There's no denying that Google Home and Amazon Echo (or the less-expensive Echo Dot, if you're not using it for music) have changed the way we interact with our homes. Turning on the lights has never been easier, nor has it been simpler to field the latest traffic report or order delivery for dinner. The future is here, and we're reveling in it! But the proliferation of these devices around our homes leaves room for error. Google's and Amazon's connected speakers must always listen for us to utter their magic "wake" words--OK Google or Alexa respectively--in order to perform their tasks.

Companies that are transforming successfully in the digital world understand that technology is important, but it's really about people. Employees must be empowered with the right skills. Not every millennial is tech savvy, and many baby boomers remain flexible and eager to learn. Thanks to machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), more and more tasks in all lines of business are being automated. To differentiate themselves from machines, people will need skills to solve problems that arise when bots can't answer the standard questions.

We now live in a world where artificial intelligence, and assistive technology is more accessible than ever before. In my previous post'the update round up', I highlight some of the new updates to Apple, Windows, Android and iOS; and how each offering will improve access to content on mobile and desktop devices for various user groups. It's actually closer to hand than we think. Artificial intelligence or (AI), is fast becoming the norm in our daily lives. The first thing to identify is that it doesn't just help people who have additional access requirements, all users regardless of whether or not they use assistive hardware or software benefit from using AI.

We users will be able to force social media firms to delete their personal information under new'right to be forgotten' rules unveiled by the government. The Data Protection Bill will make it simpler for people to control how companies use their data, with extra powers for the information watchdog to issue fines of up to £17million. Under the plans, individuals will have more control over their data by having the right to be forgotten and ask for their personal data to be erased. This will also mean that people can ask social media channels to delete information they posted in their childhood. They will be able to erase embarrassing information from the internet, such as posts on social networks or online dating sites.

Amazon is always looking for fresh and innovative ways to make Alexa feel more like a convenient appliance in your home. Whether you're looking to order a pizza, or check the traffic and weather. The virtual assistant can do a whole host of things, and thanks to an upgrade this week, Alexa can now do even more than before. Alexa can now assist you in finding the right music for almost any kind of activity you can think of. Wanting to take a nap, go for a run, cook in the kitchen, or even get intimate with your significant other in the bedroom.

A new feature allows users to ask Amazon's voice assistant Alexa to play "baby making jazz music." A link has been sent to your friend's email address. A link has been posted to your Facebook feed. A new feature allows users to ask Amazon's voice assistant Alexa to play "baby making jazz music."

What is the potential of machine learning over the next 5-10 years? And how can we develop this technology in a way that benefits everyone? The Royal Society's machine learning project has been investigating these questions, and has launched a report setting out the action needed to maintain the UK's role in advancing this technology while ensuring careful stewardship of its development. Machine learning is a form of artificial intelligence that allows computer systems to learn from examples, data, and experience. Through enabling computers to perform specific tasks intelligently, machine learning systems can carry out complex processes by learning from data, rather than following pre-programmed rules.

Employees in all fields are seeing some of the foundational elements of working in the developed world being disrupted. Workers are expected to know skills that weren't necessary in the past, and they're expected to adapt quickly when new technology comes to the office. Here are a few of the ways work has changed and how it will continue evolving in the future. Increasing demand in the future work environment will place an even greater demand on collaboration, and tools are smoothing this transition. Cloud-based tools provide an easier means to access programs and work data, and it will be even simpler to track other employees' progress as more and more businesses more toward cloud-like operations.

In case you missed it, Microsoft put its new priority--Artificial intelligence (AI)--front and center in its new Annual Report. In the document posted Wednesday, the company states its goal of building "best-in-class platforms and productivity services for an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge infused with artificial intelligence ("AI")." The annual report for Microsoft's 2017 fiscal year, ending June 30, differs from last year's. At that time, Microsoft's "best-in-class" platforms and services were all about "a mobile-first, cloud-first world." CNBC was first to report on this shift, which is striking given how many times Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and his lieutenants have talked up "mobile first, cloud first" over the past few years.

Google is giving you a way to get updates for its Home speaker before other people do. All you have to do is volunteer to be part of its Preview Program, which was originally launched for Chromecast in 2016. If you sign up for the initiative, your device will be one of the first to receive the latest features -- it's not for beta testing, so you don't have to worry about installing software that's not ready for public release and encountering bugs all the time. Still, Google is asking participants to send in their feedback about any issues or their experience as a whole whenever possible. To sign up for the Preview Program, fire up the Google Home app on your phone and go to Devices to find your Home speaker.