The Giz Wiz

The “Large 9” LED display alarm clock” is huge. Each digit is 3” high, certainly bigger than most clocks in the home. You set the time, alarms, snooze, etc. with UP and DOWN arrows near the top of the clock. The back of the clock features two USB 5V 1A charging ports for charging small devices like smartphones. A dimmer setting can be adjusted for the brightness you prefer for sleep. Dual alarms mean you can set two separate wake-up times. A snooze button on the top allows you to have 5-60 minutes (you set that too) more to stay in bed before the alarm sounds again.

The SmartFlower Solar system was another 'big' gadget at the Luxury Technology Show. They had a unit out in the street so the press could see it in person. The SmartFlower is a fully integrated, all-in-one solar system that can live anywhere, but certainly the sunnier, the better. SmartFlower uses GPS tracking aligned to the specific longitude and latitude of the site where it is installed. This precise tracking can increase productivity by as much as 40%. They do want it setup by one of their installers to get the full warantee.

If you're serious about your wine, then Dick's latest gadget is for you! Fresh from the Luxury Technology show comes The WineCab, a wine cellar that stands in any room of your house, assuming the ceiling is at least 9' 4” high. It's completely automated and it's a first from Calvary Robotics. They say their WineCab is the most advanced wine storage and inventory system in the world. A robotic arm uses advanced technology and data to store, serve and let you know everything about your collection. The 1300 pound 9'3" high, is 4' wide and 3.5' deep wood cabinet alone is impressive.

As you would expect at a top notch bike show leaning toward the high end biker, saddle comfort (a.k.a bike seat) is one of the top priorities. The folks at Landyachtz say that they have the world's only custom mold-able saddle. How do you know it will be the right fit for your sit bones? Because the seat has a built in heating element which is used to start the customizing process. You bring your bike to a Reform equipped dealer where it is put on a trainer, one of those devices that lets you peddle in place.

There were a lot more unique gadgets at Interbike 2018 than bikes. InMotion's latest invention that takes the concept of a hoverboard and splits it into two independent machines; one for each foot! The company says it's a totally new experience that feels more like rollerskating with the freedom to zip around at will and that Hovershoes X1 are easier to learn and safer than hoverboards. It's a challenge to get the hang of balancing them, but younger users have no problems.

This STEM Kit (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is a great introduction to Engineering, Robotics, Circuit Building Projects for kids and teens. It's DIY science experiments use real motors, real hardware and real wood. Kids can build & rebuild endless robotic creations with a single kit. The company says it's for 8-12 year olds & teens. Dick was very impressed with the kit as you'll see in the video. There are 50+ real parts with 10 challenge cards, wood, electric motors, & hardware. You'll see a lot of the products kids built in the video.

The Mr. Coffee COSORI Premium 24 Watt Stainless Steel Coffee Mug Warmer. It looked great in the photo. Just turn it on and set the temperature. (This is designed for use with flat-bottom mugs for the most effective warming.) Keep warm or warm up your drink to as high as 131F/55C. Notice the highest warming temperature is 131F, but the description also says: Temperature Range 77°-230°F (25°-110°C). Also this device is equipped with a power adapter plug to make the power supply voltage only 12v rather than 120V. Giz Wiz: It's also 24 watts vs. 17 watts for my old “Mr.

Football season is here and this week's gadget from the Giz Wiz is The Star Sports Backpack. Created by Josie Moncada, a sports mom, for sports fans, the Star Sports backpack is incredibly durable, have extra padding and be lightweight (They weigh about 2 pounds; very light for a backpack.) Inside is a padded computer sleeve for laptop and cables, plus a separate compartment for other school needs. There are two side mesh water bottle pockets. The backpack measures 16" D x 11.5" W x 18" H. Founder Josie Moncada uses it as a carry-on personal item for air travel.

Dick's gadget this week is the Arctic Air, which cools, purifies, and humidifies the air around you. Fill it up with water and just plug this into any wall outlet or USB port and enjoy cool and clean air for 8 hours. The 'secret' is "Evaporative Air-Cooling Technology!" (And that's why they also say: 'works best in dry areas'.) To use it, you fill the non-removable tank with water. Power is USB either via an A/C plug adapter or USB port. And yes, if the room is dry and you're sitting directly in front of it, it will feel cool.

The Swiffer Continuous Clean Air Cleaning System continuously circulates and filters out airborne dust and dirt, and it prevents them from settling on your furniture, so you can go longer between cleanings. And the device is quiet. A bit from the company: Patented Swiffer technology uses Triple Layer Filtration to Trap and Lock away dirt, dust and allergens*. Great for pets! AND KEEP COSTS LOW with replacement filters that sell for a fraction of the cost of more expensive HEPA filters - $5. Average filter life is 30 days of use.