Amazon intercom Amazon's launch of its next new device, the Show, came with a new tool: Drop-In, a feature that lets you call and video chat automatically with anyone on your list. Think of it as an unwanted neighbor dropping in, but without a door between you. In any event, Amazon has decided to bring the Drop-In feature to its other existing devices as well, from Amazon Echo to Echo Dot.

But here's the thing: While the Show is a video device, Echo and Echo Dot are not. And so with Drop-In, you're automatically connected with others, but with voice only like an intercom. Drop-In is now available for Echo and Echo Dot owners and can be used to link together up to three devices, like fancy walkie-talkies. You may want to ask yourself if you have a home big enough that you need an intercom. Then again, you never know when a tool like that might be useful— for more than just calling your roomies in for dinner. The feature is available through the Alexa app.

NYC VR New York City is set to open a VR/AR lab, which the city will formally announce today at noon, during a demonstration at NYU's Tandon School of Engineering MakerSpace in Brooklyn. The center is a dual effort between the New York City Economic Development Corporation and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment. New York is certainly doubling down on fostering VR and AR projects, companies, and education in the city.CUNY Lehman College recently opened a VR program at its campus, just one example of commitment to this technology in the Big Apple.

AR maker: Playing with AR and VR apps is fun. Building in AR and VR takes that enjoyment to another level. Augment 3D AR app is a free tool that lets you design objects in augmented reality—or peruse products already made. It's not a game, so while you're unlikely to get lost in the play, it is fun to try out the tools, says reviewer Han (Amber) Wang.

Amazon Echo Show 5 (newest model), Smart display with 2x the bass and clearer sound, Charcoal

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