Can you hear me now?

We solve our Giz Wiz microphone problem with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. After a major Windows Update my mic made my voice sound deep, really deep. After going back to an older driver we were able to get the mic sounding right again. I asked Leo Laporte on The Tech Guy would another Windows update mess the mic up again. Leo said I should get a new audio interface. He not only recommended the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface, but he said since I'm on the show every week, he would send me one! Here's a bit of what the company says about it: Two of the best performing mic preamps, now with switchable air Mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound. Two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass. Two balanced line inputs, suitable for connecting line-level sources. Quick start tool to get up and running easier than ever. Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite available via download upon purchase and registration. You'll see and hear my Focusrite 2i2 on this week's show and every show on-going from this one. Folks at the other end say I sound 'great'. That alone should be worth $169.99.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/MsTu5Fvl6eY

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3crgqOB As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

This mini fireplace doesn't need LED's to look real!

It's the TACKLIFE Tabletop Fireplace. Or to use the endless Amazon name: Tacklife Tabletop Fire Pit, Tabletop Fireplace with Glass Stone, Concrete Material and Windproof Glass Cover, Ethanol Fireplace.

I always wanted an indoor fireplace that had a real flame since I already have about 5 faux LED fireplaces. So I bought this one on Amazon. It seems really well built with a cement base, stainless steel insert to contain the flame, and a crystal clear glass chimney. There are two ways to use this mini fireplace. The company says the flame will be bigger if you burn directly with bioethanol fuel, which I bought. But the fireplace flame will last longer if you burn with a wick and alcohol, which I also bought. With alcohol the description says 'can burn for 2 hours', while the instructions say 'don't burn for more than 90 minutes'. Now that I've used both fuels (you'll see how they burn in the video on this week's show), I would definistely stay still with the 90 minutes burn time limit. I used this fireplace with the biofuel for more than 2 hours and almost burned my hand when I touched the cement base! It does get really hot! With either fuel, this tabletop fire pit bowl is ventless and portable, so you can take and place it wherever you want. (Before you light it.) So if you live in a city, you can havea  your own mini fireplace without the traditional wood logs or gas fires. The transparent windproof glass is for safety and to keep the flame lit outdoors. It's under $50. Again, keep track of the temperature of the base.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/O2i32AQkBy8

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3r3AEBR   -

As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

Read In Bed Without Disturbing Your Sleeping Partner.

It's easy to be able to read in bed at night without disturbing your spouse. Or read on an airplane where there's very little overhead light. Meet the strangely named Takkui Rechargeable LED Necklight. It offers 3 temperature light modes, yellow (3000K), warm white (4000K) and cool white (6000K). Plus each of those settings has a switch for 3 brightness levels. Choose a comfortable setting for reading, knitting, camping, repairing, crafts, etc. It's covered with a comfortable soft rubber, which the company says is sweatproof, bendable and strong so you can twist, or fold to create the perfect illumination for yourself. Only 0.22Ib so it can easily fit your carry-on, backpack or even (large) pocket. The narrow beam angle design shouldn't disturb a sleeping partner. Rechargeable built-in 1000mAh battery provides up to 40 hours of power depending on brightness. MSRP: $17.99

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/ptISSVQ6yQ0

Check current price on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eIsPii As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more.

inCharge 6- the smallest, most versatile charging cable I've ever used!

The inCharge 6 - or as Amazon calls it: The Six-in-One Swiss Army Knife of Cables, Portable Keyring Compatible with Apple iPhone/USB/USB-C/Micro USB Cable for All of Your Devices. This cable is short, about 2”. The whole device ready to charge is about 5”. But it's versatile. You get USB to USB-C, USB to combo Lightning/Micro USB, USB-C to USB-C & USB-C to dual Lightning/Micro USB. The device is very lightweight and easy to use once you master the 'hidden' connectors. With built-in magnets the heads snap together to hang on your keyring, backpack, etc. The company says you can sync and charge simultaneously. And this I haven't seen before. This cable supports power transfer from one USB-C smartphone to another which doesn't have to be USB-C, as you'll see in my video. It can also charge from one USB-C smartphone to another type of portable device. So you can give a charge to a phone running out of juice, or charge earbuds, etc. It was under $20 on Amazon on 3/6/21, but that price can change at any time.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/X5JDCNd0UYQ 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/38gL0HQ 

Key Chain Led Light & Loud Security Alarm

This month marks one year since there has been a trade show to attend. So in order to find interesting, useful gadgets in Amazon, I typed “Best selling gadgets under $25”. Of the list that came up I picked the Taiker Personal Alarm for Women.140DB Emergency Self-Defense Security Alarm Keychain with LED Light for Women Kids and Elders. According to that description us men are on our own. The company says 'with a loud 140DB sound, this self-defense keychain alarm can make a sound loud enough to draw the attention of others at a far distance, which can effectively scare attackers in danger and seek people around for help. Also has an LED light. The portable size can be attached on keychain, backpack, etc. The alarm is activated when you pulled the contact pin out, and siren will sound continuously for 30 minutes unless unless pin is reinserted to device.' WARNING! THESE ARE LOUD SO YOU HAVE TO PROTECT YOUR OWN EARS WHEN USING THE ALARM. Batteries are said to last 90 minutes which is long for that much sound. It comes with 3 LR44 batteries and they are replaceable. The price is unbelievable! 7 units in various colors for $20.99, which comes to $3 each. This price can change at any time on Amazon. They got decent reviews on Amazon too, check them out.

AN Idea from The Giz Wiz. Some you don't lose the pin needed to silence the alarm, I put the end of the cord on the keyring. It makes it a touch harded to pull the pin, but it won't get seperated from the alarm.

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/BqjKofGQUA4  

Amazon link:  https://amzn.to/3b21WUg  As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases. You pay no more