Giz Wiz Show #1528 July 23rd , 2015, our 12th Independently Produced Giz Wiz Show!

Watch us record our show live every Thursday, 7:30 PM EDT / 4:30 PM PDT. Drop by and watch us record the show and hopefully you'll join our friendly live chatroom. It’s all at http://www.gizwiz.tv/. (All Giz Wiz shows are there too, even when we’re not live.) Since we now produce our show ourselves if you care to back us, click on the Patreon link at that website too. And now to this week’s show! 

There are many 'holiday in July' media events for the media. These events were originally presented for print magazines which work three or four months in advance. TV and the web don't require much lead-time, but these events are a great way for all of us get a good idea of what gadgets manufacturers expect to be big sellers each holiday season. So here some more gift ideas from the New Product Holiday Gift Idea Show.

There are four in this one Giz Wiz video which I discovered when I stopped at the Hammacher Schlemmer table. They're famous for finding off-beat, but useful gadgets. Since I don't own any of these and most are brand new, most of the info is from their website. I think kids will totally love this first one!

The Car Lover's Engine Repair Set. This is the front half of a car that lets aspiring mechanics pop the hood, change the oil, and tinker with the engine. With a removable cowling, spark plugs, wing nuts, and other lifelike car components, children can practice testing the brakes, changing the air filter, and using the dipstick to check the oil levels. Once a repair job is complete, kids can even get behind the wheel to turn the ignition key and hear how the engine sounds when it starts. The car has a working horn and headlights, and the set comes with a screwdriver, wrench, and other tools sized to fit little grease-monkey hands. Requires eight AAA batteries. Ages 3 and up. 17" L x 15 3/4" W x 20 3/4" D. (13 1/2 lbs.). $119.95.

The Video Recording Cap is now on the Hammacher website. It went after we uploaded the video. Here's the info: This is the baseball cap with an inconspicuous camera that records high definition video. Available exclusively from Hammacher Schlemmer, the cap has a pin-hole sized lens integrated into the front of the crown and captures crisp 720p high-definition video at 30 frames-per-second. The camera also takes 1600 x 1200 still photos in JPEG format and both video and picture content is stored on an SD card (supports up to 32 GB cards, not included). The camera is controlled by three buttons on the brim, allowing you to easily start or stop recording and snap a photo with just a touch. Its rechargeable battery enables up to 70 minutes of recording after a four-hour charge via the included USB cable that also allows you to transfer content to a computer. Videos and photos are time- and date-stamped. One size fits all with adjustable band. $99.95 (There is no mention of a microphone.)

The Levitating Lamp. This is the lamp with a rotating shade that floats in mid-air above its base. The disconcerting desk lamp creates a physics-defying gap between the base and shade that may perplex guests and amuse the owner, who knows its secret. A magnet tucked into the lampshade is repelled by electromagnetic coils in the lamp’s base, a powerful opposing force that causes the shade to levitate. The computerized coils make 1,000 adjustments per second to ensure the shade stays upright, even when bumped, while the swirling pattern accentuates the natural spinning motion caused by air currents. As functional as it is magical, the lamp has nine bright white LED bulbs: six that shine upward into the shade, three that shine downward to provide accent lighting for the brushed chrome stand. Each group of lights is controlled with a quick tap on the underside of the base. Plugs into AC. 16 1/2" H x 7 1/2" Diam. (5 lbs.) $149.95. Currently taking orders - expected to ship 8/4/2015

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/fpZej0n3xW8 

Hammacher website: http://www.hammacher.com/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1528

A selfie device you may not know about, the Selfie Toaster.

Also from Hammacher comes the Selfie Toaster. This is the appliance that indelibly brands its owner’s image onto a slice of bread. The toaster uses custom heating inserts crafted from a submitted headshot photograph. A subject‘s full facial details are converted into twin removable stainless steel inserts, allowing its heating elements to brown light or dark likenesses of the subject onto one side of toast, removing any question as to the ownership of the next two slices. The toaster comes with one Hammacher Schlemmer insert as an example of how the toaster operates. Selfie inserts will be sent separately approximately two weeks after the customer uploads a high-resolution digital image to the manufacturer online using the included instructions. Plugs into AC. (View the Giz Wiz video to see the kind of results you can expect from the Selfie Toaster.)

Hammacher website: www.hammacher.com

Below is the same video link as above, but it shows the actual person whose face appears on the toast. This will give you a good idea of what to expect after you email them a high res photo. https://youtu.be/fpZej0n3xW8

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1528

You've heard of a Winnebago, but how about Vinnebago?

