x1 upgrade problems

I have 2 problems.  This new remote won't pair to my Polk Audio sound bar.  The old remote did so why wouldn't the "upgraded" remote?  I've tried everything suggested on the Xfinity support pages.

The second problem is I can't turn off the voice that repeats everything that's on the screen  If I select Guide she tells me what program I'm watching and how many minutes are left.  It's extremely annoying.  You'd think that a remote with voice control would allow you to turn that feature off using a voice command but NO, it won't.