This year, make your virtual assistant do it.

Was one of your resolutions to be more organised this year? Maybe you need a smart speaker your life.

These days, information is on tap. You need something? You tap a few keys and have a wealth of resources at your fingertips. However, the pace of living seems to keep moving at the speed of light. We always seem to be just one step ahead of the rolling ball in The Temple of Doom. And while there is no magical remedy just yet, there is something helping people the world over stay… well… two or three steps ahead!
 
Enter digital virtual assistants.
 
Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, Google Now, Microsoft Cortana. Conversational AI’s, or voice-driven technology you can talk to, efficiently solving problems and organising people.
 
Why do you need one? Here is just a taste of some of the things they can do for you.
 

• Music: If you want to listen to something, it’s easy to ask for the song, artist, album or playlist, and get it playing quickly
• Weather: Planning what to wear for the day, or pack for a holiday? Simply ask away. You’ll never be stuck in a white t-shirt in the pouring rain again.
• News: Know what’s going on in the world (in a summarised version) while you get ready in the morning
• Recipes: Ask for a recipe while you update the grocery list, or follow it as you cook without covering a chunky book with flour and chocolate
• Restaurants: Find restaurants or local home delivery options
• Alarms/reminders: Set a timer while you cook an egg or add someone’s birthday to your diary while your hands are busy. No excuses for missing Aunty Jan’s birthday this year.
• Kids: Get a bedtime story read out for them, or teach them random facts or skills, it’s as easy as ABC
• Smart Home: Get your lights turned on or off, set your temperature, lock the door or turn on the tv amongst many other commands
• General organisation: Add jobs to your to-do list or even better… set tasks for your significant other (or reminders for all the Half-A-Job-Bob’s to finish up).
• Much, much more! The sky's the limit. 

Just for fun on a Friday night with family, here are some other things you can ask your digital virtual assistant. You’ll have to ask to find out the funny answers!
 

• Do you have any pets?
• Will you be my girlfriend? Will you date me?
• Tell me a joke
• How old are you?
• How much do you weigh?
• Are you spying on me?
• What are you wearing?
• What is the meaning of life?
• What came first? The chicken or the egg?
• Where is Elvis? 

So how do you choose which is best for your home? Head into JB Hi-Fi at Highpoint to chat to a friendly expert.
Or, we love this handy quiz developed by CNET 

Here are some of our favourite smart speakers and screens:


Google Home Mini
Available from JB Hi-Fi, Target & Big W


Amazon Echo Dot with Alexa
Available from JB Hi-Fi


Lenovo Smart Display 10"
Available from JB Hi-Fi


Sony LFS50G Wireless Speaker with Google Assistant
Available from JB Hi-Fi


Google Home Hub
Available from JB Hi-Fi
 
Have fun, embrace the future (and avoid those rolling balls!).