Enhance the audio coming from your iPad, iPhone iPod, and iPod Touch.

The new iWOW 3D is from SRS Labs. They’re the folks who really know how to get the best out of almost any audio source. The SRS iWOW 3D is a small, shiny black audio device. On one end is a standard 30-pin connector for most iPads, iPhones or iPods, including the Touch. A 3-inch flexible line-out headphone jack is at other end.  Even though this gizmo is small, it utilizes many of the patented SRS technologies designed to bring sound to life. Recorded music that sounds “canned”, comes to life with the iWOW3D. A push of the single button on the device turns it on and off. When the button is illuminated, it’s on. But you’ll know for sure it’s on, by the amazing sound. The name is said to come from people saying “wow” when turning on an SRS audio enhancement device. I just listened to music, which sounded richer and deeper with the iWOW 3D. Checking reviews on the web I find people are equally impressed when using it for movies and games. The first time I plugged the iWOW 3D into my iPod TOUCH, the screen said this device requires an app that is not on my device – and would I like to download it. It’s a quick, free download. The SRS iWOW App lets you select headphones, speakers or car and optimizes the sound accordingly. There’s an “advanced mode” that lets you increase bass, increase treble and add a widened surround sound effect. Each of those three choices are either turned on or off, there’s no fine adjustment. There are two models. The basic kit contains just the SRS iWOW 3D audio enhancement adaptor and costs about $50. The higher priced kit adds five interchangeable color faceplates and a pair of very decent earbuds. That retails for about $20 more. But it’s likely you already have a favorite pair of headphones. And I happen to prefer the “tech” black of the device itself.

www.srslabs.com/store   (Check out the prices on Amazon too.)

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313

Here's a new Smoothie! The Steadicam Smoothie from Tiffen.

You most likely know the name Steadicam. They make professional equipment used around the world to take the shake out of movie and video cameras in action. Now there’s a version for just about anyone who wants to shoot smooth videos and take sharp still pictures anywhere. It’s the Steadicam Smoothee. Right now there are models designed and engineered to work with the Apple iPhone 3Gs, Apple iPhone 4, and FLIP Mino HD. I just got one of the newly introduced mounts for my iPod Touch. More mounts are in the works. The Smoothee is based on the same technology as the big $60,000 rigs used in Hollywood and New York TV productions. The Smoothee allows you to capture video and still images without the shakes normally associated with hand-held video shot on the go. Even though the company says you'll use it perfectly right out of the box, the very first time – I’d say you need at least a few minutes of practice. And watch the three very informative and short instructional videos on the company website. Basically you just attach your device, balance it with the front/back right/left knobs and installation is done. The Steadicam Smoothee doesn't fold, but it is small enough to take on vacation or to the beach, park, sporting event, etc. I took mine to the marina and shot some video during some rolling wakes to see if the Smoothie could smooth them out. A link to the video is below. A nice feature is the quick release mount that lets you instantly swap camera connections between your Smoothee and any tripod. The quick release mount also serves as a tabletop stand. Remember because there has to be perfect balance when you use the Smoothie, the mount has to be ordered for the exact device you’re going to use with it! $179.95.

http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_smoothee_homepage1.html

Giz Wiz Steadicam Smoothie video: http://youtu.be/maUsGNAKyWY

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313

A full spectrum light for the road.

Verilux, famous for their natural spectrum light, has a great folding light for travel. Their Rechargeable Travel Lamp not only provides Natural Spectrum light for that dark hotel desk when you travel, but it’s great for home or work projects too. This folding flip lamp features 11 LED bulbs to provide color balance and high contrast. Verilux is famous for their daylight illumination devices. The Travel Lamp ships with rechargeable batteries or it can powered by the included AC Adapter. The AC Adapter is also used to charge the Travel Lamp. Strangely I couldn’t find it mentioned anywhere, not even on the Travel Lamp box, but there’s also USB adapter included. It’s perfect when you’re using the light at your computer. Just power it, and charge it too from your laptop. When fully charged, the Travel Lamp can run for four hours on the internal rechargeable (and user replaceable) batteries. It can also function as a reading light in bed or additional illumination in the car, boat or RV. List price is $29.95, but as of May 16^th, 2011 it’s on the company website for half price! Just $14.98. (I don’t know how long that price will be effect.)

http://www.verilux.com/full-spectrum-portables/travel-lamp

See or Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313

Would you exercise more if you were also generating electricity at the same time?

If you take a spinning class, here’s a way to exercise and generate electricity at the same time! No, it’s not a joke and it’s not the EnterTrainer we talked about a couple of weeks ago. An group called The Green Revolution connects health with energy and the environment by turning human effort within the health club into usable energy.  I know, I thought it was weird too at first, but it seems several clubs, including New York Sports on West 23^rd in Manhattan, have already signed on. If you want to talk to your health club about adding a green component to their classes, the company says there are 5 good reasons health club owners should join the Green Revolution:

1.Set their club apart from other facilities

2.Attract new members

3.Lower energy costs

4.Play a leading role in adopting a "Green" Platform

5.Enhance public image

So that's the goal of the Green Revolution. To convince health clubs to differentiate themselves from the pack with “a powerful enticement that will be a magnet for members who care for the environment.”  My big question was “how much electricity could a group cycling session generate?” Here’s the answer: “There are a number of factors that go into the amount of energy that is produced. These factors are: The intensity of the workout (intensity includes resistance setting and the cadence level), the duration of the workout and the number of people in the class. A typical Group Cycling class with 20 bikes will create about 3 kilowatts (KW) per session. A Group Cycling room that runs four classes a day has the potential to create close to 300 KW a month. This is equivalent to the amount of power needed to light a typical home for half a year.” Although this isn’t a gadget for the home – it doesn’t make economic sense – you could tell your health club about it if you want to join the Green Revolution. That way you’ll be exercising and giving back all the time you’re “spinning your wheels”.

www.egreenrevolution.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1312

Painting With Light is Faster with Light!

When you think of redoing a room you might not think of lighting. But lighting is an easy way to change the feel of a room almost instantly. And you change it over and over again with the Philips LivingColors Generation 2 lamp. This is probably the most unique lighting fixture you’ve seen in a long time. The outside is a clear orb with a strange shaped conical lamp inside.  If you buy one, you don’t have to decide what color bulb you want because LivingColors lets create 16 million colors. If you need max light for work, switch it to plain white light. Because LivingColors comes with a remote you can sit there and constantly change the feel of your room any time you feel like it. If you want to be surprised, set the remote to automatic. You can even adjust the speed that the colors change. At Eco-Focus the Living Colors lamp was set to demo mode, so I didn’t get to make my own color choices. But it was fun to watch, even in a room that had bright lights. This new generation uses 7 LEDs to produce a light intensity that's 50% more intense than the original model. Philips builds TV’s that change the wall behind the set to a color that matches or enhances what’s the on the screen. If you want you can do the same with LivingColors remote. Change the color of the wall behind the set to reflect what you’re watch on the screen. For the holidays you could turn a white wall green in seconds!  $199.99 at Amazon. (I haven’t bought anything here:)

http://tinyurl.com/3z3hwyw