The Giz Wiz, Week of November 26th, 2013 Netcast 1444

Something new from the folks at Nest.

There’s something new from Nest, the folks who make fantastic Nest Thermostat. It's the Nest Protect, a high tech smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarm. Since it's brand new, here’s some info on the device from Nest. “Nest Protect gives you an early warning called Heads-Up. Nest Protect lights up yellow and speaks. It tells you where smoke is or when carbon monoxide levels are rising. It gives you an earlier warning if there’s an emergency, and allows you to silence the Nest Protect if it’s just a nuisance alarm. There are no more frantically swinging towels at the smoke alarm to quiet it down. If there’s a nuisance alarm, just stand under the Nest Protect and wave your arm to hush the alert. You’ll also get a message on your smartphone or tablet if the smoke or carbon monoxide alarm goes off. Nest Protect constantly monitors its batteries and sensors. If the batteries are low, you’ll get a message on your phone. In addition to an alarm sound, Nest Protect speaks to you with a human voice. It tells you what the problem is and where it is. Nest Protect can also light your way during an emergency. And if you have more than one Nest Protect, they connect so they can speak up at the same time even if Wi-Fi is down.” And if you own a Nest Thermostat, the two Nest devices talk to each other. If there’s a CO emergency for example, the Nest Protect instructs the Nest Thermostat to immediately shut off the heating system. Available in white, or in black, but black is only directly from the Nest store. The MSRP is $129.00.

http://nest.com/smoke-co-alarm/life-with-nest-protect/#meet-the-nest-protect

April, 2014 - Read this important update if you own, or are considering the Nest Protect:

https://nest.com/letter-from-the-ceo/   

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1444

Giz Wiz Video Of The Week: 3D Systems handheld 3D Scanner.

3D printers are becoming more popular each day. And now there’s an easy, not-too-expensive way to scan your 3D projects too. It’s from Cubify, a division of 3D Systems. The Sense 3D scanner can scan small and large objects, people and scenes. Here’s some info from the company about this device: Sense 3D has the most diverse scan range in its class with auto-optimized settings for small and large objects like a book or a motorcycle, heads to full bodies and scenes as large as 10 feet tall and wide. Full integration between the Sense 3D scanner and Cubify Sculpt 3D Printer gives you the creative freedom to import your scans and combine them with other favorite designs. Sense 3D scanner software is intuitive, fast, accurate and easy to use. Scans process in seconds and can be cropped, enhanced and solidified for printables in just minutes. No design experience is necessary. Hand-held mobility gives you the freedom to scan spontaneously everywhere you go.  --- And now back to me! Dennis Wunderlin videoed me getting my head scanned by the Sense 3D Scanner. You see it in action at the link below. $399.00.

http://cubify.com/sense/

The Giz Wiz gets scanned! http://youtu.be/MHm07WWBOvA

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1444

AR introduces "Speakers for her".

It looks like a purse, but it's a speaker!One of the more bizarre gadgets I saw at the Pepcom event, as least to my mind, is from AR, a company known for its speakers. (AR, which stands for Acoustic Research, is a brand owned by VOXX International.) Billed as “AR For Her”, they’re a very different kind of Bluetooth speaker. Looking exactly like a lady’s purse, these wireless speakers are designed to appeal to women. You can stream your music to this ‘purse’ directly from your smart phone, tablet, etc. As I stood at the AR display table I watched the reaction of a couple of women. They seemed to like them, but asked the same question. Can you also carry things in this purse? Actually, you can’t. The entire purse is a metal speaker cabinet. The first round of AR purse speakers come in six different colors and styles, but the inside electronics are all the same. New colors and styles can easily be added if they’re a bit hit. A built-in rechargeable battery offers 8 hours of playtime away from AC on a full charge. There’s also a built-in microphone, which allows for hands-free calls. Included with the wireless speaker is an AC adapter, Micro USB charging cable, audio cable (for non-Bluetooth devices) and a removable accessory strap so it can be carried like a purse. The sound I heard from the purse speaker was lacking in bass. But we were told the speakers on display where just delivered that day in time for the show, and were just prototypes. So maybe the sound will be fuller in the final version. The AR For Her will retail for $79.99. It’s expected to be available in stores beginning spring 2014.

http://www.ar-forher.com/

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1444

Leo's Crap! (But sometimes it's something good. Occassionally, very good!)

This piece of crap segment turned out to be a surprise for Leo. Jeff Needles, who left TWiT a few months ago to return to school, had been buying crap for Leo to demo on The Giz Wiz. Because of the Thanksgiving weekend, Jeff was able to come to visit Gizneyland to surprise Leo. Fortunately Leo decided to demonstrate the Pop Chef, a gadget Jeff bought. When Leo mentioned Jeff didn’t leave any instructions I was able to say: “Let’s ask Jeff “ and we cut to Jeff sitting next to me! About the Pop Chef. Here’s what Amazon says about it: “Create professional-looking, mouth-watering fruit arrangements, sandwiches, cheese plates, vegetable platters, cake decorations and more with the amazing Pop Chef. It s as easy as 1-2-3...just select a shape, push down, press the bulb and pop out perfectly shaped treats. Set includes the Pop Chef, 6 shapes (circle, heart, flower, butterfly, sun and star), 20 skewers, and a recipe guide.” And now back to me. Perhaps if you had all the various fruits mentioned in the recipe, you could make something interesting. Leo worked with just an apple and a banana. It sure looked labor intensive, because you even have to worry about the ‘fruit consistency’. All in the all, the kids might have fun with this for a while, but it looks like a cheap plastic toy. It’s under $11 on Amazon with free shipping if you’re Amazon Prime. You can search for cheaper deals on Amazon, but most prices jumped when you added in the shipping and handling. You can also find it for under $11 at Wal-Mart and Bed, Bath & Beyond.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1444

Dick's Gadget Warehouse: Another viewer's video and how to submit yours!

Our viewer’s video of the week started with this email:

Hi Dick, Leo and Jason,

Here is a small item I have had in my "warehouse" for many, many years. It is a 3D technology device that requires no batteries, chargers, or programming. It is not based on floppy disks but another type of disk. It uses the power of either solar, or light and direct interaction to function.

Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxBdfLPGRn0

Your show is just one of many reasons I love TWIT!  Keep it up!

Jim Hytken   Louisville, KY.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1444

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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 - 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! 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.  

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.    

If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. It's Leo's way to get rid of somel the crap he shows weekly on The Giz Wiz Show. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv