This week and next week in place of our gadget warehouse segment, we look back at some CES gadgets of the past and ask: “How well did they do?”
We start with a product we followed carefully for many CES events, Foldimate!
If you don’t know about Foldimate, here’s the last video Chad & I did about it for the show. It’s from CES 2018:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-liK2RUOnQo&feature=youtu.be
In 2020 Foldimate told me they weren’t going to spend money to be at CES and were further developing the finished machine. When I inquired about Foldimate January 2021 after not seeing or hearing anything about them at Virtual CES 2021, I received this email:
Dear Dick: We had a few potential deals that fell down as the COVID-19 started during Q1/20, and now we’re struggling to locate the funds and partner needed to complete the manufacturing process as we planned originally. We highly appreciate your support and patience!
Given the high uncertainty of our situation, we chose not to post more updates as we really don’t know how it’ll pan out. Though we haven’t given up and are working with a credible investment banker (who believes in our venture and chose to work with us despite the difficulties) to find the best route forward.
Sorry that we don’t have any good news to share, fully understand if you would like your deposit back.
Take care and stay safe, The FoldiTeam
P.S. Make sure to follow our Blog for periodic progress updates. / Giz Wiz Note: Their blog hasn’t been updated since December 2019.
And no, I did not invest in Foldimate. Probably part of a boilerplate reply.
But it seems they raised over $600,000 at Seedinvest: https://www.seedinvest.com/foldimate/bridge?utm_source=cta&utm_medium=foldimate&utm_campaign=pr
See or hear this show: www.gizwiz.tv/episode/1815
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We’d love to include your video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show! Here’s what we’re looking for! Your home shot video – 2 to 3 minutes long, in any of the following categories:
I bought a piece of crap: Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won’t get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, “family friendly” language applies.
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I invented this! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can’t market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it’s a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions. No professional ads please.
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My Gadget Warehouse: Okay, so you don’t have a warehouse. It doesn’t matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you’re still hanging on to it.
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My Favorite Gadget (favorite old, or favorite new): Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be a new gadget you just bought too.
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Post them on YouTube and send us the link! We’ll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that’s unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you! If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you’ll earn a tiny amount of fame (hopefully). And if you live in the US, you’ll also get an autographed 38+ year old Alfred E. Neuman picture and a MAD surprise (most likely the current issue of MAD.) But no matter where you live outside of US, I can autograph an Alfred E. Neuman photo to you, scan it & email you a high res copy if we show your video. Just print it out, frame it, or just hang it up and no one will know it’s a copy. We’ve tested it out and fans say they look terrific! If you submitting warehouse videos for a second, third time, etc., you’ll get the current issue of MAD as a thank you.
All show submissions go to mail@gizwiz.tv
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Letter of the week:
This week’s email from very frequent contributor Mo Torres fits right in with the two Covid-19 masks I found at Virtual CES 2021. Here’s Mo’s email:
Hey guys: I hope, this is not the future norm.
YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igGRz1Efhrk
Mo
