The Giz Wiz, Week of July 9th 2014, Show # 1476

CE Week, Part 2. More gadgets from the midyear Consumer Electronics Week.

At the iLuv demo table, I learned about the Selfy. This is a combo wireless Bluetooth camera shutter + a protective case. At first I thought this was not unique because there are a few products out there that let you fire your smart phone’s camera shutter remotely by Bluetooth. But then Bill, the guy doing the Selfy demo asked: “where do you store your Bluetooth shutter device?” He had me. Mine's in a drawer or on a shelf someplace in my studio or my apartment. A big advantage of the Selfy, is that the Bluetooth shutter device stores right inside the protective case. With it you can enjoy taking self-portraits without struggling to reach your phone's camera button. Just hold your phone out in one hand, hold the shutter in your other hand and snap away. No fear of the "selfie arm" ruining your pictures. You can even set your phone down and use the shutter to get a full body shot. It also lets you be in group shots; take the picture and be in front of the camera at the same time. iLuv says the phone case itself is built with rugged dual-layer of protective soft, shock-absorbent TPU and tough, impact-resistant polycarbonate to keep your phone safe. There are two models right now. One that’s compatible with the iPhone 5s/5 and one for the Samsung Galaxy S5. But wait, there’s more! Slide the shutter out, replace it with the main connector and now you can attach the Selfy case to custom accessories like tripod, bike mount, helmet mount, etc. The Selfy case with built in Bluetooth shutter is under $50. Accessories are optional, but reasonable. The tripod is under $20. (There's an iPad Mini and iPad Air version coming. I don't know those prices yet.)

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/ycx0piFP32E

Company link: www.iLuv.com/selfy 

Amazon link: iLuv Selfy Case with Built-in Wireless Camera Shutter for Apple iPhone 5s / iPhone 5 - Carrying Case - Retail Packaging - Black As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1476

A phone case with plenty of battery power.

With all we ask our smart phones to do, running out of power is a major concern. UNU Unity Series Protective Battery Cases with their Rapid Battery Charging Technology provide an excellent solution. The UNU is designed to be more than just a battery case, it actually doubles the battery life of whatever model case you buy. (Phone specific, they're available for the iPhone 5/5S and Galaxy S4 /S5.) The company calls it slim, but that’s kind of a stretch because you’re adding the thickness of a second battery. However to have a second 2800mAh battery piggybacked on the 2800 mAh battery that comes with the S5, you get a 100% battery boost. UNU says that’s equal to an additional 10 hours of talk time. According to UNU when you have a phone case that charges the battery in the phone, there is power lost in the process. Their piggyback process has zero power loss. I’m been using a UNU Galaxy S5 case for about 5 days now. At night, instead of 25% remaining power, I often have 65%. That’s more than double what it is usually is with the single factory-installed battery. And of course the UNU case adds protection from scratches, smudging and bumps. One other thing to be aware of is that while the UNU case still gives your Galaxy S5 NFC communication, it will no longer be waterproof. Finally, there are color options if you want to customize your phone. $69.95.

Company website: www.myunu.com  Unavailable now.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1476

The Giz Wiz Sings. With plenty of electronic help.

The folks at Singtrix said their system can instantly gives you the voice you've always dreamed of having. Just walking by their booth at CE Week, I got up enough nerve to sing a bar or two using the Singtrix mic, and I was impressed. For someone with an zero singing voice, I sounded okay. Their system is designed to let anyone sing in-tune to any song, without hours of practice or vocal lessons. Their electronics do all the work listening to what note you sing and then making it into what it should be. Singtrix says it works with any music and any device. Plug in your PC, smart phone or tablet. For karaoke tracks, use the Singtrix App, YouTube or your existing karaoke music player. As a last-minute option, use standard songs from your personal iTunes or mp3 library. The Song Voice feature lowers existing vocals in standard music. It’s sold as an entire system which includes the Singtrix Studio Effects Console, a 2.1 stereo speaker system, proprietary mic, professional mic stand with boom, Preset Mega-Pack with 300+ effects combinations, and optional Singtrix App for iOS & Android. You provide the smart phone or music source device. Singtrix says their system would be prefect for Church, Parties and Birthdays, Social and Educational Programs, Live Performance, Recording and Song Writing, MC and DJ, Bars & Nightclubs, Weddings, etc. What, not podcasts? The complete system is $345.00.

