The Giz Wiz, Week of August 13, 2013, Netcast 1429

Ah, yes, it’s time for another one of those "As seen on TV" gadgets.

This one is called Neck Magic Air Cushion in case you never got to see the late night commercials. Even though it’s a “as seen on TV” product, I got mine on Amazon. Neck Magic Air Cushion is supposed to relieve stiffness in your neck, head and shoulders. It works by using a strange device that goes around your neck, which you inflate with air. It smells awful, because of the rubber-type material it's made from, but the instructions say the smell will evidentially go away. I tried it, as you’ll see in the video. It did inflate and extend fairly easily when pumped, but not having a neck ache, I couldn't judge if it would reduce pain. It did induce pain when I pumped too much air into my Neck Magic Air Cushion. I strongly advise  stopping the pumping action before you feel a lot of pressure on your neck. As you'll see the video, I couldn't talk before I released the air from the device. As you can imagine for $11.00 or so, you can’t expect much. Reviews on Amazon ranged from “this works” to “this is a total waste of money”. Out of 5 stars, it earned 2.5 stars from about 71 reviews. Here’s a bit more info from Amazon: An even, gentle stretch to help relieve neck, head and shoulder stiffness and stress! It can battle tight muscles, neck discomfort, tension headaches and more. Easy-to-use inflation bulb. 5 air chambers inflate up to 5 1/2" for a relaxing stretch. Adjusts to fit, approx. 9" diameter. It’s $10.95 at the link below and I have Amazon Prime, so I got mine into two days with free shipping. 

Giz Wiz Neck Magic Video: http://youtu.be/48gDLMyEFf0  

See or hear this show: http://twit.tv/giz1429

First Alert Redesigns Smoke Detectors. (It's about time someone did!)

First Alert has an interesting idea. Pretty much no one has redesigned smoke detectors since they came on the market. So First Alert did exactly that with two new units that are making their way into the marketplace. The First Alert PC900V is a combination photoelectric smoke and carbon monoxide alarm with voice warnings. It provides two kinds of protection, and features a new sleek design. It’s thin, square and less than an inch thick, which is about half the size of a standard alarm. The PC900V two alarm systems work independently to detect both evidence of fire and carbon monoxide (CO). First Alert says their new, patented smoke entry system allows a direct smoke path to the photoelectric sensor to detect regular and slow, smoldering fires. And that their First Alert Nuisance Free Technology will reduce false alarms that result from cooking and shower steam. This combination alarm includes power LED and alarm indicator, end of life signal and mute and silence button so you can test your alarm regularly. The voice and location alert feature announces smoke or CO danger and provides the room location where it was detected. (You select the room on set-up from the menu of 12 choices, including “no choice”.) Installation is simple via an easy slide-in mounting bracket for wall or ceiling. Powered by 2 "AA" batteries, which are included. It’s under $50 and it available at Lowes and at some online retailers. It’s also on line at Amazon for under $36 here: 

First Alert Website: www.firstalert.com

There’s also a super small First Alert Smoke & Fire Alarm. It’s called the Atom. Weighing in at less than two ounces, the Atom is the company’s smallest alarm, about the size of votive candle.  For added design appeal, the Atom will be available in a number of finishes – such as wood grain, stainless steel and bronze shortly. Right now it’s available in white. In addition to its sleek design, First Alert says the Atom features revolutionary micro technology with an advanced smoke entry system for fewer false alarms, and a loud, penetrating siren to reach the whole home. The alarm’s accompanying long-life battery ensures continued protection for an extended period. It retails for Under $25. 

First Alert Website: www.firstalert.com

Amazon - $23 here + S&H. (Not available on Amazon Prime.) 

http://amazon.com/dp/B00BOSQHXQ/?tag=twnene-20        

See or hear this show: http://twit.tv/giz1429 (Goes live late 8/13/13)

"I Invented This" Viewer's Video - plus how to submit your video.

Viewer’s Video of the Week.  This week it’s an “I invented this” video. Read how to submit your video below. It always starts with an email like this one: 

Hey Dick and Leo, I'm a great fan of your work! 

I made a little video of a portable Ultrabook charger you might enjoy.

