The Giz Wiz for the week of October 2nd, 2012, Netcast 1384

The guys who created JibJab come up with something new.

Some thirteen years ago, two brothers started an Internet phenomenon you most likely know about, and probably have used. Gregg and Evan Spiridellis are the guys behind JibJab, those silly, funny Internet videos starring you. I met the brothers at the Time To Play Event in NYC and wondered why they were there. Turns out both Gregg and Evan are parents now. Gregg has three children between the ages of 2 and 6, and Evan has a 4 and 7 year old.) So they said they wanted to create something new to entertain kids, while teaching them something in a very fun way. Gregg said they’d like to a few things that would entertain a child for about 20 minutes -- the amount of time it might take a parent to take a shower or do a quick chore. So they came up "StoryBots" for kids. The StoryBot characters are colorful rectangular shaped characters who sing and entertain on on iPhones, iPads, and computer screens. They’re aimed at kids 2 to 6. Over 250 million faces have been uploaded to JibJab so far, so the brothers wanted to move onto something new that would use the same JibJab technology.  StoryBots Starring You StoryBooks has many components. There are also music videos called "StoryBots Starring You Band." And there’s also the "StoryBots ABC Jamboree", 26 one-minute music videos designed to help kids recognize the sounds and shapes of the letters of the alphabet. A new ebook will be available every month for $3.99, with additional titles available for $1.99 each. There are already 18 StoryBot ebooks available. The guys told me Leo Laporte at TWiT was one of the first people to interview them on the web. JibJab started in my hometown, Brooklyn, but now is located in Venice, Calif.

www.storybots.com

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/giz1384

If you like 'driving games', you'll like Appdrive.

If you like racing games, Appdrive maybe for you. Shaped like a scaled down steering wheel, Appdrive is actually a video game controller. It works with selected iPhones, (probably not the new iPhone 5), the iPod Touch, and some Android phones. It won’t work with my Samsung Galaxy 3. (There’s a list of compatible phones on the company website.) I was a little disappointed in the free game you’re told to download. The free driving game, 2XL MX Offroad, turns out to be 2XL MX Offroad Lite. It doesn't do most of things the full game does, like offer you 16 different courses with dirt bikes or ATVs. Kids can customize their rugged vehicles too, but only in the full version, which is $4.99. But if you love racing games this gives you a really good way to hold your smart phone while playing one. The AppDrive uses your device's gyroscope to offer authentic steering control. You can twist, tilt, turn (and in my case, crash) easily. There are four console buttons to control shifting, breaking, drifting, etc. Again, in the more advanced $$ game. Your phone will be locked inside the AppDrive while you’re playing, so you won’t have access to most of the phone’s controls and you won’t be able to answer a call, so maybe you could use one of your old phones for the game. Speaking of games, there are only five available right now, but more are on the way. Flight games are also in the works. The same Appdrive will work great as the steering wheel of a small plane. Ages 7+. Suggested retail is $19.99, but it seems to be in short supply right now since it just came out. So I'm seeing prices double that online. Once more units are shipped; it should be under $20 pretty much everywhere. It is expected to be a hot holiday gift.

http://www.apptoyz.com/products/#tab-1d

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/giz1384

he Giz Wiz Video Of The Week -- Via our own genius theme writer, Dan Lueders!

We ask viewers to send us videos to share on the show. You can read how to submit one below. One category we're looking for is "I bought a piece of crap". And it seems Dan Lueders, who has written many knock-out themes for TWiT and The Giz Wiz, did buy a piece of crap.  That photo is the gizmo he talks about in his video. Here's Dan's email and the link to his video!

Hi Guys,

Here's my Giz Wiz, Turn the Table Turkey video.  Enjoy. - Dan

http://tinyurl.com/GizWizSylvaniaSYNETA7R

DANLUEDERS

Why Me? Studios

--------------------------

We'd like YOU to be part of the new Giz Wiz Show too!

 Here's what we're looking for:

 Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes along - 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! Do 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. When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it. 

 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. Low production value is fine. Even welcomed, so our stuff doesn't look too bad by comparison. We've set the bar low. Don't trip over it.

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv

Leo's "Crap From The Sky Mall Catalog!" Pick Of The Week!

This week’s Sky Mall gadget is the Viatek My Massage Mobile Massage System. Even though this gadget won as a “Crap from Sky Mall” pick, Leo bought it on Amazon. Why? Because on Sky Mall is it was about $100, and on Amazon it was under $22! Same company, same photo, same device. So why not save more than 75% when purchasing it! The Mobile Massage System is advertised an easy portable way to relieve stress due to daily pressures. The Massage vest has four powerful motors that provide soothing relief to your shoulders and back. “Experience new comfort for your tired aching back and shoulders.” The Massage vest has four different massage settings. You can even select HEAT if you want. And it can be worn, or placed on a seat back. The mobile part comes from the two power adapters that are included. It can be powered by regular AC power via a wall outlet, or powered via 12 volts in your car, via the cigarette lighter connector. That way, the company says you can experience spa-like relaxation right at home, office or car. How did Leo like it? He did. He said it worked well and he could feel the heat when he turned it on. One thing we were all surprised about was the size of the device. In the photo the Mobile Massage System looks like it covers most of a person’s back, but in the studio it was half that size. It’s almost as though the model was a tiny person. $21.95 at the link below on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UL05BC/?tag=twnene-20

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/giz1384

Vote now on another SKY MALL piece of crap Leo should order and demo on The Giz Wiz!

Gadget Warehouse!

It’s 1991 and Ambico offers a device to help you make more professional videos.

Ah yes, the amazing, but not-very-popular Ambico Video Soundtrack On-Cam Mixer. Ambico said it was "For professional-sounding home videos. Works with all camcorders, has hands-free microphone for easy narration, stereo earphones for monitoring mix and volume and balancing controls for simple sound mixing." But wait, there's more! "Input for any CD or Cassette player as your music source. Input for auxiliary microphone and switchable stereo/mono switch." Yes, all this sounds very professional. But think about it - actually, just look at the photo on the box. This guy is operating the camera to record the video, and theoretically narrating the scene, while holding the music device and mixing in the background sounds! Whoa, talk about multi-tasking! I did a 20-minute search and found almost nothing about this device on the web. So I assume The Ambico Video Soundtrack On-Cam Mixer was not a big seller. But Ambico did make a lot of neat accessories, not too highly priced, for the home video market. I know, I have several of them. The Ambico On-Cam Mixer, model V-0630, came out about 1990. I think it retailed for about $80 or so.

See or hear this Netcast: www.twit.tv/giz1384