The Giz Wiz Show, Week of Nov. 12th, 2013, Netcast 1442

The second weekend of November 2013, Engadget produced a show at the Javits Convention Center called Expand. The theme was “Experience the Future of Technology”. Here area few gadgets and gizmos I discovered at that show.

The folks at Quirky have teamed up with GE to produced Nimbus, a highly customizable 4-dial dashboard that tracks what’s important to you. In one of the stranger displays at the show, there were four people in one bed. They each represented one of the personalized gauges of the Quirky Nimbus dashboard. The dashboard uses your mobile device to keep an array of info up-to-date and available at a glance. So you can wake up, look up and see your commute traffic conditions, the weather, your emails, calendar, social media networks, and more. You pick the four things you want to see on your four display Nimbus dashboard. It even works with Fitbit and other some products in the Quirky collection. They’re virtually interconnected via Link technology.  Some of them are a bit strange, like Egg Minder. It keeps track of have many eggs you have in the special refrigerator tray. Porkfolio brings the old-fashioned piggy bank into the Internet age. You can track your balance and set financial goals from afar, or more likely use to get kids to save; the nose lights up every time a US coin inserted. And for security, an accelerator detects movement that might mean theft. Quirky’s famous Pivot Power, a bendy power strip that twists and bends to accommodate bulky adapters has been retooled into Pivot Power Genius. It uses an app to independently control each outlet from a mobile device. A high-power USB outlet and four AC outlets are available in the new Wink unit. Price: $79.99. The fourth Wink product is called the Spotter. It’s a sensor pack that measures temperature, humidity, vibration, light or sound. It can be programmed to send scheduled updates on the status of whatever room you've left it in, to your mobile device. It sells for $49.99. Compatibility: iOS 6 and above, iPhone 4 and above, and Android phones/tablets with OS 2.2 or higher. The main Nimbus Dashboard is $129.99. It will be available later this month at Quirky, ThinkGeek and some other high end retailers. Other link devices will be added as time goes on.    

Here’s how Nimbus works: http://www.quirky.com/shop/596-Nimbus-Your-Personal-Dashboard

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High Tech Electric Skateboards - and one built especially for hilly places.

I don’t know much about skateboards, but the ZBoard was interesting enough to catch my attention at the Engadget Expand Event. The company says it’s the world’s first weight-sensing electric skateboard. To ride it you lean forward to start and go, then you lean back to stop. It’s not magic, there are two integrated weight-sensing footpads you rest your feet on to control the Zboard. The electric motor allows you to control acceleration up to a top speed of 17 mph. The travel range on a full charge varies from 5 to 10 miles, depending on the model. One model is already out, another is shipping shortly, and there’s a new San Francisco model coming that will have a 20-mile range. The company says the idea for the ZBoard came to the Intuitive Motion team while brainstorming for their senior project at the University of Southern California. Tired of bikes getting stolen and having to push skateboards up hills and over Los Angeles’ notoriously uneven streets, their goal was clear: design a device that is faster and easier to ride than a skateboard, and more fun and portable than a bike. Prices range from $649 to $1199 for the new rugged, high climbing San Francisco model. You can compare the features and learn more at the company website:

www.zboardshop.com 

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Oh no, did I lose my $500 eyeglasses?

There are many Bluetooth devices that you can stick on a key ring to help you find, or even not leave your keys behind. But they’re usually on the large size. The creators of Wallet and Button TrackR have shrunk the devices down so they’re more convenient to use. But I especially like a their newest addition, due to be released in the not-too-distant future, the Glasses TrackR. The company says it’s the first and only device of its kind, designed to prevent you from losing your valuable eyewear. Here’s some info from the TrackR folks: “With the average price of glasses in the U.S. at about $300, TrackR understands the burden associated with losing your prescription glasses or pricey sunglasses. The lightweight and compact Glasses TrackR device slips discreetly on the arm of your eyewear and seamlessly hides behind the ear. Using Bluetooth low-energy technology, Glasses TrackR will let you rest assured that your eyewear and smartphone are always within reach.” And now back to me. Eyeglasses in the NYC area are even higher than $300. Dennis just paid $500 for his glasses. Of course hiding Glasses TrackR ‘under your hair’ will be a bit difficult for me and a lot of other men, but women should have it easier. Depending on when you’re reading this, Glasses TrackR may still be on IndieGogo where the company is raising money for production. Retail is expected to be about $29.00 when it hits the marketplace.

http://www.glassestrackr.com/  

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1442

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

Don’t get too excited about owing one of these, because you can’t buy one. This neat-looking, old-fashioned red rotary dial telephone is actually a cell phone! Place a sim card in it and dial away! With a built in battery you can roam indoors or out making calls (within your calling plan, of course). Watch this episode to see Padre sitting in the street making phone calls on this rotary dinosaur! Made by SharkFun, the Porto-O-Rotary is no longer available. But here’s some info from their website: We have unfortunately retired this product but you can always read about how we built it! This page is for reference only. The infamous Portable Rotary Phone is an original rotary phone that has been modified to be a cellular phone. The Port-O-Rotary has a functional rotary dial, rings the original, loud metallic bells when a call is received, and even has a dial tone. Phone comes fully assembled and tested. All you have to do is open the phone, insert your SIM card, and turn the unit on! The unit will utilize your phone number and account minutes. Each Port-O-Rotary is an original rotary phone that has been specially modified. There may be small scratches and scraps on the exterior, also known as 'character'. The battery can run the phone for 4-5 days (yes days) and is charged by an external jack on the rear of the phone (charger included). And now, back to me. Price was about $300+, which may make the fact that they're no longer made easier to take. Leo said they were all hand made and probably were too much trouble to keep building.

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1442

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

Our viewer video of the week is via Daniel from Yakima, Washington. He sent us a link to his YouTube video, which he said is “half I bought a piece of crap and half Gadget Warehouse” video. And he’s right on both counts!

Here's Daniel’s video:  

http://youtu.be/TiQkS-UaJrk  

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1442

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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  

Letter of the Week: 

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Hi Dick! I also had Yes Video digitize my grandfather's 8mm films from the 1930's and they did a great job. Sorry there's no sound or famous people but interesting to see the crazy fun and games anyway.  You can see the results at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXskoHlOPAs  

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Go to the 5 minute mark for some 1930's "crack the whip" fun and check out the old car in the background. Remember this is from seventy some years ago. Right now that car is one of my favorite gadgets. I just wish I had it in my gadget warehouse. Ken Kovar

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And now back to Dick De. YesVideo is at: www.yesvideo.com

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They can digitize just about any old media you own. They’ve done a great job on several of my old 8mm films from about 45 years ago, but they work with all sorts of old media. I just saw this on the YesVideo website: Use promocode "25GIFT" at checkout to get 25% off your entire order. Orders must be received at YesVideo by 12/02 for holiday delivery. Don't miss out on this special offer! Offer expires: 11/28/13

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See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1442