Another clever multi-purpose gadget from Joby.

For years Joby has come up with useful and inventive ways for people to hold cameras, small camcorders and smartphones. At PhotoPlus Expo at the Javits in New York City, they were demonstrating one of their latest gadgets, the JOBY GripTight POV Kit. This small, lightweight device has many useful functions. It provides a handheld, stable locking smartphone grip. With the handle folded behind the smart phone it's a great camera grip. With the handle folded under the smart phone, it's a steady video grip. Folded slightly open, the handle makes the POV into a handy viewing stand. But wait there's more! The integrated Impulse Bluetooth remote attaches to the GripTight POV Kit providing a point-and-shoot shutter feature while also enabling users to capture photos and videos from afar. (This may not turn video on and off on some phones, but it should work has a universal shutter button on almost all smart phones via Bluetooth. Constructed with durable ABS plastic, TPE grip pads, and stainless steel plates, the lightweight GripTight POV Kit weighs 2.1 ounces. The removable handle exposes a pin joint GoPro accessory connection. It's compatible with Android and iOS and no app is needed. Fits smart devices 2.2 to 3.6" wide in the horizontal position. And finally there's a cold shoe adapter at the bottom to accommodate accessories such as a light. It retails for $49.99, and should be available late October, early November, 2016.

More info: http://joby.com/griptight-pov-kit 

A Bike Helmet With Built-in Directional Signal Lights! And A Clever 2-in-1 Bike Accessory.

The Lumos Lighted Helmet features 28 super bright white LEDs in the front and 22 super bright red LEDs in the rear to provide over 80 lumens of illumination. This should ensure that you will stand out on the road. Once charged the battery lasts approximately 3 hours when the lights are on solid mode or 6 hours on blinking mode.The helmet takes approximately 2 hours to charge. But wait, there's more! For the turn signals, you should always use hand signals but there are amber LED turn signals you can use as a supplement. There's a companion app which allows users to configure brake light preferences, as well as monitor battery life. Included with the helmet is one normal remote and one extended-buttons remote for the turn signals, as well as a remote mount and charging cable. The Lumos will retail for between $149 & $179.00. As of 10/12/16 it was $149.00 on the company website:  https://lumoshelmet.co 

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

So Clever! Luggage Carrier Becomes Bike Stand in Seconds! 

This is one of my favorite accessories that I found at Interbike, Las Vegas. It's called RackStand from Montague Bikes. It's a luggage carrier, mudguard, kickstand, and work stand all in one. A quick release allows it to rotate under the rear wheel on a specially designed axle mount. 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.

Quick demo: https://youtu.be/-gZibsqe-MI 

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

Be seen when you go biking! Or want to be seen for any reason outdoors.

Visijax goes above and beyond the bare essentials of road safety. They have developed the most visible cycling jacket I've ever seen. Not only are there flashing lights on the front and back so you will be seen at dusk, at night, pretty much any time, but the jacket also features motion activated turn indicators on the arms. Simply raise your arm to indicate as you would normally and the built in amber LED's light up on the front and back of the sleeve, displaying your intentions to the traffic around you. The indicators switch off automatically ten seconds after you lower your arm. The Commuter jacket has 23 high intensity, integrated LED's in both white and red to alert other road users to your presence. All of the electronics are powered by a provided rechargeable USB battery with up to 20 hours of continuous use. When we showed this as a prototype a couple of years ago, I recall the price was over $170.00.

It's now available in black or florescent yellow for a much lower price. As of 10/4/16, the jacket was on the company website for $82.99. And on Amazon too.

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

Company website:

https://www.visijax.com/product/commuter-jacket-with-turn-signals/ 

SwitchMate Says They Have A 10-Second Solution To Make Your Home Smarter.

Switchmate is a one-second installation smart light switch that is the first smart home product that can be used with absolutely no configuration, tools, wiring, or WiFi. Switchmate magnetically attaches instantly to existing toggle or rocker switches and is controlled through the free app on your smart phone. With features such as “Welcome Home”, your lights will turn on automatically as you arrive home or enter rooms. With preset timers, you can set your lights to automatically turn on and off- even when you’re not home. Just Snap, Tap, and Start enjoying smart lighting simplified with Switchmate. Okay, so it is a bit more than a one second installation, but not much. You need to install two double AA batteries, which are included and then you have to follow the directions making sure the light switch and the Switchmate are both in the correct direction. Outside of that, it is just snap it on. And yes you can turn the lights on and off right at the light switch without needing Bluetooth. If you wan to add a bit of a 'lived in look' to your home while you're at work, or even away on vaction, there's a timer function. While you're home, you can schedule lights to turn on and off in your absence. You won't be able to view or change them away from home, but the Switchmate has internal storage that keeps track of the programmed timers, so they will work even when your phone is far away.  MSRP is $39.95 per light switch, but they're often on sale for $34.95. They're available in white and ivory. Make sure you order the right one for each light switch. There is a 'toggle' and a 'rocker' model. (There are pictures on Amazon.) These are only for single light switches and not for dimmers. 

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

UPDATE 9/28/16 - Target & Home Depot are advertising them for $34.95 and they're that price at the company website, even cheaper in larger numbers. Company website:

https://www.buyswitchmate.com/?gclid=Cj0KEQjw1K2_BRC0s6jtgJzB-aMBEiQA-WzDMRu6wuEnW47VoZB75IybKXsv5cnx2jVQ12EScgwknwgaAkL_8P8HAQ

Watch Videos On Your Portable Flight & Never Worry About Running Out Of Power.

Perfect for travel, this device has one of those long Amazon names:Safrone 10400mAh Portable Power Bank Rechargeable External Battery Pack with Multi-Angle Stand Charger. In reality it's a unique folding multi-angle stand that can easily hold your cell phone (large or small) and pretty much any size tablet I know of so far. On long flights you won't have to worry about your portable device running out of power because this device packs a healthy 10400mAh power bank. There are two USB out jacks on the side, a USB 5V / 1A and a USB 5V/2.4A jack. It folds down to a compact 5.3” X 3.7” X 1.2 inches. With two big easy-to-turn locking-unlocking screws, the bracket can easily adjust and lock in pretty much any angle you like for watching movies or playing games on your device. A four bar LED indicator lets you know how much power is left. The company says their built-in intelligent circuitry provides multiple protection for your device. It comes with a standard USB to microUSB cable. So if you have an iPhone, use your own charging cable to connect. Weight is 1.2 pounds, so it's a solid feel. You can see more in my video. It comes in various colors; I bought black. I paid $30.50 on Amazon. 

Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/OzeicglF84k