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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

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Entries from January 1, 2021 - January 31, 2021

Friday
Jan152021

OMGchad & The Giz Wiz Pick Their Favorite Ten Gadgets of 2020. 

People like flashlights! Especially inexpensive ones that are rechargeable so you don't need batteries. In the past six months I bought almost two dozen mini-flashlights. They're great for quickie gifts. They have been creeping up in price for the past few months. For the lowest price you have to buy 4 of them, for about $17, or roughly $4.25 each. These are the ones that ship in individual plastic containers and include a mini chargeing cable and lanyard. Or at least mine arrived packaged that way mid-December 2020. 

This Giz Wiz Video is now out of date, but you'll get the idea of how these mini-rechargeable flashlights  work: https://youtu.be/QZOZ8IOMkMw 

Check the latest price here: https://amzn.to/3bRH3wd 

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

 

I always try to find a unique backpack for back to school, and these two Pix Backpacks are about as techie as you can get. Use your mobile device to write, draw and even play games like Tetris right on your backpack. The flexible, water-repellent fabric makes it resistant to water splashes and major physical impact. Use your own power pack that has a 2A output, one is not included. A 10,000 mAh powerpack is enough to power the Pix Backpack for 5-6 hours of nonstop usage. There are two versions. The bigger one is just called the Pix LED Digital Backpack. It has more features and more room than the new Mini-Pix backpack. It is available in black or gray with a MSRP of $199.00 

Like it's big brother, the Pix-Mini also allows an integrated in-app image editor let kids create animations and display them on the ambient screen of the backpack. Plus, the company says the Pix Mini app offers brain-stimulating games designed to test memory and cognitive capabilities. The Pix Mini is $159.00. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Use your own power pack that has a 2A output, one is not included with either backpack, the Pix-Mini, or Pix original. The company says a 10,000 mAh powerpack is enough to power the Pix Backpack for 5-6 hours of nonstop usage. 

http://www.pix.style/   

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1814

Friday
Jan152021

Meet The LED Timer Light. (You won't forget to shut it off.)

This is a different kind of COB Jumbo Timer Bar. It puts out 220-Lumens, but it also features something I don't think I've seen before on a light bar. It's a one-minute timer switch. If you're the kind of person (like me) who sometimes forgets to turn a light off inside a closet or cabinet, just simply press the timer button and it will light for you and then automatically shut off after a minute. It has three mounting options. Adhesive pads - which are included, by using the built-in magnets on the back, or via the hanging holes, also on the back. I don't think screws were included. (I used the magnets.) Using the on/off switch or the 1 minute timer feature, I think you'll find light is great for closets, cabinets and other small places. It runs on 4 AAA batteries which are included. 4/$19.99 which is just about $5 each. I only found them on Home Depot. Price was as of 1/15/21.

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

Home Depot: https://tinyurl.com/HomeDepotLEDLight

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1814

A Great Kids Toy Battery Operated Truck That Teaches About Recycling.

It's the Real Rigs Recycling Truck by Kid Trax. Info from the company: Help save the day and the earth with the interactive Recycling Truck ride-on toy by Kid Trax. This tot-sized recycling truck has a big personality, featuring over 100 voice lines, sound effects, songs, and expressions based on interactions with your child. Nine recyclable accessories are included for collection and sorting. The truck’s push button acceleration is easy for little hands to operate, while the top speed of 1.5 MPH provides the perfect blend of fun and safety. The Power Trax rubber traction strip tires keep the ride smooth and steady. And don’t forget, the Recycle Truck comes with a rechargeable 6-volt battery and wall charger so the fun never has to stop for long. Recycling has never been more fun! Make playtime meaningful with the Recycling Truck by Kid Trax. MSRP: $199 Ages 18mos-4years/ Available at Target, Amazon, and KidTraxToys.com for about $179.99.

Trax video shot for the Giz Wiz Show + teaser video: https://youtu.be/_v3jKEiD8LU

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3bFREds 

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/1814

Friday
Jan152021

Britebrush - A Fun Way To Get Kids To Brush Their Teeth.

Parents, having trouble getting the kids to brush their teeth? The BriteBrush GameBrush could help that big time! There are Music Modes to keep your child brushing, plus 6 other games. And I bet their current toothbrush doesn't offer live feedback and side change recognition as they brush! The better they brush, the more games you can unlock. There are a total of Seven Fun Games - Space Attack, Soccer, Pinball, Dance Star, Punch Master, Race Car Rally, Rockstar Jam, and Arcade Legends! But wait, there's more! Kids may think it's sneaky, but it wasn't designed for them. It's the “Parent Check Light.” After the kids finishing brushing, the BriteBrush lets you know how they’ve done. There's an Extra Brush Head included in the box. And the brush has soft bristles to help protect teeth and gums. Recommended Age 5+. BriteBrush also has a Baby Shark brush too. MSRP $19.99.

