The Smoking Knife!

And now, a few words...

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 06:41:00 +0000

Hello,

It's been a while. Since the last post, a lot of things had happend. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to form a new TSK! editorial team and things from my personal life had taken all the time that I had for this blog. Today, I'm announcing the TSK! hiatus, officially. The blog will continue to exist for reference, if there something in particular that it needs to be put here or for the case a new team is formed. In the meantime, I will be blogging on my personal blog and in Spanish on naciónTECH.

Thanks for the support, have a good one.

Juan Vásquez

Editor-in-chief.

We're still here...

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:20:00 +0000

New Post Not Found

It's been a while since our last post. Lots of things had happen in our personal lives that had taken a larger priority than our beloved TSK! Our last post was about the death of Steve Jobs, and that same day, at about 6:30pm eastern time, my stepfather die. A big blow to our family and myself. Then, when we were recuperating from the first loss, my grandfather pass away on January 6, 2012. All this, added to the fact that the TSK! crew has been disbanded for almost a year now; means that we have become a one man show and that man was attending really important personal matters, resulting in some lateness in our regular post schedule.

In the meantime, I will continue to blog in a timely manner, until a new, harder, better, faster, stronger team can be form. Also, you can follow TSK! on Twitter @thesmokingknife for updates on the blog and for every piece of information that we find interesting around the web. Thanks for your patience.

Steve Jobs, 1955-2011

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:13:00 +0000

via Apple.

Kindle Fire, the New Amazon Juggernaut

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 03:06:00 +0000

This week, Amazon announce its new entry to the tablet market: the Kindle Fire. Many of us thought that this would be the truly iPad killer, but as it is the case, it is not and it is. Well, if you are kind of person that believe that productivity is key in your devices; well this tablet is not for you. But if you like to consume content, in the palm of your hand, Amazon has a hit.

The idea that makes this gadget a winner is that, for most of us, productivity is done on a regular PC with mouse and keyboard. Tablets for the most part are relegated to entertainment devices, for consuming content. For regular people, aka, non-tech junkies, there is no reason to spend $500+ on a device just for reading, watching or listening stuff; or to replicate, to a lesser degree, the functionality of their computer; and that's where Amazon gets it right. The price for this thing is just $199. Yep, 200 bucks for all that functionality.

So the question is: Why this is so cheap? Well, this is no iPad 2 nor Honeycomb tablet. With it's last-gen processor, weak sounding 512mb of ram and cheap looking/feeling materials; it is obvious where Amazon cut cost. Also, there are no cameras, no GPS radio and no 3/4G data connectivity. But apparently, that is the propose, the things it has are geared towards media consumption while keeping cost down; and that's a big plus.

On the software side, Amazon took the widely us Android kernel and modified to it's desire. Throughout the device, there are no signs of Google to be found; instead, what you get is a nice cover-flow like interface for your books, apps and media and their cloud-based web browser Silk.

All and all, it looks that Amazon is craving a little niche for themselves in the crowded group of tablets. Does this makes it a winner? We have to wait at least for the coming holiday season, only time will tell. Hit more for... more.

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How to Enable Timeline on Your Facebook Profile

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:39:00 +0000

By now, almost everybody knows about the new features coming to Facebook; like bigger picture displays, reorganization of the news feed, the new ticker on the right that shows what people is doing "right now", media integration (music, movies, tv shows), etc. That's what happens when you have some competition, like G+. But what if you want to experience a little bit of the new changes? Well, here is how to enable the Timeline layout for your profile.

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Nokia N9, MeeGo last hope?

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 08:50:00 +0000

Today, Nokia introduced the Nokia N9. A flagship kinda phone based on MeeGo; "the first-ever pure touch smartphone that is all about making things simpler". Because a picture is worth a thousand words and a video even more; here is a little introduction (video after the break). If you need more info (of course you do) , go to the Nokia Conversations official blog post to feast on the juicy details or look at the device data sheet right here (pdf).

