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About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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    After more than a dozen years as "Special Correspondent" - once a month, for a full hour, where I joined Craig Crossman and later in the series, Ben Crossman on Computer America, it was time to take a break from the series. But this longest running nationally syndicated talk show continues on! You can find the latest shows here: www.computeramerica.com

    Saturday
    Jun242017

    We 'drown' a new $32 waterproof Bluetooth Speaker. How did it do?

    I received an email from Justin about the Hydro-Beat Illumination Shower Radio. Message said: This is a really nice and cheap, portable, waterproof bluetooth speaker with FM radio and a strong suction cup for use on a boat, or in the shower. I listen to the Tech Guy podcast every week and it's too bad I didn't find this little speaker before Leo went on vacation. This speaker would have been perfect for him. Anyhow, keep the gadgets coming. -justin

    I almost bought the speaker Justin was talking about, but didn't. Read on to see why I bought the BassPal Shower Speaker. This is a really decent Bluetooth speaker for the money. It's waterproof and you'll see in this week's video it keeps playing almost underwater. But the volume is reduced when it's filled with water, no surprise there! It's on sale under two different names on Amazon, as of 6/6/17. One is $7 cheaper than the other and the specs read the same. (Link below.) Reviews on Amazon are very good too. Although there were only 27 reviews when we wrote this, it got 4.8 out of 5 stars. Here are most of features, via Amazon:

    - Waterproof IP67, Shockproof, Dustproof - Built-in Microphone for hands-free speakerphone call - 650mAh battery for up to 5-6 hours of playtime, 3 hours charging time. After 15 minutes without any operation since you powered on, the product will shut down automatically. Rated waterproof level IPX7, It is proved that it can be immerged into 1.5 meters of water for 30 minutes, and still keep in good condition. Guaranteed safe use in the shower, in the rain, by the pool or on a boat. Detachable suction cup offers you convenience to attach it to anywhere you want. Bluetooth 4.0 with connection range up to 30 feet. Frequency Response: 120Hz-22 Khz. $31.99 and Amazon Prime as of 6/26/17. 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/K2TWFVgBc9A 

    Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2rQuQRq 

    Friday
    Jun232017

    Taking A New Gadget For A Spin

    The world seems to be going nuts over Fidget Spinners. I live in NYC and now I can buy them on a street corner for about $5 or sometimes cheaper. I decided to take the plunge about 5 or 6 weeks ago when I saw LED Spinners as a 'deal of the day' on http://www.13deals.com/. It took a fair of time for them to arrive, but I do like them. It's a passing fad though. I played with them for about 3 days and now I'm not sure where I put them. But kids seem to love them a lot more because there are endless videos on YouTube with kids doing all sort of tricks with them. I'm not sure if 13deals has them any more, but not too worry. You can find dozens of them on Amazon, for anywhere from under two bucks up to more than $50, so shop carefully! 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/hPochK7JKoc

     

    Fidget Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZJq9Cw_E60

     

    Spinners on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2r2THhl

    Friday
    Jun232017

    Four other unique gadgets from the Baby Products Show in NYC.

    This device is called the Gerber BabyNes Baby Formula Dispenser. Here's what Amazon says about it: Create the perfect bottle in less than a minute. The BabyNes formula system dispenser delivers superior hygiene, intuitive design, lump-free formula and a happier bottle-feeding experience for babies and parents. To prepare your bottle, adjust the temperature and simply pop the formula capsule in. The formulas in the BabyNes system are inspired by the evolving composition of breast milk. And with four stages tailored to your baby’s development from 0-12 months, it’s our closest formula to breast milk.Choose your baby preferred temperature. The water is heated to the selected temperature and is filtered before entering each capsule (so you can use municipal tap water or bottle water) The machine is Wi-Fi enabled and connects to your smartphone, so you can track every feed automatically, receive feeding alert and sign up for auto replenishment. Only compatible with BabyNes formula capsules. Try for 90 days, without commitment. Money back guarantee. $199.99.

    Formula Pods: A box of 26 Single served pods pre-measured and sealed for freshness is in the $36 range. Actual price per box is based on the baby's age. Be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, because it seems if your baby requires a lot of milk, the cost per month of the pods could run into the hundreds of dollars. But not everybody seemed concerned. Out of 77 reviews, the system got 3.9 out of 5 stars.

     

    Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2qCzyCY

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/ccJUl7CtIis

    Friday
    Jun232017

    It's Potty Time!

    From Summer Infant comes My Size Potty. It features the look and feel of an adult toilet to help ensure your child has a comfortable and confident transition to the real thing. Realistic features include a toilet handle with a flushing sound to encourage your child while potty training. The clip-on splash guard and flip-up lid help boys in the potty training process, and the built in wipe dispenser is perfect for promoting good hygiene. A removable bowl makes clean-up easy. For children 18 months up to 50 pounds.

     

    Under $27 on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2skqM8L (White, but there's a pink version there too for a lot more money $46.00. (Prices as of 5/31/17)

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/sOLmHenBQyE

     

    Also from Summer Infant, the Pop N' Sit Portable Booster supports on-the-go lifestyles and makes feeding time easy with a removable, BPA-free tray, innovative pop and fold set-up, and over the shoulder carrying bag. With its lightweight design and compact fold, the Summer Infant Pop N' Sit Portable Booster is perfect for dining on-the-go or even in the patio with your little one. It includes straps which the company says turns a regular kitchen chair into a high chair. When your baby needs a place to eat, just pop it open. Bon appétit!

     

    Under $28 on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2qzRI4b

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/sOLmHenBQyE

    Friday
    Jun232017

    The "highest high chair" for baby. 

    (And perhaps, the highest price too.) We've covered many gadgets from a company called 4Moms. Turns out BloomBaby was founded by four dads. Their mission as I understand it, is to reinvent traditional baby gadgets have been functional, but not updated for modern times.

    At The NYC Baby Show I saw the impressive Bloom Fresco Chrome High Chair. The spokesperson said it is the world's highest baby chair. And by highest they were talking about tray height, which is 36". That means the baby's tray height will at the same level as a breakfast bar an adult might eat at sitting on a stool. There's a 3-position recline system; fully lie-flat newborn cradle, semi recline and upright seat. Easy up/down height adjustment allow baby to join the family at the dining table or the modern breakfast bar. So it should be usable starting from birth, all the way to school age (which they give as 8 years old). In cradle mode a newborn baby is up from the ground where parents and baby are able to experience all important eye-to-eye contact. Other features include a removable click-in/click-out aluminum safety bar designed for use in all 3 recline positions. A 5 point safety harness with padded shoulder straps & bloom smart buckle, childproof release. A super-sized, scratch resistant & anti-slip adjustable feeding tray & second smaller play tray made from FDA food grade plastic & stainless steel parts that are removable & dishwasher safe. A removable reinforced aluminum footrest with 3 adjustable height positions. But wait, there's more! Large, scratch free wheels concealed in base for easy movement. Minimum weight recommendation is 5 pounds and the maximum is 79 pounds. After reading all that you know this innovative high chair is not inexpensive. It ranges from about $450 to $850 with all the bells and whistles. But if you can use it for eight years, even the most expensive model is just a bit above a $100 a year.

    Lots of Fresco High Chairs on Amazon from about $480 & Up. Most require an additional seat back set (you pick the color) that adds $80 to $100 to the cost. http://amzn.to/2qF2Qg4   

     

    Giz Wiz Video: (Tech Glitch Makes Video End Abruptly, but fortunately it's just as the spokesperson describes the last feature of the high chair.) https://youtu.be/xQxGAEk-j04 

     

    Company website: http://www.bloombaby.com/