The Giz Wiz, Week of June 18th, 2014, Show # 1473

Dipping a high tech Bluetooth Speaker into the Hudson River!

At last something different from all the other portable Bluetooth speakers out there. Fugoo's unique "Core plus Jacket" modular design lets you customize the speaker to your taste and lifestyle. In my video, I tested the Fugoo Tough Jacket version, which is crafted from fiber-reinforced resin and solid aluminum. So you can take it lots of places, the mounting socket on the underside accepts the Bike, Strap, or Multi Mount, or you can use the slip-resistant aluminum rods at either end to secure it with straps, ropes, or carabineers. I used a bungee to bounce it up and down in the Hudson River, so check out the video. But wait, there’s more! The built-in omnidirectional microphone gives you full-duplex speakerphone functionality so you can answer a call right from the speaker. And something else rather unique, speakers on all four sides offer what Fugoo calls 360 sound. The speaker's upward tilt and symmetrical positioning cancels vibrations so the Speaker won't "walk" across the table like other speakers might do. Price is about $200 with most of the jacket selections, and $229.99 for the Tough model, which is the one in the video. It is one impressive rugged speaker system. There’s a 3.5mm jack too in case you want to use it with a device that doesn’t have Bluetooth. And playback time – an amazing 40 hours at half-volume after about a 3.5 hour charge! 

Company website: www.fugoo.com 

The Sport Fugoo on Amazon: 

Fugoo Tough Bluetooth Wireless Speaker (Black/Silver) As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Giz Wiz Fugoo Speaker Video: http://youtu.be/jjhZ2079s8Q 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1473 

The Giz Wiz finally buys a car. And it’s a Ferrari!

Okay, so not a real Ferrari, I live right in the heart of New York City. But I did buy a Red Car Shaped Optical USB Mouse. Amazon said a lot about it, but quite frankly, I didn’t understand most of the description. Things like: “Switch Operating Force: 60 ± 15GF key operation force: 80 ± 20GF 3D button operation force: 170 ± 30GF” ….There was more I understood a little better, even though it was badly written: “The classic appearance of color match, streamlined appearance grade and avant-garde, four-wheel drives lifelike image of the mouse is definitely designed to our unexpected, exquisite fine vividly before us. USB Interface plug and play. Quiet blue set off with bright red sports car the whole platform. Also this mouse both seductive portrait. Material: ABS plastic Size: 105 53 34MM. But the price was right!

No longer available.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1473 

Now this is really a sticky pad for your dashboard!

It’s easy to see why the Impact Gel Grab Pad is billed as the “world's stickiest grab pad.” We took it out on my boat in the Hudson River and installed it in a vertical position. Then we stuck a smart phone on it and went bouncing over the waves. Surprise, the phone didn't fall off. At first we put it smooth glass side down because the back of the phone wasn't flat. But that worked so good, we did it again with the uneven back of the phone on the Grab Pad and again, it didn't fall off. My guess is the company doesn't expect anyone to use it like that, but it was a rugged test. The company also says it works in extreme conditions and if it gets dirty, it washes clean with soap and water. This would be great for many handheld devices you probably lay on your dashboard, like phones and cameras and portable units, GPS devices, even small tablets. Impact Gel also says it’s environmentally- friendly and non-toxic; made from soybean oil. When taking the phone off the Grab Pad, there was no hit on any oil, or residue. The military-grade gel absorbs shock and the company makes phone cases using the same material. It's available in several colors, and should be at stores like Bed, Bath & Beyond for $7.99. Depending on what they charge for shipping, a better deal might be at the company website where on 6/17/2014 it was selling for $5.99 + shipping.   

http://shop.impactgel.com/Grab-Pad-GrabPad.htm

Giz Wiz Grab Pad Shock Test Video: http://youtu.be/SZthnW7Vnek 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1473 

Chad's Crappy Corner! The 3rd gadget in Chad’s theme for June: Things that are inflatable.

Chad’s picks is Big Time Toys Socker Bopper. These are inflatable boxing pillows. Here’s what Amazon says about them: More fun than a pillow fight. Air-inflated for soft, safe fun. For boys and girls. Indoors and outdoors. Patented double-cavity air chamber cushions wrist and hand. Oversized deluxe no-leak air valves for quick, easy inflation. Super heavy-duty 12-gauge vinyl for rugged durability. Fun for all ages. A sure winner for everyone. No more feathers flying around for you to clean up after the sleep over pillow fight. And the cost? $6.75 + $6.63 shipping. (Not available on Amazon Prime.)

And Chad’s Take? Chad and Jeff did a little 'play' fighting with the Socker Boppers. It seems they're fun, but you could hit someone hard with them and it might hurt. So they're definitely not for hostile play. At the about $13 with shipping, Chad thought they would have been cheaper. So I guess it's a 'do be careful' warning if you buy them.

Big Time Toys Socker Bopper (Colors May Vary) As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1473 

Dick's Gadget Warehouse. And how to submit your video to the show.

At first I thought I wouldn't show this video because it's an awful lot about the various Giz Wiz hats Tim has purchased over the years. But after showing it to a few people, everyone thought Tim was interesting and had some nice comments to make about the show. So, here's Tim's Viewer video and email:

Dick and Chad:

This is one of my favorite gadgets I have purchased. 

Thanks again for keeping us entertained. 

Tim Raber 

Tim's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLUxB3zbmIU 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1473 

                                                             _+++++++++++ 

We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. 

Here’s what we’re looking: Your home shoot 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 something you just bought too.  

Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jason, 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 will now be awarded with some sort of prize. Like an autographed MAD magazine and some piece of crap. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!  

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv