As the OG digital voice assistant powering Amazon’s Echo line of smart speakers, Alexa’s main function is to handle audio requests like forecasting the weather, streaming music or coming in clutch ...

The biggest change is visual. The old wedge shape is gone, replaced by a floating display perched on a rounded speaker base.

The Echo Show 8 is Amazon's mid-range smart display. It is a nice compromise between the tiny Echo Show 5 and the pricier Echo Show 10. The 8-inch display is great for watching all kinds of video ...

TV and home video editor Ty Pendlebury joined CNET Australia in 2006, and moved to New York City to be a part of CNET in 2011. He tests, reviews and writes about the latest TVs and audio equipment.