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Amazon's Alexa-powered Microwave is basic, but that's OK
I don't know about you, but I have a love-hate relationship with my microwave. I love how convenient it is, but hate that I rely on it so much. And, full disclosure, one time I managed to accidentally blow one up. Yeah. That's a story for another time. Regardless of how I feel, the microwave is a staple in our kitchens, and it hasn't changed much since its introduction in 1946. You pop your food in, set the timer, then hit start. Pretty simple. But Amazon thinks it can make the process even simpler with the $60 AmazonBasics microwave. Its headline feature is Alexa voice control, which seems a little silly. How much harder is it to press a few buttons instead of saying "Alexa, heat up my soup?" Well, Amazon feels it has more than minor conveniences to offer.
Amazon’s gadgets don’t have to be pretty so long as they’re cheap
We've reached peak consumerism. At Amazon's event this week, it announced a whopping 70 new features and devices, including three new speakers, a revamped FireTV, an in-car dongle, an updated smart display and ... a microwave. The company is squeezing its Alexa assistant into every appliance imaginable, and doesn't care how the devices look, so long as you want to buy them. And at prices much lower than the competition, Amazon's products are especially compelling for those looking for decent, affordable solutions to short-term problems. You'll probably buy these things for your dorm or rental apartment, then try to sell them on Craigslist when you're ready for a permanent upgrade.
