Giz Wiz Show #1578 for July 8th 2016 - Our 62st 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 was nominated as "Best Tech Podcast Of The Year!" (Of course we didn't win, but hey, we WERE nominated!) 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 which is here: 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. 

On this week's show we continues with gadgets from two big mid-year events for gadget lovers. One was CE Week, a sort of mini-mid-year Consumer Electronics Week, and the other was Digital Focus, a Pepcom event also featuring new technology. We start with a great-looking new gaming keyboard from Logitech.

I'm not a gamer, but I'm sure many fans of the Giz Wiz are. So here's news from Logitech. The new Logitech G810 Orion Spectrum RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard features Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G mechanical switches, which they say offers 25 percent faster actuation than standard mechanical keyboards. With improved durability at 70 million keystrokes, up to 40 percent more keystroke operations than other standard key switches on the gaming peripheral market, you can play with confidence knowing that your keyboard can survive. But wait, there's more! Using Logitech Gaming Software (LGS), select and personalize each individual key light from a spectrum of more than 16.8 million colors, and synchronize lighting effects with other Logitech G gaming gear. You can mark keys by color to keep track of spells and other commands, or change colors to match your setup. Central backlighting makes it easier to find the right keys in game and in the dark. And LGS comes pre-loaded with custom lighting profiles for over 300 games, so all the customization is done for you out of the box. Suggested retail is $159.00, but it's on Amazon & at Newegg for $129.99 as of 7/7/16

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

Company website: http://gaming.logitech.com/en-us/gaming-keyboards

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1578

Never worry about forgetting your reading glasses again.

At CES 2016, I discovered ThinOPTICS. These are easy-to-carry “Always with You” reading glasses. Up to June 2016, there were three ways to get them. You could buy the ThinOPTICS glasses with a universal pod to attach to the back of your existing phone, phone case, e-reader, tablet, etc. for about $20. Or you could buy them as part of a smart case for later versions of the iPhones and Galaxy phones for about $30. (As of 7/7/16 they are offering two pairs of glasses with each order for the same price.) But now ThinOPTICS is introducing a new convenient keychain model. The new ThinOPTICS keychain case carries the reading glasses folded inside a sleek pod that easily hooks onto your key ring. With a swipe of a finger, the glasses are gently ejected and automatically unforld so users can grab them for perusing emails or any small print. The keychain case is light, probably less than half an ounce.ThinOPTICS glasses are as thin as two credit cards and come equipped with bulletproof lenses and tensile polycarbonate frames. The glasses are so durable and indestructible that the company backs them with a Free Replacement Forever policy. The keychain case is available in silver and black, with multiple strength options including Low Range (+1.50), Mid Range (+2.00) and High Range (+2.50). The keychain version retails for about $25 and currently includes two pairs of glasses. More info on all the models is at the company website. 

Company video: https://vimeo.com/170081434

Company website: http://www.thinoptics.com/ .

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1578

StikBot Goes Pro.

What art Stikbots? Stikbots are small poseable sticky bots who will adhere to almost any flat surface thanks to their suction-cup hands and feet. Their unique design allows them to be posed in countless ways. Their limbs, torso, and even neck can be positioned at multiple different angles, so they're great fun to play with! But wait, there's more! With the free mobile app Stikbot Studios, available on iOS and Android, kids can shoot stop motion animation videos starring Stikbot! The app snaps individual pictures and stitch them together into a film. It also comes with sound effects and music. Of course, you can add your own voice! Anyone can pose, film and edit their #stikbot in stop animation quickly and easily. Everywhere becomes a stage – the kitchen, the living room, the school bus! But now there's even something more! The new Stikbot Pro Studio with green screen that lets kids (or you) add all sort of backgrounds. Easily cut and edit footage to create the sequence you want by using the green (or blue) screen. The  Stikbot Studio Pro one sets include 1 tripod , 2 stikbots (solid red and solid orange color) , a 2 in 1 stage with green and blue screen background. MSRP $19.99, but it's on Amazon for under $15.00.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Zuo_ygTh15s

Company website: http://www.stikbot.com/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1578 

Chad's Crappy Corner and another cheap 'Bluetooth' gadget.

Chad's new July theme (As voted on by our loyal patrons) is “Cheap Bluetooth Gadgets”! Chad's 2^nd gadget of July is the Hi-Call glovewith Bluetooth technology.

Here's what Amazon says about it: Hi-Call is the new sensational product for winter. A glove with Bluetooth technology that allows you to have phone calls without removing it. Perfect for every sport, from skiing to running, it can also be used to control the touch screen of your smartphone thanks to the capacitive technology. Compatible with all mobile phones with Bluetooth. Rechargeable through the included micro USB cable. Available in two different colors and sizes. Operating range: 12 meters. Battery lasts up to: standby 1 week, conversation 20 hours. Leaves Your hand "Hands Free". $24.99 and Amazon Prime. (As of 7/7/16)

And Chad's take? Chad thought these Bluetooth gloves were pretty neat. As you'll hear when you watch this week's show, the voice quality when making a call through your cell phone's Bluetooth connection is not bad, especially when you consider you're talking and listening through a glove! The electronics are all in the left glove, but Chad showed us that there are pads to let you use your cellphone's touchscreen with both gloves on. One complaint Chad had was the use of the 3 control buttons. The label indicating the buttons on the glove is slightly out of place. So in order to use them, you have to feel around under the label to find the buttons. But all in all, Chad thought his was a pretty good Bluetooth gadget considering the price is under $25.00.

Currently unavailable.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1578

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

Our viewer video of the week arrived with this email from Rick Ankrum: 

My submission for the Gadget Warehouse.

Sharp YO-110 Electronic Organizer

https://youtu.be/N3uqqGs3FRI

I used this daily many years ago before I got a Handspring PDA. I have no idea what I paid but the batteries are replaceable and I suspect that if I replaced them it would start up.rt up.

Rick Ankrum, Kingwood, TX  

http://www.texbiker.net/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1578  

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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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The letter of the week:

Hey Dick and Chad-

I just came across the YouTube Channel for “As Seen On TV” gadgets.  Of course I Immediately thought of you.  All the weird stuff we’ve come to expect from late-night infomercials.  

I’m a long-time viewer but I don’t recall you mentioning this in a past show.  I bet you did and I just forgot.  The channel seems to be active as there are recent posts.  Only 1,800 subscribers.  

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6pa_-qG6V4N2PqFISGSoiQ

Maybe it is time to mention this again.  

Thanks for your great show. Buddy Yates, Esq.