Giz Wiz Show #1537 September 24th , 2015, our 21st Independently Produced Giz Wiz

If you'd like to support Chad & DickDe in our independent venture, just click the Patreon link at the top of this link: http://www.gizwiz.tv/.  You can also contribute just once via PayPal there too. And thank you!

An external battery charger with a neat extra feature.

I've done so many external power charging devices, I don't want to do any more. Well, that unless they can charge a device and do something else unique. Ta-da! I found one. It's the SoundLogic XT 2,600 mAh Selfie Power Bank. This little guy can recharge smaller USB-powered devices, but it can also act as a trigger for smart phone cameras to allow selfies and group-pictures. It features overcharge protection to preserve the battery, and although the description says LED indicates charging status, it's the bare minimum. A tiny LED light glows red while your charging the device and goes out when it's fully charged. But there's no way that I can find to see how much power is remaining after you charge something. The package includes a micro-USB charging cable and some bare-bones instructions in about the tiniest print I've seen. It's not a powerhouse at 2,600 mAh output, but it is compatible with most small rechargeable USB powered devices. And it's not Bluetooth, but it does work to fire your smart phone camera once you download the Selfie XT app in the iOS App Store or on Google Play. It only works within the app which lets you fire shutter, use various countdown timers and turn the flash on and off. It won't let you start and stop video. And it's small: 5”x2”x6.88”. It turns out it fires your camera shutter via ultrasonic sound. I found that out when I was playing the video I made about this device. (Link below). When the video played it fired my smart phone camera while it was still in the Selfie XT app! Freaked me out for a minute until I realized when my camera was taken pictures on its own. I found mine on sale at Staples for just $9.99, but the Staples pages with them no longer loads. However I see it's on Groupon for $11.99, plus S&H. I've yet to see it on Amazon. For the price, I think it's worth it. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/7FxwYAPk6G8

As of 9/24/15 they were $11.99 + S&H here at Groupon:

http://tinyurl.com/powerbankselfiestick

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1537

More Sound Machines Via Our Viewer's suggestions.

Every since I did “The Xcuse Machine” on the Giz Wiz I've been getting suggestions for other sound devices. I bought them on Amazon and here they are!

 Here's some of what Amazon says about: The Sound Machine: Sound effects to enhance your daily life! Sprinkle your conversations with a burst of canned laughter, a round of applause or a wa-wa-wa-waaaaah. You will soon wonder how you ever managed without a perfect push-button wolf-whistle, a raspberry, or a fanfare and drum-roll on demand. Quality sound-bites in a sleek, pocket-able machine including: applause, laughter, boos, wrong answer, ka-ching, drum roll, comedy punchline music, whistle, scream, and many more. Entertain friends with hilarious gifts and gadgets that will crack them up! Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 7 x 1 inches ; 1.6 ounces. $12.25. Amazon Prime.

DickDe's Take: For the price this is pretty good. You should know that the sound effects are very short, some lasting a couple of seconds. But if you're talking on the phone and want to add a few of these to a dull conversation, they just might help. Or if you're doing a podcast, this would be perfect. Listen to this show and judge for yourself if the sound effects added anything.

No longer available.

Blah Blah Button.

Dick's Take: I don't have to nerve to use this in the office, and use it “in tense” situations? “Okay, buddy, this is a stick up”.... Blah, Blah, Blah, naw. I don't see using it, but it seems to be a big hit over at Amazon and it sure broke Chad up as you'll see when you watch this episode.Here's some of what Amazon says about it: The Blah Button is the hilarious gag gift that recites 12 different vocal variations of the phrase "Blah, Blah, Blah!" This fun toy is perfect for use when the need arises to put non-stop talkers, "know it alls" and pathological liars in their place. Whether buying for yourself, a co-worker, family member or just one of your friends; the Blah Button is a funny gift that's designed to say it like it is: "Blah, Blah Blahhh!" The amusing Blah Button jokes around in tense situations. and makes a great bosses gift for work, birthday gift, college gift for school or desk gift stress toy for the office.

