We've got Amazon Echo. I use it mostly as a speaker. It's not all that great but something is better than nothing

it reads out my kindle books for me when I'm cooking, I definitely love that feature

Baaki toh it kinda briefs you on the news. It doesn't give you the detailed info. Bass highlights. Weather sheather etcetera. Kids would love it though. They're inquisitive and brief answers prolly work for them.