Two Minute Review – The Gorillapod Video from JOBY

Andrew Edney
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0
Two Minute Review – The Gorillapod Video from JOBY

It’s time for another one of our Two Minute Reviews. This time its the Gorillapod Video from JOBY.

UWHS Review - Gorillapod Video from JOBY

The Gorillapod Video is the most adaptable on-the-go video tripod system. Designed for mini and pocket camcorders, point-and-shoot cameras and other video recording devices, it provides omni-directional aliminum positioning with a smooth 360 degree pan and 135 degree tilt. It also has a quick release plate for easy filming on and off the tripod.

Who are JOBY?

From their website:

JOBY creates well-designed, revolutionary products that inspire the creative and active lifestyle.

JOBY is a young, high-growth company that revolutionized the camera accessories market in early 2006 with its GorillaPod line of flexible tripods and continues to redefine the consumer electronics market with its GorillaMobile and GorillaTorch product lines. The brand has a strong and loyal following of consumers who are passionate about both innovative design and functional performance. Founded in 2005, JOBY is a privately-held company headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices in Santa Cruz, CA; Geneva, Switzerland; Tokyo, Japan; Singapore and Shenzhen, China.

Specifications

Designed For : Mini and pocket camcorders (FlipVideo and Kodak Zi8) and point-and-shoot cameras with video capabilities

Holds Up To : 11.5oz (325g)

Connection : Universal 1/4-20 screw

Size : 1.2″ (dia.) x 7.2″ (30 x 183mm)

Weight : 2.8 oz. (80g)

Materials :

  • Machined aluminum
  • High quality ABS plastic
  • Powerful neodymium magnets
  • Corrosion resistant steel
  • Durable TPE grip rings

Price : £24.95

What’s in the Box?

The box contains the Gorillapod Video and an instruction manual.

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A Closer Look

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You can position the legs in many different ways and it is very simply.

Using the Gorillapod Focus

After fitting your device to the top of the Video (which was just a case of screwing it in place), you then just position the legs into whatever position you want to use it in. They can easily bend into a variety of positions, and having magnetic feet as well holds the whole thing firmly in place.

UWHS Review - Gorillapod Video from JOBY

You can even wrap them around objects and they hold the Video into position firmly and securely. Here you can see my Bloggie hanging from a curtain rail using only the magnetic feet!

UWHS Review - Gorillapod Video from JOBY

Final Thoughts

The Gorillapod Video is very simple to use, and it can be positioned in many, many different ways and on a variety of surfaces (even and uneven).

I found it very easy to use and it took very little effort to get it into position, whether that was using in on my desk, wrapping it around my desk or hanging it from a curtain rail.

It felt very secure and I wasn’t concerned for a moment that it would drop!

If you have a need to use your device in such a way then you should seriously take a look at this, you won’t be disappointed.

The price is cheap at £24.95 and it is small enough to carry around in your bag.

The Gorillapod Video is available now from the JOBY website.

If you need something bigger and you want to hold a heaving device, such as a DLSR, then take a look at the Gorillapod Focus.

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BYOB Podcast Episode 63 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0
BYOB Podcast Episode 63 Out Now

The guys over at the BYOB podcast, including our very own Tim Daleo have just released episode 63.

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Here is what is included in this weeks show:

[box style=”rounded” border=”full”]This week we talk Home Automation with special guest Ted Singh, co-founder and Business Development Manager for Embedded Automation about his mControl product. We did have a few Skype issues but we hope you enjoy this interview. We want to thank Ted for his time and for sharing his wealth of information on the subject.[/box]

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4108

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4108

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4108.

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Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.4108 ———-

* [D] Small change in status return codes to directory queries that don’t find any files.

* [D] Direct file I/O for deleting files. (off by default …)

* [D] Direct file I/O for misc. file related APIs, including getting file dates, file allocation information, etc… (off by default …)

* [D] Direct file I/O for NTFS-like security. (off by default – enabled by master Direct file I/O switch in options)

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4108 here

BBC iPlayer (Global) App Updated

Andrew Edney
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1
BBC iPlayer (Global) App Updated

This week saw the BBC iPlayer (Global) app updated to version 1.25 – and this update includes AirPlay streaming.