Amazon link: Blah! Button ® (Features 12 Funny Phrase!) As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1537

 

It's a flashlight. It's a magnet. It's a magnetic flashlight!

This gadget has one of those really long Amazon names. Meet the: IIT Jumbo Telescoping LED Flex-Head Flashlight & Magnetic Pickup Tool with Mirror Attachment. This is a handy magnetic pickup tool with a four LED flashlight at the end. It extends from 6.5” to about 21-inches. I say "about" because different listings give slightly different specs. The longest length I can find is 22 1/2", which is what the packaging says. This is a handy tool for picking up screws, nails or other ferrous metal small items from the floor or tight spaces. The last few inches of the shaft are flexible so you can bend them to pick-up magnetic items that rolled under furniture, etc. Surrounding the four LED's at the front is the powerful magnet that is said to be able to pick up a load of up to five pounds. I did use it to pick up keys and a large nut and bolt, both at the same time, so I was impressed with what it can do. Mine also came with an adjustable mirror. The idea is that you'll be able to direct the light from the bright LED to inaccessible areas you normally can't light, even after you bend the flexible shaft on the flashlight. The flashlight came with batteries and I assumed it was using AA or AAA's. Turns out the light is powered by the less convenient, and probably more expensive, AG13 batteries. It takes four of them. But since the bulbs are LEDs, the batteries will probably last a fairly long time. The light below is to the exact model I have, but it's almost $22.00 there. It was less when I bought mine, but I can't remember exactly how much I paid since I buy so much stuff. The higher priced model is Amazon Prime, so free shipping for Amazon members. If you don't need the mirror attachment, similar models are on Amazon for under $10.00. Just search for “flexible magnetic flashlight” and many options will come up.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/fK1B40z89N8

Currently not available.

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1537

Chad's Crappy Corner and his final gadget for September's theme, Spy Gadgets.

Chad's final spy gadget of the month is the Etekcity 2-in-1 8GB Mini Portable Rechargeable Digital Audio Voice Recorder Pen / Dictaphone & USB 2.0 Flash Drive. Here's some info on this recorder via Amazon: Still using a Pen to keep Important Notes? Have you ever been so preoccupied by your busy schedule that you were unable to write down important information? Searching for a piece of paper and pen to write the essential information can be annoying and time consuming. The mini USB voice recorder can be of great assistance to you. This delicate design is easy for you to take on the go. It is multi functional as an 8GB memory disk and voice recorder. The built-in rechargeable lithium battery can ensure up to 15 hours on a single charge. The easy one button recording operation assures sounds to be captured in any occasion. Recording Format: WAV. Recording Bit Rate: 128K bps. Recording Time: about 140 hours. Battery: rechargeable 110 mAH Li-battery. Battery Time: runs up to 15 hours per charge. Audio Output: Play through computer. PC-interface: USB 2.0. $16.95 and Amazon Prime. (As of 9/24/15) 

And Chad's take?

Chad thought this worked extremely well. He demonstrated a recording he made earlier in the day and then made a recording right on this show. Playback of the audio was very good, and the price seems great for what you get. There's only two controls needed for the operation and it looks exactly like any ordinary USB Drive. Chad thought this was excellent, especially for the money.

No longer available.

Back To Dick's Gadget Warehouse & How To Submit Your Video To The Show.

This week's Viewer Video features a gadget almost the same as another gadget I featured on this show. What a coincidence. That never happened before. But Chuck's is a big different so I think you'll enjoy seeing it. His video came with a short email:

 

Hi Guys,

Here's a video of a flashlight I have with a cool feature.

Chuck Anderson

Here's the link to Chuck's Video: 

https://youtu.be/Nz9CAmfO1no

Chuck also said the flashlight he has is still available on Amazon. I checked just now and it's $10.97 and Amazon Prime as of 9/24/15. So free shipping for Prime Members. 

http://amzn.to/1MrdWur

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1537

**********

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.  

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