The Giz Wiz, Week of Oct 2nd 2014, Show # 1488

In chat talk with Chad I mentioned a new biography film of Amar Bose by Academy Award Winning Director Morgan Neville. You can find it here: http://dreamandreach.bose.com/?src=CMG00283 (It starts after about a 20 second slide presentation.)

The name Kodak is very much alive these days thanks to JK Imaging, the worldwide licensee for KODAK PIXPRO Digital Cameras and Devices. Recently they unveiled the new KODAK PIXPRO SP360 Action Cam. This unusual looking cam can capture amazing 360° videos and still images. And it captures the 360-degrees field of view in multiple directions via its dome shaped lens design. It can be panned not only 360-degrees horizontally, but also up and down with a host of different vantage points and views for playback. It is easy-to-use and small enough to fit in the palm of a hand or pocket for extreme portability. It doesn't require specialized software to capture and stitch multiple photos together so they appear seamless. (And it seems rugged, especially since I accidentally dropped it on the floor during the demo!) An internal 1,250-mAh battery is said to last through about 2.5 hours of video recording at 1080p and 30 fps or 350 still pictures. The KODAK PIXPRO SP360 Action Cam is not coming on the market till later this month (October 2014), but here are some key features via PixPro: 16.38 megapixels, BSI MOS sensor / Fixed focus lens (F.2.8) that takes 360° spherical images / Viewing options: Dome (214°), Front (212°), Global (360°), Ring, Segment 180° front and 180°rear or Panorama / High speed videos 848 x 480 (120fps); plays back with normal 30fps speed / Full HD videos in 1920 x 1080 (30fps). MSRP: The SP360 w/ aqua or explorer pack retails for $349. The SP360 w/ extreme pack retails for $399. (I asked and the extreme pack includes all the accessories that’s in the explorer and the aqua pack. It’s most likely a less expensive way to get all the accessories (bike mount, helmet mount, underwater mount, etc.) available for the SP360. Available later October, 2014. 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/-2x9bjuUcvQ

360 video from Kodak: http://kodakcamera.pixpro-sp360.com/

Kodak website: www.kodakpixpro.com

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1488 

A Gadget For "The Chef of the Future".

Meet Drop, the iPad-connected kitchen scale and recipe app. 

I met Ben Harris, CEO of Drop at the Pepcom Holiday Spectacular. Drop is a Bluetooth kitchen scale and recipe app that acts as your smart and super helpful baking assistant. Ben showed me how Drop helps make sure everything comes out right. From finding a great recipe in the first place, to not messing up the measurements, making substitutions, timing and calculations along the way. Ben says, as your trusty digital baking assistant Drop is there by your side to make sure everything goes smoothly, precisely and according to plan. If you leave the kitchen, Drop will even alert you on your smartphone when it’s time to remove your delicious treat from the oven. Made of FDA approved non-slip Silicone. Right now it supports iPad (Air / Mini / 3rd and 4th gen) with Android available in 2015. Regular retail price is $99, but there's an offer for $80 and free shipping for early orders. I don't know when that offer will end, but it was still in effect on 10/1/2014. 

www.getdrop.com 

Here’s Ben doing a demo of Drop: http://vimeo.com/96907445 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1488 

Forget a selfie - now you can own a fun Selfie Booth!

JAKKS Pacific takes the photo booth trend to the next level with their adult-sized Selfie Booth! A free downloadable app allows users to place themselves in front of a variety of background themes using special-effects “green screen” technology similar to what is used in movies! It's easy…just get in the booth, set up your smart device, choose a theme from the app, stand or sit in front of the green screen, strike a pose and click! The Family Selfie Booth includes an easy-to-assemble 54”L x 38”W x 70”H photo booth with a built-in special-effects screen, an adjustable smart device holder and 15 stick costume props. The Selfie Booth app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and the included device holder will work with a variety of tablets or smartphones. The app includes: 4 free relevant themes, each theme including 50+ backgrounds along with 100+ graphic digital decals and animated sticker overlays allows for fun customizable photos! You can also create 5 second video shorts. (At the show, they said it was 6 second shorts, so I’m not sure which.) Family Size – fits 4 adults. 54”L x 38”W x 70”H SRP $59.99, Ages 3+, coming in December. The press release also mentions a Kid Size Selfie booth that fits 2-4 kids. 34” W x 44” H x 24”D (SRP $34.99, Ages 5+). No other details on that were available. It’s not yet on the company website as of 10/1/2014 and it won’t be in stores until December, just in time for gift giving – or getting. 

Giz Wiz Video: http://youtu.be/Wigp6XOlrpk

Company website: www.jakks.com 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1488 

Chad's Crappy Corner & his first gadget in the category for October: Halloween!

The theme for Chad’s gadgets for the month of October is --- gadgets for Halloween! 

Chad starts with two different Halloween Lights. 

First up is the Red LED Beacon Light.

The website where Chad ordered it says:

Perfect light for a party or haunted house on Halloween. Red LED Beacon Light blinks on and off and around like a police car.  (It's $24.99 and guess what? Free shipping starts at $25! Doh!)

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/nb-red-led-beacon-light/

And Chad’s take: Chad likes the LED Beacon a lot. It has a speed switch so you can adjust the speed of the rotating effect. He especially liked that the spinning effect is done electrically so there's no motor noise at all from the beacon.

Second up is The Large Dome Disco Bulb.

The website where Chad ordered it has this to say: 

You can turn any light fixture into a groovy party when you have theLarge Dome Disco Bulb. This sound activated multicolor LED light can be used in an overhead ceiling fixture so that the downward light effects will illuminate walls and floors. This bulb can replace any standard bulb and last up to 20,000 hours. It's $19.99, plus shipping, unless your order is over $25. 

Whoa!! When I checked noon 10/2/2014 it was on sale for $14.99. Don't know how long that price will be online.

http://www.spirithalloween.com/product/mg-large-dome-disco-bulb1/ 

And Chad’s take: Chad liked the Disco Bulb A LOT! He said it was very bright and lights up a large area with a real disco ball effect. He never expected it to be so much fun. It's a definite "buy".

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1488  

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

A word about today’s Viewer’s Video. No, this gadget isn’t in anybody’s Gadget Warehouse – at least not yet. It’s a bizarre idea, so bizarre; we felt we had to share it. Thanks to Art Alto for finding it and making this video. Let’s see how many years it stays in use! Here’s Art’s email: 

Hi, Dick, Chad, & Jeff. 

Here’s a gadget video I made, hope you guys can use it on the show. 

The gadget is the “My French Press” by Cafejo.com. It is a French press for K-Cups. 

http://youtu.be/pVVZGcnllHk 

Art Alto 

Chatroom handle: web92394 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1488 

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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:

One of the shortest emails of the week, or ever: 

From: Beckee 

Subject: gadget

This had Joe and I laughing hysterically!  

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1d03/?cpg=65967831&msg_id=65967831&et_rid=931755734&linkid=65967831_image_1d03 

Bec

from: thgttg