Manufacturers can now create custom Google Assistant commands

Notifications, improved media playback, and new Actions are also coming.

During this year’s SXSW convention in Austin, Texas, Google’s got its Google Assistant on full display at the Google Assistant Fun House. Attendees of SXSW can visit the Fun House to see a sock-sorting robot and beer-ordering system for couch potatoes, and powering these things is Google’s new Custom Device Actions.

Beginning today, manufacturers can use these Custom Device Actions to create custom Google Assistant commands that are specific for their hardware. According to Google, one example of this is being able to select a specific color cycle on a washing machine by just talking to the Assistant.

Also coming to the Google Assistant today is media playback support for Actions on smart speakers and Android phones and new Actions from American Idol, iHeartRadio, and others. With media playback controls, you can use your voice to control any media being played by Actions or use your phone’s screen to play, pause, replay items, and turn off your screen while the audio plays in the background.

Coming soon, Google is also adding notifications to the Assistant. This will allow you to subscribe to certain items on your phone, and when there’s a change in a stock you’re following or breaking news story, the Assistant will read the update aloud to you.

If you happen to be in Austin for SXSW, you can visit the Google Assistant Fun House at 1301 E. Cesar Chavez.

These New Smart Displays include Google Assistant

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How to control your TV with Amazon Echo

Amazon Echo can replace your remote control, with a little help.

As nice as it would be for every television to include a simple local network access function, most TVs still rely on good old-fashioned Infrared (IR) to receive commands. This isn’t the best news for someone looking to convert their living room into Smart Home 2.0, but there are some tools available that make this a little easier to deal with than you’d think.

For example, you can pair a Logitech Harmony Hub and an Amazon Echo to create a totally voice controlled television. Here’s how you set it up!

The Harmony line from Logitech has been the best option for universal remotes for a long time, but recently the company has moved from baking all of those smarts into a better remote control to building a hub that controls way more than just the TV. On its own, Harmony Hub can give you the ability to control just about anything connected to your Wi-Fi network as well as anything you can control with IR in a single app. You can even build little scripts inside of Harmony, so a single button press turns on the TV, sets the input you want to be on, and can even be activated on a schedule. It’s an impressive setup, made all the more impressive when you add an Amazon Echo.

Starting your smart living room conversion is fairly easy. Set up your Harmony Hub anywhere that lets you mount the IR sensor pointed right at the television. It doesn’t have to be close, but if you want to set Harmony up with your entertainment center, you can. After it is set up and connected to your network, you can add Harmony to Alexa just like any other skill.

Open your Alexa App.
Go to Home, then Skills.
Search for Harmony.
Select the blue icon that appears.
Enable the Harmony Skill.
Log in to Harmony from the Alexa app.

Once Alexa is connected to Harmony, you have the ability to turn the television on and off automatically. Just about everything else requires a little bit of extra work. Harmony is aware of what channels are available with your provider, but you can’t just ask for a specific channel out of the box unless your television is connected directly to cable. If you use an HD cable box that connects via HDMI, or something like a TiVo, you have to create actions in Harmony under the Smart TV settings.

Volume control is now available through Alexa through multiple command types. You can simply ask for the volume to be turned up, or you can specify an increase or decrease by specific increments between 1 and 20. Alexa currently does not have the ability to switch inputs through Harmony without actions, but an IFTTT trigger can be set up to allow this. Harmony and Alexa are being better integrated all the time with updates, but right out of the box this is a great way to control your television with your voice.

Amazon Echo

• Tap, Echo or Dot: The ultimate Alexa question
• All about Alexa Skills
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• Top Echo Tips & Tricks
• Amazon Echo vs. Google Home
• Get the latest Alexa news

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Motorola’s stepping into the VR space with its ‘Virtual Viewer’ Moto Mod

No word on pricing or availability.

Motorola’s dipped its toes in just about every niche possible with its Moto Mods. We’ve seen a projector, Polaroid printer, battery packs, game pads, and more, and it looks like Motorola’s next step will be into the world of VR.

