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About Me

 

Known as MAD's Maddest Writer, co-host of The Giz Wiz with OMGchad at www.GizWiz.TV, The Giz Wiz on ABC's World News Now, and on Tech Guy Labs with Leo Laporte on www.TWiT.TV

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Entries from October 1, 2016 - October 31, 2016

Friday
Oct212016

Giz Wiz Show #1593 for October 21st 2016 - Our 77th 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 on to our final great gadgets from the huge Interbike Show, Las Vegas! Startisng with Brompton, makers of high-end customized folding bikes.

 

As you'll in the video on this show, the Brompton folds down to a portable, practical size so can be taken on other forms of public and private transport. It can also be taken inside (homes, offices, bars) so it is a lot less likely to be stolen. The company says folded, their bike even fits under a desk. And it opens and folds closed fast, in under 15 seconds once you know how. Brompton says Its ride position and agility are more than a match for conventional bicycles. Small wheels mean fast acceleration from red lights and increased maneuverability through busy streets. Brompton bikes are tough and can take everything the city throws at it. A steel frame, efficient and puncture resistant tyres (it's built overseas, but it's tires here), handmade with high build quality and a design that has been refined over 25 years. They're available through their own dealer network, so you won't find them on Amazon. (They are other folding bikes at much lower prices on Amazon.) Prices for a Brompton folding bike will depend on the options you select, but checking around on line it looks like they retail starting at about $1200.00 and going to up to $2400.00.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/uncl01lngXI

 

Company website: http://www.brompton.com/

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1593  (Goes live late Friday 10/21/16)

Friday
Oct212016

Here's an upcoming bike helmet that adds an HD cam, Bluetooth & WiFi.

Sena Technologies showed what they call the world’s first Bluetooth and QHD Action camera integrated cycling helmet. In addition to a built-in video camera, the Sena Smart Helmet for Cycling has its own Bluetooth communication system. That means a rider can stay in touch with up to three riding companions. If they want they can also listen and even share music. (Of course they each must have their own Sema helmet.) And the Bluetooth, built in mic and built in speakers means you can make and take phone calls. But wait, there's more. In addition to Bluetooth, there's WiFi, so riders can share their photos and videos via the Sena camera app. (This is of course NOT while they're riding!) Another feature is an onboard FM radio with auto-scanning. Sena says you can record up to 2 hours of QHD quality (1440p/30fps) video or FHD (1080p/60fps) video. There's also MicroSD card slot for memory cards up to 64 GB. Their website says "coming soon" and the price is to be determined. This is a 2017 release, due out in the Spring.  

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/lAjpiCG8LNw  

 

Here's the link to more info:

http://www.sena.com/product/smart-cycling-helmet/?lang=en#specs

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1593 (Goes live late Friday 10/21/16)

Wednesday
Oct192016

Hang your bike out of way with these clever gadgets.

Small apartment, garage, or space. Why not hang your bike out of the way! Cycloc has devised three different and very unique ways to hang a bike on a wall. They're so clever you could actually display your bike as an art object if you wanted. They're very versatile one of them offers horizontal or vertical cycle storage. The company has won great deal of global acclaim for design and functionality. Depending on which of the three systems you choose, the kit will include rubber contact points to protect the bike frame and your wall. Optional spacers are included with some kits to accommodate wide handle bars. They also feature secure three-point wall attachments. You can view all the hanging options on their website. I know that at least two of their designs let you lock the bike in place with your current U-shape lock. Available in 7 colors. Two of the models are $69 and the one featured in the video is $99.00. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/bXy-BCm2qdI

 

Cycloc Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDAJgWqwIc4

 

Here are their 3 different bike storage systems:

 

http://cycloc.com/ps/19-bike-storage-systems  

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1593  (Goes live late Friday 10/21/16)

Wednesday
Oct192016

Chad's Crappy Corner & Another 'Cheap Car' Gadget, His Theme For October.

