Sony 720p Headwear....Fashion or Flop?

Sony has decided to unveil a new product.  It seems somewhat familiar by design.  And I can't help but think Keanu Reeves should make a movie sporting this headset.  It looks like something straight out of the Virtual Reality craze from the 90's.  So what's the deal? It is called the HMZ-T1, which will create a 720p 3D display inside the glasses.  This will be done by utilizing two OLED displays.  There has to be an effect, right?  Yep.  Seems to be with...

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It Just Can't Fade Off Into Obscurity...

That's right, HP came back to world after pulling the plug on it's entry into the tablet industry by saying they are doing one more limited rollout of HP TouchPad's...What?  Seriously?! So let's get this straight, the only way they were able to move the existing stock of TouchPad's was to basically kill the production and drop support for the device.  So everyone who had these little devices in stock basically, said "World, buy 'em up!" and firesold what was left.  And we thought...

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Content Incoming!

Be sure to keep an eye on the blog and our Facebook page!  I have some new videos in the pipeline, and the first set I'm working on are going to cover some of the common questions (from a beginner's point of view) about using Ubuntu! Some of the topics will inlcude covering Unity, basics of Ubuntu, how to get started with Ubuntu, basic software packages every new user should checkout after installing Ubuntu! Remember, if you have any questions you'd like to make sure get answered during this...

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HP TouchPad Gets Working Android!

That's right, if you're one of the lucky consumers who decided to pick up one of the orphaned HP TouchPad's, there is good news for you!  CyanogenMod 7 is now on the HP TouchPad.  Here's the catch, right now it works but is pretty unstable and is currently in the alpha stage of developments.  So basically, it boots.  Nothing fancy, yet. The folks in the CM7 community are saying they hope to roll out increased stability and added features in future releases.  The future...

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We're on Facebook Now!

With the increase in traffic we've been getting over the last several months, we wanted to expand our avenues of communication and interaction with our visitors.  So our new Facebook Fan Page is now up on Facebook!  That's right!  Swing by and 'Like' the page for updates to the site and other random posts!  You can click in the upper right corner of the page beside the Facebook Button, or click the link below: Techie.Smarts Blog on Facebook! Stop by and visit someti...

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GNOME 2 Has Been Forked!

Yay!  For those of us who have been less than thrilled with Unity and it's inclusion in the latest Ubuntu release, guess what?!  GNOME 2 has been forked into 'Mate'.  Currently it is only packaged for Arch Linux.  But it is out the...

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Honeycomb 3.2 Update for the Acer Iconia a500, Delayed

This wasn't much of a surprise, but the Honeycomb 3.2 update never rolled out for the Iconia a500.  Now word is Acer had some issues with GPS and 3.2, and the new street date is (drum roll please)... September 10th...Time will tell, and as far as Acer's previous update history goes I wouldn't exactly hold my breath. Happy Surfi...

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Warhammer 40k: Space Marine Demo

Holy crap, I just finished playing through the 'Warhammer 40k: Space Marine' demo for the PS3.  And let me say it's freakin' awesome!  It plays a lot like 'Gears of War' without the cover mechanics.  Maybe because Space Marines don't back down.  Anyways, aside from the game lacking a sort of cover system, the combat is crazy. As the demo starts out you work your way across the base and disable a crane that is being operated by the Orc's.  They are trying to bust down a...

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Mortal Kombat Legacy Ep. 9 Review

Ok, so after just about refusing to go back and finish watching the Mortal Kombat Legacy web series; I decided to go back and watch the last episode from the first season.  I know, I'm about a month late.  However, after some of the other liberties with the characters I had just about wrote off this web series.  It started off so strong and seemed to just about die out towards the end of 8 episodes. Then came along Episode 9: Cyrax & Sektor.  And I must say, it was good....

