When the news broke last month that Microsoft was to acquire LinkedIn for a little over 26 billion, it sent shockwaves through the tech world as one of the most expensive deals of its kind in history. The question is: Why did it happen, what was the potential gain for each side of the table and where do we go from here? The truth is, we've seen a number of acquisitions like these, even if the particular deals we've witnessed haven't reached 26 billion. In this case, it appears that both Microsoft and LinkedIn needed each other in a way that would defend their position and possibly grow much faster. Microsoft wants to integrate LinkedIn's database into a variety of Microsoft products for greater intelligence so that Skype, Word or Exchange will be LinkedIn enabled.

Google is prepping for a massive hardware show on Oct. 4 that will not only reveal its next smartphones, but initiatives in television, virtual reality, and the smart home. Reports indicate the HTC-built smartphones will be called the Pixel and Pixel XL, mirroring an earlier report that Google is retiring the Nexus brand. Why this matters: At Google I/O the company first unveiled Google Home as its competitor to the Amazon Echo and revealed its virtual reality initiative with Daydream VR. But the news that Google would go with Pixel branding for its new phone is a little surprising, though it's part of a branding effort that's likely inspired from all the custom software features that will further distinguish Google's phones from others in the Android space. Android Police cites two "independent sources" as evidence that Google will dub the phones Pixel and Pixel XL.

The SmartThinQ ecosystem is also adding wall outlets and lightbulbs. LG announced that its SmartThinQ home automation hub will now work with Amazon's Alexa personal assistant. In addition, LG is unveiling a bunch of new connected products, including lightbulbs, wall plugs, and motion sensors. LG's announcement comes on the heels of another report of Alexa integration from a major PC manufacturer: Citing an executive at Lenovo, CNET reported on Friday that Amazon is in talks with the Chinese-owned company to add the Alexa virtual assistant to its computers and other devices. Lenovo is the world's largest maker of PCs.

Apple's Siri upgrades will let you dictate LinkedIn messages, verbally search for shoe photos on Pinterest, and hail an Uber, hands-free. When Apple unveils its new iPhone Wednesday, it's expected to push hard on software improvements available for its next mobile operating system, iOS 10, available for current iPhones and a predicted new iPhone model. The iPhone's voice-activated digital assistant Siri will be a key part of this upgrade, say tech analysts and developers. Siri, primarily used for voice commands to dial phone numbers, set reminders and get traffic information, has been opened to third-party developers after five years of existence. "This is such a huge leap," says Sagi Dudai, vice-president of mobile development for voice over internet protocol company Vonage.

We used Apple's voice-controlled assistant to send messages with LinkedIn and make mobile payments with Square Cash

Microsoft is working with Liebherr's appliance division to rebuild the refrigerator and make it smarter, faster, strong; well, maybe just smarter. The new collaboration between the two will see Microsoft provide computer vision technology, via its Microsoft Cognitive Services Computer Vision API, to let the fridge identify objects contained within. Why would you want a fridge that knows what it's holding? It'll save you those extra return trips to the grocery store for things you forgot, for one. The deep learning algorithms in use will be able to learn new food types based on its experience from processing millions of generic food packaging images, and it should be able to get smarter very quickly while in use when and if it eventually comes to market, using data gathered from a wide pool of real-world users. Other fridges have the ability to let you peer inside remotely, but Microsoft's data science team worked directly with Liebherr on this prototype to make a learning fridge that won't force you to rely on your pathetic human eyes looking at a grainy image over a poor cellular connection to roll the dice while shopping.

Normally, us Brits only have to wait a few months at the most to enjoy new products from the world's biggest technology companies. However, when it comes to the Amazon Echo, we've been left on the outside looking in as the company continues upgrade Alexa's capabilities. That may soon change, though, because this morning an invite arrived inviting me to an Amazon event in London on September 14th. It doesn't give anything away, but the AI in question has plenty to say on the subject. You see, I was far too impatient to wait for the Echo to launch in the UK, so I imported one. Thanks to a tip-off from our friends at Stuff, I asked Alexa exactly what she has planned on September 14th.

When LG launched its SmartThinQ hub at CES this year, you couldn't help but notice that it was a dead ringer for Amazon's Echo but, well, dumber. That's because the device could play music and control LG SmartThinQ appliances, but wouldn't obey your voice commands like an Echo. However, LG has announced that that it will join Amazon rather than fighting it by adding support for the Echo's Alexa voice assistant. Amazon recently opened Alexa up to third-party companies, but the SmartThinQ hub will get a limited set of features to start with, according to CNET. While it will listen to your commands, let you play music and schedule events on a calendar, it won't control lights, thermostats or other smart home devices like the Echo. That's a bit of an odd shortcoming, considering that the SmartThinQ hub is part of LG's SmartThinQ appliance family, so it's specifically designed for smart home devices.

Amazon's voice assistant has already moved beyond its beginnings with the Echo to a range of other devices from Amazon's Fire TV to Sonos speakers. But soon, Alexa may find a new home with the world's largest PC manufacturer. A report from CNET reveals Amazon is currently in discussions with Lenovo to bring the voice-powered smart assistant to Windows PCs and other devices. Alexa may find a new home with the world's largest PC manufacturer. A report from CNET reveals that Amazon and the world's largest PC manufacturer, Lenovo, in discussion to bring the e-commerce giant's voice assistant to Windows 10 PCs. An anonymous Lenovo executive told CNET about the talks for Alexa's next move, but declined to share any further details.

Sony has revealed its'smart personal assistant' that include a bluetooth earpiece similar to the AI version worn in the hit film Her will go on sale in November. At the IFA show in Berlin today, the firm confirmed it will launch this November'starting in select markets,' although its price has still not been revealed. The Xperia Ear wireless earpiece can update you with any missed calls or messages as soon as you slot it into your ear. Unveiled at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, the Xperia Ear (pictured) can read out key information, and is designed to be worn all day. The firm also showed off a Xperia Agent, a robot measuring just over one foot tall, that also works as a PA.