Courtesy of Evan Blass, we have a picture of Motorola’s upcoming “Virtual Viewer” Moto Mod. Blass doesn’t share any details in regards to how the Virtual Viewer will work, but it looks like you’ll connect your Moto Z device to the inside so you can consume VR content.

Did anyone ask for this?

The Virtual Viewer closely resembles Google’s Daydream View headset, but the main difference is that the Daydream View can be used with any Daydream-compatible Android phone — not just ones under the Moto Z umbrella.

Motorola’s Virtual Viewer does have a cutout for the rear camera sensor, and while this could suggest Motorola will add some sort of augmented reality feature on top of the regular VR content, it could also just be a design thing.

We don’t have any word on pricing or availability just yet, but assuming this is just a headset for Daydream, I can’t see myself recommending this to anyone. Why purchase a headset that’s limited to just the Moto Z when you could get similar functionality from another one that works with virtually every Android flagship?

If you’re a Moto Z owner, is this something you’d be interested in?

Alexa as a Moto Mod is almost a good idea

Moto Z2 Force

• Moto Z2 Force reviewl
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• This is the Moto 360 Camera Mod
• The ultimate guide to Moto Mods
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• Join the discussion in the forums!

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Chrono Blade is a pure hack and slash RPG for Android! [Game of the Week]

And the combat is somehow better than most other mobile fighting games!

March 9, 2018: This week, check out the kick-ass action-RPG Chrono Blade. Then, dust up on your Simlish as you guide customized characters through life in The Sims Mobile.

Chrono Blade

What a pleasant surprise Chrono Blade ended up being. Blending RPG elements with a kick-ass side-scrolling beat-em-up, Chrono Blade is a winning combination of excellent arcade-style combat and RPG strategy. You have four characters in your party to choose from as you play through each mission, which is timed at just under 3 minutes.

Perhaps it’s because I discovered it after attempting to slog through the grind that is Lineage 2: Revolution, but man, this is what I want to see from more games. There are still some mobile features that hold it back a bit, such as the time-based energy system and balancing your in-app currencies. Also, in-app purchases might become more tempting as you progress deeper into the game and need to upgrade your character for the PvP arena you unlock later on.

But for a free game that delivers some of the smoothest combat I’ve played since Icey, I gotta say I’m pretty impressed by Chrono Blade.

Download: Chrono Blade (Free w/IAPs)

The Sims Mobile

Let’s make it clear: I would not be recommending The Sims Mobile in this space if it was a pile of crap — and I went into it expecting it to be a total pile of crap. I mean, it’s a mobile version of a beloved PC franchise released by EA. Major red flags.

Instead, The Sims Mobile is a pretty good take on the Sims — optimized for mobile, of course. Right off the bat, you get to customize your very own Sim, and kudos to EA and Maxis for letting you tweak pretty much everything about your Sim. Once you get your Sim settled into his home, you get to work on his or her love life, help them hold down a job, and guide them through life by finding hobbies and pimping out their pad.

You level up your character’s stats by completing events and quests, which include going to work, going on dates, or upgrading different rooms of your home. If you’ve played The Sims before, you know the deal — you’re the omnipresent god deciding what happens in your Sim’s life.

I haven’t been keeping up with the Sims franchise over the past decade, but I do have very fond memories of playing the Sims as a kid. That nostalgia certainly plays a part in me liking The Sims Mobile, but I swear its surprisingly playable!

Download: The Sims Mobile (Free w/IAPs)

Load up on new charging gear with these discounted Anker accessories

Keep it at 100%.

Kicking off this sale is the company’s 6700mAh portable power bank which is down to just $15.99 when you check out using the coupon code ANKERPC3 at Amazon. If you’re more of a power user, or just prefer having a ton more capacity in your pocket, the 20000mAh PowerCore Elite is down to $34.99 with promo code ANKELITE. Not only do you get extra capacity, but it also has a higher output which allows it to charge your devices quicker.