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Verdict: 'Portal' Fan Film Is Awesome

I know I'm a little late on covering this story, but has anyone else seen the Portal fan film Mr. Dan Trachtenberg released via YouTube on Tuesday?  If not, it's freakin' awesome.  You should all flock and watch it now.  Ok, screw that, watch it below. From what I've been reading today, there is a lot of buzz that people would love to see a Portal Live Action film.  I wasn't so sure about that idea, until I watched this.  It's awesome.  Maybe if a live action movie...

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Netflix on the ASUS Transformer Tablet

Many owner's of the ASUS Transformer Tablet were expecting to get Netflix streaming support with their OTA update of Honeycomb 3.2 the other week.  Unfortunately, it didn't quite work out that way.  However, on Tuesday ASUS started rolling out an OTA Update that will bring the tablet up to release version 8.6.5.9 and includes Netflix support.  Way to go ASUS! Now, please give Acer some notes on how to handle their customers.  If the Acer Honeycomb 3.2 OTA Update includes Netflix...

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Acer Iconia a500 Tablet OTA Honeycomb 3.2 Update

The other week I expressed my frustration with Acer's handling of the Honeycomb 3.2 Update.  Prior to that, I really expressed my frustration with Acer's handling of OTA Updates period and the lack of the ability to manually install the OTA Update from an official source (via a download section on Acer's site, etc.) without having to jump through hoops getting the update files from 'unofficial' sources.  Meanwhile, the Acer Iconia a100 was released recently with Honeycomb 3.2 preloaded. According...

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Space Station Supply Ship Crashed

From FoxNews, a Russian Supply Ship destined for the International Space Station crashed in Siberia today.  It was carrying about 3 tons of supplies for the ISS crew.  See the full article at: http://554959e7.tinylinks...

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Bad Move Gamestop?

Apparently, reports have been made to Gamespy about PC retail box copies of the newly released 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution' have been basically tampered with.  So who opened them?  Apparently it was staff at Gamestop stores.  Say what? Yep, appears to be so.  Square Enix and OnLive packaged a Free Game Coupon in the PC retail box copy of 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution'.  So, for those who have the capabilities.  That's a pretty sweet deal.  Because OnLive doesn't cost...

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Deus Ex: Human Revolution released into the wild today!

Well, for those of you who have been patiently waiting, today marks the day that 'Deus Ex: Human Revolution' was released.  I look forward to checking out reviews as they come in.  So in honor of the games release, checkout one of the many launcher trailers. Checkout their main site: Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Happy Surfi...

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What does the future hold for webOS?

Supposedly, HP's story is now that they will continue using webOS but obviously not in smartphones or tablet devices.  Instead, they will continue to grow the webOS software catalog and use it within printers and PC's.  Ok, I can understand printers...But PC's? webOS is obviously a little more tied into the web than other offerings.  So would a webOS based PC function more like a cloud based computer like Google's Chromebook?  Or would it basically be like the TouchPad but...

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So you bought a $99 HP TouchPad...What Now?

Ok, so you were one of the many people who decided to take the risk and pickup one of the HP TouchPad's that were sold off this past weekend for a rather cheap $99.  What now?  Especially since it no longer has HP's support.  You'll not get any future software updates.  Not to mention app development is pretty much gone too.  And since there currently isn't a working port of Android to use on it, what exactly can you do with it? Well, here is a short list of things you...

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HP TouchPad is on Fire...Literally...

Saturday HP started selling the 16GB HP TouchPad (yeah, the one that recently had it's plug pulled).  And get this, the 32GB model is listed at $149.  Now that is a heck of a deal for a tablet device.  The downside, HP isn't supporting the device anymore. What does this mean?  Well for starters, no updates to webOS, no hardware updates for the device itself.  A lack of offerings from 3rd party accessories since the tablet isn't manufacturer supported anymore; just to name...

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Our New Look!

Even though our new look isn't quite finished yet, I wanted to go ahead and roll it out because frankly the layout issues I was having seemed to be bugging the crap out of me.  So here we go. Look for additional features to be coming soon.  There is now a page with contact info so you can submit a question to Techie to answer or blog about and the I have included a new Social bar to the top right of the right side column. So sit back, and enjoy the si...

