Top
About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

Search Giz Wiz Biz
  • Contact Me

    This form will allow you to send a secure email to the owner of this page. Your email address is not logged by this system, but will be attached to the message that is forwarded from this page.
  • Your Name *
  • Your Email *
  • Subject *
  • Message *

Attention: Starting October 1, 2022

If you're using 

www.gizwizbiz.squarespace.com 

please start using:

www.gizwiz.me or www.gizwiz.biz

This site will no longer update as of October 1, 2022.  

   Gadgets I showed on WORLD NEWS NOW are here the new site:            

  https://www.gizwiz.me/world-news-now


(This site uses a very old Squarespace format that has become too unstable. Google has also marked this site: "Not Mobile Friendly". The new site meets Google's mobile standards.)  

Entries from December 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021

Saturday
Dec252021

Show #1863 Week of December 23rd 2021 Independent Show 340 

 Can it be?? We're in year 16 of The Giz Wiz Show! (The first Giz Wiz Show – called The Daily Giz Wiz back then – was February 20th 2006!) If it wasn't for our loyal supporters, the Giz Wiz Show would be gone. 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/

Just when I thought there was no coffee maker type left for me to try, I find a new one!

 

It's the Versa Reverse Travel French Press. This coffee maker tries to turn the world of coffee making upside down. Well, at least this Versa Travel French press features does that with a patented brewing system that Pulls your Grounds out rather than pushing them down. They say that remove your coffee grounds lets your coffee stay fresh without going bitter over time. The brewer converts into an insulated thermal travel mug with a locking spill proof lid. The process is a bit strange, so be sure to watch this week's show as I make 'upside down' French Press coffee. The result was actually very good, producing strong, hot coffee. Once you set the pot up with your favorite coffee and a cup of boiling water, the brewing time is 4 minutes. The company says the entire unit is 100% dishwasher safe. The Versa was on Amazon, but now the listing says: “Not available”. It is at Walmart, but the best price seems to a sale at Until Gone, for $16.00. I bought mine at Until Gone, but paid $25.00. MSRP is $39.99.  

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Oepth1Eizk0

 

UntilGone is closing them out cheap!! https://untilgone.com/products/versa-travel-french-press.html

 

I buy a lot of stuff there & they send me this link. If you order spend $30+ there this should get you 10% off: https://prz.io/AXg1PepsE (And I believe I get some points toward free shipping.)

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1863 

Saturday
Dec252021

A Wireless Mic For Smart Phone That Doesn't Need An App or Bluetooth.

It's a brand I never heard of, the GeViaHo Wireless Lavalier Lapel Microphone. But this looked very interesting and was a 'deal of the day', so I bought one. Here's a bit of info from the company. Plug-Play Wireless Lavalier Microphone with Intelligent Noise Reduction, Type-C Wireless Microphone. No App & Bluetooth Needed. Only Compatible With USB-C. (But there is an iOS version.) Lavalier Microphone has Built-in a Third-Generation Dsp Intelligent Noise Reduction Chip with Strong Anti-Interference Ability. Can Record Continuously For More Than 8 Hours On a Single Charge. You can charge while using, and it can charge your phone at the same time.

From the Giz Wiz. This system pairs really fast. I like there's no app needed and you don't have to search for anything on your phone. They just pair automatically when turned on. The USB-C receiver is powered by the phone, but cleverly has a USB-C input in case your phone needs to be charged while recording. You can charge it right through the receiver. The microphone sounds very decent, especially for its price. I also like that it will shut off automatically after about 3 minutes when it senses that the receiver is off. Range is said to be about up to 50 to 60 feet depending on what is standing between the mic and receiver. I was disappointed in the volume playback which was much lower than using the phone mic. But that's pretty easy to correct in playback. This will be convenient shooting videos with an external mic, without needing a mic cable.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/3OIESkLDUEA

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/32oMgsU 

 

Similar 1 for iPhone - I haven't tried this 1: https://amzn.to/3JfQCTH 

 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

 

ScooterX in our chatroom found this & others for a lot less on Aliexpress. If you're not in a hurry for delivery, which is usually a month or so from China, search for "2.4G wireless mic" there.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1863

Saturday
Dec252021

A Way To Carry Hand Sanitzier On Your Wrist. 

