Local May_Final.qxp_002houston 4/23/15 12:21 PM Page 70
TOOLS+GADGETS
SHADYFACE SUN BLOCKER
Summer is almost here which means lounging in the sun. But reading your portable electronic devices can be tricky with the glare. If
you like to use your devices while lying by the pool or beach, then
you should check out ShadyFace.
It’s a portable, flat folding sun shade with a swivel canvas
canopy for self-adjusting shade to the upper torso or full body.
ShadyFace can be applied on any lounge recliner or at the beach
or backyard. The company claims it is SPF 50+ to protect you from
some of the sun’s harmful rays.
It can also secure your lotions, keys and whatever you wish to
store in its handy canvas pockets. The canvas backpack for lightweight transport makes it easy for travel. $98 www.shadyface.com
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.
QUICKLOCK PADLOCK
I have a tough time remembering the combination on padlocks and my
kids are just as forgetful. It’s about time someone created a high-tech
padlock, and the Quicklock is a pretty cool device that works well.
The Quicklock Padlock is a Bluetooth and RFID-enabled smart padlock. It opens through a smartphone app or, if you don’t have your
phone on you, by simply waving a RFID-enabled tag, ring, bracelet,
fob or card. No more fumbling for keys or wracking your brain to
remember combinations. The app (iOS or Android) can even keep track
of who has opened your padlock and when.
No phone? No problem. Stick an NFC label on your wallet or slap
an NFC-enabled bracelet on your kid’s wrist. A simple wave gives quick
access to your stuff to anyone you want – and keeps out the rest. $50
www.thequicklock.com
SKYLINK HOME ALARM KIT
Installing a home alarm by yourself can be tricky and expensive. I recently found
an alarm system that provides families with a simple and affordable way to secure
and monitor their homes. The Skylink Alarm System Kit is controlled by an Internet
hub and includes a motion sensor, keychain remote, and two door or window
sensors.
First connect Skylink’s Internet hub to a wireless internet router. The security system
coordinates the activities of all receivers and sensors with the help of an iOS and
Android smartphone app.
The app allows for complete control of the system including arming and disarming the alarm system from anywhere. If the door or window sensor detects motion,
the Internet hub will send the user a push notification through the app. The app
also allows users to view events that set off alarms through the live video monitoring through a smartphone or tablet.
The system features a backup battery. In case of a power failure, all units and
sensors would continue to work as a local alarm with an external siren. The Skylink
Alarm System Kit can be paired with an emergency dialer that connects through
a phone line to notify the user of the triggered alarm. $149 www.skylinkhome.com
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| may 15