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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

    Sunday
    Nov272016

    A Very Clever 2-in-1 Bike Accessory.

    We start with two other great gadgets from Interbike, Las Vegas that I wanted to share.

     

    One of the most clever accessories I found at Interbike, Las Vegas is called RackStand, a new concept in bicycle accessories. It's a 4-in-1 device - a luggage carrier, a fender/mudguard, kickstand, and work stand. A quick release allows it to rotate under the rear wheel on a specially designed axle mount. When in the lowered position it acts as a kickstand or workstand. If you have a folding bike, it makes it easier to be stored or displayed upright. RackStand connects to the rear axle on a standard quick release or bolt on hub. A replacement skewer or set of nuts is all that’s needed for attachment. The front attaches to the seat tube and just a push of the lever will allow you to rotate it to the lowered position under the wheel. It comes standard on several Montague Bikes, and should be available soon as an accessory for other brands of bikes and will retail under $100.

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/8ORjTS1lc94

     

    More Info: https://www.montaguebikes.com/rackstand/

    Wednesday
    Oct262016

    Something new from Logitech for all you folks streaming video!

    The Logitech C920 has been around for quite a while, but there's a cam in town. It's the Logitech C922 Pro Stream Webcam. It lets you can broadcast in 1080P at 30 fps or 720P at 60 fps for a more fluid motion. It's aimed at gamers and all those who stream video these days. But wait, there's more! The webcam software also includes a dynamic background replacement feature that uses intelligent shape recognition to separate the gamer from their background. Basically what that means it there is no need for a green screen. Gamers can then overlay the video of themselves on the gaming stream with popular broadcasting apps such as OBS and XSplit. I tried both the camera and the included software. The camera video is great, but the 'green screen' replacement needs a bit of work to look good. You can't have a crowded background and it's best if your background is not a lot of different colors. If you sit mildly still, the software does a pretty good job isolating you, but if you move around it can often cut off your ear or part of the your head as it tries to figure out which is really you. But it's free with the camera, so you can have fun seeing what you can do with it. Other features of the C922 include automatic low light correction and autofocus. Logitech says their C922 webcam adjusts to flickering room lights or multiple computer screens, so you can stream clear video even in dim lighting. I've heard a lot of reviewers remark on how good it does in low light. There's also dual omni-directional noise cancelling microphones built in which will be better than almost any mic built into your computer. But for a more professional video, I'd opt for a separate higher end mic. And this is good news. The C922 webcam comes bundled with a 3-month XSplit Premium license, which includes complete access to the professional-grade tools and features of both XSplit Broadcaster and XSplit Gamecaster. That means you can quickly and easily start streaming any type of content right out of the box. (Box included!) The camera seems to ship two ways. As the C922, it also include a mini-tripod. And as the C922x, it doesnt include a tripod, but it does include six months of free Xsplit, rather than three. I think that's a better deal since the tripod isn't all that robust. It's $99.99, the same price as the older C920.

    http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/c922-pro-stream-webcam

    Here's the C922x on Amazon.  No tripod, but you get six months of free Xsplit!

    http://amzn.to/2eS5REE 

    Sunday
    Oct232016

    Lots of fun, and useful bike gadgets from Interbike, a huge show in Las Vegas.

    The idea of CrazeeHeads is to make it fun to wear a bike helmet. So if you or your kids thinks it's too nerdy or uncool to wear a bike helmet, maybe you, or them might feel more special being a viking, or a jester or one of the many of CrazeeHeads helmet covers available. Here's what the company says: If you’re among the millions of people who wear a helmet while playing sports all year round, congratulations! It’s the smart thing to do. And now you don't have to wear a plain helmet ... you can add a crazeeHeads helmet cover! We've got 7 Spandex covers for multi-sport use, 10 Plush Animals, and 7 Fashion styles to choose from. All are easy to clean, and they're fun to wear! They range in prices from about $25 to $37.00

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/PAD20Mu6XCM

     

    They're here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2e5Gz9s

     

    The company has instructional videos on their website:  http://www.crazeeheads.com  

     

    Sunday
    Oct232016

    Hang your bike out of way with these clever gadgets.

    Small apartment, garage, or space. Why not hang your bike out of the way! Cycloc has devised three different and very unique ways to hang a bike on a wall. They're so clever you could actually display your bike as an art object if you wanted. They're very versatile one of them offers horizontal or vertical cycle storage. The company has won great deal of global acclaim for design and functionality. Depending on which of the three systems you choose, the kit will include rubber contact points to protect the bike frame and your wall. Optional spacers are included with some kits to accommodate wide handle bars. They also feature secure three-point wall attachments. You can view all the hanging options on their website. I know that at least two of their designs let you lock the bike in place with your current U-shape lock. Available in 7 colors. Two of the models are $69 and the one featured in the video is $99.00. 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/bXy-BCm2qdI

     

    Cycloc Company Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDAJgWqwIc4

     

    Here are their 3 different bike storage systems:

     

    http://cycloc.com/ps/19-bike-storage-systems  

    Sunday
    Oct232016

    Meet Brompton, makers of high-end customized folding bikes.

     

    As you'll in the video on this show, the Brompton folds down to a portable, practical size so can be taken on other forms of public and private transport. It can also be taken inside (homes, offices, bars) so it is a lot less likely to be stolen. The company says folded, their bike even fits under a desk. And it opens and folds closed fast, in under 15 seconds once you know how. Brompton says Its ride position and agility are more than a match for conventional bicycles. Small wheels mean fast acceleration from red lights and increased maneuverability through busy streets. Brompton bikes are tough and can take everything the city throws at it. A steel frame, efficient and puncture resistant tyres (it's built overseas, but it's tires here), handmade with high build quality and a design that has been refined over 25 years. They're available through their own dealer network, so you won't find them on Amazon. (They are other folding bikes at much lower prices on Amazon.) Prices for a Brompton folding bike will depend on the options you select, but checking around on line it looks like they retail starting at about $1200.00 and going to up to $2400.00.

     

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/uncl01lngXI

     

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