The Giz Wiz, Week of December 10th 2014, Show # 1497

Here something very different to hang on the holiday tree.

It’s the AR Jingle Balls Wireless Ornament Bluetooth Speaker. Yes, this year you can trim the tree with your favorite music via the Jingle Balls ornament Bluetooth speaker. Hang this decorative rechargeable speaker on your tree, in the house, in your car or at the office and play music directly from your Bluetooth enabled smartphone or tablet. It's from AR, world famous for their speakers. Any one who hears the Jingle Ball is really impressed with the quality and volume of the sound, especially from such a small speaker. It's available in silver, gold, or red. I think the red is the best looking. You can expect about 4 hours of playtime from the integrated rechargeable battery. The Jingle Ball includes the ornament speaker and a Micro USB charging cable. AR says it’s available at your local Lowe's store for $19.99. It’s already out of stock on the AR website, but in case it’s back in stock, here’s their website: 

NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

No Bluetooth? No Problem!

The Kinivo ZX100 Mini Portable Speaker offers BIG sound for its small size. It fits into a coat pocket, purse, backpack, etc. The compact design provides maximum portability while the expandable bass resonator allows for better low frequency (bass) output. The built in audio cable is perfect for any devices that don’t offer Bluetooth, (actually any device with a 3.5mm headphone jack), and it ensures you don’t lose it, or forget to bring it. The Kinivo ZX100's unique design offers 360-degree sound and the ability to daisy chain multiple ZX100 speakers together to improve the audio experience. The rechargeable battery has a 2-hour quick charge and offers 6 to 10 hours of playback. It’s available in 9 different colors, and is on Amazon for under $20. The lowest price I could find on Amazon on 12/8/14 was $18.99 and it's Amazon Prime, so free shipping if you're a Prime Member. Be aware, Amazon prices change often.

Giz Wiz Video of these two speakers: http://youtu.be/pQAevv6Lc14

see or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1497  

A Unique New Sleep Machine frome Brookstone

It also has one of the longest names I ever heard: Brookstone Tranquil Moments Bedside Sleep Sound Machine and Bluetooth Speaker. 

This sound machine has a few features not found in others. According to Brookstone, their bedside sleep machine features a series of doctor developed sleep sounds. Here’s how they describe it: “Backed by more than 25 years of clinical research, Tranquil Moments sound programs are based on the DELTA, ALPHA and THETA brainwave patterns associated with deep states of sleep, relaxation and renewal. When we listen to these sounds, our brains gradually try to match their rhythms, just as we unconsciously adopt the rhythm or tune of a song on the radio. When this happens, our minds are coaxed into the deep, restorative states of sleep and relaxation that are essential for us to perform at our best throughout the day.” Then Brookstone adds another feature they call Exclusive Sleep Enhancement. “Based on scientific research proving that a gradual slowing of sounds helps promote better sleep, our Exclusive Sleep Enhancement pacing gently tapers off over a 30-minute period. You can also select from continuous-play mode or 30-, 60- and 90-minute sleep timers. Perfect for dialing in the kind of restful sleep you need. Just press the Zzzz Button to take advantage of this exclusive Sleep Enhancement mode.” There’s a convenient twist dial near the top of the machine that lets you choose from12 digital sound programs. The program you select lights up so you choose one in the dark. Then the soft black light fades out. The sound plays and the sleep machine gradually slows playback over 30 minutes to lull you to sleep. You can select continuous play or 30-, 60- or 90-minutes with the sleep timer. But wait, there’s more! The device has a wireless Bluetooth speaker. So when you’re not sleeping you can play your own music, audio books, etc. through it. There’s also a headphone jack and 3.5mm aux-in jack. You can charge the rechargeable Li-Ion battery via the included USB charging cable, or AC wall adapter. A travel pouch is also included. $129.99. (As this written on 12/10/14, Brookstone was offering $25 off most purchases of $99 or more. Check their the website to see the details.) 

http://www.brookstone.com/tranquil-moments-bedside-speaker-and-sleep-sounds?bkiid=SearchResults%7CCategoryProductList%7C865623p

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1497

Three under $11 gadgets that make great stocking stuffers.

The Eggheads LED Wobble Nightlight is a very small and handy light. This versatile LED light won't tip over and is activated by a simple tap or a shake. Need to get out of bed late at night. Keep one of these on the nightstand. Just tap it, and it goes on, carry it to the bathroom or any place you have to go. In case you forget to tap it or shake it so goes off, an auto-timer will shut it off after about six minutes. The super bright LED bulbs last for more than 100,000 hours. It’s available in colors and is $7.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond. We may already set off a run on this neat little light because it’s now showing “out of stock online”. 