Of course, to go with the chargers you will need some new cables. This 2-pack of PowerLine+ USB-C cables is down to $16.49 when you use the code CABLE869, and this 5-pack of various sized USB-C cables is $18.19 with code CABLE863.

Lastly, if you need a way to charge multiple devices while at home or in the office, this 5-port USB wall charger is the way to go. It’s down to $32.19 with code BEST2556, and it has four USB ports as well as one USB-C port.

Be sure to grab the corresponding coupon code for the item you wish to purchase, as each code only works for one item.

How to use the PlayStation Gold Companion App with your headphones

It can be kind of tricky to get started, and a little guidance can help out tremendously.

PlayStation has great headsets that you can purchase to go with your console, but setting them up is more than just plugging in a dongle and calibration can be a true pain. With the recently updated Gold Wireless Headset, there are even more features for you to navigate and take advantage of. Curious how to get through the step up process of your new headset so you’re able to take advantage of every feature? We’re here to help!

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Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use the Gold Companion app on your PlayStation.

Be sure that you have downloaded the app and have updated it before you make you start your set up.

Insert your wireless adapter into one of the USB ports on your PlayStation
Slide your power bar to either 1 or 2 to turn it on. These settings are only important if you plan to use the custom sound profiles on the Companion App
Open up the Companion app on your PlayStation and select which headset you will be setting up.
Hit next on the far right side of the app, it will be underneath the picture of the headset.
The number that your power bar on the headset is on should be filled in. Hit Load to load the headset onto the app.
After the headset is loaded onto the app, it should say Ready. Select Done after the loading is complete.

Your headset should be all set. Now that it is loaded on the Companion app, there should be several features with your headset that will display on the app. Now, if you want to get the most out of your headset, make sure you adjust a few things before you start playing.

Press and hold the PS button on your controller
Go to Sound/Devices, and select Output to Headphones
Change Chat Audio to All Audio

Now all of the sound will come through your headset as opposed to only chat coming through. Another thing you’ll want to check is your Microphone level. When I first played with the new Gold headset, my mic couldn’t be heard so make sure you go through and fix that.

Press and hold the PS button on your controller
Go to Sound/Devices, and select Adjust Microphone Level
Talk through your mic, or just out loud if it’s not physical, until your voice is in the Good range.

Now, you are all set to go out there and game with your friends or enemies alike.

All set? Share your thoughts on this new headset in the comments!

PlayStation 4

• PS4 vs. PS4 Slim vs. PS4 Pro: Which should you buy?
• PlayStation VR Review
• Playing PS4 games through your phone is awesome

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Deal: Get select phones for $19 in honor of Cricket’s 19th birthday

Eligible phones include the LG Stylo 3, Samsung Galaxy Halo, and more.

Cricket Wireless is turning 19 on March 17th, and to celebrate, it got you a present! What kind of present, you ask? Select smartphones for just $19 when you switch from another carrier.

Between March 9th and 18th, you can get the following phones for $19 when you switch to Cricket, transfer an existing number, and activate it on a plan that costs $30/month or more:

• Samsung Galaxy Halo (16GB and 32GB)
• Samsung Amp Prime 2
• LG Harmony
• LG X Charge
• LG Stylo 3
• HTC Desire 555
• ZTE Blade X Max
• ZTE Blade X

Along with this, Cricket is also offering customers that switch to the Unlimited 2 Plan a $10 bill credit each month for a full year. When you add that together with a $5/month credit when you enable Auto Bill Pay, you end up getting unlimited calling, texting, data, and more for just $40/month.

See at Cricket

Carriers

• Which unlimited plan should you buy?
• Verizon’s Unlimited plans: Everything you need to know
• Everything you need to know about the T-Mobile ONE unlimited plan
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• Join the Discussion

Kodi: Everything you need to know about the streaming app

Cord cutters are raving about Kodi.

