The Giz Wiz Show 1619 for April 21st 2017, Our 102nd Independent Production.

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, but we're almost at the end of its 2nd year of independent production. If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page: http://www.gizwiz.tv  You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you for doing that! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support.

And now onto this week's show. The Giz Wiz, who has never owned a car in this life, visits the New York International Auto Show.

Since I'm not planning on buying a car (probably ever - I live in the heart of New York City) I go to the International Auto Show looking for the unusual and inventive, and that's easy to find there. For example, I love the Concept Cars and we'll talk about and see video of two of them.

The Toyota says their FT-4X Concept is a Modern 4x4 Toolbox for the Most Intrepid Urbanites. With its long list of unique functionalities and compact design, the FT-4X is the seamless conduit of popular Casualcore – rather than hardcore – outings by anyone, anytime. As you'll see in the video, many devices are multi-functional, like domelights that popout and become flashlights. One of my favorites is the rear hatch, an engineering marvel they call Multi-Hatch, it opens horizontally in Urban Mode, and vertically in Outdoor Mode. Urban Mode splits the hatch in half and makes for easier curbside gear loading when clearance is limited. Outdoor Mode opens the one-piece hatch upward, creating an impromptu shelter from the elements. A satisfying mechanical touch is a rotating handle that users turn to select its opening mode. Also in this concept car, one of the panels holds cold items, and the other panel, hot items. Watch the video to see more of the features. Again, as a concept car, it may nver see the light of production. But components of this car could make it into future models.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/p2ZQMRzalfQ

Designing the Toyota FT-4X Concept: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXCYJgw6Efg

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1619  

Nissan goes to the dogs - in a fun way, with their concept car for pets.

The Nissan Rogue Dogue concept car, is a car fitted for your four-legged friend. Nissan says their Rogue Dogue is the "pawfect" Rogue project vehicle for Fido-friendly family travel. Built by Dennis McCarthy, car coordinator for the Fast & Furious films, the Rogue Dogue has special equipment that includes built-in food and water dishes, custom removable dog bed, harness clips, built-in poop bag dispenser, slide-out cargo area access ramp, 360-degree dog wash shower and an integrated dog-drying system. A survey of 400 dog owners shows 83 percent say it is just as important for their dog to be safe and comfortable in their vehicle as  other  passengers. 

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

Company website: https://www.nissanusa.com/

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1619  

Least Car-like Exhibit I Found At The Auto Show.

As you'll see in the video, Control4 was demonstrating their talents in controlling everything by using a totally revamped Airstream trailer. Here's a bit more from their website: Relax and entertain in a home that is more comfortable and inviting. Be eco-conscious with smart lighting, indoors and out. And be reassured—while at home or away—that things are safe and sound. With one touch, dim the lights, play music, turn up the heat, lock the doors and arm the security system. Or, have your house respond to your schedule and needs without touching anything at all. Get started in a home of any size, scale, or scope—from a brand new loft to a 100-year-old mansion. Begin with a few smart door locks, a remote to unify your family room entertainment, a thermostat, and smart lighting in just the rooms where it makes the most sense. Or automate it all—from top to bottom, indoors and out—with additional control of the pool, security cameras, and front gate. Wherever you wish to start, we've got you covered. -- and now back to me. So I'm not sure if being at the auto show was a good match for them. One of the folks at the show said it is the most attended Auto Show in the US, so maybe it was worth it to be there and let people learn their name and what they do.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/a5J4V7l-R1A

Company website: http://www.control4.com/  

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1619  

Chad's Crappy Corner & His Theme For April, 2017, "Magnetic Gadgets!"

Chad polled our amazing Patreon members and asked them to vote on a theme for April. Their choice: “Cheap Magnetic Gadgets!”

Chad's pick this week is (Endlessly titled on Amazon) BEST MAGNETIC USB CHARGING CABLE, Perfected 3rd Generation Cord by Spherecalls, 2 in 1 Micro and Mini 8 Pin, #1 Charge Cable to Suit iPhone and Android, Does Not Support Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge, Silver

Here's some of what Amazon says about it: Effortlessly connect your device for charging or data syncing. Use our magnetic charge cable to create absolute convenience when charging your device, our usb charge cord connection acts as a dust plug to protect your device from things such as pocket lint, the magnetic function has been designed to disconnect from your device when it is tripped over to prevent your device dropping off the table top, it also offers ease when connecting your device in the dark! Our Magnetic Charge cable comes standard with 1 Micro USB Connection and 1 Mini 8 Pin Connection. 1m in length. LED light to indicate connection to charger – Green when fully charged and Blue whilst charging. Allows for fast charging with an input of Max 2.4A

And Chad's take: Chad (and a lot of the folks in the chatroom, including me) like this magnetic device.) Although someone in the reviews claimed the magnetic power wasn't was very strong, Chad showed us how he could pick up his iPhone just using the cable. (For demo purposes, not recommended to do!) It's a breeze to charge your device once you insert the proper (iOS or microUSB dongle) into your phone. You get one of each, there is no choice to get 2 of one kind. Chad found two small drawbacks. The cables are on the short-side, 40” or 3.3 meters according to several reviewers. And although the company says the LED is blue while charging and green when charged, Chad found his LED was green all the time. Outside of that, all was good, and the price is pretty good too. $14.95. So far there is no USB-C option.

See your hear this show: http://www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1619

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

As you know, our weekly gadget segment is open to videos about almost any kind of gadget, old, new, favorite, crappy, etc.

Our letter this week comes from Laura T, who is legally blind. Laura share with us her favorite sleep gadget.

From Laura T    hi dick and chad

I hope this video is of acceptable quality for you to use I am legally blind and finding the camera to look at is sometimes hard for me while navigating the product --- you and chad make it look so easy

I love this product I didn't have time to review all the features

the link to my video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1rakrBICuo&feature=youtu.be

Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wEiYPKubg2s

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1619  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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My Favorite Gadget (favorite old, or favorite new): 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.

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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  

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Letter of the week:

From: Steve Overton -  Hi Dick & Chad,

I watched your last episode where you highlighted a gadget called Tapdo. It’s use case seemed elusive……but what about blind or sight impaired people.

I had a friend who was blind from birth. He was completely self sufficient but never got the hang of a smart phone.

With this gadget he could have maneuvered around his phone with ease….probably faster than I can and at $100 it would seem worth it.

Thanks for great shows and for finding great gadgets….and some crappy ones as well.   

Steve Overton