I'm not sure how many people would be interested in wearing the Adjustable Refillable Hand Sanitizer Wristband. If you're a germophobe, you'll probably love it. Kids will probably love it too. It's a way to never forget your sanitizer when you go outside. Here's a bit of info from online: This hand sanitizer bracelet comfortably fits your wrist and will remind you to sanitize your hands regularly without the hassle of lugging around bulky bottles. Strap it around your wrist and dispense a small amount of hand sanitizer gel when you need it. Fill it up in the morning and use it all day long! Holds 16 ml of any gel.

From the Giz Wiz: I expected it to leak, but it didn't. I found it a bit cumbersome to fasten the band and I'm not sure how secure it will be. I think I found a better “snap band” choice on Amazon, but I haven't tried that one.

Here are the ones I bought at Until Gone: https://untilgone.com/products/adjustable-refillable-hand-sanitizer-wristband-4-pack.html I paid $12.99 for 4 + some shipping.

I have no arrangement with Until Gone, but if you spend $30 or more this should give you 10% off & some points for me toward free shipping: https://prz.io/AXg1PepsE

A branded version on Amazon but $5.99 for one:

https://amzn.to/3JdYdlX

 Solves the problem of putting them on – slap wristbands: https://amzn.to/3Hb60PA 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1863

Saturday
Dec252021

For his December theme Chad polled our loyal Patreons and they picked “Cheap Stocking Stuffers”. 

Chad's final cheap stocking stuffer is the Nitecore Tini 2 flashlight.

This flashlight is really unique. The whole Amazon name is: Nitecore TINI 2 Black 500 Lumen USB-C Rechargeable Keychain Flashlight with LumenTac Keychain Light. Here's some info on it: The Tini 2 gives off an impressive 500 lumens, reaching 97 yards. Weighing less than 1oz and smaller than a car key, Tini 2 is perfect addition on a keychain. The new TINI 2 comes with a built-in battery is USB-C fast rechargeable. From the Giz Wiz: Something I've seen on a flashlight is an OLED DISPLAY. The screen shows real-time information like brightness level, mode, lumen, battery voltage, and the remaining run time for each setting. There's a dual switch for power on/off and adjusting the brightness. It goes down to 1 lumen and as high as 500.

 

And Chad's take: Chad like this. So did I and a lot of people in the chatroom. It's really small & unique. And of course Chad loves that if has USB-C charging. Just be aware the the type-C charging cable is not included, but you probably already have one.  Be sure to watch this week's show to see Chad's complete demo on how that clever OLED display works. MSRP: $39.99.

 

I guess because of gift giving this is not available on Amazon right now, nor at the company store. So I guess a Google search will bring one up.

 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/33Z45iL 

 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1863 

Saturday
Dec252021

Dick’s Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To Win An Autographed Copy of MAD Magazine.

Our gadget warehouse video this week is from a loyal fan and frequent contributor, Jeffrey Slomovitz and his son Adam.

Jeff 'svideo is about the Bluetooth version of the famous and popular Fisher Price Chatter Phone. Unlike the toy version for kids, this one is designed for older people to help bring back those memories of being a kid. Along with memories, this tech version has the ability to let you make and receive real phone calls via Bluetooth to your smart phone using the Chatter Phone dial and handset. MSRP: $59.99.

Jeff emails us: Hello Gentlemen,

 

Yes, it actually came just in time for the holidays, we spoke about this product on a previous show during the “letter” segment. It brings back childhood memories. I would say Bluetooth technology has definitely come full circle. Enjoy the video!!! Happy Chatting!!!

 

Jeffrey and Adam Slomovitz

 

https://youtu.be/dgd9HD5MiIQ

 

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/fisher-price-chatter-telephone-with-bluetooth/6470479.p?skuId=6470479

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1863

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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 (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.
-
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 earn a tiny amount of fame (hopefully). And if you live in the US, you'll also get an autographed 38+ year old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live outside of US, I can autograph an Alfred E. Neuman photo to you, scan it & email you a high res copy if we show your video. Just print it out, frame it, or just hang it up and no one will know it's a copy. We've tested it out and fans say they look terrific! If you submitting warehouse videos for a second, third time, etc., you'll get the current issue of MAD as a thank you.

 

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv 

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

Email of the week!

 

Our most loyal Giz Wiz fan Mo, says he thinks he found my next boat!

 

Hey guys

 

Look, Dicks next boat: https://roboat.org/?utm_source=thisiswhyimbroke.com&utm_medium=referral

Mo