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HP is doing what? Is the PC Market Approaching Death?

So by now you've probably heard that HP is selling of it's Personal Systems Group.  Basically, that includes PC/laptops/smart phones, and that little HP TouchPad tablet that all of the cool people are advertising but nobody is buying.  So what does this mean? This is obviously a huge turning point for HP as a company.  Until now HP was primarily known as the computer and printer company.  They are one of the 3 leading PC manufacturers in the US.  But suddenly they are getting...

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New Site Layout is coming very soon!

I am aware of the issues with the site layout.  Some of the interface is somewhat broken.  I'm not quite sure what happened.  But the easiest fix at this point is probably to drop this layout altogether and go with a different template.  I am in the process of working on a new template that I can hopefully roll out before the end of the weekend.  Have a great weeke...

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New Windows Tablet Can Run Android Apps?

We've heard this one before from Blackberry right before the PlayBook was released into the wild.  And from what I understand the feature was more the undelivered.  Now ViewSonic is saying their latest Windows 7 tablet will employ 'BlueStacks'; which is an emulation layer that would provide a means of running emulated Android apps without rebooting the device.  The device will allow you to run Android 2.3 as well (looks like a vanilla version without any vendor specific UI overlays). If...

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Social Media + Me = Wore Out

The other day a friend asked me, "How come you don't post as much on Facebook as you used too?". I had a simple answer, and it was "I don't know, I guess the new wore off".  And I suppose that's probably right.  I'm starting to see the same thing among other people on my friends list.  These are people who at one point (probably when they first signed up) would post every little detail from their life.  From what their lunch was right down to saying goodnight to their Facebook...

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Tablet Price Drops In the Near Future? Very Possible.

DigiTimes reported that tablet makers are expected to go through another "Tablet Price War"  probably by the end of September.  This is obviously excluding the iPad.  Apple obviously has no plans on budging on it's pricing.  But other vendors may very well be fixing to make some price cuts in order to minimize damages due to unsold inventory. Does this mean tablets are going extinct?  Nope, it just means that the current price point for the devices is still too high for...

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Mobile American's: How mobile are we really?

In response to reading an article on eWeek's site this morning entitled 'American's Using Phones to Avoid Talking: Pew Report' I found some rather interesting percentages that actually make sense for a change.  A lot of consumer polls seem to be somewhat exaggerated when they post their findings.  This article basically points out that even though the majority of American's packing 'smart phones' aren't using them to actually talk. According to the article, "about 90% of smart...

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I would use open source software if...

"If there were an open source program that I could use to replace ****  with, I'd give it a try; but there isn't." This is one of the most popular arguments I hear when it comes to discussing open source software with people.  And I fully agree, I mean; why would you ever decide to stop using a program you know so well but costs an arm and a leg and start using a half designed free program that will only be extremely different than what you already use.  I understand, trust me. Now,...

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Batman: Arkham City- Mr. Freeze Trailer

While on the topic of Batman.  Today I saw the latest trailer for the new Batman game 'Batman: Arkham City'.  And it looks pretty freakin' sweet.  This trailer showcases none other than Mr. Freeze. Previous trailers have shown Catwoman, The Penguin, and a teaser for the Riddler.  Let's just say this game seems to be doing well to be all of what made the first Arkham title awesome, and then some.  This is a game to keep on your radar...

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"The Dark Knight Rises" Production Footage

As you may know the newest entry in the Batman movie-lineup is currently being filmed, entitled "The Dark Knight Rises".  I am incredibly excited to see the last of the Dark Knight films complete Christopher Nolan's reboot of the caped-crusader.  One thing you typically get when movies are filming (especially in urban settings) is a lot of production footage tends to leak from the sets and shoots. "The Dark Knight Rises" is no exception, and for whatever reason, seems to have more production...