Company link: www.singtrix.com

Giz Wiz YouTube Singtrix Video: http://youtu.be/fTfG9Lv9C3U

Amazon link: Singtrix Party Bundle Limited Edition Home Karaoke System - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1476

Chad's Crappy Corner! The 2nd gadget in Chad’s theme for July: Something to do with drinking!

This is Chad’s second gadget using his theme for July: “Drinking”, as voted on by fans of The Giz Wiz Show. And Chad’s Pick?

Vino2Go 10 Ounce Insulated Wine Tumbler with Merlot Red Drink Through Lid, Set of 2

First, here’s what Amazon said about them:  Relax by the pool in style with the Vino2Go double wall insulated wine tumbler set. These tumblers are SAN acrylic plastic wine sippy cups, with clear benefits over the standard wine glass in many situations. Its lid design prevents spills on choppy waters or while carting down the golf course. The sliding top lid keeps bugs and dirt from getting in your wine while relaxing at the beach or in the garden. The double walled design of this BPA- free tumbler also keeps your wine cool for longer by insulating the exterior wall from the interior drink compartment. 3-1/2" diameter x 6-3/4" H, with an 10 ounce capacity.

And Chad’s take:  Chad thought it seemed a little strange to be drinking wine out of plastic glasses. And in the 'leak' test Chad knocked one of the tumblers over. They do leak a bit. There's an air hole that lets air in as you drink. It's still open even when you close the 'sippy' hole, so liquid can dribble out. At about $7.60 that he paid I had the feeling Chad thought were so-so. The fact that he's willing to give them away enforced that feeling.

 Amazon link:

Vino2Go 10 Ounce Insulated Wine Tumbler with Merlot Red Drink Through Lid, Set of 2 As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Here's another way to enjoy wine on the go:

I mentioned Zipz on the show. It's another way to take wine on picnics, boats, etc. From my brief experience they don't leak, but they're not reusuable. However, they come filled with premium wine! Here's what the company says: Each Zipz glass is covered in a patented Clean Wrap that keeps the wine fresh and the glass clean, making Zipz ideal for use in public venues. Both the Zipz glass and Clean Wrap are 100% recyclable. Premium wine on the go has never been so easy!You can buy four Zipz with your choice of four different premium wine for about $14 + shipping. They offer sampler packs too. Here's their website:

http://www.zipzwine.com/

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1476

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

We’re calling this spot, Gadget Warehouse ‘gadget of the future’. It will be in someone’s warehouse as time goes by. Mostly likely it end up in Paul’s warehouse when he moves on to something newer and better in a year or two.

Here’s Paul email:

Hello Dicky De and OMGChad,

This is Paul Gunton and I'm known as "sailorlion" in the TWiT chat room. I am a huge weather enthusiast.  This is my favorite gadget video

(http://youtu.be/FrCjplycwk0).  

My favorite gadget is my Davis Vantage Vue weather station.  The Vantage Vue can be purchased directly from Davis (http://www.vantagevue.com/products/product.asp?pnum=06250).  

The nice thing about my weather station is that you can view online it online 24/7 at: http://www.weatherlink.com/user/sailorlion   

I report my current weather conditions to various locations like: the National Weather Service, CoCoRaHS, Weather Underground, and various local tv stations.  I do this as a primary hobby.  I really enjoying talking about the weather. I could easily do a weather show on TWiT if asked. 

I hope you enjoyed my favorite gadget video.

Paul "sailorlion" Gunton

http://about.me/paulgunton

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1476

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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, Jeff Needles, 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: Steven Lougheed

Ideas for drinking gadgets

Message: For me, this is the ultimate geek mug. These almost useless mugs have no edges and are nearly impossible to get liquid into or out of.

What could be better?

http://www.kleinbottle.com/

http://www.kleinbottle.com/drinking_mug_klein_bottle.htm

http://www.kleinbottle.com/wine_bottle_klein_bottle.html

Steven Lougheed