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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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Attention: Starting October 1, 2022

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This site will no longer update as of October 1, 2022.  

   Gadgets I showed on WORLD NEWS NOW are here the new site:            

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(This site uses a very old Squarespace format that has become too unstable. Google has also marked this site: "Not Mobile Friendly". The new site meets Google's mobile standards.)  

Entries from September 1, 2015 - September 30, 2015

Thursday
Sep102015

For the gadgets I showed on World News Now click the blue WNN link center right.

Giz Wiz Show #1535 September 10th , 2015, our 19th  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!

From the upcoming December 2015 Star Wars movie, meet BB-8, the app enabled Droid.

Here's what Amazon says about it: Over the years, the magic of Star Wars has always lived on screen and in our imaginations. Thanks to our advancements in technology, we’ve made it possible to bring a new part of Star Wars: The Force Awakens into your home. Meet BB-8 - the app-enabled Droid that's as authentic as it is advanced. BB-8 has something unlike any other robot - an adaptive personality that changes as you play. Based on your interactions, BB-8 will show a range of expressions and even perk up when you give voice commands. Set it to patrol and watch your Droid explore autonomously, make up your own adventure and guide BB-8 yourself, or create and view holographic recordings. It’s now possible to explore the galaxy with your own trusty Astromech Droid by your side. BB-8 is more than a toy - it’s your companion. $149.99. Amazon Prime, but not in stock as of 9/10/15. There are many places like Think Geek, ToysRUs, etc. selling BB-8.

And Dick's take: I think kids and Star Wars fans will love this Droid. There's a bit of a learning curve, but with just the little bit I toyed with it, it was fun. Watch the Giz Wiz Video for a few hints on what to expect setting up the BB-8 the first time.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/amdXxr3KTDs

Sphero Company Video: https://youtu.be/-1Y2WfcCb4M

Amazon link:  Sphero BB-8 App-Enabled Droid 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1535

Thursday
Sep102015

A dirt cheap 'smart' watch!

IRULU Bluetooth Smart Watch U8 WristWatch Phone For Android IOS, Samsung, iPhone, LG Smartphone

Multi-function: Dial, short message, phone book, call history, BT notification, BT music, Long-distance capture, pedometer, rest, sleep monitor, anti-theft, power save mode etc.
Compatibility: All Android Mobile Phone & Android Tablet PC. Android Mobile Phone: Samsung, HTC, Sony, LG, HUAWEI, ZTE, OPPO, XIAOMI, and so on. Some functions are compatible with iPhone 4 / 4S / 5 / 5S / 6 / 6 Plus.
Remote taking photo function: You can control your cellphone to take photo from your wrist (only for android phone, less android phone can't support)
Anti-lost alarm function: When cellphone left watch alarm automatically, after a certain distance to avoid lose the phones.
Ring reminder when your Android 2.3 or above smart phone receive a message (including Wechat, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Skype, and so on).

Dick's take: If you're looking for a real smart watch, this isn't it. BUT, if you've never had a smart watch, or a need a gift for a kid (that might not last long) this could be it! I'd get the $16.00 model I believe it's the exact same watch!

Links no longer available. 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1535

Thursday
Sep102015

You can't pick this padlock.

UPDATE: I talked about this lock a couple of months ago, but now I can actually demostrate it as you'll see in the video below. First, a recap of the lock:

And why can’t a thief pick a Quicklock padlock? Because this new high-tech lock has no keyhole. And it has no combination dials. It just has a single button on the front. You use that button to open the Quicklock a lot of other ways. Push the button once and then you can open it with your smart phone via Bluetooth, or an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag, a NFC card, even an NFC wireless ring. Yeah, I know, you don’t own a NFC wireless ring. That’s okay, Quicklock has them as an option. There are several Bluetooth locks in the marketplace but Quicklock says their’s is the only NFC + Bluetooth padlock on the market. I like the idea of having multiple ways to open a lock. I asked how you charge the lock and how often you have to do it. The company spokesperson said it charges via USB, but the internal battery only has to be charged as little as once every two years! This lock is also good for folks who have limited vision and find it difficult to use the dials on a regular combination lock. The price? It seems to be increased to $59.95 ($10 higher than last time I reported on it. ) That price includes the lock and two NFC cards. You can see the other options available to open your Quicklock at their website. Of course you can also open it with your Bluetooth enabled phone - iOS or Android. The fastest way to open the lock is something the company calls "Auto unlock". Auto unlock lets shackle release as soon as the lock and your smartphone are linked. You don't have to even press the button on the front of the lock. There's also a new Quicklock door lock, which operates in a similar manner. It's $79.95. Check out the company video and website. 

New Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/xPPFhN7D0Zg

Company videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zbxc1FxqHP4 

Company websitehttps://www.thequicklock.com/

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1535

Thursday
Sep102015

Chad's Crappy Corner and his 2nd Spy Gadget of the month.

In August Chad polled our Patreon supporters to pick his September theme! They selected “spy gadgets.”

Chad's 2nd spy gadget of the month is: Intsun Rear Mirror View Rearview Behind Sunglasses Monitor (Yep, another endless Amazon descriptive name.)

 

Here's what Amazon says about them: This glasses look like an ordinary pair of sun glasses,Yet they have a unique feature. You can see behind you. The lenses on these glasses have a special coating that allows you to look straight ahead and still see what is going on behind you. Stylish and great for walking and biking. You won't need to turn your head to see if a car is coming. It'll be like you have a rear view mirror with you. Have you ever thought you were being followed? Now, no one can sneak up behind you. These sun glasses make a great novelty gift! $10.85 and Amazon Prime, so free shipping if you're a Prime Member. (Price as on 9/10/15)

 

And Chad's take? Chad thought these glasses were worth money. He really could see behind him when he wore them. But Chad added that normal glasses have a bend to them, whereas these glasses are perfectly flat. That shape helps you see what's behind you. He said they were well made, and although he got his a Spy shop near him, he said it seems the identical glasses are on Amazon for less money.

 

No longer available.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1535

Thursday
Sep102015

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

Dick’s Gadget Warehouse this week started with this email:

 

Hello Dick & Chad. I was the Chatroom Celebrity of the Week on the GizFiz on Aug 8 where I talked about the iHome 2 Go speaker system for bicycles and beach.   Dick asked me to make a video of it and post it so you could show it on the Giz Wiz sometime.  Well here it is.

 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vj9tP4li0zE&feature=youtu.be

 

Peter Fisher peter.the.fish

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1535

 

**********

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: jerry coffey

Subject: multiple cameras

 

Hi: While watching your 8-27 show I heard you commenting about multiple webcams and thought I would tell you about https://manycam.com/

 

While I have not yet bought the pro license, the free version has 2 camera switching. The pro can switch more. I am sure you may have known and it is not a help. Just thought I would share incase you had not heard of it.

 

Love the show! Thank for all you do. Jerry Coffey