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Watch a selection of the best classic and contemporary British shows on demand, including Doctor Who, Top Gear and Gavin & Stacey. Download the app and explore plus enjoy free clips and taster episodes. Subscribe today for unlimited access – even when you’re offline.

– Watch high quality video and audio streaming over Wi-Fi or 3G
– Download programmes to watch even when you’re not connected
– Browse classic and contemporary programmes by Genre, Most popular, Just in and A-Z
– Set parental locks on content not suitable for kids
– Enjoy exclusive programmes that have never before been seen outside of the UK

This service is English language only. Programme availability is subject to change and may not be the same in all countries. Streaming and downloading of content is only available using an internet connection via Wi-fi or 3G. Offline viewing is only available for previously downloaded content.

What’s New In Version 1.2.5

Watch video on your TV using AirPlay! (AppleTV and iOS 5 required)

Gte the BBC iPlayer App now from the App Store

StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4105

Andrew Edney
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0
StableBit DrivePool Moves to Beta M3 Build 4105

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4105.

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Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.4105 ———-

* [D] Implemented Direct file I/O, directory listing. (off by default – see options) Fast directory querying, written entirely in the kernel.

* Asynchronously queries all the disks for their directory lists.

* Buffers the results in memory, while returning the master list to the application in parallel.

* Fast algorithm, O(Log(N)) speeds @ up to 65k files per directory. Speed decreases above 65k files, but will still work.

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Stablebit Drivepool build 4105 here

TomTom App for iPhone 1.9 Updated – Now Optimised for iPad

Andrew Edney
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0
TomTom App for iPhone 1.9 Updated – Now Optimised for iPad

Last year we reviewed the TomTom app for the iPhone. Yesterday saw and update that included optimisation for the iPad.

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Here is what TomTom said:

London, October 21, 2011 – TomTom today released the TomTom App for iPhone 1.9 which has been optimised for the iPad. Existing TomTom App customers can download the new version to their iPads for free.
TomTom has optimised the App for iPad, creating a higher resolution for a sharper display and an enhanced user interface to fit the larger screen. The new release is also compatible with Apple’s brand new iOS5.

“This new release – now officially called ‘TomTom App for iPhone/iPad’ – is a logical next step for us”, says Corinne Vigreux, Managing Director Consumer at TomTom. “Our customers asked us for iPad features, and now they have them. We have enhanced everything the iPad user sees and interacts with on the touch-screen.”

 

The TomTom App for iPhone/iPad 1.9 comes with a new map release – a benefit to users of both Apple devices. The new map includes updated roads, more accurate information about fixed speed camera locations and points of interest.
With this new release, TomTom has made use of the extra iPad screen space. The full-screen display shows both driving view and advanced lane guidance at the same time. Drivers can also switch to driving view with one touch from anywhere within the app, and can access guidance options in a tap.
Customers also get HD Traffic as an added extra via in-App purchase. For existing TomTom HD Traffic and Speed Cameras subscription owners, drivers can simply switch subscriptions from their iPhones to their iPads, at no cost. That means all the navigation features from TomTom can now be enjoyed on iPad*.

Availability and pricing

TomTom App for iPhone/iPad 1.9 is available now, priced £49.99 for UK/Republic of Ireland maps. Existing TomTom App for iPhone customers can download the new version of the App to their iPad for free.

Other reasons to download the TomTom App for iPhone/iPad:

* TomTom HD Traffic – the quickest way through the traffic, proven

* Save money and drive safely with real-time mobile and fixed camera alerts via TomTom Speed Cameras

* The latest, most accurate TomTom maps available – with no need for a mobile signal or data plan

* Correct your map and get others’ changes every day via Map Share

* Arrival times you can rely on – at all  times of day – with IQ Routes

* Seamless navigation while calling, thanks to iOS5 multitasking support

* Seamless integration with your iPhone contacts, photos, music, email and calendar

* Homer Simpson, Darth Vader, Yoda, and C3PO navigation voices available as an in-app purchase.

* HD Traffic and Speed Cameras are compatible with iPhone 3G/3GS/4, iPad WiFi + 3G models

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I’ve updated my iPhone app (and already used it this morning) and am installing it on the iPad as I write this.

