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The march of the robots: Thomas L Friedman’s new book looks at how technology will shape our future PIc: Getty

My home had a new guest over the Christmas period: Alexa arrived.

Young Alexa is extraordinarily talented. She appears to know all there is to know. Not only that, she wants to help our family. She is eyeing up household appliances, phones and tablets, and is offering to coordinate them on our behalf.

Of course, like any welcoming family, we want to get to know Alexa and make her feel welcome. I enquired ...