A host of top computer manufacturers are adding Amazon Alexa capabilities to their core models. HP, ASUS, and Acer all made announcements at CES 2018 that they'd be adding Alexa to select desktops and laptops. While these firms are the first to make formal announcements, the trend of manufacturers adding Alexa to their machine is likely to continue, as noted by Larry Dignan on our sister site ZDNet. Alexa making its way onto machines made by these brands could win it some favor among professionals, and the integration of Alexa for Business could help further its business appeal by helping with meetings, calendar management, and more. HP is bringing Alexa to the desktop with its Pavilion Wave 600-a010t PC, the firm announced in a Monday press release.

Lenovo has officially announced the Motorola Moto X4 at IFA 2017 in Berlin. The handset is a mid-range Android smartphone featuring a set of dual cameras on the back and features integration of Amazon's Alexa digital voice assistant. The Moto X4 features 5.2-inch full HD IPS display layered with Gorilla Glass 4. The device features a metal and glass design, with an overall look that's pretty similar to most other recent Moto devices. The Moto X4 is also IP68 water and dust resistant, which is actually better than the Moto Z2 series's "splashproof" rating, as pointed out by The Verge. It's more of a mid-range device that comes with some features that users would find in some premium handsets.

Denon put wireless speaker leader Sonos in its crosshairs when it launched its HEOS wireless audio platform in 2014. This past month, Denon showed a major commitment to HEOS by integrating the multi-room audio technology into its new receiver models. Denon upped the ante again yesterday, announcing it will integrate Amazon's Alexa digital assistant into HEOS products. We should see Alexa-powered HEOS speakers and components sometime in the first quarter of 2017. With digital assistants gaining greater integration in smart devices, computers, and gaming consoles, audio is the next logical battleground.