The Giz Wiz, Week of December 4th 2014, Show # 1496

This fun plush animals can talk, even in your own voice! 

Bluebee Pals are a new kind of interactive Bluetooth Enabled Plush Companion and Learning Tool animals. The five different Bluebee Pals can sing, read and answer phone calls. Advanced technology includes lip synchronization that allows the animal’s “mouth” to move while singing, reading storybooks or having fun with learning apps. Parents can call the kids and entertain them by using the Bluebee Pal as a wireless speakerphone! Connects to any Bluetooth enabled Apple or Android device. Rechargeable battery with USB micro-charge cable are included along with the Bluebee Pals Instructional Manual. Depending on promotions, prices range from $49.99 to about $59.99. I see them advertised at a lower price at ToysRUs than the $64.99 shown on the company website. 

www.bluebeepals.com

As of 12/4/14 I see the Bluebee Pals dog on sale for $49.95 with free shipping: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/favorite-characters/bluebee-pals-bluetooth-enabled-interactive-plush-10000-13-43449016 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1496 

A new kind of portable Bluetooth Speaker. Honest!

New from BenQ, famous in multimedia technology, is their treVolo electrostatic Bluetooth speaker. It’s the world's first portable Bluetooth speaker with electrostatic technology. Many music enthusiasts feel electrostatic technology delivers superior sound quality. But electrostatic speakers have been big and power hungry. Now, thanks to BenQ, that’s no longer true. The BenQ treVolo design, with its collapsible wings and bi-directional sound, captures an incredible range of sounds. Dual amplification and precision-tuned small woofers deliver clean, accurate lower notes that electrostatic speakers alone miss. I’m very impressed with the BenQ treVolo’s sleek metallic housing and powerful looks. The 12-hour battery life lets you take your music anywhere in style. And so you can stay in-touch while listening, an integrated noise-canceling microphone enables you to sound better than ever when you answer your phone through the system. It’s available in silver and in black now, starting December 2014. $299.00. There is a lot of information about this new electrostatic speaker system technology on the company website. 

Giz Wiz BenQ video: http://youtu.be/b9p0woP8Rgw 

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

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1496 

Ozobots - tiny robots with BIG brains!

What is Ozobot? Here, let Ozobot explain: (He doesn’t talk, but he types well!) 

Hi, I’m Ozobot - Your Game Piece with Brains. I provide kids and techies an expressive way to learn and play with robotics in a variety of social and interactive settings. I come to life when you create mazes, tracks and playgrounds on paper, game boards and digital screens. I also come with free downloadable apps and become your physical avatar for some truly one of a kind augmented reality games. I teach you code language, robotic behavior and deductive reasoning while effortlessly playing on multi-dimensional environments. Expand your imagination and gain skills for life through my ability to play creative, strategic and competitive games with you. --- (And now back to The Giz Wiz) – But wait there’s more! OzoGroove, the newest app, proves that robots can glide and dance with grace. No more “Robot” dance moves! Download the free App from Google Play or the iTunes Store and cue your favorite music. Then code Ozobot to perform a Waltz, do the Tango, or whatever you dream up! Over time users can master their skills and create uber cool moves within the app’s PRO editor option. $99 for a pack of two, or $49 for one Ozobot. And they’re small enough to stash in a purse or backpack (or pocket) for on-the-go fun. (But keep them away from the dog. They’re not that kind of toy!) 

Ozobot video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xFjTXQ8uho&list=TLNXL6S-is41I&index=2 

Company website: www.ozobot.com 

Here’s a link to the Ozobot color language codes.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1496 

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. 

Today's gadget goes back to drinking month, and it’s the Breville BTM800XL One-Touch Tea Maker. 
And here’s what Amazon says about it: The Breville One-Touch Tea Maker is a revolutionary tea experience. The fully automated tea basket moves down, then up, gently agitating the leaves to precisely infuse your tea. Push the basket button and watch the basket cycle in and out of immersion. Seeing is believing. Different teas such as Black, Green, White, and Oolong require exact water temperatures and controlled brew times to allow their unique flavors and aromas to develop during brewing. The One-Touch Tea Maker eliminates the guesswork so you can enjoy a perfect cup of tea, every time. Fully programmable for all types of tea, water temperatures, and steep times. Set the timer and wake up to the aroma of your favorite brew. And the price? Pour yourself a cup of tea before I mention it. Ready? $249.95!  

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BTM800XL-One-Touch-Tea-Maker/dp/B003LNOPSG As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

And Chad’s take?  Chad loved the way the One Touch Tea Maker made tea. He said he was the best cup of tea he ever had. But, unfortunately that pesky $250 price tag is getting in the way of him owning one. But at least he got to use one! 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1496 

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

This week’s Viewer Video is from Vanessa Greene. The gadget, Robosapian, she has is really neat. I have a later version which I too don’t want to get rid of it. 

And here’s the link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK4BijvjAxo&list=UUXmfiPUwjbKHZD2YKXpSpfQ 

Vanessa 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 her video. Don’t you think you should make a video for us too? Details below. 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1496 

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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 let’s go going! 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