Able remote is one of our favorite remote apps for Google TV. Its flexibility and customization features put it well above the competition (read our review), but the developers haven’t had the best relationship with the GTV V3 update. We have been waiting for Google to release the new channels API for GTV V3, until then Able Remote was left without channel support. This issue has been fixed with today’s update (version 2.3.5), but now we are running into a whole other issue.

It seems Google is having a hard time letting go of the Voice Search API. This means Able Remote will not be able to support this feature, at least until the Search Giant decides to release the API.

“Google has not provided an API for the voice search feature, so technically we will not be able to support the new feature.” -Able Remote

Google could possibly release it at some point, but Able Remote is reminding us that their app has been using its own voice actions for a while now. You can take advantage of Able Remote’s option, but it doesn’t offer the same search functions as extensive as the native Voice Search feature.

It’s sad to see that Able Remote will not be jumping into the Voice Search bandwagon (at least anytime soon). We suppose we will just have to wait for the official app to be updated, buy a new device or get that $50 remote (if you have a Sony Google TV). If not, users will have to do without Voice Search for a while.

[Source: Able Remote]