Have you used it? What do you think of it?

Tranquil Launch T7-SEHS Slim and Silent WHS 2011 Box

Andrew Edney
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0
Tranquil Launch T7-SEHS Slim and Silent WHS 2011 Box

Tranquil have updated their very first WHS box to WHS 2011.

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Tranquil PC, first released their award winning T7 Home Server back in September 2007.  Since then there have been many additions to our Home Server range, yet still the T7 is still very popular.

The success of the T7 Home Server could be down to:

· The rugged chassis, made from extruded aluminium, which also facilitate the fan less cooling of the total system

· The super slim size, measuring in at a mere 57mm wide

· The super low power consumption, of under 16W

· The super quiet character, at around 15-16dBA.

Whatever the reason that 10’000s of these tiny award winning Home Servers have been sold.  There are now two new features to enhance the T7

· T7 gets WHS2011

The T7, with its dual core 1.8GHz CPU, is now available with the very latest Windows Home Server 2011 operating system

· SAVE

For a limited time, Tranquil are offering the unique T7 SEHS Home Server from just £199.00* +VAT

(* 2GB 1x 2.5” 500GB HDD – with 1x slot free)

For further information – please visit:

http://www.tranquilpcshop.co.uk/t7-sehs/

StableBit Marches On; Build 4099 Released

Jim McCarthy
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0
StableBit Marches On; Build 4099 Released

There has been another beta build from CoveCube! StableBit development marches on – now is build 4099.

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Here is how CoveCube describes this application:

  • Combine all your hard drives into one big storage pool (except the system drive with the OS).
  • Add and remove drives from the pool at any time without re-partitioning or manually moving folders.
  • Create duplicated folders on the storage drive pool that are protected against single drive failure. If a drive fails on which a duplicated file was stored, the contents of that file will remain readable even without the drive.
  • All your data is stored in standard NTFS files. You can always access your files even if the Windows Home Server completely crashes or this add-in can’t be used.

This version’s change log:

1.0.0.4099 ———-

* Fixed crash on shutdown / uninstall.

* M4 pool part runtime. This is big. (not activated yet)

Get More Information About the Beta Here Download Release 4099 Here

The Digital Lifestyle Show #325 – Something Something

Andrew Edney
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0
The Digital Lifestyle Show #325 – Something Something

This weeks Digital Lifestyle Show has just been released – its show 325.

DLS Show

Here’s what Ian says about this week show:

Packed show for you this week, Garry joins me and the chat room to talk about the weeks news including the Hauppauge Collosus, iOS 5 update, Virgin Tivo Updates, DVBLink for iOS, Microsoft Skype and Apple TV Updates issued, pulled and then released.

You can listen to or download the show from here.

The Home Server Show Episode 157 Out Now

Andrew Edney
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0
The Home Server Show Episode 157 Out Now

Dave at the guys at the Home Server Show have released episode 157.

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Here’s what Dave has to say about this weeks show:

In episode 157 we take a build list from the forums and dissect it part by part. If you are looking at building your own this is will be a good listen for you. We also take the week in news and releases in the tech world for you. Enjoy.

As usual you can listen to the show from here.

Windows Phone 7.5 Mango Update Process Ahead of Schedule

Jim McCarthy
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0
Windows Phone 7.5 Mango Update Process Ahead of Schedule

The Windows Phone Blog today announced that Mango updates are ahead of scehdule…read on for details.

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Windows Phone 7.5 AKA Mango has been rolling out for a few weeks now, and since the process has gone very smoothly, Microsoft is speeding up the process.  Here is what the Windows Phone Blog had to say today:

Hello everyone. When we kicked off the global rollout of Windows Phone 7.5, I told you we planned to balance quality with speed. And for three weeks we’ve been watching quality while sending update notices to a growing fraction of phones.

It’s gone well. So today we’re fully opening the spigot —slightly ahead of schedule—and making Mango available to nearly everyone in the current delivery pool (see Where’s My Phone Update? for the details).

In addition, we’re now scheduling Mango updates for LG Optimus 7 phones on Telefonica in Spain.

We’re excited most of our customers now have access to all the new features in Windows Phone 7.5. But we know there’s still work to do.

