The Giz Wiz, Week of July 23rd 2014, Show # 1478

On this week's show I have three gadgets from an event in NYC called Sweet Suite. It was sweet stuff, mostly toys, demonstrated in a huge office suite.

A Smart Watch for kids 4 years of age and up!

If your kids, as young as 4 years of age, want their own smart watch, Vtech has designed one just for them. Dubbed the VTech Kidizoom Smart Watch, it captures photos which kids can edit right on the watch with built-in photo effects. It also records videos with sound. You can see a video I recorded with the Kidizoom at the link below. It also has three built in games to make this an exciting interactive watch for the very young set. Yes it’s a watch too, and kids can choose from many colorful watch faces. It features a 1.4’’ color touch screen. There’s also a built-in rechargeable battery, alarm clock, timer, stopwatch voice recorder with funny voice changing effects. What’s more the Smart Watch is PC compatible, to make sure all your photos and videos can be uploaded via the Learning Lodge. Memory is limited, so you’ll have offload videos and pictures to keep making room for new ones. It can shoot and hold 6 one-minute videos. $59.99.

Giz Wiz Kidizoom Video: http://youtu.be/NNwJMSemHpk 

Discontinued Device.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1478 

This Gyrobot can actually walk across a taut piece of string!

Gyroscopes are used in countless devices. From smartphones, tablets, and video game controllers to airplanes and space telescopes, gyroscopes perform tasks ranging from the everyday to the extraordinary. With this Gyrobot kit, children can explore the astonishing powers of the gyroscope by building seven motorized models, including a robot that can balance on two linear wheels and move along a tightrope! At the press demo I held one end of a string while I watched the Gyrobot walk perfectly balanced, from one end to the other. Pretty neat! With this kit kids can learn about the physical science principles that keep the robot balanced, making it appear to defy gravity. By constructing seven different models with the motorized gyroscope unit, young engineers can experiment with and learn about the science of gyroscopic devices and the indispensable role they play in our lives. The models include the gyroscopic robot, a balancing personal vehicle, a gyro horizon (or artificial horizon), a gyrocompass, a balancing game, a tightrope walker, and a flight simulator. A full-color, 24-page, illustrated experiment manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions and scientific explanations. Ages 8 and up. 102 pieces. $49.99.

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PT-fqXaVdo

Amazon link: Thames and Kosmos Gyrobot-Gyroscopic Robot Kit As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1478 

Something you wouldn't expect to find at a Toy Preview. (But I'm glad they were there!)

Zipz says they’re revolutionizing the single-serve wine category with a new, innovative solution that takes premium wine indoors, outdoors and on the go. Zipz produces wines in an clever, portable wine glass made from high-quality PET plastic that looks and feels like traditional glassware, but is safe to use in places where glass is not an option, from baseball stadiums to poolside. Each Zipz glass is covered in a patented Clean Wrap that keeps the wine fresh and the glass clean. Both the Zipz glass and Clean Wrap are 100% recyclable. I carried some samples of Zipz home from the Sweet Suite event in a shopping bag. Even though two of them turned upside down in travel, there was no leakage! Zipz is available in some stores now, with more coming. A single glass will retail for about $3.50. A 4-Pack  Red sample with two Merlot and two Cabernet Sauvignon glasses is $13.99. A 4-Pack Sampler with two of each of their whites - Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio is also $13.99. Free shipping on larger orders.

Company website: www.zipzwine.com

Giz Wiz Zipz Video: http://youtu.be/5CNZngmPSog

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1478 

Chad's Crappy Corner! The 4th gadget in Chad’s theme for July: Things that have some to do with drinking.

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

This is Chad’s fourth gadget using his theme for July, drinking gadgets, as voted by fans of The Giz Wiz Show. 

And Chad’s Pick? Actually today, it’s Chad’s (and Jeff Needles) picks. Instead of a single pick Chad  will be featuring 2 interesting straw gadgets. Let’s hope one of them isn’t The Last Straw!

