Echo is a speaker that doesn’t just play your music. Photo: Amazon

Amazon’s built a crazy Bluetooth speaker that wants to be a part of your family. It’s called Echo, and not only will it play your tunes, it has a built-in virtual assistant that will provide all kinds of information when you need it. It’ll even work for you by creating reminders, setting alarms, and more.

Microsoft Office is coming to Android tablets, and it’ll be free to use. Screenshot: Microsoft

Microsoft Office is coming to Android tablets, and you can be part of a select group of users who will get the opportunity to test it ahead of its Play Store debut. Microsoft is now accepting registrations from those who would like access to its beta, which brings the mobile versions of Word, Excel, and Powerpoint to bigger screens.

In addition, the software giant has announced that all Office mobile apps are now free to use.

WhatsApp finally provides read receipts. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

WhatsApp, one of the most popular messaging platforms on the planet, finally offers one of the most basic messaging features — the ability to tell you when your messages have been read. The app will now display blue checks instead of green ones next to messages that recipients have seen.

The new Google Maps is bold and beautiful. Screenshot: Google

Google Maps for Android is the latest Google app to get a Material Design makeover for Android 5.0 Lollipop, following the improvements to Calendar on Monday. It’s not just more colorful than it was before, however; you’ll also find new services built–in, including Uber and Open Table.

HTC will build more tablets. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

HTC may have taken a break from building tablets, but it’s back in the game with the new Nexus 9 and it has more up its sleeve for 2015. The Taiwanese company’s North Asia President has promised we’ll see new slates next year, and all of them will be “high-end and mid-tier.”