AC VENT DEFLECTOR & METAL ADHESIVE TAPE

DEFLECTING AIR VENT ~ An Easy, Effective Install On Plastic & Aluminum Vents…. © 2024 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) Most of us have central air and heating units that distribute the temperature controlled air to our living spaces via vents in our ceiling, or floor. Quite often these vents may be positioned in a spot that directs the temperature treated air where it’s not desired thus causing drafts. An easy fix, known by many of us, is the use of a deflecting air vent attachment that can somewhat redirect the air so as to minimize, or eliminate drafts. This is adjustable from 9” to 15”. Note, When adjusting for its larger sizes you will need to separate the two panels from the first notch and remount them to the second molded notch. While an extremely practical solution, affixing these deflectors to existing vents can present a challenge. Most vents are made of plastic, or aluminum material which does not lend itself to affixing the magnetized deflectors. Also, placing the deflector directly on the vent can limit access to the vent’s controls for adjusting the louvers. So, an easy solution is the use of Gauder self-adhesive white METAL TAPE by 3M.

The metal tape, 1.25” in width, is available in 10, 20 and 41 foot rolls. It provides a self-stick backing that can adhere to rough surfaces and a metal top coating for affixing this and other items that use magnets, such as the vents we discussed above. It can also be used for numerous other applications where a metal surface is required to attach light weight items such as pictures, drawings and Tonie figures that are magnetized. The tape is easily cut with a normal pair of scissors. The protective backing that covers the adhesive surface peals off. The use of a small tweezer is probably necessary to aid in the peeling process. I found affixing a metal tape strip that’s the length of each side of the vent to the surface of the wall/floor adjacent to the vent works best. This still provides easy access to the vent’s controls. It also permits placing the vent in an upward, or downward position for the best redirection of air flow. If desired you can place tape around the total circumference of the vent giving it a visual picture framing look. MSRP: Vent Deflector $17.99 4-pack • Adhesive Metal Tape 10’roll $12.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: Deflector: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BMLBV6DK?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Metal tape: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JMY7QD4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1 Graphic credits: Amazon Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at mailto:bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

USING 911 FROM YOUR CELL PHONE

CALLING 911 FROM YOUR CELL PHONE ~ What To Know When You Think You Have No Service & Need Help… (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2024 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Have you ever been in a situation where you need to call 911 due to an emergency while driving in what you think is a non-cell-service area? Your phone shows no service because your provider’s signal is weak, or out of range from their nearest tower? Well, fear not because a solution probably exists! The ability to reach 911 from your wireless phone is considered a “VITAL SAFETY TOOL”. The FCC’s wireless 911 rules aim to provide 911 call centers, AKA Public Safety Answering Points, or “PSAPS”, with meaningful, accurate location information so the local emergency responders can be dispatched quickly to assist 911 callers. The FCC’s basic 911 rules require wireless service providers to transmit all 911 calls to a PSAP, regardless of whether the caller subscribes to the provider’s service, or not. In other words your 911 emergency call will be transmitted by another active carrier in the area where you are calling from even though you do not have an account with that carrier. The FCC rules also require all wireless service providers to provide the PSAP with the phone number of the caller of a wireless 911 call and the location parameters of the cell site and/or base station transmitting the call. Many older wireless phones are equipped with a pre-activated 911 auto-dial feature which often times can lead to the accidental dialing of 911. You can reduce accidental 911 calls by locking your keypad, or consider turning off the 911 auto-dial feature if your phone has one. Check SETTINGS on your device, or review the owner’s operating manual, or check the manufacturer’s web site to learn how to do this and limit the possibility of making unintended 911 calls. Newer iPhones also include an Emergency SOS feature to text emergency services via satellite when you are totally out of any carrier’s range. Emergency calls can even work with no service plan at all. An old deactivated phone can also connect with 911 services. A good plan may be to keep an old phone that’s deactivated in your car as a backup, but be aware that it won’t provide call centers with your location automatically. Also, keep such a back-up phone charged for such emergencies. Naturally if your old cell’s battery is dead and your vehicle still has power you could plug such a back-up phone into your cigarette lighter with the aid of a working DC carcord. 911 similar emergency services are available in many countries World-Wide. Naturally, the FCC rules outlined above do not apply. A list of such World-Wide numbers is available at: https://rb.gy/gmx109 For more 911 USA information: https://rb.gy/n09t3u Graphic credits: Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

KNEE & ELBOW WRAP FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN

KNEE & ELBOW WRAP ~ A Vibration & Heat Wrap For Knee & Elbow Pain… (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT © 2024 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED Many of us, young & old, experience knee and/or elbow pain caused by various issues including many forms of arthritis. COPPER COMPRESSION, offers a possible aid that often times can offer some, or even total relief. I’ve been testing this product for my Rheumatoid Arthritis in my left knee. I’m not a doctor, so my findings for this article are my personal experience and not that of a medical professional. Naturally, you should always consult with an orthopedic physician prior to using any remedies including this one. The COPPER COMPRESSION KNEE/ELBOW WRAP, known as COPPERVIBE™, provides vibration and/or heat. This wrap, wraps around your knee, or elbow by means of four Velcro straps making it adjustable around the knee. It contains non-replaceable, re-chargeable batteries that can provide up to 100 minutes per charge equaling up to 5 twenty-minute sessions. The internal batteries are charged via a USB-C cable that is provided and a USB charging adapter, not provided and takes between 90 to 110 minutes to fully re-charge. It’s suggested that you perform this treatment for at least a minimum of 30 minutes daily. I typically use it repeatedly till the charge no longer holds out. You can not leave the wrap plugged in to the USB adapter for continuous use, a feature that should be added and that I have recommended to the manufacturer. I’ve also suggested that the re-chargeable batteries be user accessible for easy replacement when they no longer hold a charge. A simple and cost effective feature for both the manufacturer and the end user. To start a twenty-minute cycle you simply press the red power button on the left of the power module. You should hear a beep and see an orange indicator light illuminate on the far right. If you do not, check to ensure the wrap is charged. Once the wrap is powered on, toggle through three heat levels by pressing the power button repeatedly, low, high, and off. Next you can toggle though four massage treatments, continuous, oscillating, kneading and off, by simply pressing the mode button, adjacent to the power button, repeatedly. The benefits of the wrap include the promotion of blood flow & circulation, relieving muscle tension & soreness, relaxing stiff joints & cramping and soothing achy, overused muscles. I can attest to these benefits with my use over the past several weeks. I found the warp, treatment wise, to work well. It’s been a great follow up after having had one Cortisone shot. The results overall were actually more effective and long lasting than the shot was. While purchased via CBS Deals, the Copper Compression customer service staff was most helpful in assisting me with a couple of issues and quick replacements. I also communicated with the corporate Media Relations staff regarding some product improvements and as of yet have not received any answers to the questions I posed. In general, I’m very pleased with the overall treatment results. I would certainly recommend the COPPER COMPRESSION WRAP as an additional, or alternative form of treatment if you are experiencing knee pain and leg instability issues and not having successful results with other forms of treatment. I suggest staying in a seated position during treatment and not attempting to walk while the wrap is affixed to your knee since it may feel like, or actually drop to the ground. This is something that could quite possibly be addressed by the manufacturer by modifing the straps for a more secure and positive fit. Don’t let these issues deter you as the end results far outweigh the negatives! One unisex size fits all! Rating:★★★★ (Implementation of suggested features would make it 5 star) Cost: $99.00 - $119.00 For more information: https://rb.gy/0fx225 and https://rb.gy/e8p0xs Graphic credits: Copper Compression Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

WALMART BEVERAGE REFRIGERATOR & COOLER

Walmart Beverage Refrigerator & Cooler ~ Perfect for beer, wine and other drinks © 2024 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED BOB SKIDMORE CORRESPONDENT (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column on the Web, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) I’m sure you’ve often wished you had a small fridge just for your various beverages including soda, wine and beer? Perhaps it’s time to replace the old, under the bar, fridge? The unbranded Walmart fridge from on-line sales at Walmart, model BR-110-WM, and also sold under other brand names, may be the possible answer. This fridge has many features that competitive models lack. Probably the most outstanding one is its Auto-Defrost capability. Yes, no more having to deal with turning off a fridge and waiting hours to be able to remove the large panels of ice that form on the rear of non-frost free models. Not only is this a mess to deal with, but also a time waster. Temperature selections between 34°F to 50°F are adjustable and if a power failure takes place your preset temperature will return to its original setting, a very handy benefit. (120V/240W) The brown fridge has a silver stainless steel frame, is 3.2 cubic feet, free standing, has a reversable hinge see-thru door, can hold up to 126 cans of your favorites and is whisper quiet. It includes a switchable soft LED blue light. Always turn the light off when not needed. Dimensions are: 17.5(D) x 18.9(W) x 31.5(H) inches and adjustable feet are included. As is the case with all newly delivered fridges, leave the cooler at least 24 hours in an upright position before plugging it into AC and using it. This is important as you never know if in shipping the unit was kept upright. Failure to adhere to this could pose potential future operating issues. Also, foods of any type are not to be stored in this type of fridge as it’s designed to keep beverages cool, not food! Estimated yearly energy cost is about $40.00. Walmart offers both a 3 and 4 year extended warranty. The warranty simply covers a total replacement in place of repairs, or service calls, a nice hassle free optional benefit. Available from: Walmart on-line

MSRP: $269.99 List (promotion prices sometimes offered) 3-year warranty $34.00 • 4-year warranty $49.00 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://bit.ly/3svRxfb Graphic credits: Walmart Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com , or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