Two questions though: Is this the indication of the future Windows Phone 7 devices coming from Nokia? If so, when are we going to see the new those new handsets? Also; seeing how good MeeGo looks, why do the partnership with Microsoft? Don't take me wrong, I dig WP7 but this new UI looks awesome. Update: Nokia N9 hands-on video!

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The Next Version Of Windows Phone (2011)

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 05:29:00 +0000

Joe Belfiore corporate vice president and head of Windows Phone Team at Microsoft presents the next version of Windows Phone OS, codename "Mango" and some of its new features. With the impression of a corporate giant losing its charisma and sleeping in their laurels, Microsoft needs to shake every part of their business in order to impress not only those bored share holders but also the new generation of tech enthusiast. With a great start but slow update process WP faces an uphill battle against the mighty Apple iOS and the hugely popular Google Android platforms. Is it to late for the software giant?
Video after the break.
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The End: Goodbye Beloved Books

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 00:06:00 +0000

With the proliferation of ebooks readers, it seems that regular books are going the way of the dodo. Take for example the Amazon Kindle. Sold for $114 (With special offers and sponsored screensavers) and up, it has taken the business of selling book to a new level. The latest data from Amazon points to the fact that ebooks are outselling regular books. This is also helped by the fact that with the Kindle app, you can take your book to almost any device. Sony and other companies had made this kind devices for quite some time now, but recently, we have seen mass proliferation and adoption thanks to the fact that competition have made their prices really accessible to "regular" consumers.

I always been a fan of books; of course I love to read, but books as an object are quite appealing to me. Just the fact that so much information can be store in so little space, plus the feeling of a good quality book in the hands are really difficult to beat. Another good thing is the fact that no power is needed to use a book, apart for some light source (big all mighty sun comes to mind) and you have all you need to get the experience that you want.

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Our Failing Society

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:46:00 +0000

Every intelligent person knows that a good education is one of the pillars of a well developed society. For centuries, the greatest powers of the world had relied on their brightest members to fulfill their plans. With recent example like China and India; and old ones like Mesopotamia, Greece or the Roman Empire, education has been key to the development and subsequent achievement of greatness. Let me explain myself: There is a direct relation between education (higher education) and socio-economical well being; period. What's next, is what's going on with our society right know.

With the economy in the tank, and people going crazy killing each other, figuratively and literally, to secure their income and "well being"; people that still are able to think are scrambling for solutions. Lets not start to talk about the quality of living, but it seems that all the solutions revolve around job creation, more government bailouts (to corporation and to the people), more security (enforcing the rule of law) and more of the peace and love thing. But what about education? Do they forget the kind of power that enlighten minds have?

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iPad 2, Today is the day!

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 07:17:00 +0000

Finally, is Here! After a long and anguishing wait...(what?), the iPad 2 is finally here. Version 2.0 of what Apple Inc. calls their magical device, would be on sale today starting at 5 pm at your local Apple reseller of choice and at 1am PST at apple.com. But the question remains, why should I buy the iPad 2? Is it a revolutionary upgrade? Does this means that the iPad that I got for Christmas is already outdated? Well, the simple answer is maybe.

If you care for having the newest gadget or are as fan of Apple products as a Clipper fan, man, you really need an iPad 2. But for the rest of us, here is the important, new stuff:

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AI Controlled Workforce

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 17:21:00 +0000

We have been able to buy the AR Drone for some time now, mostly as a toy; but a team of students from the University of Pennsylvania GRASP Lab did something useful and quite interesting with it. With the help of AI, some mods and others tricks, they simulated a swarm of insects building a structure. Maybe we can say that the "future" is coming, finally. Video after the break.

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A Serious Computer for Your Pocket

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 15:16:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, at CES, Motorola showed the world their next iteration of the smartphone: Atrix 4G. With its dual-core CPU, capable of running both the phone OS and the individual OS/UIs for different devices (connected via dock), it would be easy to say that the era of the supercomputer in our pockets is approaching fast. Latest promo video after break.

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Firesheep, The Dangers of Open Wifi

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 17:22:00 +0000

Firesheep running on MacOS Firefox, capturing Facebook accounts

Extra! Extra!: Open WiFi is not safe, it's open! Free, open wireless networks is something that everybody loves. But like every other "free" thing, it has a catch 22: you will pay with your security, or lack of it. It is old news that unencrypted WiFi is really dangerous. I guess we will have to learn this the hard way as always.

Millions of people rely on open wireless hotspots to get their daily fix of the internet without thinking twice. Since it invention 10 to 13 years ago, WiFi was a treat to security; then, to try to fix this problem, came along the defeated WEP; after that, the recently defeated WPA and a little more recently WPA2 encryption techniques. It is true that WPA2 is the strongest, consumer available, wireless encryption technology, but as it is known, people tend to forget to turn it on when they install their routers. Also, in order to free themselves from a little hassle, most public WiFi hotspot providers don't encrypt their networks at all, like in schools and universities or commercial establishments that serve the public, like restaurants and coffee houses.

My Old/New iPod video 5G

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 07:43:00 +0000

Everybody knows that consumer products are designed to be disposable; and of course, the iPod is almost on the top of that list. With it non-user removal battery design and the rest of their draconian measures of "quality and user-friendliness", when your iPod gets damage; it seems that there is no way to repair it by yourself. That's when the folks at iFixit come into play. This guys, famous for their device tear downs, sell all the necessary parts so you can get your hands dirty and start repairing your stuff as any man (and woman of course) should always be able to. From PCs to video games consoles to toasters and most of the Apple products, this people got it covered with great how-to manuals and good prices to boot. Check out some picks of my old iPod Video 5G getting the iFixit display installation after the break.

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The 25 Years of Super Mario Bros.

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 05:56:00 +0000

In celebration of the 25 years with the Super Mario Bothers, Nintendo is releasing limited editions of their current platforms. The Wii and the DSi XL, in honor of Mario's 25th birthday, will wear the best red color that Nintendo could muster, "Nintendo Red". Also, both consoles will be offered with new bundles.
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New is in the MacBook Air!

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:03:00 +0000

Yesterday, at the Back to the Mac special event, Apple Inc. announced the state of the Mac platform. Steve Jobs showed the world what he called the next generation of the MacBook Air, Mac OS X Lion and the next version of their iLife software package, iLife '11.
Update: Back to the Mac 2010 keynote videos!
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Windows Phone 7 is Officially Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 02:15:00 +0000

Today, Microsoft announced the first crop of Windows Phone 7 (WP7) hardware to the world. Eight months later, after the WP7 OS unveiling at MWC 2010 Barcelona, the handsets are finally ready to ship. Some of them are set to invade Europe and Asia on October 21 and others, the ones we like, are set straight for North America early this November; for a total of 10 devices (one, the HTC 7 Pro for Sprint, will be release in 2011).

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Nintendo 3DS Shipping Dates Announced

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 17:01:00 +0000

Breaking news! February 26, 2011 for Japan and some day of March, 2011 for the rest of the mayor markets were the dates given by Nintendo to went you will be able to get the next version of their successful portable hardware, the Nintendo 3DS. The price for the unit will be ¥25,000 or $298 in dollar for the Japanese market. Also; a new limited version Super Mario DSi LL (XL in North America), is going to be launch on October 28th in Japan for ¥18,000. Introduction and software lineup videos after the break.

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HP Slate Prototype Unboxed

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 05:41:00 +0000

As most of you know, back in the beginning of 2010, the HP Slate was announce to the world by Microsoft's CEO Steve Ballmer at CES. Back at that time, the device was quite disappointing by the fact that it was perceive as a mere netbook, without the keyboard, running Windows 7. Well, as it always happens with things that are sold as miracles, the HP Slate, was rolled over by the likes of the Apple iPad, a few other lame Android-base efforts and lately, by the Samsung Galaxy Tab. But a few days ago, a video surfaced on YouTube, claiming to be about a prototype version of the almost forgotten tablet. Video after the break.