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Acer Iconia a100 has been released?!

As reported from Android Police, the new Acer Iconia a100 has is now available in North America.  That's all good and well.  At least until I looked through the specs for the device.  Seriously Acer, roll out Honeycomb 3.2 on your newest device and let those of us who decided to support your products and get the 10 inch big brother to this device (the a500), just received Honeycomb 3.1?  That's kind of messed up. With the only hint of Honeycomb 3.2 showing up on the a500 anytime...

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Snowman in August?

While playing a little bit of Lord of The Rings Online today, I stumbled upon this cozy snowman stuck up on a mountain top in the Vail of Thrain.  Pretty cool. Also, if you're into the whole micro-transaction  setup and are playing LOTRO as a free 2 play title.  Best Buy (at least in my area) carries the $10 Turbine point cards.  Everywhere else (Walmart, Gamestop, our local Target, etc.) only carry the $20 cards.  Which is great, since I'd prefer to pickup the $10 cards...

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Social Networking with Gamer's In Mind

Everyone has heard of Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace.  We know these sites to be some of the better known forms of social networking.  And yes, in some form or another console and PC gamers alike have the functionality to use these services from theor preferred platforms.  But what if you're Facebok friends just don't understand your affinity for gaming?  What if you had a friend post times for a raid in WoW and your non gamer friends start thinking your in a cult with it's own...

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MMO: Free to Play Showcase!

Here is a little lovin' for the MMO fans out there.  If you're looking for a free to play title but seem to be put off by some of the graphics that some of these games use.  Then swing by Massively's site for a great article on "The Best Looking Games In Free to Play".  With the exception of Faxion, the rest of the games are pretty much aimed at a casual audience.  So in the spirit of giving MMO fans some attention, here is my list of a few of the best looking F2P MMO titles. Lord...

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Reader Question: My Vista Networking Stopped!

Another question from a reader: "Techie, After removing a minor malware infection from my laptop running Windows Vista Ultimate, my laptop no longer see's any network connections (wired or wireless).  I have tried to reset the network configuration by reset the TCP/IP stack, and that didn't help either.  What has happened? Painfully Offline" Dear Painfully Offline, First, you may want to run the SFC (System File Checker) to make sure there aren't any file corruption issues going on....

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How to Post from Your Website to Twitter or Facebook

For those of you who run blogs or websites, you may have a need to be able to update your Twitter or Facebook Feeds all from one source.  And making it an automatic process is even better because then it can "just work" for you.  If you're in need of a service like this, check out Twitterfeed.com. TwitterFeed makes it extremely easy to pull this off.  The service is free to use, and includes some basic analytics info (basically it will count the links clicked through from the destination:...

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New Site Widget!!

Hey everybody, look to the right hand side of the page and you'll see the new site widget.  I added a small eBay widget to the blog for the purpose of displaying what items/auctions I have running at any given time.  Keep an eye on that portion of the site for any tech related eBay auctions I'll be running in the near future. One listing I'll usually run on a regular basis are for Live Linux CD's.  I'll list them at $2.50 (USD) and free shipping.  This is more of a service I...

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Google+ Confusion?!

Maybe I'm not thinking about it right, but for some strange reason Google+ feels like complete chaos to me.  lol I had this same feeling when I started a Facebook profile and moved away from MySpace (back in the day).  However, now I have a Google+ account and for the love of me I can't seem to make myself feel comfortable with their layout/interface/site design.  I currently only have two (inactive) friends and am following one other person.  I have had my Google+ account now...

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Android App Review: Star Legends Beta

I've been eagerly anticipating the release of Star Legends for Android devices.  So much in fact, that it's release into Beta slipped right past me.  It wasn't until a couple of days ago I found an article about the game.  So I had to check it out, and I must say that I am hooked. Star Legends was created by Spacetime Studios.  If the name sounds familiar that is because they also released Pocket Legends for iOS and Android mobile devices.  The both games are mobile MMO...

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