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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

    Monday
    Jun172019

    We had this at the studio, but it didn't make air because we ran out of time.

    There are lots of these devices around for outdoor camping trips, or even for use around the home, but I thought this Multi-Function Outdoor Tool was decent for under $20. Here's Amazon's take on it: For camping, hiking, exploring, (even simple household fixes,or an emergency tool in car.) This stainless steel tool set has a wood handle combined with an axe, hammer, pliers, wire cutter, Phillips screwdriver, saw, a serrated knife, screwdriver, file, and of course, a bottle opener! – Now seeing it in person, you're not going to do any serious chopping with the axe, but it might come in handy really small branches, although the included saw might work faster. I bought mine on Amazon & it seems decent for the price. It was $16.88 as of 6/27/19.

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

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Monday
    May202019

    As seen on World News Now, here are some unique & useful car gadgets you may not know about.

    If you missed my spot on air it's here: https://abcnews.go.com/WNN/video/top-car-gadgets-63248578

    The SUV/Car Step. This clever device is 5 in 1 Multifunctional Vehicle Latch Door Step so you have easy access to the car roof rack. The step is also equipped with a Safety Hammer and a Seat Belt Cutter. Although I try to use every gadget I report on, I don't own a car, but this device was suggested by a viewer and ex-policeman, Mo Torres. After I saw Mo's demo I did a little web searching a found the same type of device, but with some added features. The company says the step itself is made from aluminum alloy, and the car doorstep is small, sturdy and easy to install. With the folding design, it is easy to carry and store. The added features are a Safety Hammer - to be able to break a car window in an emergency and a seat belt cutter, also for an emergency. This upgraded folding vehicle hook doorstep has another added feature - soft rubber cover to protect car paint and you from injury by covering the pointing window breaker. But wait there's more. A fold down brace lets you place this device behind a tire to help prevent the car from rolling. Compatible with all kinds of SUV, RV, Jeep, Truck, Van or off-road car. The company says their car doorstep can support around 500 pounds. Dimensions:3 inches by 6.18 inches. Weight: 0.78 lb. 

    Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Wkrhm1 - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Monday
    May202019

    Whether you own or rent a car this seems like a great inexpensive car gadget.

    While looking for helpful auto gadgets for this ABC News spot I found this device. Amazon calls it a multifunctional 6 in 1 Car Phone Charger Adapter, Seat Belt Cutter, Window Breaker, LED Torch Flashlight, Red Flashing Warming Beacon and Portable Power Bank. This could actually help save a life if you have to escape a life-threatening situation like being trapped in a sinking, over-turned, or burning car and find you can't release your seatbelt, or open a window to escape. The safeguarded sharp blade is recessed in the device to help prevent accidental injuries. A hidden pin in the charging tip acts as window breaker. Also built in the 2200 mAH rechargeable external power bank is a two level white light flashlight plus a red flashing beacon. But wait, there's more. A fold out handle on the back opens so you can use to prevent the car from rolling, perhaps when changing a tire. Here's a 3 minute video I did on the device:

    https://youtu.be/ld9H0VlcTdM

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2M2ih0S As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Monday
    May202019

    Google Home Can Now Leave Home & Get Into Your Car.

    Reporters learned about the Roav Bolt at CES 2019, but it's just now coming into the marketplace. The Roav Bolt is an aftermarket device by Anker that brings the Google Assistant to almost any car. Optimized for Android devices, just say, “Hey Google,” or tap the button on Roav Bolt to find the nearest coffee shop, play your favorite song or podcast, navigate home, read texts, make calls, set reminders, and check your schedule for the day. If you have an iPhone, the company says there's a beta version that doesn't have all the features of the Android version right now. It’s super easy to set up. Just plug the Bolt into your car’s charging socket and connect it to your phone’s Bluetooth and your car’s stereo. (There's a 3.5mm AUX cable in the box if there's no Bluetooth in your car.) The twin built in noise reduction mics are designed to help ensure your Assistant hears you clearly, even if your phone is locked or stashed away. The front of the device has the same four familiar LED lights as the Google home mini. On the side there are two 2.4v USB inputs to charge devices as you drive. It's available now at Best Buy & Anker online, other places soon.... $49.99 MSRP. I did not see it on Amazon yet, as of 5/23/19.

    Company website page: https://www.anker.com/store/roav-bolt/R5360011

    Monday
    May202019

    Add charging ports for both your front and back seats.

    The folks from RapidX, a company big in useful in tech offers the X5+ Multi-Device High Speed Car Charger. It features a detachable USB cable and a combination of 5 USB Ports. For the front seat passengers there's one QC 3.0/ QualComm® Quick Charge port, and one USB Type-C port. The detachable 3-port hub, designed for the back seat, can be removed and stored in the glove box until it is needed for additional passengers. You can easily attach the 3-port hub and charge up to 5 devices simultaneously. A 5 foot cable connects them, which can be feed under the rug to the back seat if you want to have it available all the time. It's available in 7 color combinations. MSRP: $34.95.

    Amazon link: https://amzn.to/2K2n2VB - As an Amazon Associate Giz Wiz Biz earns from qualifying Amazon purchases.

    This never affects how we rate Amazon gadgets since we mostly buy everything we review.

    Company website: http://www.rapidx.io/