The Giz Wiz, Week of July 2, 2013, Netcast 1423

A different kind of 4K UHD Monitor.

There were lots of HDTV’s at the CE Week June Show, but Westinghouse Digital was showing something a bit different. It was their Westinghouse 84” 4K UHD Interactive White Board model. I knew it was different when I walked by and saw someone drawing a moustache on a picture of the Mona Lisa. I asked if I could draw on the 84” 4K UHD white board screen too and of course the answer was “yes”. When I asked what this white board TV’s most practical, real-world use was, I was told it would be perfect for the classroom, the boardroom or even the home office. (At about $16,000, you better have one totally high-end home office, though!) Playing on this UHD TV is kind of like using the world’s largest tablet. Windows 8 and tons of apps are already onboard. It can be hooked to a tuner or cable box for UHD TV and video. You’ll have the ability to touch and swipe at the screen to change channels or surf the web. Or for meetings, you can mirror your smart phone or tablet display on the giant screen. (Be careful with those personal photos, though.) A spokesman said the proprietary six-point touch system used in Westinghouse Digital’s white boards provides the most accurate touch screen experience available in the white board market. They'll be a 65-inch, and then a 55-inch white board in the line down the line. The one in the video should be available at retail in the late fall at about $16,000. 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/c1iNJ0Us468

Company website: www.westinghousedigital.com.   

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1423

A Bluetooth Speaker that's also a stand for your smart phone.

Yep, that’s what AudioSource has named their clever little suction cup Bluetooth speaker, the Sound pOp. This little guy is a high quality, portable, water resistant Bluetooth speaker that sounds excellent for its size. The built in suction cup lets you stick it to the back of your phone where it also acts as a study stand. Or you can stick to any smooth surface. It’s water resistant so you could stick it to the bathroom wall to sing in the shower. But I don’t think they recommend placing it under running water. It can also act as a convenient hands-free speakerphone via the built-in mic. The mic is the only thing that falls short on this rugged device. I could hear the calling party great on my SoundpOp, but callers told me I sounded a bit muffled when speaking through the built-in Sound pOp microphone. Pairing it with my Galaxy S4 Bluetooth took about 20 seconds. I do like the sound reproduction of the music I played a lot. This is perfect for travel. It seems rugged enough to throw into a backpack, glove compartment or even a toolbox! It charges via micro USB and a cable is included in the box. Battery life on a full charge is said to be about eight hours. It comes in a variety of colors and sells for under $40.

It's under $38 here: (I have no shopped here)

http://amazon.com/dp/B00CTUOOA6/?tag=twnene-20  (This is a TWiT link. If you decide to buy one, the cost is the same, but TWiT gets a pittance.) 

Company website: http://www.audiosource.net/soundpop/ 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1423

Open your door with your iOS device, while it's still in your pocket or backpack.

Now when you approach your front door, you don’t have to search for your keys. Or even fumble around to find the right one among all the others. All you need to unlock your UniKey lock is your iOS device. You don’t even need to take it out your pocket or purse. Just walk up to the lock, touch it and push the now-unlocked door open. What if you have a iOS device, but the kids don’t? They can use a special fob, or even an old fashioned key to open the lock. Even in a power outage, the lock still works. Four AA batteries should power the UniKey lock for over a year in normal use. UniKey Technologies has partnered with Kwikset, which has millions of easy to convert locks already in use. UniKey’s "eKey" functionality lets you send keys to those you want, which allows owners of iOS devices (which use Bluetooth Low Energy) to open your front door. You can set the hours the key works, and when you want the key to expire. It’s expected to be in the retail market place before summer ends and retail for $249 or less. It will be marketed for Kwikset locks to start. 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/migs3fzgGtA 

Much more info! http://www.unikey.com/ 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1423

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

Leo was fooled by this Butterfly in a jar, and so was I! We both were amazed how great it looked. Turns it, it’s an electronic butterfly from Think Geek! Here’s more info from their website:  

When we were kids, we liked putting butterflies in jars so we could keep them forever and ever. But sometimes they always died. It was sad. That's why we got so excited when we saw this Electronic Butterfly in a Jar. Each Electronic Butterfly in a Jar is a jar with a wire in it. The wire has a fake butterfly on the end. Somehow, when you tap the top or make a loud sound, the electronics in the cap make the wire wiggle. This creates the very realistic illusion of the butterfly flittering around your jar. It even just stays on the glass and flexes its wings sometimes. It is like having a piece of magic nature on your desk that defies death. Pick your favorite butterfly flavor (or collect the whole team) and get ready to feel good when you marvel at your Electronic Butterfly in a Jar. $19.99. 

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/e70c/?pfm=Search&t=electronic%20butterfly%20in%20a%20jar 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1423

A speaker with a different kind of twist!

The speaker Leo showed on The Giz Wiz is the Damson Twist. The company says they produce portable speakers that deliver sound way beyond their size. The Damson Twist builds upon the Incisor Diffusion Technology, which turns almost any surface into a speaker system. Great for home or travels the Damson Twist fits into the palm of your hand. Incisor diffusion technology, which pushes the sound across almost any surface it is rested upon, can easily fill most rooms in houses and hotel rooms. Different surfaces produce different sounds and you'll see Leo try many different ones in this episode. There are no buttons on the Twist; to operate, just Twist to your desired setting of either Bluetooth or Line in. Another neat little touch is that the logo will glow either blue or white to reflect what method of input you are using. It’s under $67 at this Amazon link: 

http://amazon.com/dp/B00B72ASES/?tag=twnene-20

This is a TWiT Link. If you purchase something, TWiT gets a pittance, but you pay nothing extra. 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1423

Dick's Gadget Warehouse + How to submit your video to The Giz Wiz Show.

No, I don’t have one of these Westinghouse TV’s in Dick’s Gadget Warehouse, but it’s something I probably would have bought when it first came out. Imagine a TV, with a sort of “close-up” button! Westinghouse called it "The Electronic Magnifier." The link to “Classic Commercials for Defunct Products, (Part 10)” was emailed to us from Mark Meszaros. His timing was perfect. On today’s show we had a video of a Westinghouse TV that won’t be available for sale until late 2013. On the link Mark emailed us, the very first defunct products commercial is for a Westinghouse TV that was sold in the early 1950’s. What a difference 60+ years can make! Take a look for yourself: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYuZAkic8YY&list=UUedrUw3YlFYAYr4a56zL7Mw 

I also found a newspaper ad for this TV! Seems it was available in 1949 too for $269.95. That's about $2647.00 in today's dollars according to one online Inflation Calculator. 

http://kinescopehd.blogspot.com/2011/03/you-can-be-sure-close-if-its.html

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1423

 +++++

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