I hope you find it interesting, which includes a link to get the parts online.

 Best regards, Gilles Labelle 

YouTube video link: http://youtu.be/rspBdk2eAPw

See or hear this show: http://twit.tv/giz1429 (Goes live late 8/13/13)

                                                         +++++ 

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show.

Here's what we're looking for: Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - in the 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. 

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 something you just bought too. 

Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jason, the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long, 4 MAX! Low production value is fine. Even welcomed! That way our stuff doesn't look bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it. 

NEW! NEW! NEW! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. It's Leo's way to get rid of all the "crap from Sky Mall" he's collected. So there's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! 

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv

Time For Leo's Crap! (But it might be good too.)

Leo’s gadget of the week is very far from being crap. Turns out it’s an awesome robotic device from Double Robotics! It’s sort of your “personal double” that you operate over the Internet. Here’s some info from the company website: Double arrives fully functional as soon as you open the box - just insert your iPad. Touch the power switch to activate Double's self-balancing sensors, keeping itself upright. At only 15 pounds (7kg), it's easy to move by hand and won't damage furniture. Setting up Double on your iPad is as easy as downloading an app. The same app is used for the driver's iPad and the robot's iPad. Once you create an account, your driver's iPad will display all of your Doubles anywhere in the world from one screen. Connect to Double by tapping its icon, which will initiate an interactive video call. During the call, touch simple buttons to engage the driving controls. Additional controls adjust your height remotely, park yourself with the kickstands, and more. You can drive from an iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, or desktop web browser. And now back to me! As you might guess, this much technology is not cheap. Double is $2499.00 and the company needs 8 to 10 weeks to deliver one. And of course you need to have your own iPod and a device to control it over the Internet. Leo did a great demo driving the Double on The Giz Wiz, so you should definitely watch the video version. 

http://www.doublerobotics.com/ 

See or hear this show: http://twit.tv/giz1429 (Goes live late 8/13/13)

Back to Dick's Gadget Warehouse! Do you have a slotRadio? I found a slotRadio micro SD card.

This is one of those devices that was featured as a ‘brand new gadget’ four years ago. But now, it’s Dick’s Gadget Warehouse fare. slotRadio was a music format delivered on a micro SD memory card. You didn’t record music on it. It came preloaded. slotRadio gave you access to a large library of music at a fairly low price. Here’s a look at some of what I wrote four year’s ago this month, August. Those slotRadio micro SD cards are ridiculously small, so don't lose one! One 1,000 song slotRadio card (about 50 hours of music) costs $40. Right now there’s a small selection, but SanDisk says more albums are on the way. Categories include Rock, Hip-Hop, Country, 80s/90s music, etc. Something else you should know. SlotRadio cards have their own proprietary digital rights management system, which means you can’t copy them. If you lose the slotRadio music card, you won’t have a back up. But again, look at the per-song cost. 1,000 songs $40 – that’s 4 cents a song! Other things to be aware of. You can’t go back to repeat a song. You have to wait until it comes around again 999 songs later! You can however, skip forward. The title shows on the player’s screen, along with the title of the next song in the cue. but unlike individual MP3s that are purchased, the playlist is predetermined and the user has only the ability to skip songs forward. And finally, something that helped kill the format was that the music format was only compatible with the SanDisk Sansa music players. SanDisk debuted the first slotRadio player and card at CES 2009. And posted the slotRadio EOL (End Of Life) notice that SanDisk stopped offering slotRadio cards on March 31, 2012. So it had about a 3-year life span, equal to maybe 20 in gadget years. 

See or hear this show: http://twit.tv/giz1429 (Goes live late 8/13/13)

Video Letter of the Week:

Hello again Dick and Leo,

I'm sending you this letter so everyone can see exactly what kind of crap shows up in the TWiT box of crap.

Maybe after people see this, more videos will come poring in. This video is the live unboxing of my box of crap and also features what used to be my favorite gadget.  I know I won't get another box for this video, but being on TWiT is payment enough. Keep up the great low-quality work and I'll be here...(watching)  ;-)

Joey & Cocoa

Link to video:  http://youtu.be/QhC2K66FAIw