The Giz Wiz, Week of May 5th, 2014, Show # 1467

Fun Stuff from the Time To Play Magazine Press Event

The Fuze division of Skyrocket Toys had all kinds of gadgets that connect to a kid’s bike. Here are four of them that I saw at the show. It’s best to watch the video to see them “in person”.

Cyclone Water Blaster – remote control water pistol for your bike. Shoots up to 25’.  WalMart Exclusive. $24.99. The spokesperson may have said $14.99 in the video, but here’s the WalMart link, which has it at $24.97:

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Fuze-Cyclone-Water-Blaster-Bike-Accessory/3528530

Wheel Writer 2.0 – We’ve seen a lot of these over the years, but this one has something I never saw before. It can read out your current in lights on the bike wheel. $19.99.

Wheel Writer website: http://www.fuzebikefx.com/

Bike Bubbler – Leave a stream of bubbles behind you as you go. $14.99

The Man Rack – a black metal rack with rubber grid insert plus a separate hanging beverage holder. Comes with a cargo net to hold sports gear in place. Designed for the boy or man’s bike. $24.99 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/0USHY1xRHKc 

Company website: www.skyrockettoys.com. 

 See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1467   

The ChillFactory - makes a slushy in minutes.

The ChillFactory, which also seems to be known as The Chill Factor, uses something they call RFT, or Rapid Freeze Technology. It's not really, really rapid, because you have to put the ChillFactory cup in the freezer for 4 to 6 hours. But once that's done it is surprising how quickly you can turn soda or juice into a slushy. It only takes a minute or two of squeezing the ChillFactory cup before you get results, and there is really is no mess. You can also make slushies from dairy products, but they recommend you put the product in the frozen ChillFactory cup and place it back in the freezer for 3 to 4 minutes before you take it out to start the "squeezing". The other thing to remember is to use the combo spoon/straw that's packed with the product. It's designed not to puncture the lining of the ChillFactory cup, which you can use over and over again. Aha, I just heard from SpinMaster about the name of the product: Chill Factor and Chill Factory are the same thing.. it is Chill Factor in the US and Chill Factory in Canada. Now we know. $14.95 at toy and many big box stores. 

www.thechillfactor.com 

GizWiz ChillFactory Video: http://youtu.be/nD_pYmnMaRI

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1467   

Now kids as young as 4 years of age can have their own activity tracking bracket.

If kids like to do what their parents do, they'll soon have their own wearable exercise device like dads or moms, or both! LeapFrog, who makes all kinds of educational toys and tablets, previewed the LeapBand at a press event on May 1^st, 2014. The LeapBand is a wearable activity tracker aimed at kids in the 4 to 7 year age bracket. The LeapFrog spokesperson said the apps and games  are designed to encourages active play and healthy habits. There are games built into the LeapBand with many more available online. I asked, and yes, he said the different games and challenges are free. Parents can monitor their children's activities and select challenges. LeapBand should  be available in August, in three kid colors: pink, green and blue. MSRP is $39.99. 

Giz Wiz LeapBand Video: http://youtu.be/a3h8tGlV0-E

LeapBand website: http://bit.ly/1kD9bxA

 See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1467   

Chad's Crappy Corner! But it might be good. (Might be.)

Judging from Chad's pick this week, our survey of what subject Chad should use for all his gadgets this month, "things that light" won! Chad picked the Blackfire CLAMPLIGHT Lantern & Flashlight Here’s what Amazon said about it: Blackfire’s new concept puts to shame all other flashlights sitting in your toolbox. CLAMPLIGHT clamps virtually anywhere and stays out of the way. Shaped like a traditional flashlight for easy portability or to fit in a belt or pocket. It converts from a clamp light to a stand-up light by simply pressing the clamp and sliding the lock feature. Non-skid feet swivel down for stability. The GOOD DESIGN Award is a further acknowledgement of the company position as "the innovation leader in the flashlight category”. 230 Lumens. 12.8 ounces. Product Dimensions: 3.8 x 3.8 x 9 inches. Model BBM910. 3 AA batteries required. $38.53. It's Amazon Prime, so free shipping if you're a Prime member. 

And Chad’s take on the CLAMPLIGHT? Chad likes the Clamplight especially since it uses powerful Cree bulbs. The clamping mechanism is versitile and works well. Chad likes the high/low beam for the lantern, but he thinks it's a bit annoying to have to click the switch four times in order to get into flashlight mode. Another feature Chad liked is that the clamps can click into position so you use them as feet for the flashlight and stand it up. The flexible head lets you aim the light exactly where you need it. All-in-all, Chad likes this a lot; except for that pesky switch-thing!

Amazon link: Blackfire BBM910 Clamplight LED Lantern, Black/Green -As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1467   

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

A viewer’s video always comes with an email, like this one: 

Hi Dick and Chad, 

Hope you are doing well. 

This is Mark from the Philippines. Here's my video for 'I invented this'. It's a Power Timer. It's a device that lets you put a timer on your electrical sockets. It uses a timer that turns the sockets on its side on or off on a specified duration, or at intervals. So you can plug any appliance or gadget and it will automatically turn them on or off based on a timer. 

Here's the link to my video:

http://youtu.be/ouAH9vnzenE 

I forgot to mention in the video that the Power Timer runs on a regular power outlet. And the timer I used is from my dad, who found it, back when he was still working in a recycling facility. 

Thanks! Hope you like my video :)  Mark

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1467   (This show link goes live late 5/5/14)

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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, 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