Orange France launches STB 6 powered by SoftAtHome
May 29, 2024
Orange France has launched its latest set-top box, the STB 6, powered by SoftAtHome. This device brings the ease of voice control into the living room, marking a shift towards more interactive user experiences.
The planned longevity of the STB 6, thanks to SoftAtHome’s OS, will reduce environmental impact, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Its predecessors remained dependable for six years, being regularly updated several times a year to deliver new functionalities and will continue to be updated in the future jointly with the new STB 6. The French operator’s eco-design approach is reinforced by a footprint progress certification and by SoftAtHome’s energy-efficient software.
The STB 6’s deep sleep mode surpasses regulatory requirements by consuming significantly less than 0.5 W. Addressing a common usability concern, the STB 6 has a rapid startup time of less than 30 seconds from a deep sleep. This short time means that deep sleep can be the default mode for all users.
Orange France’s STB 6 is powered by a more energy-efficient Broadcom chipset, supporting an expanded range of services.
Enhancing user convenience, the STB 6 remote control employs Bluetooth technology for a seamless connection, supplemented by infrared capabilities to ensure uninterrupted operation.
A new feature of the STB 6 is the integration of a far-field microphone, paving the way for a more immersive experience through natural voice commands. STB 6 will leverage Amazon Alexa voice control, enabled by Alexa partnership, offering a friendly interface even without a remote control.
Guillaume Lacroix, Director Product & Services at Orange France, commented: “At Orange France, we always look to enhance customer experience at home. I’m especially proud of this new set-top box with a better ease of use. SoftAtHome’s long-term support enables us to deliver best-in-class products and features, for our seven million TV customers in France.”
Arnaud Bensaid, Vice President Marketing at SoftAtHome, added: “We’ve been helping operators deploy solutions that leverage voice control. The new STB6’s far-field mic is operational out-of-the-box, enabling seamless experiences, including for the first setup. Vastly reduced startup times will also enable more eco-conscious consumers to turn their devices off and on, even during the day.”