Kodi is an open-source media center app that’s been developed and built out over the past decade. Its latest build is one of the most complete media centers you’ll find, allowing you to consolidate all your media — videos, music, and photos — into a single destination with a customizable interface that’s both stylish and easy to use. There’s also a slew of third-party add-ons available within Kodi, which grant you access to all sorts of streaming options from around the world. Kodi is widely available, with builds available for nearly all operating systems and devices. The latest version of Kodi, codenamed Leia, will be released soon. You can read more about the new features being included here.

Kodi makes it easy to organize and watch your favorite media from your computer, smartphone, or TV via a Kodi-enabled device. Available in the Google Play Store, Kodi can be installed on pretty much any Android device. It’s pretty easy to setup Kodi on your own (and we’ve got guides to help you set things up for yourself, and while there’s been a ton of controversy and legal proceedings involving some of the more notorious Kodi add-on distributors, it’s still a worthwhile project for cord cutters.

See at Kodi.tv

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Quick guide to Kodi for beginners

• How to set up and use Kodi on your own Android device
• How to set up and use Kodi on an Android TV box
• How to set up Kodi on an Amazon Fire TV Stick
• How to install Kodi on a Raspberry Pi
• How to set up Kodi profiles
• How to create playlists in Kodi
• Best legal add-ons for Kodi
• Top Kodi Tips and Tricks

Best ways to get Kodi on your TV

This section used to offer up a selection of Android TV boxes that came with Kodi pre-installed, but Amazon has cracked down on such devices which isn’t the worst thing in the world
— it just means you’ll need to set it up yourself.

Given how versatile and easy it is to get Kodi, you may already have a device that’s ready to roll — whether you’ve got a computer hooked up to your TV, an Android TV device such as the NVIDIA Shield or the Xaomi Mi Box, or you’re looking for a new project for your Raspberry Pi.

Your picks?

What are your favorite ways to access Kodi? Let us know in the comments below!

Update March 2018: Removed the pre-installed Kodi box recommendations after Amazon cracked down on them.

Today’s best deals you won’t want to miss

Whether you’re looking for new tech gear or household items, we’ve got you covered.

The eBay 20% off sale has turned the deals world upside down with great discounts on the Sonos One, Bose headphones, Lego, and more! There are a lot of great deals you won’t want to pass up.

View the rest of the deals

If you want to know about the deals as soon as they are happening, you’ll want to follow Thrifter on Twitter, and sign up for the newsletter, because missing out on a great deal stinks!

Motorola’s apparently canceling the Moto X5 and scaling back on Moto Mods

Don’t expect another Hasselblad camera mod anytime soon.

Hot on the heels of reports claiming Motorola laid-off 50% of its engineering team at its Chicago headquarters, another one’s popped up suggesting that there’s even more happening behind the scenes.

Moto X4

According to Android Police, Motorola has canceled the Moto X5 that was scheduled for a release at some point this year. The X5 would be a successor to the mostly well-received Moto X4 that came out last September, and early leaks of the phone made it look fairly enticing.

By canceling the Moto X5, Motorola will apparently shift its focus to its E, G, and Z phones. You could make the argument that the company’s doing this to cut back on the crazy number of devices it releases each year, but on the other hand, we’re still expecting three versions of the Moto G and two options for the E and Z series this year.

Going forward, Motorola will focus on the Moto E, G, and Z.

Additionally, Motorola is also said to be changing its approach to Moto Mods. Rather than releasing ones that appeal to niche markets (such as Polaroid printers, projectors, etc.), the company will instead focus on ones that it “believes can actually turn a profit.”

As a long-time fan of Motorola, this recent round of news is awfully disheartening. The Moto X4 was a far cry from entries in the X line before it, but it was still one of my favorite phones Motorola released in all of 2017. Now that it’s supposedly being canned, we’re left with two budget series and a flagship one that heavily relies on a modular system I’m still not sold on.

The future isn’t looking bright for Motorola right now, but we’ll be sure to keep an eye on things to see what happens from here.

Motorola reportedly laying off up to half of its Chicago engineering staff