The Giz Wiz, Week of July 9th, 2013, Netcast 1424

littleBits = lottaFun

You can have good geeky-fun with littleBits Kits (Yep, they spell it a lower case “l’). Each building block is magnetic, so you don't have to worry that you're going to connect things incorrectly. (Of course they cuts down the chance of accidentally creating a monster!) LED lights, motors, sound modules all powered by a simple 9 Volt battery. Here what the company says about themselves:

“littleBits are color-coded “bits” that snap together magnetically to make it easy for children and adults to build simple circuits and inventive projects in seconds — from flickering lanterns to piggy banks to light-sensitive cars. Founded by MIT graduate and TED Senior Fellow Ayan Bdeir, littleBits wants to make learning about electronics more fun and accessible to spark the world’s next generation of inventors. Our community of Bitsters ranges from designers, artists and museums to parents, schools and after-school programs.” A complete starter kit is $89.00. 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/yMtAVKmRpN8   

Company website: www.littlebits.cc

 See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1424

I bet your flashlight can't do all these things!

The Energizer LED 3 in 1 Light is equipped with Light Fusion technology. A glowing panel that throws off a lot of soft, white light. The 3-in-1 tripod light panel features LEDs that never burn out or need replacing. The panel has several hundred tiny dots etched on it to evenly spread the light emitted by the LEDs. It also features smart-dimming technology, which lets you vary the brightness to suit your needs and prolong battery life. With three distinct features: task light, area light, and directional light--all in one small unit, the Energizer 3-in-1 tripod light offers exceptional convenience and a compact size that fits easily into a drawer, bag, or tool box. But wait, there’s more! The flashlight has a pivoting head, which allows you to spotlight any task that calls for extra light. The foldout legs can act like an extra hand when it's needed the most.​ Here are some specs from Energizer: Up to 150 lumens of area light for up to 100 hours or 100 lumens of focused beam for 10 hours, Water Resistant, Includes 4 Energizer MAX AA batteries. And remember this! After you play with it in demo mode – (the way it is when you buy it) you will need to disable by removing the batteries, waiting 10 seconds and re-inserting them. I just took the cover off the battery compartment, waited ten seconds, and put it back on. That did the trick! MSRP $29.95.

Company website: http://tinyurl.com/m95eqy3 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1424

Something new from Soda Stream.

I reviewed my first Soda Stream machine about 18 months ago. I’m still using it, and I like it a lot! No more lugging big bottles of soda and having to return empties. No more storage problems for both full and empty bottles. And you can make soda for about 50 cents a liter – vs. $1.29 for store bought soda in NYC. This new model, Source, adds some great features. A simple snap-lock bottle mechanism eliminates the need to screw the bottle into the holder. You customize your favorite carbonation level with a 3-way LED indicator. The bottles are now trimmed in metal, not plastic. (You can also buy optional dishwasher safe bottles.) The Source itself is made mostly of metal. You can enjoy great-tasting soda or plain seltzer in about 60 seconds. I made about 45 bottles of soda from one 60L Carbonator. The Source starter kit contains the Soda Maker, 1 Carbonating Bottle, 1 Sample pack of six flavors, and 1 60L Carbonator. MSRP $129.99. But it’s $99.99 at Bed, Bath And Beyond, Walmart and many big box stores. It’s also $99.99 on Amazon at this link. (I have not shopped here.) 

http://amazon.com/dp/B0093H4G74/?tag=twnene-20  (This is a TWiT link. If you decide to buy one, the cost is the same, but TWiT gets a pittance.) 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/Bze2tJtGeSY 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1424 

Leo's Crap! (But sometimes it's good stuff!)

Jeff Needles does it again. Builds a huge Lego Model. This time it’s the Super Star Destroyer Executor! And what part did Leo play? Probably the most important part. He paid for it! Here’s some info from the Lego website: This jaw-dropping vessel served as command ship at the Battle of Endor and as the personal flagship of Darth Vader in the classic Star Wars movies. With its classic dagger-shaped design, the Executor is among the largest and most powerful vessels in the Star Wars galaxy. With over 3,000 pieces, measuring nearly 50 inches (124.5 cm) long and weighing nearly 8 pounds (3.5 kg), every aspect of this fantastic LEGO Star Wars model impresses. Includes Darth Vader, Admiral Piett, Dengar, Bossk and IG-88 minifigures. Features over 3,000 pieces! --- And now back to me. This is some awesome model. It’s recommended for 16 years of age and older. You should watch the video of this episode of the Giz Wiz just to see JammerB’s time lapse photography. You’ll see Jeff built this monstrous model in about two minutes! It also has a big price: $399.95! 

http://amazon.com/dp/B0050R0YB8/?tag=twnene-20 (This is a TWiT link. You pay the same price if you decide to buy one, but TWiT gets a pittance of the price.) 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1424

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & Another Viewer's Video. Plus how to submit yours!

This could almost be a “What The Heck Is it?” picture. What is that man holding? Is he playing the cymbals?

Not really, that remarkable thing he’s holding is the 1^st removable hard drive! It could hold an amazing 5 MB!

Here’s my warehouse video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyH2PouTRW4

Doug Ferguson.

 See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1424  

+++++ 

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. Here's what we're looking for:

Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - (four maximum) in the 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.

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 something you just bought too.

Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jason, the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long, 4 MAX! Low production value is fine. Even welcomed! That way our stuff doesn't look bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it. 

NEW! NEW! NEW! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. It's Leo's way to get rid of all the "crap from Sky Mall" he's collected. So there's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

 All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv