Giz Wiz #1561 March 11th, 2016 - 45th Independent Produced Giz Wiz

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show continues in 2016!

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 this page: 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. 

This week it's a last look at stuff from Toy Fair 2016. We'll learn about a new STEM toy and two non-toy gadgets from Fair 2016!

Tinkineer, a STEM-RELATED toy.

Before we talk about Tinkineer kits, here's a quickie STEM lesson. STEM is an acronym for the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. At Toy Fair, I believe the acronym should be changed to STEAM. They would add an A for “art” or ”arts”. And now back to our first gadget: 

Here's how Tinkineer describes their fun & easy to build STEM kits: Marbleocity is a unique STEM kit that encourages young people to pursue careers in engineering using dynamic model kits that are made of wood in America. Each Marbleocity “marble machine” kit ships with a companion graphic novel featuring the Tinkineers. The comic introduces a physics concept or engineering mechanism that is also the focal point of the model. The result is a beautiful showpiece-quality, kinetic sculpture and a unique learning experience.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Clq6qQII-7s

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1561

A round of LOUD applause for this gadget.

When I walked by a booth at Toy Fair with racks of strange looking gloves, I just had to stop and find out what they were. Turns out they're Fan Hands. You can find them on Amazon. And here's what Amazon says about them: Want to make noise? Want to show that you're the "Ultimate Fan"? Fan Hands is the product for you! The foundation of Fan Hands is a pair of specially designed gloves that have hard plastic pieces adhered to the palms and fingers. This enables the user to create a higher sound level than simply clapping their hands. Fan Hands are great noise-makers for sporting events, concerts, fun runs/walks, and any event where applause is needed! Fan Hands are made in the USA of a breathable, polyester fabric. Fan Hands - "The Ultimate Fan's Accessory. $12.00

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/1YA7RBf -As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

Fan Hans commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx0ctVeZxpY

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

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1561

Looking for even more Star Wars merchandise?

According to New York Magazine’s daily entertainment coverage on Vulture.com both Star Wars and Doctor Who rank among the “25 Most Devoted Fan Bases.” Doctor Who comes in ninth, which in the United States enjoys “a notably large female following compared to other long-running sci-fi properties.” Meanwhile, the Star Wars franchise ranks second on the list with a “spinoff industry [that] includes toys, video games, CDs, books, TV series, cookie molds [and] Mr. Potato Heads.” At Toy Fair, and at the International Housewares Preview, I met up with the folks from Underground Toys who hold major licenses with both of those properties. I was especially interested in Star Wars stuff and as you'll see in the video, they have a heck of a lot of it! When we shot the video, some gadgets were still under embargo, but if you visit their website, you should be able to see all that's new by now. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/vpG2UufyEOY

Company website: http://www.underground-toys.com/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1561

Chad's Crappy Corner and another gadget for his new theme for March.

Chad emailed our loyal (and much appreciated) Patreon supporters and asked them to pick a March, 2016 theme of the month they would like to see. They voted and picked crappy gaming gadgets. And this week's gadget: the PlayLimit TV & Video Game Timer.

Here's how Amazon describes it: The TV Timer that helps control the TV or Video Game time.

Teach Your Children How to Budget Their Time. Controls the video signal. Child must have a token to allow TV or Video Game time. Great for controlling multiple TVs or Video Game Consoles. Controls the signal on coaxial and RCA cables. Parental switch override. Please Note: This timer doesn't have HDMI connections. $14.99.

And Chad's take? As Chad showed us, this gadget only works with devices that hook up with RCA cables (red, white & yellow) or coaxial cables like those cable TV set top boxes use. It's fairly easy to hook up and the TV and/or game box cables end up behind a locked door panel making it difficult for a child to remove. Although Chad had a bit of trouble getting the back panel off, (he finally did it with a screwdriver) he said the unit was fairly well made for the under $15 price. It comes with a bag of “coins” that allow the device to work 15 minutes at a time. Maybe a parent could award coins for doing homework, chores, etc. Chad also showed us that the unit has a pause button, so a child can pause the digital timer while they get a bite, or need a break for a few minutes. All in all, Chad liked it and said it could get kids to budget they play and TV time better.

Amazon link: http://amzn.to/224ArjT As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1561

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

Our viewer video of the week is our 1st "product review" video. (Don't worry, in about a year it will probably be ready for Buddy's warehouse. The link to the video arrived via this email: 

Greetings Dick (and Chad)-

I have been playing with three Flux WiFi and three Flux Blutooth LED bulbs and I made a video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3G7bbaZ01s

That’s my review of the Flux LED bulbs. I don’t care what anyone says, you have a great show. -Buddy Yates

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1561

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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.

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 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  

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Letter of the week: 

Subject: Best New Gadget

It was just the other day that Leo gadget was the toothpick holder.  This is the upgrade. Tell me what you think. 

http://toyland.gizmodo.com/every-star-wars-fan-is-going-to-want-this-stupid-darth-1763756644#_ga=1.261449924.836860047.1452360223

Keep up the great work. ..

Paul McDonald