For example, we’re working with Orange in Europe to resolve a couple technical issues that are temporarily preventing us from delivering updates at full throttle to all its Windows Phone customers.

Updates for a few phones are also still undergoing carrier tests. If this applies to you, I want you to know we’ve already prepared to expedite delivery of Windows Phone 7.5 to you once carrier testing is finished.

One last thing. Next week we’ll start delivering some model-specific “firmware” from handset makers, so don’t be alarmed if you receive an additional update notification on your phone. These updates are designed to activate new Windows Phone 7.5 features or improve your phone’s performance. Not everybody will receive or require one: It all depends on your country, carrier, and phone model.

That’s it for now. For general questions, and to learn how to manually check for an update, visit Update Central. To research or ask about a specific issue, visit the Windows Phone forum in Microsoft Answers or tweet @WinPhoneSupport.

Eric Hautala, General Manager, Customer Experience Engineering

It’s great to hear that the Mango update experience is rolling out so well!  If you have not updated yet, go over to the Where’s My Phone Update page and see what the status of your update is.

Windows Phone Blog Post Where’s My Phone Update?

Netflix Expands Android Support

Jim McCarthy
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0
Netflix Expands Android Support

Netflix today announced expanded support for Android Honeycomb devices.  Read on for details.

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The Netflix blog announced expanded support for Android tablets today.  Here is what they had to say:

Today, Netflix launched a new application in the Android Market to support Android 3.x (Honeycomb) tablets.This new app also extends Android support to Canada and Latin America for the first time. Now Netflix members in US, Canada and Latin America can enjoy Netflix on both their Android smartphones and tablets.

Some Android tablets shipped with a Netflix app, but if yours did not, go ahead and download it in the Android Market here.  It works in the US, Canada and Latin American markets.

Netflix Blog Post Android Market Link

PHONES 4U First UK Retailer with Galaxy Nexus Smartphone

Andrew Edney
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1
PHONES 4U First UK Retailer with Galaxy Nexus Smartphone

PHONES 4U in the UK have announced they will be the first UK independent retailer to stock the new Galaxy Nexus smartphone, sporting the new Android Ice Cream Sandwich OS.

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Here is the press release:

Following on from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd and Google’s announcement of the GALAXY Nexus today, Phones 4u is pleased to announce that it will be the first independent retailer in the UK to offer customers the World’s FIRST Android™ 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone.

The first smartphone to run on the latest release of the Android platform, the GALAXY Nexus also features HD Super AMOLED display technology pioneered by Samsung, boasting a market-leading resolution of 720p.  It also features software navigation buttons, which is a first for Android smartphones out there, and is encased in a sophisticated, 8.84mm slim and curved design.

Ice Cream Sandwich comes with a redesigned Android user interface with updated and new features to the Android platform.  These updated features include multi-tasking, notifications, Wi-Fi hotspot, NFC support and a full web browsing experience.

Scott Hooton, Trading Director at Phones 4u said: “The GALAXY Nexus combines the full Google experience with Samsung’s superior smartphone performance, and tops it off with the latest and most innovative Android platform yet.  After Android was voted the UK’s most preferred operating system in a Phones 4u poll this year, we know our customers have been just as excited about the launch of the first Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich smartphone as we have.  We’re confident the GALAXY Nexus will more than live up to expectations and are pleased to be the first UK independent mobile retailer to put the GALAXY Nexus into Android fans’ hands.”

The GALAXY Nexus includes a fully re-designed camera, Cloud connectivity, which keeps all your important data synced across your devices, and access to more than 300,000 apps and games from Android Market™.

The much-anticipated GALAXY Nexus will be available from Phones 4u stores and online FREE from £46 a month, or for £29.95 on a £41 a month tariff, on a choice of networks when it becomes available in the UK.  Launch date for the Galaxy Nexus will be confirmed nearer the time. Customers can watch a hands-on review of the Galaxy Nexus and pre-register their interest in the new Android smartphone from today on the Phones 4u website.

