“Alexa, set a timer for 10 minutes,” I say in the kitchen as I’m putting a pot of water on a burner, followed by “Alexa, set a timer for 20 minutes” as I pop some lasagne in the oven for reheating.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about how to do more with your consumer gadgets. Working from home is an exercise in control. All those things that you ...