Video from a company demo: https://youtu.be/ZRv-x4iIyVU 

 

Both versions are available at Amazon & many other places too.

 

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/3bM1zy0  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

 

As an easy way to decorate the outside of his house Chad bought Novostella 2 Pack 20W LED Flood Lights. He bought 2 sets for a total of four lights. Although he got four remote controls, he said he can use just one of them to control all four LED spot lights. Be sure to watch this week's show to see how great the lighting at Chad's house looks a night.

 

Here's just a bit about them from Amazon: Novostella LED Flood Lights offer 6 Modes & they're Dimmable. 20 different colors of lights are available, it offers you 6 kinds of color changing patterns, including flash, strobe, fade and smooth etc. you can DIY thousands of colors and adjust the brightness. Each set of 2 comes with 2 44-Key remote controllers, Timer, memory function. The color and mode remain at your previous setting when turning it on again. The high quality LEDs, provide long time, stable lighting. (Timer:3H / 6H / 12H) IP66 Waterproof too. 2/$41.99. That price can change at any time. Was $39.99 as of 1/16/21. Check the latest price: 

 

https://amzn.to/2LDeckp 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/1814 

Friday
Jan152021

Brew A Carafe of Coffee, Or Make a K-Cup With Just One Machine.

Here's how the company describes them. Our products are used both independently by young children and by parents when they are feeding their children before those young ones have the dexterity to handle the utensils on their own. The most popular age range for a child to independently use our utensils and plates is about 18 months up to 4 years. The Pusher makes it easy to gather food and put it on either a fork or a spoon. It works especially well with foods such as rice, peas and mashed potatoes. All of our utensils and plates are dishwasher safe. Our Construction Plate, Garden Fairy Plate, and Activity Plate are all microwave safe. Our utensils, plates and placemats are all Made in the USA. Our Front Loader Plush are manufactured in China. Our products are fully tested against the requirements of the CPSIA, ASTM, FDA and EN71. Our utensils and plates are constructed out of two different plastics that chemically bond to one another. We do not use any paints in our utensils or plates. A 3 piece utensil set is $14.99, and the plates are $19.99. Use "stayhome15" for an unannounced 15% off. Discount is not mentioned on the website.

 

Company demo Video. (1st half has sound, 2nd half doesn't but it shows kids having fun with the Constructive gear.): https://youtu.be/QV705UWMQtI  

 

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1814

Friday
Jan152021

A Pick Of The Best From Both The Giz Wiz & OMGchad: Present Pets!

asiest Unboxing Ever! The toy unboxes itself!

FFrom The Holiday Of Play Virtual Toy Event comes this most amazing toy unboxings I have ever seen! But first a bit of info from the company: Discover Present Pets, the only gifts that unbox themselves! Waiting inside each Glitter Pup themed box is an adorable interactive puppy just for you. She is so excited to meet you, she paws her way out of her own gift box! With one of two possible Glitter Pups available in every box, you won’t know which puppy you’re getting until she unboxes herself. To start the big reveal, unwrap the box’s outer layer and pull the gift tag. The box will instantly start to shake as your sweet pup eagerly paws her way out! Once out, discover your pet’s playful personality as you bond and play together. Featuring over 100 sounds and actions, Present Pets are a great gift for kids aged 5 and up. MSRP $49.99, but prices can vary a lot depending on supply. 

Unboxing in real time w/The Giz Wiz: https://youtu.be/Ki-IOpby4og 

Full Company Youtube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCFqi6L6g9Y

Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2Kq079s  -

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

-----

Screen Test! (But not in the way you think.)

I love broadcasting from my Gizneyland studio with all the MAD memorabilia on display in the background. But sometimes a director at the other end of the video call might ask if I have a less busy background. In that case I have to make it very dark behind me or hang a sheet over the area that can be seen on camera. But now the solution is way easier. I bought the Roundhill Furniture RD042SL Seto 4-Panel Room Divider Screen. If you do zoom calls, or have meetings in area that don't have a camera-ready background like a messy kitchen or an unkempt bedroom, this could be the perfect solution. The 4-Panel Screen Room Divider is a perfect way to hide what's behind you. This stylish 4-panel divider is easy to set up and put away. Although Chad thought was trimmed in stainless or aluminum, it's actually made with a solid pine wood frame, in a contemporary silver finish. (It's also available in gold). It looks like the panels are rice paper, but they're a durable non-woven fabric according to the company. Best of all, you can light it from behind for some great effects, as you'll see on this week's show. Dimensions: 72"Wx71"H. It was under $95.00 on Amazon as of 1/16/21.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/uwJ4NzuVQEA

https://amzn.to/3oPFbYg 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/1814