The Giz Wiz, Week of June 4th, 2014, Show # 1471

Gadgets from the Housewares Holiday Press Event. 

You may not be thinking about the holidays yet, but some big, slick consumer magazines are. They have a long lead-time to producing their Holiday Shopping Guides. That’s why there are many ‘holiday gift press events’ in June and July. The Housewares Holiday Press Event is one of the first, and it took place at the Hilton Hotel on June 3^rd, 2014. 

If you watch The Giz Wiz on TwiT TV or ABC’s World News Now, you've seen me show a few different Bedol clocks powered by water. No electric, no batteries, just water from the sink. Coming in August, 2014 will be Bedol’s first water-powered watch. If you’re not familiar with Bedol time products, here’s a bit of background. To get them up and running you just add plain, old tap water. Electrodes within the water reservoir convert ions into a current strong enough to power any of the many Bedol clocks, or the soon-to-be-released wristwatch. A built in memory chip ensures you never need to reset the time while changing the water. It’s a hassle-free alternative energy source and a foolproof, fun way to decrease your carbon footprint. And the cost is very reasonable. On Amazon, Bedol clocks start at about $10 and the new watch will retail for the just $16. Here’s a first video look at the Bedol Wristwatch: 

http://youtu.be/mdbuQkFwLzs 

Company website: www.bedol.com 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1471 

There are quite a few gadgets to help you hang pictures…..

But the Hang-o-matic is one of the newest, smallest and most inexpensive that I’ve seen.

According to the company, it’s very simple to use. First, use Hang-O-Matic’s built-in sliding anchors to measure the distance between two holes or hangers on the back of any picture, poster or item you want to hang. Second, use the built in level bubble to level Hang-O-Matic on the wall. With a firm press on both ends, Hang-O-Matic makes two perfect marks on the wall. Then, use any hardware, any size to hang your item perfectly, every time. It measures up to six feet, but weighs only six ounces. Hang-O-Matic retails for $19.99 and that includes free shipping in the US. The folks at the demo table said it will be available in some stores later this year, but it’s available now on their website. 

Demo video from the company website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY16FiqfiP0 

Ordering and more info: www.hangomatic.com

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1471 

Ronco --- yep, the folks who create all sorts of new gadgets and appliances – is introducing the Ready Grill.

The Ready Grill is an indoor electric grill with a one-of-a-kind vertically inclined grill basket. The company says it simultaneously roasts both sides of the food at once, resulting in a more even and quicker grilling. They also say it’s more healthful because of the gravity-induced fat drainage. It features a non-stick, removable, nickel-plated basket, which can be placed in the dishwasher after use. Another feature is the Ready Grill’s 99 square-inch grill basket which provides a larger grilling surface so you can include vegetables, steaks, seafood, etc. in a single grilling. I did like the vertical design because it will take up far less counter space than a traditional grill. Mark, the spokesperson for the grill, said it is super-easy to use with one single control. Just set the analog timer, which turns the unit on, and then go about doing other tasks. It shuts off when the food is cooked. It will first appear for sale on the Home Shopping Network. Mark himself, the guy in our video, will be recording the TV commercial for it. The Ready Grill will be out later in June and retail for $59.99.

www.readygrill.com

Giz Wiz Ready Grill Video:  http://youtu.be/NW-TqKqOmhg 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1471 

Chad's Crappy Corner! This will be the first gadget in Chad’s theme for June: Things that are inflatable.

And Chad’s Pick? The Abco Tech Inflatable Waterproof Dry Phone Case.  

It comes with a lanyard and is designed for Apple iphone, Smartphones, Samsung, HTC, Sony, Galaxy and it also fits many other phones. First, here’s the description on Amazon: New! This Inflatable Design will float safely when dropped in water! With 2 secure snaps at the top, your device will be secure all day whether you are swimming, relaxing on the beach, boating, or drinking near water. The case has 2 clear sides so you can still use the picture taking & video recording capabilities of your phone without worrying about potential damage. A neck lanyard is included. Sealed Retail Packaging so it's perfect for a gift! Many phones (with standard cases) will fit into the waterproof case so there is no need to be constantly removing your stylish case when using the waterproof case! Price (as of 6/4/14) is just $5.99 and it’s Amazon Prime, so free shipping for Prime members. 

And Chad’s take? Chad had a very hard time blowing up the inflation chambers. There's one on each side of the case and getting air into the tiny inflation chamber was almost impossible. He got it to the point where when he put the phone and case in water, the case was underwater (in the clear glass tub he was using for the demo), but just the top 1" of the case stuck out of the water. At least it was enough so Chad could grab the phone and case. As Chad put it, you still might want to buy one because it's just $6 with free shipping. Otherwise it would be a "pass on this" inflatable device. Be sure to watch the video version to see for yourself how the case behaved in and out of water. 

No longer available.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1471 

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

Once you post your video you YouTube, you send us the link, with a quickie email. Maybe something like this:

hello dick and chad. this is both a my favorite gadget of all-time and gadget warehouse submission. just want to add that it was plugged in because it hadn't been used in a while. love the show. here is the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSn13ByCBAM&list=UUgnrprz0BobntEITsUO8Bcw

greg sprague (gregor1942 in chat)

jackson michigan

Be sure to watch Greg's video to see the short-lived HP TouchPad Tablet.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1471 

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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, but please, no longer than 4 minutes. It can be 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

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