WAHL TRIMMER ~ Hygienic Grooming of Eyebrows & More For Men

(Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) One of the grooming issues that most men face is how to trim eyebrows, necklines, and *nose, or *ear external hairs. WAHL, manufacturers of various hair trimming products used by professional salons and barbers alike, has an affordable solution that really works! I’ve tested various other brands of such trimmers and found the WAHL models 5619 and 5640 to perform the best. They offer two easily detachable heads, one for eyebrows and the other for ears and neck trimming. The rotary ear and nose trimmer head provides a truly hygienic method of keeping external nose and ear trimming separate from trimming your facial eyebrows. These blades are self-sharping precision blades that easily attach/detach. Simply twist the cutting blade counterclockwise until it’s loose and remove it, or a ¼ of a turn to replace, or to install another blade. To clean remove the blade first as the main unit is not waterproof and rinse with tap water. The trimmer unit is housed in a rugged anodized aluminum black housing that accommodates one AAA battery, not included, that has a long-term battery life. This trimmer is the perfect solution for light hair removal of the nose, ear, brow, sideburns, toes and touchups on the neckline. The plastic trimmer guide can be removed exposing the actual cutting blade when close neckline trimming is desired. Caution must be taken when trimming hair without the guide attached so as not to cut yourself since your skin will be in direct contact with the blade. Removal of the guide can also aid in cleaning both the blade and the guide. This step, however, should be done prior to the cleaning process so as not to subject the main unit to water. Replace the guide to the blade before reattaching to the unit and before storing.

The compact design makes the WAHL trimmer perfect when traveling. Blades are replaceable should the need ever arise. The WAHL trimmer is the perfect trimmer in every way! *Caution: Never insert the trimmer, or any other object into the ear, or nose as you could cause bodily harm. Trimming should be limited to visible external hairs only! Available at retail and from various on-line sites. MSRP: $9.99 GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★ For more information go to: https://bit.ly/3Htg8p4 Graphic credits: Amazon Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore

NEWS FLASH!

New disc can hold up to a petabyte of information which is more than 220,000 times the capacity of a DVD. https://www.newsweek.com/dvd-storage-millions-movies-tech-1872746

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW 2024 ~ Highlights Of Some Unusual Showings …. BOB SKIDMORE (Please note that Google’s BlogSpot, the provider we use to publish this monthly column, has changed the allowable format style. So, if the column’s format looks a bit strange it’s due to Google and BlogSpot, not THE GADGETEER.) CORRESPONDENT © 2024 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED At the beginning of each year manufacturers, distributors, retailers and the media get together in Las Vegas for the annual Consumer Electronics Show, World’s largest exhibition of new technology that may show up at your local stores. CES, as it’s better known, is an opportunity for inventors to test prototype ideas and for manufacturers to show “soon to be available” new gadgets and products to resellers and the media. 2024 certainly had its share of innovative products. Some 130,000+ attendees and 4000+ exhibits enjoyed this most unusual and fun filled event. I’ll list just a very few of the most unusual and perhaps practical items in this column.

The GYROGLOVE, A/K/A GyroGear, works to help those with hand tremors. This wearable glove is intended to help stabilize the hands of those with tremors. GyroGear, a medical technology startup, debuted this hand-stabilizing glove in hopes that it will assist people to regain control of their lives. In a demonstration an individual with a right hand that shook slipped on the black glove, then their right hand relaxed, and they were able to hold a pen and write their name. It’s too early to know if insurance, or Medicare will cover any, or all of the $5,899.00 cost, but certainly this could give back a piece of a person’s prebious life when they have the glove on…. LG displayed their LG OLED T, a wireless, 77” transparent TV. The front panel is transparent, with an opaque contrast screen behind it. By raising or lowering the contrast screen, you can make the screen look more or less transparent. LG showed off visuals that made it look like a 3D fish tank with the transparent screen, and then raised the opaque panels to show off how the TV functions more normally. Price TBA soon.

GE introduced their PROFILE SMOKER, a countertop smoker that uses wood pellets, just like an outdoor smoker, but turns the wood smoke into warm air. It has 6 preset food settings (brisket, pork ribs, pork butt, wings, chicken and salmon) and can connect to the GE Profile Connect App for more features. GE claims it can fit 3 racks of ribs cut in half, a full chicken, or a 14 pound pork butt. $999.

The WITHINGS BEAMO is a thermometer, stethoscope, pulse oximeter & EKG in one device. This device with the Withings Health Mate app when connected to Wi-Fi and is USB-C rechargeable. Available late June after FDA approval. $249.95.

Clicks keyboard case for iPhone comes with a built-in physical QWERTY KEYBOARD CASE that you can use with your iPhone. The best part is that the virtual keyboard won’t appear unless you force it to, so you get back that screen real estate as you type. It does add some height to the phone. It has backlit keys & supports Mac & iPad keyboard shortcuts. Only available for the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max. $139 with shipping starting in February. Graphic credits: CES & Google Images Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bskidmore@mac.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer, or any legal resource. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings. ## Check out Bob’s Twitter page for up to the minute gadget news. Available at: https://twitter.com/bskidmore