The Giz Wiz, Week of January 15th, 2014 - Stuff From CES.

A pen that lets you ‘draw’ in 3D using melted plastic! Say no more, I’m there!

“3Doodler allows people to create amazing 3D objects without the restrictions of complicated software, limited only by their imagination” said Max Bogue, Co-Founder and CEO of WobbleWorks. I not only like the pen, I like the name of the company, WobbleWorks. The pen is big as you might expect, because it has to melt the mini-plastic straw you put inside when you start a project. Using a ‘fast’ or ‘slow’ button, you sort of paint with plastic. I only played with it for a few minutes and I can tell you, there is a learning curve. Making a mess is easy, making something to be proud of, not so easy. But doing both is great fun. CES also marked the launch of several 3Doodler accessories. There’s a penholder, which not only holds the pen, but also can be as a moveable platform to allow you to create larger structures with less hassle. Soon there will also be a series of changeable nozzles so you can extrude plastic in different shapes and sizes. For an easier project I saw their upcoming DoodleBlocks. They’re silicon molds in various shapes like stars, numbers, and letters that can be easily filled in with the plastic from the pen. The 3Doodler will be available in March for $99, and it will ship with 25 of the 10” plastic straws in various colors. There’s also a choice of plastic material, but I don’t really understand the differences between them. They’re both colorful and melt easily. 

http://www.the3doodler.com/ 

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A way to take more professional pictures with the iPhone 5/5s

The newly introduced iZZi Slim turns an iPhone 5 camera into a much more versatile one. And it’s priced much lower than it big brother, the Orbit Pro.

And while the original Orbit Pro’s offers a 3-in-1 lens, the new Slim offers a 5-in-1 lens. (Strangely I only heard the spokesperson at CES talk about four lenses. That’s because they consider the lens that’s already in the iPhone 5, the 5^th lens.) The new and redesigned iZZi Slim is not just a less expensive version of the first model. The Orbit Pro does look more professional, because it’s made of high-grade aluminum. The Slim is made with of rugged polycarbonate, so durable, but lighter. Also the Slim is only designed for the iPhone 5/5s, while there’s a Pro for the iPhone 4. Slim is available in white or black, while the Pro is available in bright colors. Both are attached like a standard iPhone case. But built with something the company calls ‘Peripheral Motion Lock Technology’, the Slim gives you the ability to choose from 4 pro-grade lenses. I only saw three lenses, but there are four. Here’s the round-up: 180-degree fisheye lens; 2X telephoto lens; 0.67X Wide-angle lens; and a macro lens (which you use by twisting off the wide-angle lens. That’s why you see just three lenses. To switch lenses, just rotate the lens selector and stop on the one you want. And yes, iZZi Gadgets says the Slim allows you to use your iPhone’s headphones & charger jacks, power button, speakers, native camera and volume controls while it’s in place. The Orbit Pro is widely available at $229.00. The new Slim is available for preorder at $99.99 at the company website. 

http://www.izzigadgets.com/  

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Vuzix Smart Glasses.

Over at the Vuzix table, they were showing the company’s smartphone-compatible M100 Smart Glasses. I was told not to call them ‘Smart Glass’ because that was Google’s trade name. So it seems all the other companies are making Smart Glasses. Unlike Google Glass, which is very hard to come by and about $1500, Vuzix smart glasses M100 are available right now for a third less than that, or about $1,000. They’re available with eyeglass frames that make them look far less geeky than just wearing that the ‘working’ part. But I’m sure some nerds want you to notice they’re wearing some form of smart glasses after they spend $1000 or more to buy them. I tried on the Vuzix smart glasses, but my first reaction is I don’t have need information in front of me all the time. The info isn’t ‘in your face’, it seems to be floating in air on the upper part of the right eye. If I was on a trip, wearing smart glasses would be helpful to have GPS directions up there. The M100 lets you access info from your Smartphone, the Internet, etc. It uses Android for text, maps, video, email, etc. Also built into the glasses is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and 720p HD video recording. Yes, you can take regular photos too. Vuzix is also adding Nuance's voice technology to make these smart glasses even smarter. The Vuzix M100 are more aimed at the commercial market, with one of the mounting options being safety glasses. A frame of choice, plus an auxiliary wired battery pack are included in the price. And unlike Google Glass, Vuzix is shipping their M100 glasses shipping now. The cost under $1,000 – as in $999.99. The company hopes that price will drop as demand rises. 

http://www.vuzix.com/consumer/products_m100/ 

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Chad's Crap. Or it could be something wonderful.

The Chemistry Lesson They Can Chew On 

Chad decided to make gum on this episode of the Giz Wiz. It was no easy task, as you’ll see when you watch the video. But first here’s info on the Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit via Amazon. -- Each kit provides valuable background information that connects kids to the part of the world where the raw ingredients are produced. Easy, step-by-step instructions help learners create delicious treats using the all-natural ingredients, and a handy website offers extra ideas to expand the educational opportunities. Adult supervision recommended. – And Chad’s take. The chewing gum he made tasted awful. As a matter of fact three others in the studio tasted the gum, and all disliked it. But it just might keep kids occupied for 20 minutes or so if you decide to try the kit. The kit is under $13.

Make Your Own Chewing Gum Kit (6.5 oz.) As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

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Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse.

We always get an email, once the viewer video is posted: 

The SVP cellphone watch. (Not in Rob’s Warehouse yet.) 

Hey guys been watching Leo since the screen saver days.I've posted a video on my svp cellphone watch.its my favorite gadget of all time.owned it for about 6-8 months now.I hear you guys saying these watches don't exist yet in fact they do.i can send recieive txt's and phone calls on it.mainly bought it for the music player on it but it also has an unlocked cellphone on it as well.hopefully you guys will be reviewing these cellphone watches which are found on ebays site.only paid 65 dollars for it.worth every penny. here is the link for this video:  

http://youtu.be/T54CGyyhWE0 

Rob Smith 

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