Remote control activation based on predicted events

A system comprising:

• a communication device;
• and
• a computing device comprising:
• a processor;
• and
• memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the computing device, cause the computing device to:
• determine a content item being output for display by a display device;
• determine, based in part on a time of an event occurring during output of the content item for display by the display device, a time for the communication device to switch from a standby state to an active state, wherein the communication device is configured to receive voice commands via one or more microphones during the active state;
• and
• transmit, to the communication device, an indication of the time for the communication device to switch from the standby state to the active state,
• wherein the communication device comprises:
• a processor;
• and
• memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor of the communication device, cause the communication device to:
• receive, from the computing device, the indication of the time for the communication device to switch from the standby state to the active state.

An apparatus comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the apparatus to:
• responsive to detecting reception of a voice command via a microphone, transmit, to a communication device, an instruction for the communication device to switch from a standby state to an active state, wherein the communication device is configured to send data to a display device or receive data from the display device during the active state;
• and
• after transmitting the instruction for the communication device to switch from the standby state to the active state, receive, from the communication device and during the active state, the voice command.