Giz Wiz Show #1502! Yep, Three More Gadgets from CES 2015.

The Doctor and His Robot Will See You Now!

RxRobots MEDi is a way for robots to make a doctor or hospital visit by a child a lot easier to take. From the company, here’s the story of the evolution of the medical robot, nicknamed Medi. In 2009, our research team built a robot arm, decorated it with craft materials, and displayed it at the Telus World of Science. We programmed it to stack blocks, and to "accidentally" drop the last block. We observed children trying to help the robot arm by talking to it and even yelling at it to try again. We were especially surprised to discover that the majority of children thought it had the ability to think, feel, and act in ways that clearly it couldn't. This got us thinking...​​If children were so interactive with a robot arm in a science center, perhaps it could be put to use in a pediatric setting. That's when we began our research with a humanoid robot to help children manage pain and distress during medical procedures. Affectionately named MEDi, this robot is programmed with cognitive-behavioral strategies to coach children through pain, giving them a sense of mastery. MEDi also distracts them with interactive games, conversation, and music. Children who interact with MEDi during medical procedures experience 50% less pain and distress than children without MEDi. MEDi can visit with children and parents in the waiting room, telling them stories and playing games to reduce their anxiety before medical procedures. 

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BReQjkRmEQ  

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

Hear or see this video: www.twit.tv/giz1502   (Goes live late 1/22/15)

Ever Leave Your Phone Charger In A Hotel Room?

Here's a new version of a very useful gadget! It seems lots of people leave phone chargers in hotels, or public places where they plug them to charge a device. The folks at ChargerLeash came up with a solution to that left-behind charger cable. Here's how it works: First connect their ChargerLeash to your portable device; then plug it into a (USB) power source to begin charging. Now when you unplug your device from the ChargerLeash, an alarm will sound within seconds, alerting you to unplug and pack your power charger and it with you. This is also good when you use an AC outlet to charge a device at the airport or coffee shop. You'll get a warning that someone has unplugged your device. With certified connectors, the ChargerLeash is designed to rapidly charge and sync the latest devices from Apple, Samsung, Android, and Windows. But wait, now there's something new! If you plan on leaving your charger plugged in and just want to remove the device for the day, hit the SNOOZE button and the alarm will be silenced until you plug in your device again. The new model is called ChargerLeash Pro. If you have both an Android and an Apple device look for their soon-to-be-released two in one cable. (1/15) Prices start at about $20, and depends on what cable you need.  

http://www.chargerleash.com/

Hear or see this video: www.twit.tv/giz1502   (Goes live late 1/22/15)

A Convenient Place To Store Your Bluetooth Earpiece Between Calls.

BluBed holster Under $20. It used to look cool wearing a Bluetooth headset all the time, not so much now. The problem is, where exactly do you store your Bluetooth headset once you take it out of your ear; in your pocket, purse backpack, glove compartment, etc? That can work, but when a call comes in the device is often hard to find quickly. That’s where the the BluBed Bluetooth Headset holster comes in. Just clip it to handbags, belts or pockets, where it offers a quick place to ‘park’ your Bluetooth headset out of sight. It’s compatible with leading headset companies’ most popular models. Bundled with three interchangeable clips to securely hold most popular Bluetooth devices, and with three colored covers in black, white and blue so you can customize your BluBed. Retail is $19.95 each. 

http://www.blubed.com/

Hear or see this video: www.twit.tv/giz1502   (Goes live late 1/22/15)

Chad's Crappy Corner and another "multipurpose gadget"!

Chad's theme for January is multi-purpose gadgets and his gadget for this week’s shows is the Victorinox SwissCard Classic.  

The description on Amazon says: As essential as a credit card and just as small, SwissCards even fit in a wallet. Makes a great gift. Features include a small blade, scissors, ballpoint pen, nail file, screwdriver tip, mini ruler (in. and cm), straight pin, and a toothpick. Made in Switzerland and guaranteed for life.

The weird thing is the price on Amazon. It’s listed as $19.95 - $12,995.00! Our course the one Chad got was the one for $19.95, the Classic.

And Chad's take? Chad thought the SwissCard Classic was a very handy device. He showed us each of the built in gadgets; pen, nail file, scissors, etc., but he also showed us that it really doesn’t quite fit into a wallet, even though it’s “credit card” size. Non of us could figure out that pricing up to almost $13,000, but the link below takes to to the under $20 model on Amazon. (Price as of 1/22/15) If you have $20 and love little multipurpose gadgets Chad said this one is useful.

Not available.

Hear or see this video: www.twit.tv/giz1502  

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To The Show.

A submission to the show starts with a simple email like this one from

Isaac Fertig

Here is the link to my video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1ecoA9aQvI

Isaac Fertig  Saginaw MN

Hear or see this video: www.twit.tv/giz1502  (Goes live late 1/22/15)

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 if we show your video. Don’t you think you should make a video for us too? Details below.

                                      +++++++++++ 

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