The Giz Wiz Show 1618 for April14th 2017, Our 101th Independent Production.

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, but is heading toward 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 gadgets from Digital Focus, the Spring Pepcom Event that took place in New York City, on April 6^th, 2017.

We'll start with one of the strangest gadgets ever called Tapdo!

Tapdo is a way to turn your hand in to sort-of remote control. Here's how the company describes it: Tapdo is a smart button that lets you control technology with single-touch, personalized biometric interactions. Using a fingerprint sensor, Tapdo allows you to assign specific functions to different parts of your fingers, to control your music, dim your smart lights, and more. Powered by Bluetooth LE and equipped with vibration feedback for a seamless, intuitive user experience, And back to me. To my mind, you need one heck of a memory to use this fully. The company says you can control up to 23 functions on each hand by touching various part of the fingers and palms to the Tapdo. Seems like a lot to remember to me although you can help by selecting a finger for a device. Like choosing one finger to be your "music finger". Parts of the same finger can select songs and adjusting volume up/down. It's on Kickstarter now (4/13/17) and should be shipping final units in Fall, 2017. I was told at the show that the battery is not rechargeable, but it is replaceable and should power the Tapdo for about six months . The spokesperson at Digital Focus also said it will sell for about $108.00, which includes a belt clip and a wrist strap.

Demo Kickstarter Video: http://kck.st/2mA9eWy

Company website: http://www.tapdo.io/

Giz Wiz w/ more info about TapDo: https://youtu.be/d37o-leDXww 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1618  

Another different way to find lost items. Let a Pixie help you.

Unlike other Bluetooth tracking systems, the Pixie wireless tracker uses a mesh network to help you find your stuff. That means each tracker talks to any other trackers in the area to make searches faster. It also lets you use an augmented reality view to virtually see your missing things. Here are a few of the steps you'll need to do. (And right now there is only an iOS app.) Scan your location slowly while staying in place just like you are taking a panorama picture. Keep the shadowed arrow as close as possible to the solid one. If the red arrow appears you are going too fast. Immediately after the App locates the searched item, Augmented Reality (AR) mode is presented. Pixie finds the general location of your item. At the end of Panorama Scan, Turn right or Turn left message is displayed, to guide you to your item. Pixie Dust image shows you where the Pixiefied item is hiding. When you’re within 5 feet of your lost item, a series of beeps, similar to a metal detector, takes you right to it. You need at least two Pixie devices to start. Pixie 2 Pack + free iPhone case $49.99. One Pixie Point must be used on your phone. The 2nd goes on a device you want to be able to locate.   
 

Company website & video: https://getpixie.com/

How it works: https://getpixie.com/pages/how-it-works

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1618  

Do you ever get tired of screwing?

Okay, so that silly headline was just to get you to read this. But wait, this is interesting! The new WORX SD SemiAutomatic Driver tool is different from other drivers on the market. It features a six slot revolving chamber that rotates screw-driving bits in and out as you pump the handle.Shift from slotted to Phillips or square recess without ever touching the bit. How? Inside the tool’s body is a rotating circular cartridge that holds six 1-inch hex-shanked bits. Slide back the magazine (cover) to advance a bit into the chamber, release, and slide the cover forward and it’s ready to drive screws. Each bit is stored in the cartridge, so no more lost or missing bits. It comes with six of the most common bits, but since 1-inch hex-shanked bits are widely available, you can customize the cartridge to meet your own needs. It's powered by a 4V Lithiumion built-in battery, which can hold a charge for up to 18 months. But wait, there's more! There's a magnetic Screw Holder feature to easy hold a screw in place as you power drive it into your project. Plus there's an LED light to illuminate the work area, plus a forward/reverse rotation button. The 1.0 lb. tool has a ¼-in. chuck, a no-load speed of 230 rpm with a maximum torque of 27 in-lbs. This is designed for light to medium projects around the house, not for heavy-duty projects. MSRP: X255L, $34.99

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/9jzVYcpqKJk

Company Website: http://www.worx.com/

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1618  

Chad's Crappy Corner & His New 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!”

It's Chad birthday, April 15^th, and he and his family are going camping. So for this week's magnetic gadgets Chad picked two that are useful on camping trips.

I didn't know this, did you? That bears don't like the sound of a bell? And that you can keep them away, just by ringing one? So Chad's first magnetic gadget this week is the Bear Bell with Silencer. It attaches to clothing or your backpack with a Velcro strap. But when you're not in bear territory, you don't want that constant noise. So it comes with a magnetic bag. When you put the bell in the bag, a magnet eliminates any noise, by holding the 'ringer' in place. Without the bag, any movements, like walking, will cause a steady ringing to warn animals of your presence. Chad paid $3.95 for his at REI. I'll guess we'll have to wait for Chad to return from his camping trip to hear what he thought of this device. I'm hoping doesn't have to have a close bear encounter to test it!

Here's the one Chad bought at Rei:

https://www.rei.com/product/721998/coghlans-bear-bell-with-magnetic-silencer

This looks like the same bell at Amazon: 2 Pack Bear Bells: $7.88 with free shipping, but not Amazon Prime. http://amzn.to/2p1WDNZ

Chad's second magnetic gadget is also from REI. It's the Outside Inside Magnetic Chess Game. Here's whas REI says about it? Need entertainment on a road trip, long flight or in camp? Pull out the Magnetic Chess Game from Outside Inside. It's classic fun for 2 players ages 8 and up. Plastic folding board and pieces come in a polyester-and-mesh carry bag with carabiner. Magnetic pieces stay put even when played on uneven or jostled surfaces

Folded board measures 6.5 x 3.25 x 1 in. $11.95.

Chad's thoughts: Chad liked this. Watch the video and you see that even when Chad turns the board almost upside down, the chess pieces stay in place. It's compact, but Chad said the playing board does weigh a bit and might be a deterrent if you want the lightest load possible when you go camping.

https://www.rei.com/product/871860/outside-inside-magnetic-chess-game

See or hear this show: http://www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1618 

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse - and how to submit your video!

This week's viewer video is from a younger viewer, and we're thrilled we have such a broad age group among fans of the show.

Apr 11, 2017

My dad filmed this for me and I wanted to tell you about one of my favorite gadgets. It is only 55 seconds long. I hope that is long enough. If not let me know and I will record it longer.

https://youtu.be/UQci_EnNnok

Thank you  

Jayden Hiner

This is Jayden's dad. My name is Jeff Hiner. Her birthday is today (4/12/17). She actually turns 12 today. If you use her video please tell her happy birthday. She would absolutely love it. Thanks Jeff

See your hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1618  

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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:

Hi Dick & Chad

I saw this, & was very disturbed by it, it looks like many of my outlet adapters that I have. I will now be taking a second look, if I see one of theses in a hotel room, or any home I visit. If I do see one of these devices, I will play it safe. 

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1304577-REG/mgi_minigadgets_inc_bbwifioutlet_outlet_adapter_camera.html

Mo (Moses)