Report: Apple's answer to the Amazon Echo inches closer to reality

"Hey Siri, make me some coffee," may not be as far off as you think. Apple's smart home platform, similar to that of the Amazon Echo, has moved out of research and development and is in now in testing in the homes of Apple engineers, according to Bloomberg. Amazon Echo users can currently control appliances, lights, ask questions, set reminders, and purchase items through voice interaction with the speaker. Apple's platform would provide similar functionality through Siri, the company's personal assistant found across Apple devices, including the Mac with the recent release of macOS Sierra. Naturally, Apple's HomeKit platform and its expanding integration -- ranging from smart locks and thermostats to wireless security cameras -- would integrate nicely with such a platform.