Smart speaker puts Chinese AI push up close and personal

It's the first thing I turn to in the morning, and its voice is the last thing I hear at night.

It automatically plays to my various moods and needs - something upbeat from G.E.M. to get me going when it knows I've a long day ahead, or a soothing Teresa Teng classic for lazy weekend afternoons.

Powered by artificial intelligence, my Chinese smart speaker is more than just music. Its link to China's major search engine and access to the internet's infinite archives mean I also get updated on such mundane matters as the weather and traffic, up to speed with the latest news at home and abroad, or help with learning more about fascinating subjects ranging from China's architecture to its zodiac signs.