The mainstreaming of AI is setting a new precedent for how people relate to non-human sources of intelligence. While automation on a consumer level has typically focused on specific tasks like replying to emails or budgeting, it’s now swiftly expanding to a more dynamic range of applications.

For most people, laundry is simply another chore – yet there are some who joyfully experiment with fabric softeners, and others who put the task off for as long as possible. Canvas8 spoke to 20 men and women from across the UK to find out what they love or loathe about washing, drying and folding.

Numerous studies have confronted the question of whether or not money can buy you happiness, but new research has found that it could make you a whole lot lonelier. The study shows how household income seems to correlate with the frequency and nature of social interactions.

With time in short supply, Gen Yers are wary of wasting it – they’d rather spend it socialising than vacuuming the hallway. Enter Nord House, a Scandinavian-inspired apartment block in Melbourne, Australia, that comes with a full-time lifestyle manager to do all the dirty work.

The average smartphone user spends more than 30 hours per month using 27 different apps. One to book the cleaner, one to order prescriptions, and another to get fresh veg delivered. Is on-demand becoming more hassle than its worth? Alfred wants to manage your accounts and commitments, and be a 21st century butler for all.