Mummy's little helper is growing up

Those who own the voice-activated gadget (known colloquially as Alexa, after its female interlocutor) are prone to proselytising "her" charms, applauding Alexa's ability to call an Uber, order a pizza or check a pupil's maths homework. The company says more than 5 000 people a day profess their love for Alexa. On the other hand, Alexa devotees also know that, unless you speak to her … very … clearly … and … slowly, she's likely to say: "Sorry, I don't have the answer to that question." I love her," one customer wrote on Amazon's website, but still awarded Alexa five stars. "You will very quickly learn how to talk to her in a way that she will understand and it's not unlike speaking to a small frustrating toddler."