Amazon echo

I got one on prime day two weeks or so ago. I'm kinda in the same boat as you. It's nice in the morning you can ask it to give you news but I've found it to basically be a Bluetooth speaker. It's not "smart" like Siri or other similar things I've used. You have to phrase everything perfect or else it won't understand what you want. Also, I don't have any smart lights and things like that so I don't get that use that others do. I'm still glad I bought it but I wish it could read texts or was more interactive with IPhone's (I know two different companies). Check out the skills section, they have some decently cool stuff. Ha sorry, I know that didn't offer much help but I'm kinda in the stage of the purchase as you

ETA: if you have the patience, I've read rumors Apple is coming out with a similar one. No telling how long though. Also, assuming you have an iPhone

weather, news, check traffic, shopping list, music list, order off Amazon-

I was fortunate enough to be in the first ones sold and paid under 70

Got ours on Prime day also. Mostly for the wife. She loves it. listen to music on demand hands free (Helpful when in kitchen cooking and etc.). Shopping list feature is pretty awesome. Set alarms, timers. I think it is useful as hell, especially for those who are kind of low techy.

"Alexa, search Tiger Droppings for all post that contain Amazon Echo"

It's pretty cool to tie in with home automation stuff around the house. Just tell it to turn the lights on and off and the AC up or down.