Features of Ice Cream Sandwich include:

· Face Unlock, which uses facial recognition to unlock your phone

· Android Beam – using NFC technology to quickly share web pages, apps, and YouTube™ videos

· People app – browse friends and family’s photos in high-resolution and keep up with their latest status updates from Google+™

 

Other features of the GALAXY Nexus include:

· 1.2GHz dual core processor

· Built-in HSPA+

· 5 MP Camera with LED Flash – with effects & editor, real time video enhancement, Face tracking, Funny faces, Virtual facelifts

· Video Calling

· 1080p Full HD Video recording and playback

· Bluetooth® technology v 3.0

· 1GB(RAM) + 16GB Internal memory(ROM)

· Up to 14.5hrs Talk Time

· Google Mobile Services including Android Market, Gmail™, Google Maps™ 5.8, Google Earth™, Movie Studio, YouTube and redesigned Google+ app

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What do you think of this new smartphone?

Amazon Announces Increased Prime Instant Video Selection for Kindle Fire and Prime Customers

Andrew Edney
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0
Amazon Announces Increased Prime Instant Video Selection for Kindle Fire and Prime Customers

Amazon Announces Increased Prime Instant Video Selection for Kindle Fire and Prime Customers by Expanding Digital Video License Agreement with PBS.

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Here is what Amazon said today:

SEATTLE, Oct 19, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) —

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced an expansion of a licensing agreement with PBS Distribution that will allow Amazon Prime members to instantly stream, at no additional cost, current and archived PBS programming. This will bring the total number of Prime instant videos to 12,000 by the end of this year, more than doubling the Prime instant video title count since its launch. Amazon Prime members can enjoy this selection on over 300 different devices, including the recently announced Kindle Fire–the Kindle for movies, TV shows, music, magazines, apps, books, games, and more. Kindle Fire customers enjoy a free month of Amazon Prime right out of the box.

Prime members will have access to more than 1,000 episodes of popular PBS television, which will roll out on the service over the next several months. PBS titles will include NOVA, Masterpiece and Antiques Roadshow, along with the Ken Burns series of documentaries featuring The Civil War, The National Parks: America’s Best Idea, Baseball, Jazz and the acclaimed new series Prohibition, which premiered on PBS stations earlier this month. Prime instant video will also offer popular PBS news programs with day-after air availability from shows like Frontline and Washington Week. Beginning in early November, and for the first time ever on digital video, PBS brings Prime members 200 episodes of The French Chef with the world renowned Julia Child.

“Prime instant video has included great content from PBS since the day it launched and Prime members have told us they want even more – so we are delivering,” said Brad Beale, director of video content acquisition for Amazon. “Our expanded relationship with PBS will bring the total number of titles available for Prime instant video to over 12,000. We are committed to bringing Prime Members and Kindle Fire owners even more compelling content very soon.”

“Expanding the reach of our content by making it accessible through digital platforms is a key priority for PBS,” said Jason Seiken, Senior Vice President, PBS Interactive, Product Development and Innovation. “We are already delivering more than 150 million streams of programming across web and mobile apps each month, so we are excited to offer more titles through Prime instant video and ensure that our acclaimed content is available whenever and wherever people want it.”

About Prime Instant Video

Prime instant video is a benefit for paid Amazon Prime members. Prime members get unlimited, commercial-free, instant access to more than 12,000 movies and TV shows at no additional cost. Since the launch of Prime instant videos, Amazon has secured licensing deals from partners such as CBS, Fox, PBS, NBCUniversal, Sony, Warner Bros and many more.

About Amazon Instant Video

For customers who are not Prime members, or who are looking to instantly purchase or rent movies and TV shows, Amazon offers Amazon Instant Video. Amazon Instant Video is a streaming video service that provides more than 100,000 titles including new release movies, TV shows the day after they air, as well as contemporary and classic videos in SD and HD. Customers can instantly watch movies and TV shows from Amazon Instant Video or Prime instant video on a Mac, PC or directly on a TV with any of the 300 compatible devices, including the new Kindle Fire.

About Prime

Amazon Prime is an annual membership program for $79 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on millions of items including books, home and garden products, electronics, video games, clothing, and much more. Amazon Prime members also get access to unlimited instant streaming of more than 12,000 popular movies and TV shows with Prime instant videos. Customers who receive free Prime shipping benefits through our Amazon Student and Amazon Mom programs can upgrade to an annual paid membership to receive Amazon Prime’s digital benefits.

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