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 January 1, 2017 - January 31, 2017

Tuesday
Jan242017

Giz Wiz Show 1607 for January 27th, 2017, Our 91th Independent Production. 

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, but is heading toward the end of its 2nd year of independent production. 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/ You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you for doing that! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support.

And now, on the show! Final unique CES 2017 gadgets.

 

Meet a new bike lane friendly Scooter.

 

The OjO Scooter I saw at Showstoppers at CES 2017 looks like a well-designed way to travel. It has a lot of features for under $2000. It's bike lane-friendly and offers zero emissions. Now I didn't get to ride one, but I did get info from the company spokesperson and fact sheets. It can quickly accelerate up to 20 MPH and go 25 miles on a single charge. It supports up to 300+ pounds, which OJO says it unique in this category. Requires no license. There's an onboard battery and patented charger with retractable cord and plug. You'll see the plug outlet in the video. Basically riders can charge the scooter at any standard 110V wall outlet. There are three speed modes levels for any rider: Eco Mode for beginners, Touring Mode to maximize distance and Sport Mode for peak performance. There are extras including dual integrated waterproof Bluetooth speakers, voice response system, LED front and rear lights, a USB port for charging phone, a motion activated alarm, wireless key fob and a patented removable seat system that converts the scooter into a stand up only experience. There is also an optional rear basket accessory for items riders need to carry. Available in seven colors. MSRP $1,999.99, Available on Amazon now and later this Spring at BestBuy.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/wH6KmCvT-tY

 

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1607

Tuesday
Jan242017

One of the most unique gadgets I found at CES.

A quick little side story about this device. I saw two gentlemen examining it, walking all around it and talking to each other in hushed tones. I swear I recognized one of the two men, but I couldn't remember where. I walked around the vest until I could see the name tags. OMG, it was David Copperfield! Maybe they were figuring a way it could fit into an illustion. 

Wearable technology was one of the buzz words at CES 2017. I saw a lot of – probably more than a dozen – fitness bands, but I saw only one wearable airbag. That's right an airbag designed for those who race cars, ride fast bikes, ski, horseback ride, etc. and are looking a way to protect themselves from a nasty fall or accident. A French company In&Motion has been providing technology to professionals for years, but now they want to bring it to a much wider market. They've done testing in the field with thousands of people in Europe and now they're looking for 500 volunteers in the US. The wearable airbag looks like a warm, padded vest, but it's embedded with sensors and predictive algorithms so it can anticipate a crash. If it does, it can deploy in than 0.1 second to help prevent critical body damage. Assuming the jacket itself is not badly damaged, you can swap out the used gas cartridges and be ready for the next spill. There are different versions for different sports and it's available in different sizes and colors. One of the spokespeople at the In&Motion booth said it would cost about $800, a small amount when you consider it could save your life. To get more info, and to fill out the form to enter being a test subject, visit 

Here's a video of the professional version in action: https://vimeo.com/126579683

Company website: www.airbagrevolution.com 

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1607

Tuesday
Jan242017

Remember the Foldimate Chad & I wanted to see at CES? Here's the latest.

Here's a quick recap & a photo of what Foldimate looks like:

At three-feet-high this robotic folding machine is probably not good for appartments, but perfect bigger families who have space, or even a dedicated laundry room. The company says the FoldiMate will take crumpled shirts, tops and trousers and not only fold them, but help them look neater with a bit of steam to get rid of wrinkles. This isn't inexpensive, and is is expected to cost between $700 and $850. Considering it's said to take only ten seconds to fold each item and that it can fold 15 to 20 pieces of clothing and deliver it at the bottom of the machine, neatly piled up, it could be worth it. (Evidently this company is not brand new in this area and have been making a commercial version for the past few years, so it makes sense for them to bring their know how to the home market. 

Dick & Chad's CES Video: https://youtu.be/ZJEuHZo17Is

https://www.foldimate.com/ (There's a video on their website, or view it here:)

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swNgjX0xHC8 

 

That Vingoo fresh orange squeezing machine Chad found at CES 2017 is here. It's a commercial unit you rent and pay a monthly fee to use. Info is here:

 

http://www.vingoousa.com/

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1607

Tuesday
Jan242017

Chad's Crappy Corner and his final 'gifts I got' gadget.

Chad ends his series for January of 'gifts he received for the holidays'.

This week he reviews his Zircon Leak Alert.

 

Use it to prevent serious water damage in your home with the help of Leak Alert. This self-contained battery-powered unit will sound a loud alarm the second it gets wet, alerting you to a potential water leak. Place it Anywhere the Potential for Flooding or Leaking Exists: Under sinks. near water heater, in basements, etc. Loud alarm (95 dB) sounds for up to 72 hours. In the event of a flood, unit will float and continue to sound alarm until battery is depleted. Fully automatic operation--no wiring required. Low battery indicator for optimum safety and performance. Chad paid $12.60 for his.

 

And Chad's take? Chad liked the Leak Alert. There's no screw to take out to install the required (not included 9 volt battery.) But Chad showed us, there's not enough wire on the battery connected for it to fit in the battery compartment. But it does fit inside the device, even though it shakes around a bit. It's very sensitive as you see Chad demo in the video. On the down side Chad wished it didn't make almost the exact same sound as a smoke detector. And it also makes the exact same sound to warn you of a low battery. And finally you have to be home to hear it, but it's still a decent safety device for under $13.00. So Chad says it's definitely not in the 'crappy gadget' category. 

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1607

Tuesday
Jan242017

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

This week's video arrived with this email from a long time fan and frequent contributor:

Hey Dick & Chad

Love the show

 

I really like this new device, I think it could help people who are looking to transfer their old 8MM or super 8MM film to digital.

 

YouTube; https://youtu.be/YIATlynMHNM

 

enjoy

Love the show & proud patreon supporter

 

Moses Torres

 

Strangely, I never knew such a device existed. I checked it out, and here's more info from the company:

 

Wolverine Data 8mm and Super 8 Movie Reels2Digital MovieMaker

 

Save your 8mm and Super 8 films by converting them to digital with the 8mm and Super 8 Movie Reels2Digital MovieMaker from Wolverine Data. Using a 3.53MP 1/3" CMOS sensor, this device can create HD 960 x 720 footage at 30 fps. It can work with either 3 or 5" reels and offers both automatic and manual exposure control options. Also, footage is recorded to an SD or SDHC memory card at up to 32GB and there is a TV-Out port and cable available to display your videos on your television. Additionally, for connecting to a computer the scanner has a standard USB 2.0 connection.

 

It's $299.99 at BH Photo - free shipping or store pick-up.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1607  

 

 ***********************

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 (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 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 

******************************

Letter of the week:

 

To: <mail@gizwiz.tv>

Sent: Sat, Jan 21, 2017 5:28 pm

Subject: Picture of Chad

 

Here is a picture of a woodpecker that started coming to our squirrel-proof bird feeder.

 

My wife immediately named him Chad for obvious reasons.

 

Ken and Marie Kovar

Proud Patreons of The Giz Wiz