Giz Wiz Show #1581 for July 29th 2016 - Our 65th Independent Production!

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, not only enters its 2nd year of independent production, but now is nominated as "Best Tech Podcast Of The Year!" If you'd like to support OMGChad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page:  http://www.gizwiz.tv/ You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support. 

We start two weeks of fun electronics and tech toys from Sweet Suite/Blogger Bash, which took place in NYC on July 13^th. The event, with dozens of tech toy companies, and hundreds of press folks, and big-time bloggers was held aboard aboard the Majesty Yacht, docked at Pier 81 in New York City. The Majesty is the largest luxury party ship in the North East (30,000 square feet).The Majesty has five dining rooms, an atrium with glass enclosed elevator, observation deck and can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. It's 210' long, with a beam of 67'. We didn't set sail least passing ships create waves that would send guests, food and gadgets flying everyone.

Every year Thames & Kosmos comes with many inventive, learning kits. This year's outstanding kit is the GeckoBot. This wall-climbing robot has a motorized air suction system that enables it to walk vertically up and down perfectly smooth surfaces, like glass, plastic, whiteboards, and glossy laminates. The battery-powered motor drives an innovative gear system that produces a rotating motion making the legs move back and forth and up and down, mimicking a real gecko — so two of the feet are touching the wall while the other two feet are lifted off of the wall, in an alternating motion. Kids can build six other models including an industrial robotic arm with a vacuum suction cup gripper, crawling inch worm, smartphone holder, suction tow truck and car, even a window cleaning robot. Age 8+,under $50.00. Coming fall 2016.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/b0Z4PyKruvw

Geckobot company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6W9G7lO6aOw

Company website: http://thamesandkosmos.com/index.php/robotics/geckobot

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1581

Moto-Cam, the Remote Control Motorcycle with a helmet cam!

Now kids can not only drive the remote control Xtreme Cycle Moto-Cam, they can shoot video with the built-in helmet camera! With Xtreme Cycle Moto-Cam, Capture flips, tricks and sharp turns on the included 4GB SD card. But wait, there's more! The patented gyroscopic stabilization system is made up of a flywheel mounted in the rear, as well as an all four bar linkage steering system. This system allows for ramp jumping, driving on various terrains, and even recovering from crashes. The cycle is specially designed to always right itself after it falls so it has non-stop action and has front and rear shock system to absorb bumps and rocky terrain. The remote control not only steers the cycle but it also offers a button to start and stop the video recording. Moto-Cam has 640×480 VGA resolution and records video at 30 frames per second. Of course at the under $80 price, the onboard cam doesn't have image stabilization, so the video will be jumpy when recorded over rough terrain. The SD card can store up to 60 minutes of video. The set includes the cycle with Moto-Cam, a remote control, 12” USB cable to download and share video online or watch on TV, stunt ramp and a removable 4GB SD card. 9V rechargeable and 2 AA batteries. Recommended for Ages 8+ and will be available Fall 2016 on Amazon and at Target and Toys R’ Us. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/LV340Phar94

Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oXNnpuEu-4

Company website: http://wickedcooltoys.com/product/xtreme-cycle-moto-cam/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1581

SelfieMic, the sing-a-long selfie stick with built in microphone!

From Moose Toys comes SelfieMic. The company says you can sing like a pro, create your own music videos and become a star with SelfieMic! It features an adjustable selfie stick with working microphone and earpiece. Download the free app, fasten your smart phone to the SelfieMic and sing as you follow the words to thousands of your favorite songs on your smart phone screen. Create music videos on your own or with friends. Once you’ve recorded your SelfieMic music video, you can share with family and friends. My feeling is this can be a really fun thing to do at parties. Available: Fall 2016; MSRP: $24.99. It's also on the web for $29.99 with free shipping. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/iM-tTSBQs8A

TV AD & WEBSITE: It's $5 more here, but watching the ad closely, it says it includes "bonus tokens". That means you probably pay something per song you download. Not unexpected as you can download 1,000's of songs. "As seen on TV" ad is here: www.buyselfiemic.com 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1581

Chad's Crappy Corner and another gadget for his July theme: cheap Bluetooth gadgets.

Chad's July theme (As voted on by our loyal patrons) is “Cheap Bluetooth Gadgets”! And Chad's final gadget for July is the Smart Bluetooth Tracer GPS Locator Tag Alarm for Wallet Key Pet Dog Tracker

Here's what Amazon says about it: Compatible Devices: iPhone 5S/5C/5/3rd gen, iPad Air, iPod touch(5th gen) Andriod system with bluetooth 4.0 Smartphone (Andriod 4.3 version and up-grade version) Bluetooth version: Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy -- Compatible Phone: iPhone 5/5S/5C, iPad Mini, iTouch 5, iPad 3/4, iPad Air and Andriod system with Bluetooth 4.0 smartphone (Andriod 4.3 version and up-grade version) Working distance: about 75 Feet (without barrier). Suitable for: Wallet, Car, Kid, Pets, Bags, Suitcase or other belongs. Battery: CR2032 Lithium Coin Battery (Not included). Standby time: 6 month. Connects up to 10 iTag unit. How to use: download an App iTracing (Free of charge),App language: English, Chinese, French, Spanish, open your bluetooth and connect to the tracker, then you can use it. Price: $5.99 and Amazon Prime.

And Chad's take? The short answer is that Chad called this the 'crappiest of the crappy gadgets' he's reviewed. First he showed us that it does works a bit. That was after he found the correct software to download. The name they give in the instructions is incorrect. It also arrived with a dead battery. The Amazon description says “battery not included”, so I guess that's about the same as “dead battery included.” And it's not a battery you have in the kitchen drawer like an AA or AAA. It's CR2032 coin battery you have to find. With a working battery in place Chad showed us that when you can't find your phone you can press the button on the Tracker and it will make your phone sound, even if it's asleep. You can also find your keys by putting the Tracker on your key chain and pressing the alert on the phone app. But the only way to use the Tracker device once it goes off is via the app. The device has no off or reset button. Or you have to take out the battery to silence it. As you'll see on Amazon, the reviews are pretty bad. Chad's final verdict: “Don't buy this!”

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1581

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

Our viewer video of the week has a great gadget! A really portable 'brick phone'. The link to the video arrived with this email: 

Dick's Gadget Warehouse.

Hey Chad/Dick,

Here's a video I made for Giz Wiz showing off my first cell phone. 

If you choose to show it, no compensation is needed (I already have the MAD goodies).

Have fun,

-- Konky

https://youtu.be/JPTHoo12C5E

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1581

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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! IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.)

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv

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