Alexa's latest skill: Helping users donate to presidential candidates

The Amazon Echo is a welcome addition in any kitchen. "Starting next month, customers will be able to simply say, 'Alexa, donate to [candidate name]' to contribute up to $200 to any participating candidate's campaign fundraising efforts," Amazon announced on its company blog. The contributions via Alexa will begin in October, Amazon said. Beyond the contributions, the e-tailer said, it will offer neutral, unbiased, nonpartisan information about the candidates, available via voice requests. "We aim to provide the most relevant, accurate, and timely information about elections and candidates," the company said.