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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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    WORLD NEWS NOW

    Starting Oct 1 2022:   GO HERE FOR GADGETS I SHOWED ON WORLD NEWS NOW             

      https://www.gizwiz.me/world-news-now

     

    With co-host Rhiannon Ally & Andrew Dymburt.

    "Where more insomniacs get their news than any other source!"

    On these pages are gadgets I've shown over the past few years on the show. 

    To find out when I'm on TV again, or to learn about new gadgets between shows, follow me on Twitter:

    www.twitter.com/thegizwiz

    Want more Dick De?

    The Giz Wiz does a gadget show every week with co-host OMGchad Johnson:

                                                      www.gizwiz.tv

    Tuesday
    May152018

    Meet the Eton multi-powered emergency NOAA weather radio.

    If you're looking for a weather alert radio that's compact, rechargeable, and has 3 power options, this is it. It's the Eton FRX5 BT. The BT stands for Bluetooth which means you can stream your music and podcasts through the built-in speaker. The FRX5 BT is solar-powered, battery powered, and when all else fails, can be crank powered with the onboard generator and crank handle. A USB port and 2,000 mAh battery lets you charge your smartphone and tablet. S.A.M.E. technology lets you set emergency alerts for your area via text message on the LCD screen, via 3 LED lights, or via a siren alert. In addition to the NOAA weather radio, there's also AM/FM bands. But wait, there's more. There's a built in flashlight, and at the top of the device, an up-facing soft light, great for tents at night. Both are dimmable, and there's a red emergency LED too. Specs via Eton include: Drop-proof from a height of 3.3 ft. (1m). Drop protection varies depending on drop conditions. Water resistant to IEC 60529IPX4. It is not waterproof and should not be immersed in water. Dimensions 5.8 x 7.1 x 2.3” (W x H x D) 14.8 x 18.1 x 5.8 cm (W x H x D) Weight: 1 lb 6 oz (0.62 kg). MSRP is $99.99, but it's usually cheaper online.  

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

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2rJ4fEL - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    Monday
    May142018

    A lightweight solar charger that can do some heavy weight charging.

    The Anker SunPower Solar Array I showed provides enough power to charge two devices simultaneously. Three industrial-strength PET polymer faced solar panels are sewn into a rugged polyester canvas and offer weather-resistant outdoor durability. Compact size (11.1 × 6.3in folded or 26.4 × 11.1in opened) and light-weight at only 14.7 oz. Stainless-steel eye-holes on each corner allow easy attachment to backpacks, trees, or tents. You can use t

    he Anker Solar Charger to charge devices directly, or you can add an external battery pack and charge that for use when there is no sun. MSRP is $99.99, but discounts are available online. 

    Company website page: https://www.anker.com/products/variant/PowerPort-Solar-2-Ports/A2421011

    Monday
    May142018

    Versatile Solar Charged Lanterns That Fold-up & Light-up!

    LuminAID has a variety of amazing and useful solar products. I showed two of them in my segment.

    The larger one is the PackLite Hero 2-in-1 Supercharger. It's a solar powered inflatable lantern & phone charger that packs flat for easy carrying and charging on the go. Designed for rugged adventures and charging beyond the grid, the PackLite Hero lantern provides over 300 lumens of bright LED light on Turbo mode and can run for up to 100 hours on Low mode. It recharges via solar power in 16 hours of sunlight or by USB input in 2-4 hours. The 5V USB output port will recharge your phone in 2-4 hours depending on your type of phone. The 4000 mAh battery can recharge your phone 2-3 times on a single charge, also depending on the type of phone. MSRP $69.99.

    Here's the company website: (20% off Memorial Day 2018 sale here. Free shipping kicks in at $99 & above.)

    https://luminaid.com/collections/solar-lights/

    The smaller device we had on WNN was the PackLite Nova USB.This issmaller inflatable solar lantern. It provides over 75 lumens of bright LED light on Turbo mode and can run for up to 24 hours on Low mode when fully charged (no extra batteries required). The PackLite Nova USB can be recharged by micro USB input (cord included) or by the built-in solar panel in approximately 10 hours of sun. It measures 4.75" x 4.75" x 4.75" when inflated and packs down to less than 1" in depth. The PackLite Nova USB has a 4-level battery charge indicator and adjustable strap for hanging. Its 100% waterproof and dustproof design makes it a durable lantern that you can take with you anywhere. The PackLite Nova USB makes an ideal light for just about anywhere including the campsite, backyard and emergency kits. MSRP is just $19.99.

    Here's the company website: (20% off Memorial Day 2018 sale here. Free shipping kicks in at $99 & above.)

    https://luminaid.com/collections/solar-lights/

    Monday
    May142018

    There's a lot of free "emergency preparedness" information online.

    It all starts with a visit to https://ready.gov/

    Launched in February 2003, Ready is a National public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies, including natural and man-made disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.

    Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things: (1) stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses (2) make a family emergency plan and (3)  build an emergency supply kit, and (4) get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.

    I was also glad to see there is "emergency preparedness for pets" too. After all they're an important part of many families, including mine.

    Friday
    Apr132018

    Unique Travel Gadgets You May Not Know About That I Showed on World News Now.

    My ABC World New Now Spot: http://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/top-gadgets-travel-season-54521931   (ABC may start it with a 30 second commercial. I have no control over that.)

    Travel season is coming and the Urbo 3-in-1 Travel Gadget can help in many ways. First it can help you avoid paying expensive fees to airlines for overweight luggage with its built-in travel-friendly scale. Its backlit LCD display includes lb/oz/kg/g and accurately weighs up to 110 lbs (50 kg) with Overload Protection, Hold, Tare, Auto Off, and Low Battery IndicatorPacks. 6000 mAh of power. So you can even charge your device in flight mode. Easy-to-use detachable web strap can be attached to scale from either side. Semi-soft easy grip handle for use as scale, power bank or flashlight. Bright 60 Lumens LED flashlight so you can travel light yet be well prepared for all travel conditions. It ships with a type-A to Micro-USB charging cable. Weighs 7 oz. Comes with a zippered carrying case $24.95. Older version is available for under $20, but it's missing a lot of features of the new one. 

    Giz Wiz Video: https://youtu.be/D3CZVnYtcCE