When the company said their Vinnebago expands on age-old insulation technology to keep your drink cold for an unbelievable 25 hours, Yes I found it hard to believe. And unlike most insulated bottles, Vinnebago has a sleek design. But I learned that underneath Vinnebago offers three walls of proprietary insulation, stainless steel construction, and 25 ounces / 750mL of capacity. I figured I better try one for myself. So I filled onen with cold water before I went to bed. The next morning the water was still very cold. That night, it was still cold, yes just about 25 hours later. I was impressed. And the company points out some other features. Vinnebago goes where glass bottles can’t…the pool, the beach, the boat. Now you can keep your drinks ice cold without a cumbersome cooler. You don't pre-cool the Vinnebago or do anything special; just pour in something cold or hot. This bottle won't break or leak--making it great for rugged environments. I didn't try the Vinnebago with hot liquids, but they say it can keep coffee and tea piping hot for twelve hours. Suggested retail for the Vinnebago is $29.99. It's a few buck less at Amazon. And the company, Corkcicle, makes a wide assortment of stainless steel lined canteens. They also told me that some time in the near future, they will drop the name Vinnebago and make it another canteen in their Corkcicle line. 

Corkcicle Vinnebago Insulated Stainless Steel Bottle/Thermos, 750ml, Black

This is a Giz Wiz link. You pay the same price, but Amazon gives Giz Wiz Biz a tiny credit so I can buy more stuff on Amazon. 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1528

Chad's Crappy Corner and another gizmo for his theme for July, Travel

Chad's travel gadget is something I saw at CES earlier this year. Here's what I wrote about it in January of this year, 2015. After we record this show, I'll post what Chad thinks about it.

The PetcubeCamera is the first product that allows pet owners to watch, talk and play with their pet from their smartphone, no matter where they are. It's equipped with a wide-angle (138º) camera along with real time HD video so you can see your pet easily. You can also talk to your pet as the camera has a built-in microphone and speaker. What sets this device apart from others is the unique laser pointer toy that lets you can control play with your pet from just about any place via your smartphone. The Petcube mobile app is a community of pet lovers. Through the Petcubeapp you can share photos taken from your smartphone or Petcube Camera to the social networks, meet fellow pet lovers and play with publicly shared pets from pet shelters and rescues. To use the Petcube you will need an iPhone/iPod running iOS 7.0 or greater or and Android device running Android 4.0 or greater. $199.00. Includes free US shipping.  

http://www.petcube.com/  

And Chad's take? Chad got a Petcube as a gift and he loves it. Chad said he's very techie and when he's away he's set things up so the cats get food and water automatically, and the litter box is kept clean electrically. But he didn't have any inter-action with his cats for afar. He doesn't like to ask people to stop by, so he found the Petcube is a perfect way to stay in touch. He can see, and actually play with, and talk to his cats anywhere he has cell phone service! He said the device is sleek and well made. It even has a tripod socket if you need to mount it to a wall, or place on a tripod. It's $199.00.  

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1528

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To The Show.

Our viewer video of the week arrived in this email: 

Hi Dick and Chad,

This is my favorite gadget of all time! I love movie theater popcorn, and this gadget "The Whirley Pop"  http://whirleypopshop.com/  replicates the process that movie theaters use to pop their in house popcorn!  Instead of an electricmotor to stir the popcorn, it uses people power to crank up perfect popcorn every time!

Here is a link to my video, I hope you like it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMQZxIsh6yM&feature=youtu.be  

I love you guys, and cant wait each week to see what new gadgets you all come up with.

Keep up the good work! and thanks for viewing my video!

Kevin Detherage

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1528

***********************

We’re looking for more Viewer Videos! We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show, so let’s go going! You’ll get an autographed copy of MAD Magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture if we show your video, and who knows, maybe you’ll be discovered by a YouTube Talent Agent!

Here’s what we’re looking for: Your home shot 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 a new gadget you just bought too.

Post them on YouTube and send us 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’ll a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv  (NOTICE! This is a new email address!)

************************

Letter of the week:

Hi Dick & OMGChad, 

I've been a big fan of the show for a long time. It's quality entertainment. I especially loved your coverage of mechanical calculators (the Odhner arithmometer). It might be fun to talk about some really old gadgets. Are you familiar with the Antikythera mechanism? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antikythera_mechanism

If you're running out of types of gadgets to cover, which I think you've said recently, the past could provide a treasure trove of interesting ideas. 

Keep up the great work! With best wishes for your continued success. 

Sincerely, Jon from Chapel Hill, NC