GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The remote control just got easier for Comcast Cable customers.

Instead of pushing a button, customers can find a TV show or record a movie using voice commands.

A hands-free remote is one of two new free services the cable giant is introducing to dissuade customers from cutting the cord to buy cable channels a la carte.

The technology isn't new, but Comcast is using it in a new way to improve the customer experience, said Michelle Gilbert, Comcast spokeswoman for Michigan.

Comcast is the biggest cable provider in Michigan, with customers in Grand Rapids, metro Detroit, Flint, South Haven, Lansing and Muskegon.

The other free service is the Xfinity Share app, which lets customers live stream or send photos and recorded videos to their TV, or to the TV of another X1 customer, as well as live stream and share content to mobile phones.

It is available at the Apple Store for iOS devices or from Google Play for Android devices.

The app leverages WebRTC, an open Internet standard that supports real-time communication over Web browsers.

All cable boxes have email addresses, which is how the photos and videos are shared, explained Jason Schultz, a Comcast marketing manager, giving a demonstration at the Xfinity training lab at the Comcast office in Grand Rapids.

Later this year, additional features will be added to share, including the ability to send content to up to five people at the same time and to stop, pause and rewind the live stream.

Available now is Comcast's new Xfinity remote with voice control, which lets viewers search for networks, shows and movies; set DVR recordings; get recommendations; navigate Xfinity On Demand and more.

The Xfinity Remote with voice control recognizes thousands of common commands, including things like changing the channel by saying "Watch ESPN," or searching for movies or shows by saying "The Walking Dead."

Voice commands can also browse for shows, find sports games and give recommendations for programs based on what is trending. Customers can find movies by saying a popular quote from the film.

The voice remote is available to all eligible X1 customers. New customers will get the remote during their installation, and existing customers can either go to an Xfinity Store to pick one up for free or order online at xfinity.com/voiceremote.

The remote is also backlit for nighttime viewing and uses radio frequency RF4CE transmission that lets users point anywhere when channel surfing and store their X1 set-top box in a cabinet or another room.

Comcast is introducing the new services after dropping a proposed $45 billion acquisition of competitor Time Warner Cable.

Shandra Martinez covers business for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email her or follow her on Twitter @shandramartinez.