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Boxee Box Ready To Pre-order at Amazon

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 17:00:00 +0000

It was about time; after the unveiling at CES, the Boxee Box, is finally ready to come to our living rooms! ...Well, it can be pre-order at Amazon with an expected November 2010 release date. Anyways, in case you where living under a rock, Boxee is a home theater, cross-platform, PC software that let you enjoy media, from your computer or internet connection, on you regular TV using a very nice 10' user interface, the one that lets you be a couch potato. To run Boxee, also an off-shoot of XBMC, you needed a HTPC (or a regular PC) connected to your media system in order to enjoy the wonders of IPTV or other internet delivered content gathered by the software. With this new device, manufactured by D-Link and more in the lines of the Roku box, Apple TV and others; the power of the Boxee software can be enjoy without the troubles, if any, of attaching a PC to your big screen TV this November.

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Nintendo 3DS Hardware Specs Leaked

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 01:02:00 +0000

By the looks of it, it seems that the next incarnation of the Nintendo handheld is going to be pretty powerful. If IGN's whistle-blower is correct, the Nintendo 3DS will have two 266MHz ARM11 CPUs, a 133MHz GPU, 4MB of VRAM (dedicated), 64MB of RAM and 1.5 GB of flash memory for storage (a 1.5GB SSD?). As Scott Lowe, of IGN, points out, the ARM11 has been used in the ZuneHD, Apple iPhone and iPod Touch (not the 4Gs) as well in some Android-based smartphones. The fact that it has two of then, at that clock speeds plus the 133MHz GPU, makes this new Gameboy a quite mighty little gadget.

Via: Gizmodo
Source: IGN

Got your new pc, now what? The Laptop Bag.

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:43:00 +0000

Now that you got that shinny PC, in this case a laptop computer, you are going to feel the need to buy a laptop bag/case to protect it. First of all, you don't really need a laptop bag if you already have a bag big enough to carry books or documents; like a briefcase, messenger bag or backpack. If you have one of those, quite often; they already have available space for your machine. If a little bit of paranoia is creeping; a laptop sleeve (portable DVD player sleeve) can solve the problem really easy and on the cheap. Like this one that I got for my EeePC 1000HD a couple of years ago.

These days, most bags can accommodate most laptops PCs up to 15.4 inches; like the really cheap American Eagle messenger bag. When I got this bag (model no longer on sale), I didn't even think I will be using it to carry my books and notebook PC; it was though as a EDC pack to when I have to run some errants in the city. It doesn't have any good features besides a small zippered pocket inside and another front pocket; but it does the job of carry your stuff plus a computer really well. In the picture, you can see how a 15.4" Sony Vaio fits quite nicely, with a little room to play.
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Review: Verizon DROID X by Motorola

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 07:32:00 +0000

Here is an in-depth review of the Verizon DROID X by Motorola from the great folks at MobileBurn. Sadly, Verizon is not longer operating in PR but for the US consumers, it's a great choice. Enjoy the three-part video review after the break and please subscribe to MobileBurn YouTube channel.

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Another WP7 Leak: The LG W910

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 06:28:00 +0000

Here are some pics from one of the upcoming Windows Phone 7 launch handsets, the LG W910 (code named BEJGW910 on the FCC papers). According with the FCC documents; this phone has AT&T banding (which means it's going to be an exclusive device) and also, the necessary specs, specified by Microsoft, to run their new mobile OS. Pics after the break.

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PS3 Hacked At Last!

noreply@blogger.com (Juan Vasquez) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:08:00 +0000

After the Linux ban from Sony a few months ago, everyone of the PlayStation purists had been waiting for this: a PS3 modchip. A USB modchip has come out from the darkside promising the ability to let you backup your games to internal or external storage and, of course; to play then from there. The following are two videos from the guys at OzModChips demonstrating it (videos after the break).

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