The Amazon Echo, with its fantastic Alexa voice-based controls, has every major tech company kicking themselves for not thinking of it first. Not happy with being beaten by Amazon, Google is reportedly working on its own version of the Echo, according to a report from The Information. Nest Labs, the company Google bought for 3.2 billion in 2014 was reportedly interested in working on the secret product. The Information's report claims tensions with Nest forced Google to decide to work on the product with its own team. The tensions could be related with Nest CEO Tony Fadell's struggle to build out the company and maintain employee satisfaction.

It was December 31, 2014. In Shanghai, thousands flocked to the historic and picturesque Bund, where there had been reports a light show would take place to ring in the new year. Unfortunately, too many people had the same idea. A dangerously dense crowd formed, and at a viewing platform in Chen Yi Square overlooking the river, confusion and a lack of crowd control led to panic and eventually stampede. Within minutes, 36 people had been killed and another 49 had been injured in the crush.

Self-driving cars may seem like a futurist's fantasy, but autonomous vehicles are already on the road today. So what kind of technology do they use, and what is the future of the self-driving car? We're here to help explain.

Cover letters are challenging, to say the least. How do you use them to your best advantage? How business-like or personality-filled should they be? Do people even read the stupid things in the first place? Yes, they read them, especially if you get them in the hands of the right people and draw them in with a compelling opening that's on point and reflective of your personality.

Microsoft just introduced its latest A.I experiment and it's bizarre. It's called Tay and it's an experimental chatbot meant to embody the personality of a teenage girl. Microsoft launched Tay on Kik, GroupMe and Twitter on Wednesday with the goal of learning how millennials speak. Once you've connected with Tay on one of those platforms, you can exchange silly messages, selfies and even play a few games. Though Microsoft says its main goal is to "engage and entertain," Microsoft's Research team is also hoping to use Tay to better understand how people communicate.

This guy is juggling a lot of problems right now. Rubik's cube wizard, who goes by rubocubo, showed off a mind-boggling display of hand-eye coordination and quick-thinking. The impressive display of flexibility and problem-solving makes us wonder how many hours of practice this entire trick required. It probably took one whole summer ... cubed. Chill dog friends enjoy each other's company on their favorite swing'Special Correspondents' trailer features a gun-toting Ricky Gervais Monkey swipes guy's GoPro, takes a close and personal video selfie

AlunaGeorge are set to perform where no artist has ever performed: Inside the world of the revolutionary sandbox game Minecraft. When the London electronic duo -- along with Norwegian duos Lemaitre and Broiler -- open tech festival The Gathering Wednesday in Hamar, Norway, the performance will be re-created for Minecraft players, according to Norway's The Local. According to the site, each artist has been given an avatar and a team of gamers will re-create their movements onstage within the game. SEE ALSO: 'Minecraft' in VR is exactly what you'd hope it would be Heisholt told The Local that, just like in the real world, the concert will be promoted within the game in Minecraft, too, with posters and billboards, and that it will accommodate "around 2,000 to 3,000 people." "There have been plenty of other music experiences in the Minecraft universe, but not like this," Gathering organizer Erik Heisholt said.

Apple customers looking to recycle iPhones will be awarded with a gift of thanks at retail stores, but don't expect to get credit to buy more stuff. As a part of a greater effort to help the environment and give old iPhones a second chance at life, the company will be directing those who donate devices through its new Renew program to Apple.com/Thanks, See also: Inside Liam, Apple's super-secret, 29-armed robot that tears down your iPhone While the URL will be given to customers when they return their phones for recycling, anyone can access the wallpapers by visiting the site. Store credit is typically awarded to those who trade-in old phones for new ones, but Apple wanted to reward those who are recycling with a virtual gift that won't take more up more resources. The colorful wallpapers were designed by graphic artist Anthony Burrill and inspired by nature.

During a press event in Cupertino on Monday, Apple announced the latest version of tvOS, which is available now. The updated Apple TV software adds new voice search, dictation and support for Apple's Live Photos. While the Apple TV has had support for Siri, lack of voice search has been a sore spot for users. Now, Apple is fixing that with the ability to use Siri to search the App Store with your voice as well as dictate username and password information. The update also adds support for iCloud Photo libraries and Apple's Live Photos so you can access more of your photos from the Apple TV.

The company, once known for keeping massive projects a secret, has recently been battling a string of product leaks. But as I try to figure out exactly where I am, I'm told Apple is ready to pull the sheets off something that's been more than three years in the making. Something that, Apple believes, has never been done, or seen, before. As we walk toward the warehouse, the doors automatically lift from above. Inside, boxes crowd the space.