Giz Wiz, Week of March 5, 2013, Netcast 1406 – 2nd Show of year eight!

It's all done with magnets...almost!

The easiest way to charge a cell phone these days is to just drop it on a charging pad. (Once your device is in the necessary charging case. That will be changing soon though.) I prefer it when you don’t even have to physically connect a single cable to your device to start the charging cycle. PowerMat does that quite well, but now there’s a new device on the market called Magnetyze. And it adds a few features that I like better than the PowerMat. Developed by BuQuTech, the Magnetyze family of magnetic charging accessories, are available for iPhones and for the Samsung Android Galaxy 3. As the name implies it uses their patent-pending magnetic technology to keep smartphones charged and ready to go. If the power cable is plugged into a computer it will also synchronize the device. There is no physical cable connection the phone. The reason I like it better than my PowerMat is the way Magnetyze holds your phone. Instead of it lying flat, it stands up so you can easily view the screen. You can also rotate the phone 360 degrees while it’s still charging. And when it’s time ot get a new smartphone, you only need to replace the Magnetyze case. In addition to the desk stand, the kit comes with a magnetic charging cable for use in the office or on the go. And there are other Magnetyze accessories too which will work with any available Magnetyze smartphone case – Android or iPhone. Kits range in price from $59.99 to $69.99

Company website: www.BuQuTech.com/Magnetyze.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1406 (This link goes live late 3/5/13)

Giz Wiz Video Of The Week: You'll Like This Mug.

Here’s the story about this new mug from Team Mighty Mug: When spills happen chaos ensures. If you're like us you've spilled many times in your life and unfortunately it doesn't get better with age. After a big spill ruined an important computer of ours we set out to create a new type of mug, a mug that would stand up to falling down, a Mighty Mug. After years of tinkering we came up with Mighty Mug, the world's first mug with Smartgrip technology. Accidentally knock into Mighty Mug and it won't fall but go in for a sip of that delicious drink of yours and it lifts naturally. Some people say Mighty Mug is the greatest mug of all time - we just say thank you and enjoy. ………..And now back to me! I like this mug. It does work just like they say. If you accidentally hit it from the side, the MightyMug stays in place. But when it's time to drink from the MightyMug, just lift it up and there’s nothing holding it back. It's almost like magic. Other features include: 16 Oz Double Wall Insulated - Keeps Beverages Hot or Cool for Hours. Soft Ergonomic Handle, easy to grip. MightyMug Plastics is Microwave Safe with Dishwasher Inner. BPA Free. Retails in stores or on Amazon for about $15.00. 

Giz Wiz Video of the Week: http://youtu.be/O6cc_YeGfFU?t=1s

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

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008N06MZG/?tag+twnene-20

(TWiT gets credit if you buy, but price is the same)

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1406 (This link goes live late 3/5/13)

A convenient gadget gets an upgrade.

The Newer TechnologyPower2U USB outlet adds two convenient USB charging ports to their AC power outlets. There were introduced at CES about two years ago. But now the Power2U USBdevice has been upgraded. Among the new features: They've added 2008 National Electrical Code (NEC) tamper resistant receptacles and NEC tamper resistant shutters to make the Power2U USB as kid safe as possible. It also ensures the device will meet any local home building/improvement code requirements in addition to their UL listing. They've also added a 20Amp version for commercial, hospitality, education, and municipal applications, as well as installations in homes where higher powered appliances and tools might be used. That includes places like basements, kitchens, utility/HVAC rooms and garages. Power2U offers two energy efficient features. The Smart Power design only outputs enough charging power required by the attached device. Then the spring-loaded Safety Shutters turn power off to the USB ports when you unplug your device. That eliminates any "vampire" energy draw. There are new colors too. IMPORTANT NOTE: Newer Tech says electrical boxes typically range from 15 to 16 cubic inches. The Power2U USB device requires the 16 cubic inch electrical box. On their website, they explain how to determine the size of your electrical box. Prices start at about $12 for the 15A model, about $25 for the 20A model. Available at:

http://eshop.macsales.com/search/Power+2U

They're also available at ACE Hardware and soon other retailers.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1406 (This link goes live late 3/5/13)

Leo's "Crap From The Sky Mall Catalog!" Pick Of The Week!

After a wait of a few weeks, the Zipline Trolley from Sky Mall arrived. For this episode of the Giz Wiz, the guys at TWiT rigged up the Zipline Trolley inside the Brick TWiT-house. In in the interest of safety it seemed to make more sense to let a Go-Pro camera make the Zipline Trolley trip rather than Leo himself. First, here’s the description of the product from the Sky Mall website: (The photo is also from Sky Mall)

Who wants to swing from tree to tree when you can zip right along on this sturdy zipline steel trolley and cable rider set? The safe, speedy trolley is fun for ages 7+, with sealed ball bearings to maximize strength and create speeds that would make Tarzan jealous! The impact- and weather-resistant set can deliver a thrill for riders up to 250 lbs. Easy setup gets you riding fast. Comes complete with 75ft. x 1/4 in. steel cable, 8 ft. sling line, 12 in. turnbuckle, three 1/4 inch U-clamps and steel trolley. $149.99.

Leo’s take? It’s was great fun ride for the camera (and for us watching), but Leo is thinking of setting the Zipline Trolley up on his property for a more thorough test! The kit sure looked sturdy and Leo now has a backyard! So stay tuned!

The Zipline Trolley is here on Sky Mall:  http://www.skymall.com/shopping/detail.htm?pid=204459518&c=

Take a minute to vote on what Crap from Sky Mall Leo should buy next!

 See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1406 (This link goes live late 3/5/13)

The Cone Coffee System Leo talked about briefly is here: http://ablebrewing.com/

And the Nifty Mini Drive Leo mentioned that he doesn't recommend is here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1342319572/the-nifty-minidrive

Gadget Warehouse Time! A viewer's 24 year old Sega Video Console! (Learn how to submit yours too!)

It started with an email. (Read how you can submit your video below.) Jason, the esteemed producer of the Giz Wiz, received this email:

Hi Dick & Leo:

Bought this (Genesis) the year it came out for I think $299.99. I was never a gamer I just wanted it and then when Michael Jackson's Moonwalker came out I was determined to play all the way through which I did (also did with Altered Beast). 

I'm surprised that it still plays well, I had to use my security monitor to hook it up since it is the only one with a coaxial connection, everything else is HDMI.

I've always kept it covered in plastic. I re-wrapped and boxed it after making video and put back in my M.J. collectibles box. Its also where I keep my old Kodak cameras, Leo (The Tech #945 01/23/13).

My link for video gadget: http://youtu.be/d1OehaWJZQ8

Cassandra

The Giz Wiz adds a bit about the Genesis via Wikipedia:

Sega Video game console release date - Japan October 29, 1988

North America August 14, 1989  /   PAL version November 30, 1990

Discontinued WW 1997

Units sold estimated from 37.4 to over 41.9 million

Media ROM cartridge  / CPU 68000 and Z80

Best-selling game:  Sonic the Hedgehog, 15 million

Sonic the Hedgehog 2 6 million  / Aladdin, 4 million

Predecessor          Sega Master System  / Successor Sega Saturn

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1406 (This link goes live late 3/5/13)

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. Here's what we're looking for:

Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - (four maximum) in the 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! Do 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.

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, 4 MAX! Low production value is fine. Even welcomed! That way our stuff doesn't look bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it.

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. Here's what we're looking for:

Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - (four maximum) in the 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! Do 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.

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, 4 MAX! Low production value is fine. Even welcomed! That way our stuff doesn't look bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it.

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv