MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 25, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In today's world, consumers have an overwhelming amount of new information and new technology made available to them each day. Tech guru Dr. Gadget, a regular guest on ABC's The View and ExtraTV, helps consumers weed through the noise to discover the best products available at the best price. "Dr. G" regularly attends industry exhibitions like The Consumer Electronics Show and the Consumer Technology Show. He also receives and tests hundreds of products from big name brands like Sony, Hewlit Packard, The Outdoor GreatRoom Company, Brookstone and many more which he reviews to determine are the best in high tech, low-tech and overall 'just-plain-cool' gadgets around. He then presents these products on shows such as ABC's The View to consumers worldwide. Often these segments are special "giveaway episodes" where surprised members of the studio audience each receive products showcased during the show. Segments with Dr. Gadget on The View are filmed a few times throughout the year, without advance notice, in a format similar to Oprah's Big Give.
Below is a closer look at twenty of Dr. Gadget's top tech products picks, great gift ideas for men and women, and cool toys for the whole family to enjoy. Here is the lowdown on must-have items for the season at prices that won't break the bank:
1. Venturi Flame™ Indoor-Outdoor Fire Pits ($199; www.outdoorrooms.com, @outdoorrooms)
Now anyone can have a glowing fire pit for living spaces indoors and out, made by The Outdoor GreatRoom® Company. Simply light the gel-fuel can, put the glass cylinder on top, and watch as proprietary Venturi Flame technology creates a twirling fire. Perfect as a centerpiece, a gift for someone with everything, an outdoor lighting element, or even to bring a new 'twist' to a wedding ceremony as a unique alternative to the standard unity candle.
2. Radio Flyer Build-a-Wagon ($105-$269; radioflyer.com)
Introducing the first ever customizable wagon. First, you can choose the wagon body that fits your lifestyle, then you get to choose your accessories; whether it be storage space, sun protection accessories like a shade or umbrella or even cushioned seats.
3. Keurig Platinum with Brew-Over-Ice K-Cups ($179.95; keurig.com)
The Keurig System brings together the essential elements for brewing a single, perfect cup of coffee. So you get the beverage you love, from over 200 varieties of your favorite brands, with zero waste or mess — it's that simple! Brew Over Ice technology allows each K-Cup pack to be packed with more coffee or tea — the perfect amount to create a cool, refreshing brew.
4. Brookstone Bed Fan with Wireless Remote ($99.99; brookstone.com)
Kicking the sheets to the end of the bed at night? Try Cool Bed Fan. It tucks between the top and bottom sheets to cool your body -- the source of the heat -- instead of the entire house. Cool Bed Fan disperses built-up body heat with a cool, refreshing breeze between the sheets. Wireless Remote sits on the nightstand for easy-to-reach adjusting. It controls the powerful dual fans that move up to 680 feet of air a minute dispersing built-up body heat under the sheets.
5. DXG Sportster ($49; 1saleaday.com)
The Sportster 1080p High-Definition Underwater Sports Camcorder makes shooting HD video underwater easy.
6. Margaritaville Mixed Drink Mixer ($299.99; margaritavillecargo.com)
At the touch of the button, the Mixed Drink Maker serves up 48 different cocktails (16 options per liquor type), from a Hurricane Punch to a Tropical Rita. Spin the center wheel and choose the cocktail that grabs your fancy, push the center button and the drink is dispensed in a matter of seconds. All you need is a cup!
7. Temptu Build-a-Bundle Airbrush Makeup System ($298; temptu.com)
Want to join the AIRbrush revolution and know exactly what shades are best for you? Select your ideal foundation, blush, and highlighter to build your own custom set, with over 600 possible color combinations!
8. Biscotti TV Phone ($199; biscotti.com)
Turn your TV into a high-definition video phone, without a computer. It's easy! Call other Biscotti and anyone with free Google Talk on their computer, iPhone, iPad or Android. Free video calls from any TV to anyone on any device. Easy-to-use tiny device and remote control, camera and microphone captures the whole room.
9. PocketFinder ($149.95; pocketfinder.com)
PocketFinder GPS trackers are the easiest way to locate People, Pets and Vehicles. Give the device to a person or attach it to a pet or vehicle and locate your devices with the website or mobile apps.
10. HP Photosmart 7510 E-All-In-One ($199; hp.com)
Redefine multitasking—print lab-quality photos and more, and scan, copy and fax, using a large touchscreen with gesturing. Increase capabilities with impressive versatility features, wireless connectivity and a host of mobile printing options.
11. Kobo Vox ($199.99; kobo.com)
Experience color books for all ages on the brilliant 7" screen. Take reading to a new level discussing books with other readers and sharing your Reading Life™ to Facebook®. Built for connected life, Kobo Vox offers Wi Fi, Web browsing, Facebook®, email, music, games, plus over 500,000 apps for Android™!
12. The Singing Machine 4T ($79.99; singingmachine.com)
Karaoke has evolved into a small, sleek, powerful package with the new Singing Machine 4TV. Hidden in its clever design, The Singing Machine 4TV supports CD+Graphics and is the very first karaoke machine to play MP3+Graphics through one of its three USB ports. Now you can download your favorite tracks to a USB external drive for playback! Connect the Singing Machine 4TV to your television and lyrics scroll beautifully across the screen.
13. Beamz Player ($199; thebeamz.com)
The Beamz is an innovative, interactive recreational musical instrument and music entertainment product that enables people of all ages and skill levels to have fun creating and playing music. Arrange, create, and play music like never before – everything is setup for you to to sound great no matter how you touch the lasers and play the light. The Beamz music song library includes top hits, party favorites and original works from Grammy award winning artists.
14. Casio Tryx ($249.00; di.casio.com/digital_cameras)
An entirely new kind of camera for an entirely new way to capture your life With a 3" touch screen LCD, high-speed continuous shooting technology, HDR-Art imaging and infinite configurations, the TRYX will make you rethink the compact camera.
15. Sonos Play: 3 & Bridge ($348; sonos.com)
An all-in-one music player that wirelessly streams your entire music library, radio stations and music services. And the best part? You can have different songs playing in three different rooms -- party!
16. Kindle Touch 3G ($149; amazon.com/kindle)
Say goodbye to heavy and expensive physical books with the brand new Kindle with free 3G, the most advanced E-Ink display on the market, a 3,000-book capacity, and a nifty new touch screen for easy navigation.
17. Insignia Connected TV ($359.99; insigniaproducts.com)
Connect to the Internet and stream movies, listen to music and access a to wide variety of other content on this smart HDTV with a stunning 1080p resolution -- all without wires.
18. CatGenie ($249; catgenie.com)
A cat-friendly, full-size cat box that uses litter-like, permanent granules. Unlike strip-mined, disposable cat litters, CatGenie Washable Granules never need changing and are 100% dust-free. Any lost granules biodegrade within 9 months so they're safe for septic systems, no more litter polluting landfills.
19. Nook® by Barnes & Noble ($99-199; nook.com)
NOOK's GlowLight illuminates your screen with a soft light that is perfect for bedtime reading. With advanced lighting technology not available on any other reader, GlowLight lets you stay up late reading in total comfort - while your partner stays asleep in the dark.
20. Kwikset SmartCode Keyless Locks ($99+; kwikset.com/wirelesslocks)
No more worrying about keys! The convenience of keyless technology is now available at your fingertip
Find more products reviewed by Dr. Gadget: Palm Pixi Plus (palm.com/theview), iConvert Instant Scan Digital Frame (brookstone.com), Interactive Toy Concept's Duck Hunter (interactivetoy.com), Samsung Dualview TL220 Camera (samsung.com), Crock-Pot® Duo Cook & Serve Slow Cooker (crockpot.com), HoMedics® PedicureSpa Salon Footbath (homedics.com), Brookestones's uCrown 2 Soothing Head Massager (brookstone.com) and others - google search "Dr. Gadget".
PRODUCT IMAGE and VIDEO LINKS:
* View Products listed above here: http://bit.ly/GadgetReviewerBoard
* Hot Tech Gadgets as seen on The View with Dr. Gadget (Video Link): http://bit.ly/TheViewVideo_OGC
* Show details for Dr. Gadget's most recent appearance on The View (Web Link): http://bit.ly/SummerGadgets_TheView
ABOUT ABC's THE VIEW
The View, recipient of the 2003 Daytime Emmy® Award for "Outstanding Talk Show," is ABC's popular morning talk and entertainment program, featuring a team of dynamic women of different ages, experiences and backgrounds discussing the most exciting events of the day. The program has received critical acclaim since premiering August 11, 1997. It is broadcast live weekdays from New York City (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET; CLOSED-CAPTIONED; broadcast in stereo; TV-14). The View features ABC News correspondent Barbara Walters -- who appears on average three days a week - moderator Whoopi Goldberg, comedian Joy Behar, actress/comedian Sherri Shepherd and designer and former Survivor: The Australian Outback participant Elisabeth Hasselbeck
ABOUT DR. GADGET®
Dr. Gadget (AKA Dave Dettman) is now a nationally recognized television and radio personality. While coining the phrase EVERYBODY GETS ONE! ™, Dr. Gadget® has given away MILLIONS of dollars of consumer products. Labeled the "GURU OF GIVEAWAYS", Dr. Gadget® has made a name for himself by promoting and giving away the latest household gizmos and high tech gear on national TV shows such as The View on ABC and EXTRA,America's number 1 entertainment news broadcast. Currently in his 4th season with The View, fans line up around the block when Dr. Gadget® comes to town because he gives away, on average, over $200,000 worth of products to the NY live studio audience. Over 700,000 people have signed up for the "EXTRA Friends With Benefits" program at EXTRATV.com featuring Dr. Gadget® and Mario Lopez.
ABOUT THE OUTDOOR GREATROOM® COMPANY
Founded by industry veteran Dan Shimek, co-founder of Heat-n-Glo fireplaces, The Outdoor Greatroom Company manufactures unique, upscale products for outdoor living and entertaining spaces. Offering one-stop shopping experience where all products are available from single manufacturer. Outdoor GreatRoom products include grills (gas and electric), outdoor kitchen islands, gas lights, fireplaces (gas, electric and gel), campfires, heaters, outdoor furniture, pergolas and more. For more information, call 866-303-4028 or visit OutdoorRooms.com.
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