In its ongoing bid to convince the world that, yes, you do really want to be speaking voice commands at a device across the room, Amazon has launched two new products that build on the launch of the original Echo.

The Echo Dot is a smaller, cheaper version of the Echo that uses the same far-field voice technology (so you shouldn’t need to shout across the room) but that can be directly connected via cable or Bluetooth to other music systems.

It does still have a small in-built speaker though, so that it can be used for voice commands or as an alarm clock without being plugged into your stereo.

The second device is the Amazon Tap, which is an Alexa-voice controlled Bluetooth and Wi-Fi speaker, but doesn’t feature the far-field technology.

It’s an altogether more portable option that allows you to tap the mic and do things like ask for news updates, order a pizza or search any other information on the Web – though its primary use is as a 360-degree speaker.

A little oddly, you can only order the Echo Dot via Alexa voice commands from an Echo or via Fire TV, plus you have to be a Prime subscriber. It’s currently priced at $89.99.

Amazon Tap is available to pre-order online, however, priced at $129.99.

Meet the internet-connected water jug that orders its own filters from Amazon

You’ve always wanted to connect everything in your house to the internet, right? Well, it’s your lucky day!

Meet the internet-connected Brita water jug . It’s one of the first devices to integrate with Amazon Dash , so it can order its own replacement filters whenever it’s time for a new one without you needing to do anything.

The new jug, which costs $44.99, connects to your Wi-Fi network and tracks water use to determine when it’s time to buy a new one. There’s not that much more to say, except that the idea is kind of both ridiculous and awesome all at once — I’m always forgetting to order new filters, but there’s a good reason Brita’s monthly subscription exists.

All you need to do to get that new water pitcher setup is connect it to your Wi-Fi using your Amazon account and boom, your water jug will spend your money for you.

➤ Brita + Amazon Dash

Xiaomi is crowdfunding this wicked Transformer tablet

Chinese gadget maker Xiaomi is teaming up with Hasbro to create a Transformer toy that turns into a tablet.

The two companies have designed a version of the popular robot named Soundwave, which transforms into a Mi Pad 2 in 30 steps.

No, you can’t use the tablet, but you’ll possibly be able to trick people into thinking that it’s for real. The toy is the same size as the actual tablet and is just 8.5mm thick.

Credit: Xiaomi

Xiaomi is crowdfunding the project, with rewards starting at 169 Yuan ($26) for the 190mm tall figure. It’s already crossed its initial goal by more than 100 percent, so it’s likely that it will be produced en masse soon.