The Giz Wiz, Week of Nov 12th 2014, Show # 1494

TouchPico is introducing a new category of Android tablets. 

Their TouchJet device is an interactive Android PC with projector capabilities. Does anyone want such a hybrid design? Well the company raised more than $850,000 with its IndieGogo campaign, surpassing its $55,000 goal by more than 1,000 percent. The TouchPico interface works just like any Android phone. The TouchJet’s projector has a built-in infrared camera that simulates touch input from the screen and tracks the stylus’ movements on whatever you’re projecting on. The device is also equipped with several unique features, including screen-casting, HDMI output, an SD memory card, air mouse support, Bluetooth capabilities and audio output. TouchJet's portability and versatility is geared to get children out of their seats, excited to take in new material. And hopefully it will encourage parents and friends to enjoy the device together. It can also be used for entertainment (project movies and play games), business (on-the-go presentations), and fitness purposes (stream a yoga tutorial and follow along). The screen can project as big as 80 inches. Currently, the TouchPico is available for preorder for $450 (as of 11/12/14) on the company website below. 

Giz Wiz Video:  http://youtu.be/0l5Ru9gBOAc%C2%A0 

Company website: www.touchjet.com 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1494 

A Shockingly New Gadget To Help You Stop Bad Habits.

A bit of background from the company website: A few years ago Maneesh Sethi hired a girl to slap him in the face whenever he used Facebook. His productivity increased 4x --- so he knew he was on to something. A few weeks later, he asked his friend Dan Kaminsky if they could build a shock collar that shocked him when he went on Facebook. Dan said: Let's go to RadioShack. So they built a prototype, and were fortunate that an incubator in Boston, Bolt, decided to invest. They then introduced Maneesh to his co-founder, Jim Lynch --- the original inventor of LEGO Mindstorms and the senior engineer on the Roomba Floor Cleaning Robot. And Pavlok was born. Different people want to change different behaviors and the company says Pavlok can help you. "How does Pavlok know what I'm doing?" you ask. Pavlok uses an ecosystem of apps that will run on both your computer and phone. These apps can track and monitor any number of things that you choose. For examples the PAVLOK FIT app will allow users to select their gym from a list of gyms in their area. Then, using the geo-location on your phone, Pavlok can tell when you go to the gym and how long you stay for. Don’t go to the gym – shock! Or you can download Pavlok software that will monitor your online activity. You get to plugin your 'blacklisted' websites, such as Facebook, Reddit, Buzzfeed, etc. Once you do this, Pavlok intervene (with a shock) when you accidentally visit these sites. 

Giz Wiz Video:  http://youtu.be/MklqivSeHv8%C2%A0 

Company video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FP88Gji98sU 

www.pavlock.com 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1494 

Weather so timely, the readings are taken in your backyard!

People are forever checking the local weather forecast. Problem is, that forecast could be hours old and for a neighborhood from far yours. That’s why BloomSky developed a new style of weather station. It uses digital cloud computing to provide you with a more accurate local weather forecast directly on your smartphone and directly from your backyard! The complete BloomSky weather station consists of both indoor and outdoor modules with six sensors making it capable of measuring temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, UV exposure, wind speed and direction, and precipitation. The external module also features an ultra-wide angle HD camera to record the weather from your own backyard. It routinely turns on at dawn and off at dusk to create a stop action video of the day’s weather events. The BloomSky weather station also automatically sends updates to your smartphone whenever the weather in your neighborhood changes. You can even use it to post weather photos to your Facebook page and Twitter feed. Once the system is up and running you’ll be able to see weather from other BloomSky weather stations, even if you don’t own one yourself. $179.99. It can pre-ordered now for $149.99. (As of 11/12/14) Optional accessories include a solar panel so you never need charge the internal battery. 

More info: www.bloomsky.com 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/Jb7CHjfjmuc 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1494 

Chad's Crappy Corner! The second weeks of gadget in Chad’s theme for November: Stocking Stuffers.

Chad has two gadgets this week. He said he’ll be doing a higher priced gadget, and a cheap gadget each week. And here they are:

The cheapie gadget is the Baggler Soft Rubber Grip Handle. There are two in a pack. Each one can carry 3 bags. Here’s a bit of what Amazon says about them: Shopping at the mall is more enjoyable when you don't have to struggle to carry your bags. With all of your bags attached to the handle it is more convenient to set your bags down and pick them up. The BAGGLER carry handle works with all types of bags. The grip is comfortable to hold for long periods of time. It is ideal for those that have to carry bags home, or if you plan on going from one store to another while shopping in the mall. Here’s the website link for the Baggler 2 pack for bonus 7 additional ways to make your grocery shopping easier. Under $10.

And Chad’s take?  Chad liked the Baggler. He showed it was strong by hooking 6 bags of varying weights – three to each Baggler – and carrying them around the studio. Even with all that weight Chad said the handles were soft and the locking clip made sure the bags didn’t slip off. At $9.99 for two, Chad said they’re a buy!  NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

Chad’s more expensive item is the E-THINKER Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat. Here’s a little bit about it from Amazon with the English somewhat corrected. The E-THINKER Wireless Bluetooth Beanie Hat with Built-in Wireless Bluetooth Headphones designed for Running and Skiing. The Hi-Tech beanie, lets you enjoy music wirelessly while protecting your head the from cold. Built in microphone, speak with your calling. (I assume that means answer phone calls.) Water resistant hardware and micro USB cable for charging. It offers continuous playback time of 6 hours. Sold by E-thinker, with gift for you. 

NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

And Chad’s take? Chad said the small speakers that fit over each ear sounded pretty good for their size. You can start/stop the music and control the volume. You would control the tracks on the Bluetooth device you pair to the beanie. He thought the quality of the hat wasn’t the best and that the power/charge LED didn’t line up with the hole you’re supposed to view it in. He added that although we couldn’t see it clearly, it did have a felt lining and was warm to wear. The price is/was $39.99, but strangely when we went to check the latest price on Amazon at the link above, it came up “Not Available” as of 11/12/14. It might be back on sale when you check. My feeling was Chad thought it was a so-so buy, a bit on the expensive side.  

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1494 

Back to Dick's Gadget Warehouse with this week's Viewer Video - And how to submit yours.

Vince, known as Regatta in the chatroom, was Chatroom Celebrity of the Week recently on the unofficial TWiT show, Giz Fiz. (Giz Fiz is on Saturdays, right after Leo’s Tech Guy Radio Show on TWiT.) While talking to Vince on Giz Fiz I could see there were some very interesting gadgets in the background. I asked Vince to video a couple of them and send them in as Viewer Video of the Week. And he did! Meet Robot B9 from Lost in Space and the way, way old, Remco Crystal Radio. By the way, Vince did some very fancy titles and music. They’re great fun, but don’t worry. We accept videos with no titles and no music! Just you and your gadget. 

Here’s the link: 

http://youtu.be/zhwOgL5zVk8 

Vince 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1494 

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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 let’s go going! 

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 our producer, Jeff Needles, 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  

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Letter of the week: 

From: Douglas Ferguson 

Subject: CERN plays "What the heck is it?"

Dick, Thought you might get a kick out of this.   Apparently the people at CERN found some old stuff and they don't know what it is, so they are playing a version of "What the heck is it?" 

http://www.engadget.com/2014/10/23/cern-picture-identification/

 Doug, Stanhope, NJ