LOCAL Houston | The City Guide MARCH 2015 | Page 78

Local March 2015FINAL.qxp_002houston 2/21/15 3:43 PM Page 78

TOOLS+GADGETS
TCL PULSE ALARM
Waking up is hard to do for many of us. Traditional alarm clocks and
hotel wake-up calls aren’t always enough to rouse heavy sleepers or people with hearing loss in time for work or class. If you fit into one of these
categories, you should try the TCL Pulse from Amplifyze.
This is a wireless solution that fits in the palm of the hand and under
pillows. The Bluetooth-enabled alarm/timer offers a choice of vibration,
sound or both and can be programmed for multiple users. Download the
app from iTunes® (Android coming soon) to set vibration strength and
sound level. If the audible alert doesn’t wake you, the vibration of the
device should gently awaken you from your slumber.
The device also functions as a timer or reminder system. It uses 3 AAA
batteries and comes with a travel pouch. $39.95

SPINE EYEWEAR
Eyeglasses these days seem to be adding tiny
screens and cameras to make them more high-tech.
Can’t someone design a pair of glasses that actually
stay on your head? Thank you, REM Eyewear, as they created an innovative hinge and cable system to not only fit any sized head
but also stay put when worn.
On most glasses the “arms” are hinged but only move in one direction,
but with the new Spine glasses the hinge is made up of multiple segments
held together by a single cable within, allowing the arms to move in, out
and even up and down. They grip, they flex and they shut automatically.
The grip ensures the frames do not slip down your face, which has already
been proven during a recent round of golf. The company has designed a
modern men’s collection designed for everyday wear. The classic, minimal
shapes feature a signature tip and nosepads.
The optical and nonprescription sunglasses sell for around $250.

TABLO DVR
If you are ready to discontinue your cable or satellite TV service then you
need a backup plan to watch TV. Houston offers dozens of free, over-the-air
(OTA) channels accessed via an HDTV antenna but how do you record
your favorite shows? Tablo DVR is one answer, and its sleek, high-tech box
is simple to use.
Tablo is the first broadcast TV system designed to combine the functionality of a DVR with the convenience and mobility of a tablet app. It lets users
browse, record and stream OTA programming on a variety of devices
including tablets, smartphones and computers. And, yes, you can even
watch those shows on a good ol’ television set with the aid of an HDMI
adapter like Apple® TV, Roku® and soon Chromecast.
The small device connects to an HDTV antenna and a USB hard drive.
Accompanying free apps (iOS, Android, web and Roku) provide the interface. Tablo comes in two variants – two and four tuner – to suit households
of all needs and sizes. Stay tuned for a new version coming soon with a
built-in antenna. $220/$300

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L O C A L

| march 15

Michael Garfield is known as “The High-Tech Texan®.” His radio program airs on
KPRC and iHeartRadio every Saturday 11am–1pm. See the full review of these
products at www.hightechtexan.com and follow him at @hightechtexan.