Giz Wiz Show #1595 for November 4th 2016 - Our 79th Independent Production!

Thanks to our wonderful Patreon supporters The Giz Wiz Show not only continues, but is well into its 2nd year of independent production. If you'd like to support OMGchad & DickDe in our independent venture (we pay for everything ourselves, including travel) just click the Patreon link at the top of our show web page: http://www.gizwiz.tv/ You can also contribute just once via the PayPal link that's there too. And thank you! Our show wouldn't exist without our viewer's support.    

And Now A Look At Three+ New Gadgets From The PhotoPlus Expo. 

At the PhotoExpo Plus Expo, Ricoh was showing their new THETA SC, a lighter, less expensive version of their now year-old THETA S 360 degree camera. It's RICOH THETA's newest model in their line of compact cameras that capture 360-degree scenes. I was told most of the specs are the same between the new SC model and the Flagship S model. Both capture high-resolution 360 degree images of about 14 megapixels and both can record 360 degree (spherical) video in full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels at 30fps). But there is a difference in recording time of the video. The Flagship S model can record up to 25 minutes using the 8GB of built in memory, while the new model SC records only 5 minutes of video. Actually, what's interesting about that is people probably only shoot a few minutes of 360 degree video. It's something exciting to show friends at the office or over lunch, but you don't want to bore them with an endless video. Also Ricoh removed the Micro-HDMI port on the SC, which means you can't live stream video with the new camera. That's something else that probably wasn't done all that often with the higher end model. Also the Theta S app (iOS and Android) is said to be more user friendly. Removing a couple of features from the high end model gets this camera to just under $300 in price. ($299.99) which is about $50 less than the THETA S. The spokesperson at the show said the lower price should bring more people into 360 degree photography. I shot some video (link below) with the Theta S when it was introduced a year ago. Since the optics are the basically the same, you can check it out. Be sure to use your mouse and move it all around and up and down to see all of Times Square. I've seen a lot of 360 degree cameras, but this is one of the slimmest and most compact models. The SC case is resin and it comes in multiple colors, white, beige, blue and pink. (There's an entry level model for even less, but it shoots at 15 fps and doesn't have nearly as good reviews.)

Company website: https://theta360.com/en/about/theta 

Giz Wiz Theta S video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKIFeirXfBc&feature=youtu.be

The Theta SC just went on sale and it's at Big Box camera stores and on Amazon here:

http://amzn.to/2eeSRaa

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1595

Joby introduces the GripTight POV Kit.

For years Joby has come up with useful and inventive ways for people to hold cameras, small camcorders and smartphones. At PhotoPlus Expo at the Javits in New York City, they were demonstrating one of their latest gadgets, the JOBY GripTight POV Kit. This small, lightweight device has many useful functions. It provides a handheld, stable locking smartphone grip. With the handle folded behind the smart phone it's a great camera grip. With the handle folded under the smart phone, it's a steady video grip. Folded slightly open, the handle makes the POV into a handy viewing stand. But wait there's more! The integrated Impulse Bluetooth remote attaches to the GripTight POV Kit providing a point-and-shoot shutter feature while also enabling users to capture photos and videos from afar. (This may not turn video on and off on some phones, but it should work has a universal shutter button on almost all smart phones via Bluetooth. Constructed with durable ABS plastic, TPE grip pads, and stainless steel plates, the lightweight GripTight POV Kit weighs 2.1 ounces. The removable handle exposes a pin joint GoPro accessory connection. It's compatible with Android and iOS and no app is needed. Fits smart devices 2.2 to 3.6" wide in the horizontal position. And finally there's a cold shoe adapter at the bottom to accommodate accessories such as a light. It retails for $49.99, and is on pre-order at many big box stores.  

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/Ha6zvp1gJ9c 

Company website: http://joby.com/mobile/griptight-pov-kit 

All the Lowepro info on drone protection and carry bags is here:

http://www.lowepro.com/guide-to-protect-and-carry-drones-quadcopters

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1595

Take 360 degree photos with --- well, 36 cameras!

