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About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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Entries from July 1, 2017 - July 31, 2017

Thursday
Jul132017

The Giz Wiz Show 1631 for July 14th 2017, Our 114th Independent Production. 

We're into our third year of Independent Production thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters! If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) 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 for doing that! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support, but a bit more support would be a big help.

And now a look at new gadgets from CE Week, a mid-year look at new Consumer Electronics. (NOTE: Since I own none of these gadgets, and most are unavailable yet for this show, almost all the content this week was supplied by the manufacturers.)

 

A Different Kind of Drone. The S.T.E.M Building Block Drone

 

Odyssey’s Build-A-Drone is much more than your average drone- it's the first of its kind to boast a build-it-yourself feature! Engaging STEM learning in an innovative and entertaining way, the builder is responsible for using each toy block piece to assemble the entire aircraft, even inserting the motors. •Build in 3 configurations: Nano, Mid, Mega. The company says it's twice the fun --- first you build it --- then you fly it. Some specs from Odyssey: •4 speed settings •360° flips •Indoor and outdoor use •Trim adjustments •Spare bricks included •Velcro straps included •Superbright directional LEDs •SmartFly Tech •Flight Time 5-7 Minutes Model Number ODY-1228 •Recommended Age 12+ •Batteries 3.7V/650mAh •Charge Time 45-60 Minutes.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/dqU7No2sbFc

 

This is one of my favorite finds at CE Week 2017, Check the low price, after you see the video!

 

The Odyssey Toys Auto-Moto Voice-Activated Transforming Robot isn't only controlled by remote--it also has a voice-activation system. Simply relay instructions to it and it will transform from a robotic state to a vehicular state and vice versa. You can also command it to launch forward, execute razor-sharp left or right turns or come to a sudden halt. This is the perfect addition to any toy collection that will keep young children and RC-toy fanatics engaged for an extended period of time. Responds To Voice Commands Or Controllable Via Remote. Easily Transforms Between Vehicular Mode & Robot Mode. Very reasonable price!

Under $40.00

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/dqU7No2sbFc

 

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1631

Thursday
Jul132017

Two Webcams Via Logitech -- One For A Whole Group To Use At Once.

With the new Logitech MeetUp video meetings just got a lot better. MeetUp is Logitech’s premier ConferenceCam designed for small conference rooms and huddle rooms. With a room capturing, super-wide 120° field of view and 4K* optics, MeetUp makes every seat at the table clearly visible. MeetUp’s integrated audio is optimized for huddle room acoustics and delivers an exceptional sound experience. It has has three broadside omnidirectional microphones with noise and echo cancellation— plus a custom-tuned speaker. Requires a USB 3.0 cable, not included. Use the included wireless remote control to pan, tilt and zoom to a whiteboard, presenter or object and preset/move between three camera views with the press of a button. Easy pairing to Bluetooth mobile devices for voice-only speakerphone calls. MSRP $899.99. Coming in August, 2017. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/6revdmGUhlE

 

Amazon link:  http://amzn.to/2uf7u9I - 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

 

Meet BRIO - 4K's an option to use!

 

Logitech’s best webcam ever is packed with industry firsts. Whether you’re a business or home office professional, streamer, YouTuber, vlogger or anyone else looking for a top-of-the-line webcam, BRIO brings you one of the highest quality desktop video experience available. Dim light? Back light? Bright sunlight? No problem. Advanced Logitech RightLight 3 with High Dynamic Range (HDR) auto adjusts exposure and contrast so you always look your best in any lighting. 4k Ultra HD Video BRIO delivers a premier video collaboration, streaming and recording experience. Record professional-quality video in stunning 4K Ultra HD. (4K requires USB 3.0 port.) With multiple resolutions, including 1080p and 720p, BRIO supports every video app, monitor and bandwidth. Logitech’s first webcam with an infrared sensor supports Windows Hello and other facial recognition applications for speedier logins with a higher level of security. MSRP $199.99.

 

Amazon: ($179.99 http://amzn.to/2tR6BBu (Not great reviews online here.) -

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/6revdmGUhlE

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1631

Thursday
Jul132017

A Different Kind Of Phone For Very Young Kids.

