://www.netgem.com/soundBox.php

" (June 08, 2017) Netgem, an entertainment solution provider for telecoms operators, has created its own Alexa skill enabling content discovery and Set-Top Box control with voice. This skill will be available soon in the UK."

http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2017/08/17/ee-tv-brings-in-alexa-voice-control/

http://www.digitaltveurope.net/732582/ee-tv-launches-amazon-alexa-voice-control/

Sky Soundbox without voice assistant, (not compatible with Amazon Alexa)

At the present momentm (11 AUGUST 2017), Sky is taking pre-registrations for the Sky Soundbox now, just head to the Sky website to find out more.

But Sky Soundbox is without voice assistant, (not compatible with Amazon Alexa), at the momment.

Netgem SOUNDBOX, the first, the original,  leads innovation, with voice assistant, compatible with Amazon Alexa! It was recently  nominated for the SOUNDBOX in the category 'Best Customer Premise Technology' at @CSI_Magazine Awards in #IBC 2017!
/ Consumer Premises Equipment Innovation of the Year 2017
(at 15 September 2017)

Sky Soundbox costs £799 to non-Sky customers but Sky subscribers get incredible deals. If you are a new or existing Sky Q Multiscreen customer, you can get the Sky Soundbox for £249. All other existing Sky subscribers can nab one for £299.

Netgem SOUNDBOX  combines the Diamond virtual set-top-box software with an enhanced version of a soundbar designed with specialist audio partners. This unique system combines audio and video services within a single application and a single device for all screens and rooms in a home. 
Netgem’s Telco customers see it as a way to differentiate their offers, increase their income and reduce their capex since the system no longer requires set-top boxes. The consumer gains an innovative solution offering maximum simplicity, limiting the number of devices, applications and remote controls necessary to implement a complete digital entertainment system.

Sources:
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/141737-sky-soundbox-what-is-it-what-can-it-do-and-how-can-i-get-one
https://tmt.knect365.com/content-innovation-awards/2017-shortlist

Read also:
8 amazing things to do with SoundBox by Netgem! 
(Amazon Echo, Alexa...)