When you're far away from a cell signal, why not use Satellites to stay in touch?

Higher Ground, a Silicon Valley technology company, introduced the SatPaq at CES 2019. It's a lightweight, clip-on smartphone accessory that enables inexpensive (pay-as-you-go) messaging by satellite. For the 144 million outdoor enthusiasts in the U.S., the SatPaq solves two problems -- the anxiety of not ‘being connected’ and the frustration of having to pay monthly fees even if you do not use the service. SatPaq has recently been named a 2019 CES Innovation Award Honoree in the Wireless Devices, Accessories and Services Category. The SatPaq is the first satellite-messaging product to communicate directly to Geostationary [GEO] satellites for consumer communication. GEO satellites are in a stationary orbit around the Earth and are always in view. The company says messaging over Low Earth Orbit salstellites is SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive than using GEO satellites which in turn require a monthly fee, even when you don't use the service. By communicating with the big GEOs, the SatPaq says they can provide inexpensive, on-demand messaging service that you only pay for when you need it. $249.00 for the SatPaq. Then buy a message package and use them when you need them. There is no monthly service fee.

https://satpaq.com/

Onelink Secure Connect

This clever new device is not coming until midyear, but here's some preview info via First Alert: As more connected home products are developed every day, can your internet keep up? To ensure devices remain both connected and secure, First Alert is introducing their Onelink Surround Wi-Fi mesh solution. Soon available as an embedded feature within Onelink smoke and carbon monoxide alarm products such as the Onelink Safe & Sound alarm–eliminating the need for additional Wi-Fi boosters or devices. Offering a secure Wi-Fi mesh solution within an essential home device is a natural step for the Onelink by First Alert brand, helping our customers protect what matters most and taking full advantage of voice services, like Amazon Alexa. The Onelink Surround Wi-Fi creates a closed, private network to help detect and prevent cyber-threats and hacks. The technology scans every outbound connection from the network to analyze URLs and IP addresses to detect malicious traffic and infected machines. Users are notified of any potentiallysuspect activity and, if restricted settings are enabled, it can block any questionable content.

Company website: (This device may not be listed for a few months.) https://onelink.firstalert.com/ 

Anker Atom PD1 - probably the most smallest 30 Watt PowerPort Adapter. (At least for now.)

The Anker PowerPort Atom PD 1 is the laptop charger that’s the size of a phone charger. Anker says you can enjoy high-speed charging for Apple phones, tablets, laptops, and all USB-C devices. Leave your stock charger in the box, and the tangled mess of chargers behind; it’s time to get a single charger that will take care of everything. The best things come in small packages, and PowerPort Atom is positively tiny. 30W Output: Charge iPhone X Up to 50% in Just 30 Minutes. Ultra-Compact, Golf-Ball Size (but square - about 1.5" square.) Universal Compatibility for USB-C and Apple Devices. Due to ship by the of January, 2019. Under $30.00

Worried that your Echo device may still be listening - even on "mute"?

Well, the Smartē Mute+ is said to enhances your smart speaker experience by providing an extra level of trusted privacy and peace of mind. It’s like double checking to make sure the doors are locked. When you turn it on Mute's proprietary technology cancels any voice or noise, near or far, from the smart speaker’s microphones. It easily fits on the Amazon Echo, Echo Plus, and Echo Dot smart speakers and can be left on for ease of use. A clear ring at the bottom of the Mute+ lets you see the Echo speaker motion light. Set the lighted privacy timer at ten minutes per push of the center button for up to 1 hour at a time. Works with 3 AAA batteries which ARE included and there's a low battery light indicator. Coming soon for $24.99.

https://mysmartelife.com/products/muteplus

At a public place did you ever forget your phone in the restroom stall? Or worse yet, drop it in?

This isn't high tech, and it's not designed for your home, but could save you a lot of $$. At restaurants and other public places, lots of folks carry their phones into bathroom stalls & the company says 19% of them accidentally drop them in the toilet! StallMATE is installed on the door of a bathroom staff and it provides a pocket for your phone (or wallet) right where you lock & unlock the stall door so you won't forget it. They have a catchy slogan too: Don't "go" without it!" StallMATE is meant for those steel stall doors in public places, but it looks like you can buy one for $20.

http://www.stallmate.info/

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From World News Now - My Pick For Favorite Gadgets Of The Past 12 Months - Dec 2017 to Dec 2018

If you missed the spot on air, I'll post a link after the show airs.

When scissors can't cut those clam shell packages these can! The multi-purpose 4V cordless ZipSnip cuts cardboard, rubber, plastic and more. I tried it on a clamshell package and it works great, keeping hands and fingers out of harm’s way. The blade operates at 260 rpm (no load) and its maximum cutting thickness is ¼ in. The ergonomically designed cutter is constructed of high-impact nylon resin with a comfortable mold grip. The tool’s trigger is an integrated part of the handle with a top-mounted lock-out switch for added safety. The cutter has a built-in charging port that brings the tool to a full charge in five hours. An LED indicator on the tool’s body lights when the battery is fully charged. The lithium-ion battery can maintain a charge for several months. It's usuallly about $35.00 on Amazon. The self-sharpening blade is replaceable for under $10.

Company link: http://www.worx.com/

More Video on Zip Snip from The Giz Wiz Show: https://youtu.be/yiS4uW1xxaU