The Kids Connect Phone is a parent's "all in one security solution". It is the best way for parents to obtain piece of mind while their children are away from home. The kids connect phone is GPS equipped which allows real time tracking of the phone via the android or IOS app or on any web enabled device. Parents can also see where their children have been with the location history feature. The SOS feature when activated will send a text message with the GPS location to up to 4 cell phone numbers and then it will auto-dial the numbers on the SOS list until one is answered. The SOS feature can also be programmed to call a help center where a live operator will answer the phone and assist the child at an additional cost. The geo fencing feature allows parents to set a predetermined area and receive an alert if the phone enters or leaves the area. The voice monitoring feature allows parents to send a text message to the phone and within a minute the phone will call back without activating the screen allowing them the ability to monitor the child's surroundings. The kids connect phone is equipped with 4 speed dial numbers as well as a 20 number phone book. These pre-programmed numbers are the only numbers that the child can call as well as being the only numbers that can call the phone. There are many more details and limitations of the phone and GPS at the company website, so check them out before ordering. $79.95.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/L0FsIE4aN2s

 

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1631

Wednesday
Jul122017

Chad's Crappy Corner & Gadget Two For His New Theme For July, 2017

Chad's New July Theme, as voted on by our loyal Patreon members, is “Gadgets from home improvement stories like Lowes & Home Depot.” Chad's gadget this week is The DewStop Condensation Fan Switch.

Chad got his at Home Depot for $35. It's the same price at Amazon. Here's what they say about the DewStop Switch. "It turns the fan on when moisture is present and off when dry. Works with ANY Ventilation Fan to help you save time and money. Now with QUE Ultra Moisture-Sensing, Adaptive Technology, Adjustable Settings, Manual Fan Control. DewStop's sensors are always watching for harmful moisture, ready to control your fan when your family forgets to. Replace any existing switch - Works with any ventilation fan."

 

And Chad's take? Chad liked the idea of having an automatic moisture-sensing switch to control the fan because guests often don't know to turn on the fan switch when the bathroom is getting too damp, like during a shower. The DewStop is supposed to turn the fan on when moisture is present and off when dry. And Chad liked the fact that the front of packages boasts “NO HASSLE INSTALL. NO ADDITIONAL WIRING NEEDED”. Well be sure to watch the video to see Chad have a 'total fail' trying to install this. The wiring diagram doesn't match the wiring Chad has in his house, which is a new house. You'll see Chad take apart a second switch just in case it was wired differently. It wasn't! So for Chad, this is a totally crappy gadget. And $35 too!

 

Home Depot, or on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2tSeAzU - 

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1631

Wednesday
Jul122017

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

Our viewer video of the week came with this email: 

Hi Dick & Chad.

 

I have an old, but very useful gadget. It's an antique hand cranked circular sock-knitting machine. These were made between 1900 and 1925. I found this one on ebay for a few hundred dollars. But it literally has a hundred moving parts, so I had to spend more time and money restoring it and getting it working smoothly. -- Shelly Hattan

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJatvZLsAxg

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1631 Goes live 7/14/17

 

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

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.

-

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 (favorite old, or favorite new): 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!

 

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   

 

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

Letter of the week:

 

Sophisticated Negg replacement

 

Ron Dupre

 

Gentlemen... and I use that word loosely,

 

Regarding the Negg Boiled Egg Peeler on episode 1630. Your instincts were absolutely correct. The Negg is not the only design that peels eggs. If the promoters of the Negg think they can fool everyone with little egg-shaped protrusions on the plastic body, and it’s the “magic” that makes it work, they made an eggregious error!

 

There is a YouTube video called "35 Unbelievable Cooking Hacks" that features a highly sophisticated version of the egg peeler. In fact it’s so sophisticated it processes 5 eggs at a time! And it’s much cheaper that the Negg.

 

Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbiXc5cUVus You’ll find it 6 minutes 15 seconds into the video.

 

I really enjoy the GizWiz shows. I don’t need to tell you to keep up the great work because you already do!

 

Cheers! Ron Dupre (Ronnie D : ) Connecticut