An item from Dick's Gadget Warehouse gets a lot of attention at CES 2017.

CES 2017 will usher in the shows 50th year! To help celebrate they're going to to have an exhibition of break-through technology gadgets of the past 50 years. I told them I had something to contribute, the Timex Data-Link, which was really the world's first 'smart watch'. And I happen to have a Data Link Watch in in the original box! (Since I loved the one I used, I bought a spare, just in case.) Here's some info on the watch via Wikipedia: The Timex Data Link was a line of early smart watches manufactured by Timex. As the name implies datalink watches are capable of data transfer through linking with a computer. The Datalink line was introduced in 1994 and it was co-developed with Microsoft. The early models included models 50, 70, 150 and model 150s (small size). The model numbers indicated the approximate number of phone numbers that could be stored in the watch memory. These early models were, at the time of their introduction, the only watches to bear the Microsoft logo. The watches have been certified by NASA for space travel and have been used by astronauts and cosmonauts in space missions. There had been an evolution over the years as to the number and type of entries that can be stored in the various watch models as well as the mode of data transfer between computer and watch. (And now back to me.) You downloaded the software to your computer, filled in the names, phone numbers, etc. and then held your watch up to your CRT computer screen. The watch's sensor windows read the flashing bars of light on the monitor and turned it into data on your watch. The Timex Data Link was also a full-function timepiece. Not only water-resistant to 100 feet, but you could get two to three years of battery life. And all for about $180.00 to $200. By the way even though you could send up to 150 items of data to the watch from your computer, they were limited to 40 characters each! It took under a minute for the info to be transferred to the watch. (Sometimes after many tries.) Laptops and LCD monitors were not bright enough to transfer the data, so Timex can up with a USB light sender. This limitation started the end of the usefulness of the Timex/Microsoft Data Link watch.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/pbBLs2gS3Lo

I saw this at CES 2017, but they weren't giving rides!

 About ten years ago I discovered the Cruzin' Cooler, an ice cheat with a motor that you actually sit on and ride. I found it and rode it at the National Hardware Show. Leo and I laughed about it, thinking it would never sell. Well, the company is still up and running introducing newer and faster models.

Now I have my doubts again about the suitcase you sit on and ride. It's called the Modobag. It was touted at being at the National Hardware Show in May, but I couldn't find it there. While you might look silly riding on an ice chest, you will most likely be doing it outdoors where there's plenty of room and not many people around. But riding a suitcase in a crowded airport, I think is going to create problems. And since Motobag is $995 for early backers on Indiegogo, I would worry airports will outlaw them. Then you have may have spent almost a $1,000 for something you probably won't use as a regular suitcase because empty it weighs 19 pounds. But they have a lot of backers already. They were looking for $50,000 and they already raised about $430,000 USD from 415 backers.  

It is currently available for $1095 on Indiegogo  (as of 1/19/17) with an estimated shipping date of May 2017. (But I only see "3 ordered already".)  

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/modobag-world-s-first-motorized-rideable-luggage-travel-technology#/

Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCQFoa1X_-g 

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

Out Damned Germs!

I saw these two Ray Cop devices for the 1^st time at the Pepcom event, so the info here is from the company: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a single mattress may be home to as many as 10 million dust mites and a multitude of bacteria and viruses. Unlike a regular vacuum, RAYCOP purifiers have a dual filtration system incorporating a primary filter along with a HEPA filter which is proven to capture 99.9% of common allergens like dust, pollen and mold. Additionally, the combination of UV light technology, suction and pulsating pads in RayClean Technology® effectively extract potentially harmful microorganisms to capture allergens and outdoor pollutants, leaving home surfaces sanitized.The RAYCOP RS2 and RAYCOP LITE are designed to clean and sanitize where families live, sleep and eat within the home. Both use ultraviolet (UV) light technology, pulsation pads, optimized suction and high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration to eliminate and collect potentially harmful allergens, pollen, bacteria, dust mite matter and microorganisms, leaving the home not only cleaner, but safer too. MSRP: RAYCOP RS2 $329.99 and LITE $189.99. 

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

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

You will BE noticed when you turn these LED sound glasses on!

Here's a bit of what Amazon says about their FLYMEI® USB Rechargeable LED Light Up Shutter Shaded Glasses Our sound control LED glasses will make you become the focus one on the stage or in the pub or wherever. Everyone will be able to see the music in your eyes as these glasses light up to the beat of the music! It can make you become the coolest person. The glasses are safe and convenient to use which is very popular among young people. LED musical shades automatically adjust the audio sensor according to the volume of the surrounding. 

The Giz Wiz adds, I do like these a lot! Great fun, no wires or battery packs to hide; everything is built into the glasses. USB charging cable included. Be sure to watch the video to see how they look when responding to every sound, voice or music. Even though the description says automatically adjusts volume, there is a "Loud" or "Normal Environment" switch on the glasses. I think they're great for under $15.00. (Price as on 1/20/17)

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/fJXgm9MVGLo

Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/2hp9ftU

(Giz Wiz Link: You pay exactly the same as everyone else, Giz Wiz Biz gets a small credit to buy more stuff to demo! Thank you!)

This lamp can bend over backwards to put the light where you want it.

The Aukey Rechargeable Folding Lamp is a sleek portable LED desk lamp that offers 2 brightness levels with a built-in push bottom on top. It's built of a handsome aluminum alloy that's 360° adjustable for easy positioning in any situation. Great for reading, workshop, crafts, on the nightstand, etc. It has a rechargeable battery that runs for about 3 hours on a full charge. It's lightweight and low profile. It also folds flat for portability and only weighs 9.2oz; so it's ideal for travel too. Uses just 3 watts of power but generates 150 lumens of light. It ships with a USB Charging Cable and a hanging Mount. Add an optional AC to USB plug and you can run it from wall power too. It even gets a bit brighter on AC. See how compact it is folded up in the picture on the right. It's $24.99 on Amazon. (As of 1/20/17) 

http://amzn.to/2gPMyfm

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/KriS9cP6CEM