Amazon has released Halo Band, a health and fitness band and app that focuses more on lifestyle changes than exercise. The move levels up the idea of a tracker by monitoring cardio, sleep, body fat, and voice tone, with challenges aimed at improving overall health habits.

Working from home has its benefits, but without face-to-face contact with colleagues, many people struggle to stay productive. As people try everything from exercise desks to productivity nannies to stay motivated, a survey has revealed a simpler answer: pop music.

Retail therapy is an ironic term – no one expects to have an epiphany as a result of it. But research suggests certain forms of consumption can help relieve repressed feelings. Canvas8 spoke to Leighanne Higgins of Lancaster University to understand how brands can aid emotional release.

Spotify, SoundCloud, Deezer, Apple Music, Tidal – all offer playlists that are curated to users’ individual preferences. But are we taking notice of the music we consume on a daily basis or are algorithms pushing us into echo chambers that dramatically alter our tastes to enjoy more of the same?