Giz Wiz Show for October 1st , 2013 Netcast 1436

My appearance on Turner Classic Movies and the movies Robert Osborne & I will talk about on Wednesday, October 9th, are here: http://gizwizbiz.squarespace.com/dicks-blog-log/ 

Now kids three and up can have their own digital camera AND projector.

SHOWCAM Digital Camera/Projector Under $50. This 2-in-1 camera lets kids 3 & up talk digital pictures (in a well-lit area) and then project them in a darkened area. Or snap pics and customize them with built-in software. Buttons, controls and grips are all kid-sized for easy use. There are over 50 ways to customize their pics and 3 ways to display them through the projector, so kids can create their own show over and over again. Then there’s the “Silly Button” to choose from lots of fun stamps, frames, animations and sound effects, then snap a funny picture. Another option is to set an automatic slideshow with fun sound effects through a mini onboard speaker. The ShowCam kids' camera can store approximately 1000 photos without a memory stick. Just like the built-in stamps and animations, you won't need any extra software to download and print your pics with your home computer - just your own USB cable (not included). Animations and sound do not transfer to your computer, but you can project them. The top 'disco' picture was an animation, but the bottom wasn't, but the camera did add a silly sound effect. I think kids will have a lot of fun with this camera. MSRP is $59.99, but it's under $50 on Amazon. Also available at Target and many of the big box stores.

Company website: http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/showcam

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1436  

Giz Wiz Video Of The Week: The Razor Crazy Cart.

At the Time2Play press event, I only got to drive the Razor Crazy Cart for about a minute. But even from that little bit of driving, I can see where this machine can be a lot of fun. (Be sure to watch the video version of this episode to see the Crazy Cart in action outdoors!) The Razor Crazy Cart features a drive system that allows it to drive forward, reverse, sideways, diagonally and everything in between. There are two different modes; Go-kart and crazy cart. Go-kart is like straight race mode. And crazy cart is for spinning, zigzagging and driving pretty much driving in any direction. The variable-speed foot pedal lets you accelerate to speeds of up to 12-mph. There’s no brake, you just release the speed pedal to stop. The Drift Bar provides adjustable caster technology and helps you control back-end drifts, and the Crazy Cart offers 360° steering capability so you can make sharp turns in tight quarters. The system includes a 24V (two 12V) sealed, lead-acid batteries with a charge time of 12 hours. Fully charged you should be able to get up to an hour of continuous use. It’s recommended for ages 9 and up. Assembled dimensions: 35.8"L x 25.2"W x 18.9"H. It’s exclusive to Toys R Us. They say the maximum weight is132 lbs. The Razor website says 140 lbs. MSRP is $399.99. But now through October 5^th, it’s on the Toys R Us website for $359.99.

http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=21007906&prodFindSrc=search&cp=  

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1436  (Goes live late 10/1/2013)

Finally an iPhone case that is really a bit different!

When someone pitched a new phone case I normally say “please not another phone case”, but I was interested when I heard about PocketPlug. Prong, a tech company specializing in mobile accessories, has an interesting and different kind of case. It’s PocketPlug, the world’s first case with an integrated charger. The case itself is also designed to provide protection for the iPhone and to improve the sound of phone speaker by directing the sound forward. What’s really different about the PocketPlug are the retractable prongs that retract into the case. When the prongs are folded away the PocketPlug is still small enough to fit in a pocket. The durable case is made out of high-grade polycarbonate. To charge your phone, pull up on either prong and both will pop up allowing the case to connect to an outlet for direct charging. No need to carry an additional adaptor or cable. But wait, there’s more! PocketPlug has a micro-USB port built in for times when you’re in your car or you have a cord handy. Just to be clear this is not a phone case with an additional battery inside, but a charging solution via an AC outlet. Available in black or white, the PocketPlug for iPhone 4, 4s and 5 can be purchased at goprong.com for $59.99 to $69.99. There is also a Galaxy 3 version coming soon, and I assume a Galaxy 4 version must be in the works. You can learn more about Prong at the company website:

www.goprong.com 

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1436  (Goes live late 10/1/2013)

OMG Chad fills in again for Leo. It will be a surprise to us all what gadget he finds to show!

Over the past few months I’ve gotten three or four email requests to “please do a review of the Squatty Potty on The Giz Wiz Show.” Quite frankly, I had no idea how to do that. A Giz Wiz video of the week? …I don’t think so! But on this episode of The Giz Wiz OMGChad did indeed show and talk about the Squatty Potty. Even though he took a camera into the bathroom at TWiT, he stopped short of a full demo. The whole idea of the Squatty Potty is to put your body into a better position to do what it’s supposed to do when you’re sitting on the throne. Here’s a better description from the company website:

“Whether you’re already a believer in the benefits of squatting to eliminate, or you’ve stumbled onto this site as your first introduction to the whole concept, here’s the low-down on why squatting to poop is in your best interest and why using the Squatty Potty is the most convenient, safest way to squat.” Chad didn’t think it was such a great idea considering it cost a minimum of $30. He thought just bending forward when sitting on the throne would do the same thing. But maybe you can judge better for yourself by seeing photos and reading more at the company website:

http://www.squattypotty.com/Default.asp?gclid=CO6-tY7X9rkCFVGi4AodpWsA1w

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1436  (Goes live late 10/1/2013)

Back to Dick's Gadget Warehouse! With another viewer video & how to sumbit your video!

This might be the first time we’re used a second video from a Giz Wiz viewer. We did it because the video is good, (I have a Sony WM-10 buried somewhere in the warehouse), and quite frankly, we are just about out of viewer ‘my gadget warehouse’ videos! So please submit yours quickly! All the details are below. 

A viewer video submission starts just like this, with an email:

Hi Dick and Leo,

Below is my link to a video of my gadget warehouse, the Sony WM-10.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF-NCwM9UYA&feature=youtu.be

Love the show; have been listening for years. I often have to cover my mouth as I am laughing out loud – something that is not allowed while riding on public transit. I do learn a lot and have often quoted your show to family and friends when the info is appropriate. Thanks for a great podcast.  Steve.

                                      *****

We'd love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show.

Here's what we're looking for: Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - 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! 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.

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 something you just bought too.

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

NEW! NEW! NEW! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. It's Leo's way to get rid of all the "crap from Sky Mall" he's collected. So there's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!

All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv

See or hear this show: www.twit.tv/giz1436  (Goes live late 10/1/2013)