Weekly Daily Giz Wiz, Week of May 9th,2010 Netcast 1313

Enhance the audio coming from your iPad, iPhone iPod, and iPod Touch.

The new iWOW 3D is from SRS Labs. They’re the folks who really know how to get the best out of almost any audio source. The SRS iWOW 3D is a small, shiny black audio device. On one end is a standard 30-pin connector for most iPads, iPhones or iPods, including the Touch. A 3-inch flexible line-out headphone jack is at other end.  Even though this gizmo is small, it utilizes many of the patented SRS technologies designed to bring sound to life. Recorded music that sounds “canned”, comes to life with the iWOW3D. A push of the single button on the device turns it on and off. When the button is illuminated, it’s on. But you’ll know for sure it’s on, by the amazing sound. The name is said to come from people saying “wow” when turning on an SRS audio enhancement device. I just listened to music, which sounded richer and deeper with the iWOW 3D. Checking reviews on the web I find people are equally impressed when using it for movies and games. The first time I plugged the iWOW 3D into my iPod TOUCH, the screen said this device requires an app that is not on my device – and would I like to download it. It’s a quick, free download. The SRS iWOW App lets you select headphones, speakers or car and optimizes the sound accordingly. There’s an “advanced mode” that lets you increase bass, increase treble and add a widened surround sound effect. Each of those three choices are either turned on or off, there’s no fine adjustment. There are two models. The basic kit contains just the SRS iWOW 3D audio enhancement adaptor and costs about $50. The higher priced kit adds five interchangeable color faceplates and a pair of very decent earbuds. That retails for about $20 more. But it’s likely you already have a favorite pair of headphones. And I happen to prefer the “tech” black of the device itself.

www.srslabs.com/store   (Check out the prices on Amazon too.)

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313

Here's a new Smoothie! The Steadicam Smoothie from Tiffen.

You most likely know the name Steadicam. They make professional equipment used around the world to take the shake out of movie and video cameras in action. Now there’s a version for just about anyone who wants to shoot smooth videos and take sharp still pictures anywhere. It’s the Steadicam Smoothee. Right now there are models designed and engineered to work with the Apple iPhone 3Gs, Apple iPhone 4, and FLIP Mino HD. I just got one of the newly introduced mounts for my iPod Touch. More mounts are in the works. The Smoothee is based on the same technology as the big $60,000 rigs used in Hollywood and New York TV productions. The Smoothee allows you to capture video and still images without the shakes normally associated with hand-held video shot on the go. Even though the company says you'll use it perfectly right out of the box, the very first time – I’d say you need at least a few minutes of practice. And watch the three very informative and short instructional videos on the company website. Basically you just attach your device, balance it with the front/back right/left knobs and installation is done. The Steadicam Smoothee doesn't fold, but it is small enough to take on vacation or to the beach, park, sporting event, etc. I took mine to the marina and shot some video during some rolling wakes to see if the Smoothie could smooth them out. A link to the video is below. A nice feature is the quick release mount that lets you instantly swap camera connections between your Smoothee and any tripod. The quick release mount also serves as a tabletop stand. Remember because there has to be perfect balance when you use the Smoothie, the mount has to be ordered for the exact device you’re going to use with it! $179.95.

http://www.tiffen.com/steadicam_smoothee_homepage1.html

Giz Wiz Steadicam Smoothie video: http://youtu.be/maUsGNAKyWY

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313

A Natural Spectrum Light For The Road.

Verilux, famous for their natural spectrum light, has a great folding light for travel. Their Rechargeable Travel Lamp not only provides Natural Spectrum light for that dark hotel desk when you travel, but it’s great for home or work projects too. This folding flip lamp features 11 LED bulbs to provide color balance and high contrast. Verilux is famous for their daylight illumination devices. The Travel Lamp ships with rechargeable batteries or it can powered by the included AC Adapter. The AC Adapter is also used to charge the Travel Lamp. Strangely I couldn’t find it mentioned anywhere, not even on the Travel Lamp box, but there’s also USB adapter included. It’s perfect when you’re using the light at your computer. Just power it, and charge it too from your laptop. When fully charged, the Travel Lamp can run for four hours on the internal rechargeable (and user replaceable) batteries. It can also function as a reading light in bed or additional illumination in the car, boat or RV. List price is $29.95, but as of May 7^th, 2011 it’s on the company website for half price! Just $14.98. (I don’t know how long that price will be effect.)

http://www.verilux.com/full-spectrum-portables/travel-lamp

See or Hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313

On this Turn The Table Turkey Leo buys a new computer ---- case.

Come on, Leo has to stop buying computers at some point and just buy something to protect what he always owns. He said he already has a small dent in his MacBook Air, so he wants to protect it before anything else happens to it. So he bought and loves the new Incipio Feather case. It’s less than 1mm in thickness, so it’s a truly slim, form-fitting case that still offers protection. Leo said when you buy a MacBook Air you don’t want to ruin the design with a traditional bulky case. The Incipio Feather is rugged and as light as --- well, a feather. Leo worried about heat from the computer, but showed us that the MacBook Air 13 inch can breathe with strategically placed vents on the underside. I noticed there’s also four raised bumps on the bottom of the case, designed to prop the MacBook Air in an elevated position to further alleviate unnecessary wear. It available in 5 colors and Leo picked a very bright red. The texture of the case helps you hold it securely so it’s less likely to slip out of your hand. MSRP is $49.95, but Leo found it on Amazon for $10 less.

http://www.myincipio.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/dgw1313