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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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    After more than a dozen years as "Special Correspondent" - once a month, for a full hour, where I joined Craig Crossman and later in the series, Ben Crossman on Computer America, it was time to take a break from the series. But this longest running nationally syndicated talk show continues on! You can find the latest shows here: www.computeramerica.com

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Polk, a famous name in speakers, builds their smallest, ever!

    If you're an older fan of music, you know the name Polk. They've been making speakers for probably 50 years or so. So at CES 2017, I was surprised to see one of the smallest speakers anywhere. It's so small, you wear it! Called the Polk Boom Bit, this wireless micro wearable Bluetooth speaker is designed to clip securely to your clothing. The object is to able to listen to music without headphones that could block out things you might want to hear as you bike, jog, walk, etc. But wait, there's more. It has also a built in mic that will let you make/answer phone calls on the go. The Ipx7 waterproof enclosure keep water and dirt out. 3-Hour battery life should be enough to get you to and from your destination. There's a standard USB connection with waterproof cap for charging. For the size of the unit I was impressed with the sound. And when I heard the price, well that made it even more impressive. It retails for under $30! And it's available in many colors. This Amazon page will show you many choices. Since the speaker is just coming into the market place there are only a few reviews on line, but the ones I saw posted already are very positive. $29.99.

    http://amzn.to/2jNXLSH

     

    Giz Wiz Link. You pay the same price as everyone else but Amazon gives Giz Wiz Biz a bit of credit to buy more stuff for the show. And thank you.

    Monday
    Feb202017

    An all stainless steel RFID blocking minimalist wallet from Nite Ize.

    The folks at Nite Ize excel in building multipurpose items for folks on the go. Introduced at CES 2017 is their new Nite Ize Financial Tool RFID Blocking Wallet. This is a minimalist wallet, money clip and credit card holder combo plus a 10-in-1 multi-tool all in one. It features two heat-treated 420 stainless steel plates connected by a high-tensile strength, ultra-secure Cash Wrap Strap. Tools include: scraper, bottle opener, 3 wrenches, flathead screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver/tape cutter, metric and imperial ruler. But wait, there's more. It's also an RFID blocking wallet too! Available in stainless or black coated stainless. Under $15.00 

    It's not on Amazon yet, but there is more info at the company website:

     

    http://www.niteize.com/product/Financial-Tool-RFID-Blocking-Wallet.asp 

     

    There's also the Nite Ize Financial Tool Money Clip Wallet with 7-In-1 Multi Tool in Stainless Steel or Black. It's a single stainless tool plate and doesn't offer RFID protection. It's under $10 here:

     

    http://amzn.to/2ipTlfP

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Light and USB Power Charging - both in one LED bulb.

    A while back on World News Now I showed a gadget that screwed into a lamp so you could add two charging ports. You took the bulb out added that charging gizmo and screwed the bulb into it. But at CES 2017 I discovered the PowerBulb. It's said to be the world's first LED light bulb with builtin dual USB ports that turns any lamp into a charging station. That's right you can charge your phone, tablet, e-reader, etc. right from this LED bulb. It features something the company calls MegaSmart Charging. That means the PowerBulb automatically senses and sends more power to the device with the lowest charge. A built in silicon jacket and heat dissipation vents never allow the PowerBulb to get hot to the touch. Also built into the bulb is a dedicated on/off button that lets you to turn the light off while continuing to charge your devices. It's 608 lumens, which is about equal to a 40 watt bulb. It's 2700K which gives off a warm light. I asked about a brighter version and they said that was coming later. Bulb life is estimated at 50,000 hours and it retails for under $40. Please note that this bulb is marked "NON-DIMMABLE".

    Amazon link: http://amzn.to/2iq01uo

     

    Company website: https://megatinycorp.com/products/powerbulb-usb-charging-led-lightbulb

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Where's my phone? Oh, it's on my head!

    Instead of a tripod or a selfie stick, you can carry your smart phone on your head with Clip-A-Phone. With places like Disneyland banning selfie sticks, this is a good alternative. Just place the clip on your favorite cap, insert your phone into the clip and secure it with the strap. Then use the included Bluetooth shutter to record photos or video. The company says this: “Clip-A-Phone provides you with a simple solution to use your smart phone and mount it to your hat. Your head provides the most stable platform for taking pictures from the first person view or recording video as your body naturally stabilizes your head in relation to your moving physical environment. Parents have also found it useful for recording their child's sporting events, birthday parties and even their babies first steps all while keeping their hands free!” And now back to me. I put my Galaxy S5 on my Clip-A-Phone and it fit after I adjusted the strap to it's largest size, so I doubt if the new 'big' phones will fit. Check the company website. Also on the Galaxy S5, the app worked my camera shutter perfectly, but was wonky trying to stop & start the video function. Price for the cap is under $20.

     

    http://www.clipaphone.com/

    Monday
    Feb202017

    Here's a very clever luggage system from Biaggi, coming May 2017. 

    This company makes so many different bags, I'll just talk about one that is out now. (Watch the video to see a demo of the newest one, due out in May, 2017.) Biaggi says you can pack smarter and fit everything you need for an extended trip in their inventive and spacious ZipSak 31-inch MicroFold Upright. A patent pending Z-fold design allows this sturdy duffle to magically transform from a small pouch into a spacious 31-inch high rolling duffle with plenty of room for all your travel essentials. (Check the photo on the left. That little bag near the bottom opens to the full sized bag behind it!) A convenient top zipper can be used for loading like a tote bag, a durable wrap-around zipper allows you to pack items flat and secure them with a strap, similar to a conventional suitcase. And once you reach your destination, the ZipSack quickly and easily compresses back into the small pouch that can be hidden away. The folded duffle takes up to 80% less room than comparable bags, and weighs only 5.7 pounds! The ZipSak duffle is constructed of a tough crinkle oxford nylon fabric in a selection of trendy hues and features four durable pro-velocity spinner wheels for easy maneuverability. Prices range from about $59.99 to $99.99.

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

     

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