A fun and novel way to sip your drink- great for kids and fun for adults are the Drinking Straw Eye Glasses. Amazon says: “Bring these to a party and see the fun begin. Quite the ice breaker for any gathering. Wear them on your head and take a sip - you`ll see the contents of your glass swirling before your very eyes.” They’re clear, so as you drink they become the color of whatever it is that your sucking through the Drinking Straw Glasses.  

And Chad's take? Chad said they were way funnier than he expected. And the price is low. Chad paid $2. But they most likely come from overseas, so it could be a few weeks before you get them. 

plastic DIY drinking straw eyeglasses,silly straw glasses,amazing straw glasses---clear As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

And then there's the Soda Bottle Straw and Lid. Chad found his a dollar store. The closest I could find on Amazon are from Jokari. About them Amazon says: "Soda bottles are notoriously dirty, and their uncleanliness can often result in sickness being passed on to you. Protect your health, and try out these two soda bottle straws by Jokari. Designed to snugly fit in the bottle's neck, the straws protect you from cavities by allowing the soda to bypass your teeth, and they prevent spills and mouth-to-can contact. The bottom, bendy section of the straw allows you to place it in just the right position so you can get to every last sip. The straws have attached caps that seal off the straw when not drinking.

And Chad's take? Chad wasn't so sure about the 'soda bypasses your teeth to protect you from cavities. He did say after trying the straw that the soda doesn't make as much contact as it does when you drink it right out of the bottle - but that's pretty much the way it is with any straw. He thought the cap would help keep the soda fresh too. He found his at the dollar store, where he got two for about $3. They're more expensive, but seem a bit more robust looking on Amazon where they're two for about $8, as of 7/23/14

Amazon link: Jokari Soda Bottle Straw and Lid, Set of 2 As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1478  

Dick's Gadget Warehouse. And how to submit your video to the show.

There was a quick change of plans just before we recorded this episode of the Giz Wiz. Chad said we had an in-studio inventor, Soren Nielsen. So we decided the only place he would fit was in the slot allotted to the Gadget Warehouse. Our guest was one of the inventors of 

Pond Wireless Charging. 

Since this was a surprise to all of us, we found some info on the company website. Here’s a bit of it: 

Pond offers the worry-less charging experience. Set your phone down to charge in a natural carefree interaction, with no worries over having the right cable with you, fumbling to attach the cables, searching for power outlets or trying to hide ugly plugs and cords. iPhone 5 & 5s owners can now experience high-performance Qi wireless charging, joining owners of over 60 top smartphones supporting Qi, like Google's Nexus 4, 5 & 7, Samsung Galaxy S & Note, Motorola Droid, LG G2/G3, Sony Z2, and Nokia Lumia lines. It’s a Kickstarter project and you’ll find all the links at the company website. That's Soren with his inventions, Chad and the Giz Wiz in the photo above. 

http://pondcharging.com/

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1478

                                          _+++++++++++ 

Even though we didn’t do a viewer video this week, we’re still looking for Viewer Videos! We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show.

 Here’s what we’re looking: Your home shoot 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 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! 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 

Letter of the week: 

Your Name: Bill Murphy

Subject: Drink info scanning

Message: https://www.myvessyl.com 

I emailed them and ask if it tracks carbs and fibre. 

They replied and they said it does plus more. 

So pour in drink get info. I'm diabetic so I take 

carbs - fibre x my diabetic number. 

This lets me know how much insulin medication to take. 

Sounds to good to be true. 

I'm on the edge of ordering. Interested on 

your and Chads thoughts. 

It also fits into drink theme. 

Love the show thanks.

Bill Murphy

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BEFORE YOU GO, BE SURE TO VOTE ON WHAT KIND OF 

GADGETS CHAD SHOULD SHOW ON THE GIZ WIZ FOR

THE MONTH OF AUGUST.

Vote here:

http://strawpoll.me/2178007