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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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Entries from April 1, 2016 - April 30, 2016

Monday
Apr252016

Giz Wiz #1568 April 29th, 2016 - 52nd Independent Produced Giz Wiz Show!! Our One Year Anniversary!  

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues - but with this show -- celebrates a full year of independent production!

This is our 52st self-produced Giz Wiz Show! If you'd like to support OMGChad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves) just click the Patreon link at the top of this page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/   You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support.   

Tech Day at the Pier. This was the first year I attended Tech Day. It's all about startups and I thought I'd check it out. I did find 3 startups that were interesting enough to do a show about.

 

The first start-up I came across is a new company called Orbii. The idea behind the product is interesting. Instead of having to install security cameras in every room of your house, or every part of your business, how about using a mobile camera inside a ball. That way you can drive it through your home via WiFi from anywhere you are, using your smart phone. Here's more info from the Orbii website: Orbii is able to protect your home with only one unit, because it is the only system that is mobile and can freely move from room to room, giving you audio and visual access to every part of your home with single smart home device. Many DIY and traditional home monitoring camera systems are static, with limited viewing angle in one direction. These outdated monitoring systems only focus on the perimeter of your home, and fail to give you meaningful information about what’s actually happening in other rooms or other part of your home. Orbii’s simple, smart home monitoring solution goes way beyond the perimeter. It lets you see and hear what’s happening using 360 Pan/Tilt and drivable HD camera, It can also stream high-quality audio, temperature, humidity, and gas readings(Air Quality) readings from inside home. With Orbii, you have all the information you need to choose the right response, whether it’s calling the authorities or sounding the alarm. Price will be around $300, but they'll be deals when it goes on Indiegogo May, 2016.

 

http://www.myorbii.com/

 

Gizwiz video: https://youtu.be/s0y39ednyQo

 

Company video: https://vimeo.com/143332342

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1568

Monday
Apr252016

An action camera with a built-in 'black box'.

The Fusar Helmet Cam - The world's first first technology ecosystem for action sports. Turn ANY helmet into a smart helmet! 

The company says their hardware provides a full action camera, activity tracking, communication, navigation, music playback, black box, and emergency alert capabilities. Use our handlebar or wrist-mounted remote control to interact with FUSAR app when you're on the go. No more stopping what you are doing to pull your phone out. You can start/stop tracking new rides, drop a pin to save a location, snap a photo or record a video, control your music playback, or answer/ignore/end a phone call - all at the touch of a button! You can equip your favorite helmet with an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope, microphone, speakers, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, and GPS. 

 

From the Fusar website: Price as of 4/25/16 -- $349 USD + Shipping for Mohawk (camera) + BRC. Save 30% off the $499 MSRP! Perfect if you already have your own Bluetooth headset (our system is compatible with any 3rd party headset) or if you're only interested in the photo/video, activity tracking, and safety features. Estimated delivery: August 2016. Ships Worldwide.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/gxaft-MTwtQ

 

Company Video: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fusar-makes-any-helmet-smart#/

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1568

Monday
Apr252016

A start-up has a new way to make sure your electronics stayed charged.

A little like 'Citibike', but renting power for your gadgets instead. That's the way the guys at Hoplite described their service for me at Tech Day. Here's a bit more from their website, but keep in mind the service is not up and running yet. The first test will be this summer in Greenwich Village, New York City, where they expect to have 25 to 50 Hoplite hub stations available. Now, more info from the company: Whether you’re snapping photos, getting directions, or texting your friends, your phone keeps you connected to the world. When it dies, so does that connection. But luckily, you’ll never be more than a few blocks from the closest Hoplite Hub. Don’t let a low battery hold you back. Just rent, recharge, and return. From bars and restaurants to music venues and department stores. Pinpoint a Hub using the Hoplite app or spot our logo in our partners’ storefronts. Then grab a Hoplite and go. Our automated Hubs dispense fully-charged Hoplites suitable for most iOS, Android, BlackBerry, and Windows devices. (Charging cables are built into the device.) Getting started is as easy as swiping your card, grabbing your Hoplite, and going about your day. Either pay per use or become a monthly member. Use a credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Wallet—you don’t need to download the app to pay! When you're charged up simply drop off your Hoplite at any nearby Hub. – And now back to me. I asked about pricing and they said it would be $1.99 for a 24 hour rental. If you don't return the unit, you got socked with a $50 fee, so be sure you return it in 24 hours or less. They'll be other pay plans too. Check their website for the latest info. 

http://www.hoplitepower.com/

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1568

Monday
Apr252016

Chad's Crappy Corner and a not so cheap 'cheap gag gadget', his theme for April.

April's theme for Chad's Crappy Corner is 'cheap practical joke gadgets'. On this show, which is the last one for April, Chad shows The Advanced Pack Practical Joke Prank and Gag Gift Set! It's not so cheap but it seems to include a LOT of prank gizmos.

Here's what Amazon says about it: The Advanced Practical Joke Kit includes a whopping 26 total items - everything your prankster needs! Also includes one prank ketchup or mustard bottle.. we will choose for you and colors will vary. Kit is Cigarette and Cigar Free - NO smoking, cigarette or cigar pranks included! 

 

http://amzn.to/1WVFn60 As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1568

Monday
Apr252016

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video.

The link to our viewer video of the week arrived with this email:

Hi guys, I made a quick little video to show you what came in my box when I ordered from iTechDeal.com.  It is a bit different than yours, and I figured you could use another video.  Hopefully I can find them time to make a few gadget warehouse videos in the near future as well.  Keep up the “good” work!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxH6snWaOo4&feature=youtu.be

 

Scott Napier, Hagerstown, MD

 

Proud GizWiz Patreon Supporter

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1568

 

We’re looking for more Viewer Videos!

 

We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so here's what we're looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:

 

I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.

-

I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.

-

My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.

-

My Favorite Gadget of All Time: Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.

-

Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.)

 

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv

 

***************

 

Letter of the week:

 

Re: Vibe BT Receiver

 

My apologies. Don't know the full context but gather the Vibe was discussion of cheap gadgets but thought I'd chime in.

 

I have bought a couple of theses and think Anker is much better with female connection in regards to plug failure and easier replacement, standard micro USB charging port and TX as well as RX. I see some a little cheaper but in my experience Anker has been rock solid with every product I've purchased thus far.

 

http://amzn.to/1STCsLu

 

Great show, my 2¢

 

Atsila Ayasgi