Gadget Report

Texans aren't so thrilled about new Apple Watch if you believe Twitter

With the highly-anticipated Apple Watch launching just over a week ago, it seems that the gadget is receiving mixed reviews from both consumers and potential ones, especially in Texas.

A study from data mining website CrowdFlower found that just 37 percent of Texas consumers and potential consumers "love the new gadget," falling well below the national average of 55 percent.

The site analyzed more than 30,000 individual tweets about the Apple Watch since its launch on April 24 to conduct the study.

Apple's home state of California tweeted about the new watch more frequently than any other in the country and residents also had the most positive opinions, with 59 percent of residents pleased by the gadget.

The site analyzed more than 30,000 individual tweets about the Apple Watch since its launch on April 24 to conduct the study.

Among other findings: Women are more excited about the watch than men, with 64 percent of women expressing positive feelings toward the gadget and only 53 percent of men giving an overall approval rating. These percentages have dropped since the watch was first announced, when almost 74 percent of women and over 56 percent of men were excited and intended to purchase it.

Those who expressed negative feelings about the features of the Apple Watch most often cited app bugs (22 percent of the time), technical performance (15 percent) and overall design (14 percent).

One of the problems that has garnered significant media attention is the fact that some wrist tattoos interfere with the watch's functioning, specifically with monitoring heart rate. Following numerous reports from users experiencing problems with the new gadget, Apple updated their support page for the watch with a statement:

Permanent or temporary changes to your skin, such as some tattoos, can also impact heart rate sensor performance. The ink, pattern, and saturation of some tattoos can block light from the sensor, making it difficult to get reliable readings.

Apple says the easiest way to fix the problem is to use an external Bluetooth monitor worn on the chest to track heart rate.

The watch ranges from $349 for the Sport model to $12,000 for a gold-plated model.

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Texas grocer H-E-B seeks best new products for annual grocery competition

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

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It’s not America’s Got Talent or The Voice, but for 12 years, H-E-B has been steadily churning out stars. Through its annual Quest for Texas Best competition, small companies have become literal household names, filling pantries across the state. Now, a new crop of products has the chance to audition.

H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best will take applications for its 13th annual contest from March 11 through April 22. Small business owners and entrepreneurs across the state can submit their unique and innovative products to win a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their products on H-E-B shelves across Texas.

Since the competition started, H-E-B has discovered over 1,000 unique products across the Lone Star State. These have included various food and non-food items, including cookies, coffees, beauty items, toys, home goods, and even roasted crickets. The contest has awarded nearly $3 million in prize money and provided valuable marketing, mentoring, and supplemental support to its winners.

Over the years, the Houston area has been well-represented among the champions. In 2025, four Houston companies made the top 10, with My Drink Bomb, a company that makes flavor additions for sparkling water, winning third place and $10,000.

To be considered for the contest, interested suppliers and manufacturers can submit videos online. After the Call for Entries period is complete, H-E-B's Business Development Managers will select the top applicants who will head to San Antonio in October to present their wares in person before a panel of judges.

The jury will determine the top four winning products and award $50,000 to the Grand Prize winner, the title of "Texas Best," and placement on H-E-B store shelves. The first-place winner will receive $25,000, the second-place winner will receive $15,000, and the third-place winner will receive $10,000.

“We look forward to connecting with Texas-based innovators each year and providing exciting opportunities through this competition,” said James Harris, H-E-B’s Sr. Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity for H-E-B, in a release. “I can’t wait to see what products are brought to the table this year. After 12 years of the H-E-B Quest for Texas Best, the creativity and ingenuity of Texans still inspire me.”

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