Giz Wiz Show #1559 for Feb 26th, 2016 - our 43nd Independently Produced Giz Wiz Show

Hooray!! On February 20, 2016 The Giz Fiz reached its 10th Anniversary!! The first podcast was 2/20/06.

And thanks to our wonderful and loyal Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show continues in 2016!

If you'd like to support OMGChad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves) just click the Patreon link at the top of this link: http://www.gizwiz.tv/. You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support.

This week we continue with things you can build and create that we found at Toy Fair 2016!

Lionel Takes A New Look At Track With Their Latest Toy.

Lionel is expanding beyond model trains with the introduction of Mega Tracks, a revolutionary rail system where kids can use their imagination to design and build their own race courses! Utilizing a new clamp and construction system, kids can build anywhere, including on the floor, attached to furniture, or even handheld to create one-of-a-kind race courses. In addition to building their own track, kids can also create their own stunts by twisting the aptly named TwisTrack, a new flexible track system. Once the layout and stunts are built, kids can send the rail racer vehicle into high speed action, using a handheld RC controller to adjust the speed of the vehicle and keep it on the track. The master set includes 20 feet of TwisTrack, 55 construction pieces to build customized track layouts, a Rail Racer vehicle and charger, a handheld RC controller, plus track clamps and connectors. MSRP: $99.99. Recommended Age: 8+. Availability: Fall 2016

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/s5wP-8DdApI

Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm0j5vJANJQ

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1559

Meet The Clever MaKey MaKey Kit.

How Does it Work? Alligator Clip two objects to the MaKey MaKey board. For example, you and a banana. When you touch the banana, you make a connection, and MaKey MaKey sends the computer a keyboard message. The computer just thinks MaKey MaKey is a regular keyboard (or mouse). Therefore it works with all programs and webpages, because all programs and webpages take keyboard and mouse input. And the name, MakeyMakey? This is how the company says it came about: Make + Key = MaKey MaKey! Use MaKey MaKey to turn everyday objects into touchpads and combine them with the internet. It's a simple Invention kit for beginners and experts. Probably the most famous demo is the 'banana piano'. You'll see it in the video on this week's Giz Wiz Show. At Toy Fair they were showing the MaKey MaKey Classic kit which is now been around for a little more than a year. They were also showing the newer, smaller, and less expensive. MaKey MaKey GO kit. It does the same kind of fun things, but on a smaller scale. The new smaller kit includes 1 USB Invention MaKey MaKey Stick, a case with magnet, 1 white alligator clip (2.5 ft), a key ring, and instructions. It's $24.95 and for now it seems to be only available on the company website. You can still get the larger kit, now called MaKey MaKey Classic which is $49.99 to $59.99.  

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/CKIg4w71JXM

 Company video: https://vimeo.com/127429518

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

 See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1559

Is that a drone in your pocket, or are you just glad to see me?

The folks at Odyssey Toys told me their new Pocket Drone won a TWICE award at CES as “Most innovative Drove at the show”. Considering the number of drones there, that is an honor to be proud of. Odyssey says their Pocket Drone is the world's first collapsing video drone that is lightweight and can easily fit into your pocket. With a footprint the size of an iPhone 6, this first generation version features collapsible blades that can be tucked neatly inside the unit for easy transport, along with a carry case and remote. Now to be honest the remote is also the footprint size of an iPhone 6 and about a 1” thickness. But each of the two units will fit in a pocket of its own. It will also ship with its own carry bag. With the built-in 720p HD camera, you can capture video and pictures and save them directly to the included 4GB Micro SD Card. As you'll see in the video, the Pocket Drone features next-generation gyro technology, ensuring operation both indoors and outdoors with incredible stability. There's also 2.4 Ghz WiFi technology, USB charging, and LED's for night flying. The Pocket Drone will retail for $129.95, but may be offered at some places for $99.99. Coming April/May 2016. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/-aJEiC3GTIo

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1559

Chad's Crappy Corner and the theme for February, cheap office gadgets.

Chad emailed our loyal (and much appreciated) Patreon supporters and asked them to pick a February, 2016 theme of the month they would like to see. They voted and picked cheap and (hopefully) crappy office gadgets. And this week's gadget: Dine-Ink from Fred & Friends. 

We love Fred & Friends. They make clever, reasonably price fun gadgets. The one Chad picked for this week's show is their Dine-Ink. Here's the description from Amazon: Putting in the overtime and eating at your desk again? well here are the essential multitasking office tools you have been waiting for - a set of ordinary stick pens that does double duty as handy dining utensils. They'Re food-safe, reusable and they will stand-up to the rigors of general Tsao's chicken. So bon appetite, cubicle captive! you get 3 pens, with both original caps and utensil caps. Small parts, not for children under 3 years. $8.34 and Amazon Prime as of 2/23/16.

And Chad's take?

Chad loved these. So did I. And so did the chat room. As Chad showed us, they working ballpoint pens with blue ink, and they come with regular caps so you can carry them in your pocket. And with the dining utensil caps for when you want to eat at your desk. Very clever and under $9. 

Amazon link: No longer available.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1559

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

Our viewer Gadget Warehouse video of the week: 

We don't know much about Beast Drew who submitted this week's Gadget Warehouse Viewer Video. It came with no cover email, just a link to his video. But from watching it I think we learned a few things. We suspect Beast Drew is very young and as you'll see in the video it's almost as if he sneaked into his grandparent's home, garage or basement to show off their 'old stuff'. Normally we wouldn't show a video that's this dark, but it was kind of unique to have someone roaming around a place we couldn't see, showing off things one at a time using only a flashlight. And some of the stuff Beast Drew showed us was very, very old. If you bought a computer many, many, many years ago, you would have to contend with all those 3.5” discs we get to see. You needed to load software individually for each component. There was a modem disc, a mouse disc, a keyboard disc, a video driver, disc, etc. We even see an old tower computer that probably needed those discs to be installed in order to run. Things sure are a lot easier these days!

Here's the link to Beast Drew's full video. We shortened it a bit for the show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu7M4pwwUuI&feature=youtu.be

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1559 

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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.

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 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:

Dear Dick and Chad,

Let me start off by saying, I love the show. Great job since leaving TWIT.

Dick, a few weeks ago you demonstrated the Kangaroo PC.  I was so impressed that I had to buy one.  It works great.

However, since it's so portable, I didn't really want to lug a full sized keyboard and mouse along when I travel.

I found this outstanding accessory on Amazon. It's called the iPazzport mini keyboard and touchpad. It has a built-in backlight and a rechargeable battery.  It works great and sells for under 19 bucks with free shipping.

Thought you might like to try one out. Keep up the good work.

Dave Martel

Lynn, Massachusetts