The Echo is one of the most exciting gadgets in years and has huge potential. There’s a decent range of skills available in the UK, but check if your smart home kit is supported before you buy an Echo as it’s only half as useful otherwise. Sound quality good, and much better than the £49.99 Echo Dot but the Dot is great value if you already have a good Bluetooth speaker or hi-fi. Being able to control smart home gadgets with your voice, or simply get a weather forecast or train times by asking while you’re doing something else is not only brilliant fun but also saves time.