Respect put: Russians have become more likely to use AI to relieve stress

In Russia, there is a rapidly growing interest in AI services that allow you to relieve stress and discuss your problems. In six months, their audience has grown almost fivefold, according to a Yota study. Russians need devices that support dialogue, remember the context of past conversations, and adapt to their communication style. Izvestia has identified five solutions that will help around the house, as well as allow you to pass the time with a pleasant conversation.

The Mini 3 Pro Station column

In July 2025, Yandex's Mini 3 Pro Station appeared on store shelves — a compact speaker with which you can have a heart-to-heart conversation, as with a loved one. The speaker doesn't just answer questions, it actually builds a dialogue: it remembers habits (for example, wake-up time or favorite music), adjusts to the mood, and even remembers the details of a past conversation.

Photo: Yandex

"Mini 3 Pro" is convenient, functional and even a little "lively". But if a user is looking for a budget option, can't stand chatter, or uses other ecosystems, it's worth thinking twice. Like any technological gadget, it requires a compromise. Alice also loves to periodically give extended comments and offer services that no one has asked for.

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Smartphone Nothing Phone 3

The thing about Nothing Phone 3 is Google Gemini's AI assistant, which goes beyond the usual voice assistant: you can ask for advice, write code, compose poetry, or even figure out a complex topic (yes, in Russian too).

Photo: Nothing website

However, in Russia, Gemini technologies often fail — they either respond slowly or refuse to fulfill requests. Users are forced to look for workarounds: plugins, browser extensions, which are not always stable. If it is important to have a "conversational" smartphone with a stylish display and a person does not mind experimenting with workarounds for Gemini, then such a gadget may be suitable.

Tuvio TR05MLCB Robot Vacuum Cleaner

Tuvio TR05MLCB is a robot vacuum cleaner that fits into the ecosystem of a "Smart home with Alice", where the main advantage is integration with a portable speaker. Say, "Alice, let the robot clean the living room," and it will immediately start working. Or set a script: "After dinner, clean the kitchen, then clean the hallway" — everything will happen automatically.

Photo: Tuvio

It works in conjunction with Alice, but its AI functionality still leaves much to be desired. The model with the current functionality is suitable for patient users who are willing to put up with minor flaws for the sake of integration with Alice and basic amenities.

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LUBA mini AWD Lawn Mower

The LUBA mini AWD lawnmower robot from the Chinese company Mammotion is a "garden companion" with an AI module. Its main feature is a voice notification, which should make the work convenient. In practice, it looks like this: when cleaning starts, the robot says in a sweet voice: "I'm starting to work in the "quiet hour" mode, and when the battery is running out, it reminds me: "It's time to recharge, I have 15% left."

Through the official Mammotion app, you can ask for advice: "How best to clean that garden?" or "Do I need to adjust the mode for wet grass?" — and the robot will share its knowledge. But there is a caveat here: the AI assistant's answers are still rather formulaic and not always useful. Sometimes he gives general recommendations without taking into account the specifics of the site, which negates the benefits of such consultations. In the Pro versions, a full-fledged dialogue with the device should appear — it sounds promising, but so far it is only a promise.

Monoblock Strato 31.5"

The iRU monoblock is a smart assistant for work and entertainment with a large screen: 31.5 inches with an IPS matrix and a resolution of QHD (2560×1440), it is also 1440p. The large-format display is useful for those who need multitasking: office spreadsheets, videos, online calls, or working with AI tools.

Photo: iRU

As for the AI assistant, he will listen and help. For example, you can ask him: "Help me find the documents for July," and he will display a list. Write a message: "Set up Bluetooth for headphones" — and he will do it himself. The interface is intuitive even for beginners. The manufacturer allows you to change the SSD itself (there is a 1 TB disk included) or add RAM, while such actions do not void the warranty on the device.

However, the monoblock lacks portability with its size and weight of 8.8 kg.