It's the third week of Chad's theme for October, “cheap car gadgets”. Chad's pick is the BACtrack Vio Breathalyzer. This isn't what you would call a 'cheap car gadget', but there's a backstory. Chad saw this while walking through his local Best Buy store. It was marked $10. So Chad thought it fit perfectly into his cheap car gadget corner. However when he got to the register he learned it had been mismarked. $10 was the cost of extra BACtrack Keychain Breathalyzer Mouthpieces. But, guess what? Best Buy honored the $10 price since it was their mistake. It actually sells for $49.99 at Best Buy and $47 on Amazon. Here's what Amazon says about it: 

Quickly and easily estimate your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) and drink responsibly. BACtrack Vio's innovative folding mouthpiece design maximizes portability and ease-of-use--flip out for testing, down for storage. Like the police-grade BACtrack Mobile Breathalyzer, BACtrack Vio connects to your iOS or Android 4.3 smartphone via the free BACtrack app. Once connected, the app can save and track BAC, and allows you to add photos and notes to your results. With ZeroLine technology, get an estimate of when your BAC will return to 0.00%. Equipped with an Advanced MicroCheck Sensor, BACtrack Vio provides a reliable way to test for the presence of alcohol at an affordable price point. Perfect for testing on the go, Features: Wirelessly connects to your iOS or Android smart device via Bluetooth 4.0 LE Quickly and accurately estimates blood alcohol content (BAC). ZeroLine estimates when your BAC will return to 0.00%, empowering you to make smarter, more informed decisions The free BACtrack app saves and tracks BAC results over time, including optional photos, notes and drink logs Plastic. Product Dimensions: 2.5"L x 0.5"W x 0.5"H; Weight: 1 lb. $46.98 + free shipping for Prime Members. It's here on Amazon:

 

http://amzn.to/2e99Sc5

 

And Chad's take? Well Chad really put this to the test. In the video which is in this week's show, Chad starts out with zeros on the meter after breathing into device. Then you'll see the results after Chad drinks two glasses of wine. Chad liked the fact that not only does the BACtrack tell you your alcohol lever, it tells you how long it will be before your blood level should be normal again. Chad liked the device better than the folks on Amazon. They gave it 3.2 stars out of 5. Chad said he would give it 4 stars. But he thought the device would be a lot more useful if it told you the legal alcohol lever in the area you're located in. And with its smart phone app, it shouldn't be that hard to do with location services turned on. But Chad thought it was a perfect car gadget to use before you get behind the wheel if you've been drinking. Unless your local Best Buy store has also has mismarked the price, expect to pay close to $50 for the BACtrack Vio. (It's $49.99 at Best Buy & Target.)

 

About $47 on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2e99Sc5 (As of 10/19/16)

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1593 (Goes live late Friday 10/21/16)

Tuesday
Oct182016

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

Even though this gadget is a few years old, it's not ready for the warehouse. As a matter of fact after watching this video, I bought one of these for my boat on Amazon. Here's the email that came with our video. It's from Mo and his son Jacob, who are big fans of the show and who have had a couple of other videos on the show already.

Hi; Dick & Chad

 

Today my son and I bring you my opinon on this car item. I have had it for a while, & will never drive another large vehicle without it. Just one problem, its been a couple of years, and the remarks & jokes, from my passengers, are never ending, but i do remind them that they are just passengers, and if they need a ride, one of my requirements is to say one nice thing about the item.

 

YouTube; https://youtu.be/--V275WnwMY  

 

Love the show. Moses aka, MO & Son JacoB

 

From the Giz Wiz: I figured this might make a good mirror for my boat. I'm not quite sure how to attach it yet, but I bought one of Amazon. Judging from the video, I think this is the same one Mo bought. It was only $11 on Amazon.

 

http://amzn.to/2eGbybF

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1593 (Goes live late Friday 10/21/16)

 

***********************

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 

                  ******************************  

Letter of the week:

 

From: Ivette Zelaya

Subject: Interesting gadgets

Hi Dick and Chad:

 

I've been enjoying your podcasts with my hubby and family.  

Here is a cool website that sells interesting gadgets.

 

https://www.thegrommet.com

 

For example, one gadget Dick may personally enjoy is the Whisker Dam. It is described as:  

The Whisker Dam is a copper mustache guard that lets you drink like a gentleman. It fits neatly over a pint glass, highball, or mug, keeping your facial hair dry as you drink....

 

It's here: https://www.thegrommet.com/whisker-dam-handmade-copper-mustache-guard

 

From The Giz Wiz.... The copper Mustache Guard is also on Amazon, but it's cheaper at The Grommet. (As of 10/18/16)

 

Also on Amazon is the MoGuard, a cheaper silicone version of a 'stache guard, $9.00, available in many colors.

http://amzn.to/2dZWqn8