I’m a big fan of routines — digital routines, that is, because they’re a convenient way to launch a series of actions without having to set everything up manually each time you want to do something.

In case you didn’t know, Alexa can help you find that one song with those one lyrics that go sort of like “blah blah blah” or whatever.

Amazon, wanting everything and anything you do to have Alexa integrated into it, announced a smorgasbord of new stuff today. Some of it is interesting; some of it is just an update of the same smart home gear you already have. (Also interesting, don’t get me wrong, but you probably aren’t likely to buy a new Echo Dot if you’re satisfied with your current setup.)

Now that the second season of Westworld is over, freezing motor functions on a delightful, but somewhat-confusing series for the next year or two, you might feel a bit lost about what you should do next. Find another show to binge? Re-read even more fan theories? Start writing out a delightful old-timey piano cover of your favourite 1990s alt-rock song?

The Internet was abuzz recently following a report that a Portland, Oregon family's Amazon Echo allegedly recorded a "private conversation" and sent it to a "random stranger." That sounds a lot more sinister than what actually happened and, thankfully, there's a trick you can do to ensure this doesn't happen to you.

So, you bought an Amazon Echo but aren't sure what to do with it other than ask it silly questions, set timers, and roll a dice. Before you return it, know there's a whole bunch else you can do with that smart speaker.

Alexa just got a face. Your face. Alexa is in your face.

Sort of.

Amazon Australia are adding to their Echo line of smart speakers with the Echo Spot, a device that functions just like their previous Echo devices but with a 2.5-inch touchscreen so Alexa can show you things! Here's the rundown.

In celebration of the Amazon Web Services Summit, a cheeky code has bobbed up that will give you 25% off Amazon Echo devices from the Amazon Australia web store.