Three years ago I learned about the throwable ball camera which was about to close in on their $900,000 funding campaign on Indiegogo. You don't aim this camera - actually 36 cameras - in all – you throw it in the air! At its highest point, all 36 3MP cameras fire simultaneously to capture a richly detailed panorama of everything, in every direction, including the photographer. Three years it was available to pre-order at a discounted price of $499 on Indiegogo. Well the Panono has had a long and winding life. Three years later I see that it's on display at PhotoExpo Plus. And it's finally ready for sale. But I almost fall over when I see on the press release that the price is now $1,000 more! Yes, $1499.00. Now, I'm not putting down the folks at Panono who are young, enthusiastic and super friendly. I'm just pointing out that producing and getting a product into the marketplace is not easy task. When I was talking to them, I said is it the true the new selling price is $1499.00? The answer wasn't what I expected. No, not $1499, the new selling price is $1999.00. It turns out that the units are very difficult to produce and it sounded like they were almost hand making them”. And when you throw it in the air, be sure you catch it, because they break if they hit the ground hard! I think that's why they now sell there own special selfie stick, so you can just hold it over your head. I think that added about another $50 the cost. I also read that they working on the second version of the Panono, due out in 2021. This time they gave themselves plenty of time to get it ready. I really do wish them luck. 

Ray Wong at Mashable has a great video where he actually uses (and luckily doesn't drop) the Panono.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UItj0KYXxV0

Company website: https://www.panono.com/home

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1595

Chad's Crappy Corner & His New Theme For November.

It's a brand new month and that means a brand new theme for Chad's Crappy Corner. Chad polled our loyal Patreon members to find out what they wanted for this month's theme. Almost tied was “gadgets under $5” and “cheap sleep gadgets”. When Chad checked the results before he out to buy a gadget for this week's show, “gadgets under $5” was a vote ahead. (But when the final results were in, it was a tie.) But since Chad already spent $5 (a hefty part of our product budget for the week) “cheap gadgets under $5” becomes the theme of month.

And Chad's first gadget for “gadgets under $5” is Toilet Tunes (You make the Sound). Toilet Tunes sounded bad enough, but I saw on Amazon it also said “You make the sound”, I figured “whoa, this is going to be gross”. But then I saw “Play music with your feet” and realized it was a foot keyboard that make the sounds. As you'll see in the video, it's barely qualifies being called music. You can find this device for under $5 dollars at a FIVE AND UNDER STORE, and you can also find it on Amazon for a bit more. There it's $8.97, but Amazon Prime, so free two-day shipping for Prime Members.

http://amzn.to/2ejGJVm

And Chad's take: I know zero about music, but I believe Chad said this mini piano only has sharp keys, no flats. The black keys are just painted on, and it sounded like there are just six keys that make sounds. I think there are supposed to be 7 keys in a scale, yes? Well, you're not going to buy this to entertain company, (at least I hope not!) but Chad thought it might be something useful for toddlers to entertain themselves as they're potty trained. And again at about $5, that might work. Rather you want to go all the way up to almost $9, you'll have to decide yourself. But watching this show, and Chad's live bathroom demo can help you decide.

Toilet Tunes (not to be confused with another device that plays music in your bathroom) uses 3 AAA batteries which are not included. And the Amazon description is wrong when it says 'requires no batteries'. (Amazon link above.)

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1595

Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How to Submit Your Viewer Video.

Our viewer video of the week arrived with this email: 

Hi Dick and Chad,

I saw that you didn't have any viewer videos left so here I created my very first one. 

Here is my video of a very useful wireless light switch. I hope you enjoy it.

Here is the video link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lR-792v5GRg

Amazon product link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B5QZSO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Some others from Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Remote-Control-Switch-Fixtures/dp/B016N7VNJ0/ref=pd_sim_60_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DYXGNBCNXS9WTW19YX0G

https://www.amazon.com/Carlon-HW2162-Wireless-Socket-Switch/dp/B000LNMTUA/ref=pd_sim_60_3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=DYXGNBCNXS9WTW19YX0G  

Have a great show! Thanks, Michael Gendron

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1595

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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 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 us 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’ll a tiny amount of fame (hopefully), an autographed MAD magazine and a 35-year-old Alfred E. Neuman picture. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video! IMPORTANT: We'll just shower you with praise for your video if you live outside the US or Canada since we can't afford to send stuff outside of those two places. (Thanks for understanding.)

All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv

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Letter of the week. From: Brian Harada

Hi Dick & Chad!

Long time listener! I love your show! I've heard you mention dyslexia a couple times and thought I'd share this recent find. This is a font that makes it easier for dyslexics to read, and it really works! There are even ways to set your browser to use this font instead of the webpage recommended font. Hope this helps even a few people out there who struggle with dyslexia.

Thanks for sharing! Keep up the great show! Brian Harada

http://opendyslexic.org/