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/  

The QuikStand from Nite-ize was designed to eliminate the use of assorted books, coffee mugs, and cereal boxes we use to try to prop up our smartphones and tablets. It’s made with sleek brushed aluminum and sturdy, yet flexible polypropylene. The QuikStand is the size of a credit card and be easily carried in your wallet. But when it’s in use, it can be adjusted to different angles to hold your device securely in either portrait or landscape orientation. The company says it fits smartphones and tablets up to 7" with or without cases. The QuikStand is great for travel. I first used on my flight back from CES in Las Vegas to NYC. I placed it on my snack tray and watched movies I had recorded on my Galaxy S4. It worked perfectly. And it’s priced under $11. Company website:  

http://www.niteize.com/product/QuikStand.asp

The Nest is a very clever solution to the problem of tangled and damaged earbud-style headphones. Storing earbuds inside The Nest takes only a few seconds and leaves the earbuds and cable completely protected. The earbuds can then be instantly removed, safe and tangle-free, with a single pull. Another feature is that The Nest is small and flexible so that it fits easily and comfortably inside a pocket, purse, gym bag, etc. It’s made from a single piece of high-quality silicone that’s washable, highly durable, and feels great to the touch. And it’s now available in three colors for about $10.00. 

Giz Wiz Video Demo of these 3 products: http://youtu.be/AP4kuGmUz_4

The Nest at Amazon: Digital Innovations The Nest Earbud Case - Retail Packaging - Blue As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1497

Chad's Crappy Corner!

Chad's theme for December is "Themes Revisited". He'll be revisiting earlier themes and showing off some gadgets he and Giz Wiz Producer Jeff Needles didn't find in time.

From the “things that light up” theme of the past, today's gadget is the Philips 452714 9W (60-Watt) A19 Hue Lux Connected Home LED Starter Kit. Here’s what Amazon says about it: Frustration Free. Philips Hue is your personal wireless lighting. It enables you to create and control light using your smartphone or tablet, bringing endless possibilities to help you get creative and help you personalize your lighting to suit your and your family's lifestyle. Hue Lux bulbs brings a dimmable, beautiful, warm white light into your home. To add a splash of color, add any combination of Hue and Friends of Hue lamps to your bridge. A Hue bridge is required, and the Hue Lux single pack can be used in addition to any of the Hue or Friends of Hue starter kits.  

And Chad’s take?  Chad likes the Phlips Hue system a lot. He said it’s very versatile with a great app. You can control lights across the whole house from the front porch or even from another state or country. This lower priced system includes white only bulbs, which helped keep the price down. Chad showed us how they respond instantly to the app, not like other systems that have a long delay. All in all Chad the system was “neat”, but bit on the pricey side. The bulbs should last about 25,000 hours or 22 years however. The starter pack includes the Hue bridge and two Lux A19 light bulbs. 

http://www.amazon.com/Philips-452714-60-Watt-Connected-Frustration/dp/B00ME9CDQE As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1497

Dick's Gadget Warehouse. And how to submit your video to the show.

A video submission usually starts with an email, often a short one, like this:

Hello Dick, 

I have a short video describing my favorite gadget.

Here's the link to my youtube video: 

http://youtu.be/fn0w4AG5N5I

Thanks, Paul

If your video is shown, you will get an autographed copy of  MAD Magazine and a 35 year old Alfred E. Neuman picture, plus a piece of crap from the TwiT Brickhouse all because we showed your video. Don’t you think you should make a video for us too? Details below.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1497  

                                     +++++++++++ 

We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. 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 our producer, Jeff Needles, 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 will now be awarded with some sort of prize. Like an autographed MAD magazine and some piece of crap. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! 

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv  

Letter of the week:

Jeffrey Nehlsen (Capt_J in chatroom)
Subject: shark tank
 
I am just curious if you caught last night's (12/05/14) Shark Tank? The last gentleman looking for "$hark $upport" was representing a one serve glass of wine I have seen a couple of times in your hands on The Giz Wiz program called Zips? Most of the $harks bowed out with some kind of insult about the product or valuation of the said product. But Mr. Wonderful stepped in and made a offer which Zips took. You Tube has a short clip on it, but maybe in a couple of days a longer clip will surface if u would like to mention on The Giz Wiz?
My boyfriend and I watch you and Chad every week. We'd like to see a bare chest episode, is one in the works?

http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/video/VDKA0_rxawgzff
Jeffrey Nehlsen