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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 September 1, 2016 - September 30, 2016

Wednesday
Sep282016

Giz Wiz Show #1590 for September 30th 2016 - Our 74rd 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. 

This is our second of three shows where we're looking at gadgets slated to come out between now and the holidays. These were all on display at “The Holiday Spectacular!” the largest NY Pepcom Event of the year. We start with a look at a new high-tech

 

Nerf N-Strike Elite TerraScout RC Drone

 

Whoa, that's a long name. And even though it can't leave the ground, Nerf is calling it an RC Drone. But it can do a lot that kids will probably love. The RC blaster can fire up to 18 foam Nerf projectiles via the handheld remote. You drive and aim the TerraScout via the small LCD screen in the remote..But wait, there's more! The video camera built into the TerraScout also records video to an SD card. Later you can play back your battle by downloading the video to your computer, tablet, etc. The kit includes Includes drone, blaster, controller, charger, 18 darts, rechargeable NiMh battery, and instructions. The controller requires 4 AA batteries (not included). Goes on sale in October, 2016 and will be available exclusively at Toys R' Us for under $200.

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/fbXnjG6gPZY

 

Toys R Us Link: http://www.toysrus.com/buy/see-all-blasters/nerf-n-strike-elite-terrascout-remote-control-drone-blaster-b8072-111477796

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1590

Wednesday
Sep282016

XYZ Printing Drives The Prices of 3D Printers Even Lower.

For as long as I can remember XYZ Printing has been driving the prices of 3D printers ever downward, making it affordable for many more folks, especially students. At Pepcom's Holiday Spectacular the folks at XYZ Printing said their two new 3D printers, the da Vinci mini and the da Vinci miniMaker are ideal for beginners. They start in price as low as $229.95. (Price may change.) For about $60 more, you can add WiFi 3D printing. They told me 3D calibration is difficult for beginners, so these two machines feature auto-calibration, auto-loading filament, and a large build size. (It's aboutt 6” X 6” as I recall.) The education-focused and kid-safe da Vinci miniMaker is perfect for those seeking to develop core STEM skills. And you don't have to design your own 3D project if you're in a hurry. You can start your 3D printing adventure by downloading some of their 4,500+ FREE 3D models available from their online XYZ 3D Gallery. They have nine categories that include everything from toys and games, to art pieces and educational items.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/KJEilDxg-M0

Company Video: http://us.xyzprinting.com/  

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1590

Wednesday
Sep282016

The Death Star Levitating Speaker!

The Death Star remains one of the most iconic symbols of the Star Wars universe. Loved, loathed, blown up in multiple movies, yet it's come back yet again, this time as the Plox Death Star speaker. This 5W Bluetooth mono speaker uses maglev technology to levitate in space (well an inch or two) above it's base. It offers 360 degree sound quality, but we were not able to hear it play at the Pepcom Holiday Spectacular, because they had a no-music-playing rule. (Also it's impossible to hear, let alone judge audio, at a crowded press event.) Fully charged you can expect up to 5 hours of continuous Bluetooth playback. And if you can't live without your Plox Star Wars Death Star Levitating Bluetooth Speaker, it can be carried as a portable speaker without the base. Along with many more Star Wars products, this will be available starting October 1st. MSRP $179.99. 

The small speakers in the video are called Star Wars Siren, also from Plox. They're also Bluetooth, and you just pull them open to turn them on. They'll include R2D2, Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, BB8, plus 4 additional plain color speakers. (Blue, Pink, White and Black). 8 hours of battery life on full charge. MSRP $29.99

 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/y-Lbc-6Upis

 

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

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1590

Wednesday
Sep282016

Chad's Crappy Corner & His Final 'Cheap Hobby' Gadget. 

Chad polled our devoted Patreon members and for his September theme they picked “Cheap Hobby Gadgets”. Chad's final gadget this month's theme is (one of those endless Amazon product names) the Camecho 6CH Super Mini RC Submarine with Two Headlight High Speed Remote Control Boat Two Propellers (Blue) 

Here's what Amazon says about it: Submerge to depth of 1.0m underwater. Brand New and high quality. Ready to run and no assembly needed. Great gift for your kids or Submarine fans. CE identification, safe for your kids to play .Durable enough to get lots of surprise and fun. By the power from 3 motors, the submarine can submerge or go up rapidly during exploration. Material: ABS,Control Distance: 8 - 12 meters, Charging Time: 10 -15 minutes,Running Time: App 5 minutes,Battery in Sub: Built-in rechargeable battery, charged by the remote control Battery for Remote Control: 4 x AA battery

 

Currently unavailable.

 

And Chad's take: Chad agrees with most of the reviews. This product got 2.6 out of 5 stars from 138 reviews. As you'll see in the video Chad ran it in a plastic bin, so we couldn't judge the distance it could run. The description says 1 meter, so it can dive to about 3', and it says it can run 24 to 26'. The charging time Chad gave is the reverse of what Amazon says, but I think Chad is probably right because notice, even in the photo, the name on the submarine is backwards. Chad said he wish the sub was cheaper, more like $15, and he's concerned about the rubber nose pin you put in after you charge the sub. He's afraid it will fall out which would ruin the sub in water. You do get a spare in case you lose it though. All in all Chad can see why it took a 'dive' in the Amazon ratings. It's a so-so hobby gadget.

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1590

Wednesday
Sep282016

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

This week's viewer gadget warehouse video arrived via this email: 

Hi Dick & Chad,

 

This is my video about the quizzard, a gameshow based board game by random house.

 

https://youtu.be/dem02qNCOlw

 

My mom had this when she was a kid and gave it to me when I was about three years old. I used it so often and roughly that I destroyed it. My mom made me throw it away because it didn`t even work. When I was 12 I found it on amazon for $150.00 but I wouldn`t pay that much for it. I continued to look for it every month or so, till 3 years later I found it on

Ebay for $11.00 & $8.00 shipping. I bought it and it arrived two days earlier than it was scheduled to arrive. Now that we have it we use it a lot. We play the game a lot, but we also use it to learn our spelling words or really anything else. We are home schooled so it really comes in handy.

 

Hope you like my video. Roger Wooten

 

PS Do we hold a GIZ WIZ record for the oldest gadget warehouse item? Its the 113 year old player piano from episode 1576

 

See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1590

 

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

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:

 

Okay, so we're taking a break from emails about arc lighters, but visiting another one of our favorite gadget categories --- weird pillows for travel.

 

Our email is from david blau

 

hey i found this and i thwart of you guys...it is Face Cradle

 

check it out http://www.facecradle.me/