Giz Wiz Show #1526 July 9th, 2015, our 10th Independently Produced Giz Wiz Show!

Here's an easy way to upgrade your 9-volt battery powered smoke detector to a smarter device.

It's called the Roost Smart Battery. The company says their Roost Smart Battery for smoke alarms transforms your smoke or carbon monoxide alarm into a smart home device as fast as you can change a battery. With the same form factor as a conventional 9-volt battery, the Roost Smart Battery works with existing alarms to upgrade the safety and convenience. Once installed in your device, download the app to your smart phone, tablet, etc. Then you can have alarm notifications delivered wherever you are. With Roost installed, you'll receive emergency alerts on your smartphone – no matter where you are. It's probably best to ask friends, family and emergency contacts to also monitor your alarms for increased peace-of-mind when you're away from home. And now no more 3 AM chirps! Roost tells you when the smoke alarm’s batteries are running low, so you can take action to avoid those dreaded middle-of-the-night interruptions. Silence your alarm from your phone during false alarms or the times when you burn the toast. Works with select 9V-only alarms. 5+ year battery life. The company says their replaceable battery will last up to 5x longer than most conventional 9V batteries. For fast installation no hubs, wires or professionals needed. Upgrade your smoke alarm in minutes by simply changing the 9V battery and connecting to Wi-Fi. Price $35, available in September, 2015. When you need a new battery, it's $14.95 plus shipping. The electronics from your original Roost clicks on to the bottom of the replacement battery. 

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjCYUtU9Sh0

Company website: http://www.smartroost.net/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1526

A nice safety addition to a motorcycle or bike helmet.

The MotoGlo Motorcycle Helmet Safety Light provides increased visibility of the rider by adding running light, brake light, and turn signal indicators to the back of the driver's helmet. It uses wireless technology between the mounted transmitter and the MotoGlo helmet device. The company says it attaches easily to any ¾ or full face helmet with 3M adhesive. Some descriptions say there are models for full and half helmets, and other descriptions says full and ¾ helmet. Frankly, I'm afraid don't know the difference, but check before ordering. The rechargeable battery provides a full 12 hours of lighting on a single charge and be recharged in about an hour with the included USB charging cable. Turn signals flash amber, red brake lights pulse twice and then stay on steady. Running lights can be turned off, on steady, or flash. The spokesperson at the booth said the included transmitter module must be “hard wired” to motorcycle, which is a 15 minute operation. (Yeah, I'd figure on more than that.) The module may be paired to support 2 helmets. That way if you have a rider with a MotoGlo helmet, the rear helmet can light. Prices range from about $79.00 to $99.00.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/qCQa2Gha5Qg

Whistler Motoglo Full and 3/4 Helmet Safety Light (Black) As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

It's also at the company website:

https://www.whistlergroup.com/usa/shop-online/products/motoglo-motorcycle-helmet-safety-light.html

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1526

Is there such a thing as a 'better reality'?

I was very interested in trying on the Zeiss VR One. The only other experience I had with a VR device is the Google Cardboard VR. Of course the Zeiss VR One is far superior. The big reason are the Carl Zeiss lenses, made by one of the most respected optic companies in the world. The company says their VR One also uses much larger lenses than the competition. Here's a bit more from the company: With already hundreds of apps available on Google Play and AppleApp Store made for mobile VR devices you can simply download and launch the app, lock your smartphone in the VR ONE precision tray and slide it in the VR ONE. Experience VR games, videos, and amazing experiences that were never before possible. The effect is the equivalent of sitting in the best seat of a theatre, being on-stage at a performance with full 360 degree 3D video, and being able to enjoy gaming like never before - inside stunning worlds where imagination becomes reality. And now back to me. There is no adjustment of the lenses in the Zeiss VR ONE, but they can be used with eyeglasses on. That's what I did, with no problem at all. The VR ONE looks extra slick because you buy phone-specific smartphone trays that lock seamlessly inside the device. Trays for the iPhone 6 and Samsung Galaxy 5 are available now, but more on the on the way. Or you can actually 3D Print your ZEISS VR ONE tray for Samsung Galaxy S4 / S5 / S6, LG G3 or Google Nexus 5 if you like! Details and CAD downloads are on the company website. Cost is of the VR ONE is $120 without a smart phone tray, or $129.99 with one tray of your choice. Beware that on Amazon I'm seeing prices far above the suggested retail at some third party sites.

Company video: https://vimeo.com/123622188

Company website: http://vrone.us/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1526

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

Chad's travel gadget this week is the Camry 110lbs Luggage Scale with Temperature Sensor and Tare Function.

Here's what Amazon says about it: Never Pay Unexpected Overweight Bag Fees Again Overview This sleek digital Luggage Scale is small and handy with room temperature display when press on the unit button. It is easy to store, carry and convenient for traveler. With the rubber paint handle it gives a comfortable grip when using the scale to weigh your luggage or package anytime and anywhere during travelling or when required. This luggage scale is also a good choice as gifts for your family and friends. Avoid hassles at the check-in counter, save your hard-earned money, and travel with peace of mind and confidence! Key Features Capacity:110 lb/ 50 kg, Zero and tare function High Precision Weight Sensors:Accurate to 0.1 lb / 50g 1.44\" LCD Display, with comfortable rubber paint handle Powered by 3V CR2032 Lithium Battery (included).  Low battery/overload indication. Extra Feature: Temperature Display (F/C): Your own built-in portable travel thermometer! 

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A8SXGKA?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00 As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

And Chad's take?

Chad likes this luggage scale a lot. He said it's small and takes up very little room in your luggage. Also he said on his London trip he passed it around to others flying with him so they all could make sure no bag weighed more than 50 pounds. Over 50 pounds results in high over-weight fees. Chad also showed us that it was very easy to use. Best of all, this luggage scale is inexpensive.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1526

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

Strange -- I'm just posting this:

We've out of usable viewer gadget warehouse videos, so I'll do one of my own. Please see how to submit your videos below. We do joke on the show that we have no standards for videos, but we should be able to see what you're talking about, and hear what you're talking about. There are a couple of viewer video we didn't use because they're really dark, or the voice is barely audible. Thanks!

Then, just an hour or so before we record The Giz Wiz... with enough time to get it on the show, this email arrives!

Turns out Chris G. is moving and happens to get all his old electronics in one place. So wisely, he shoots a video of technology long past it's prime!

Here's Chris' email:

I found several generations of my mobile tech so I thought I would share a video with the gizwiz before I recycled it.

https://youtu.be/ZgsmhOlvNT8

chris in Kansas city

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1526

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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!)