Category: Software

  • Free Clean Air Calculator from Project EverGreen for Property Owners

    Free Clean Air Calculator from Project EverGreen for Property Owners

    Key Takeaways

    1. Project EverGreen has launched the Clean Air Calculator, a free tool for homeowners to assess the environmental impact of their landscaping choices.
    2. Greenery, such as trees and plants, provides numerous benefits including shade, reduced CO2 levels, and improved human health.
    3. Users can easily input their address and map their greenery to generate a detailed report through the Clean Air Calculator.
    4. The report includes key metrics like annual CO2 sequestration, clean air volume, carbon emissions offset, and community health benefits.
    5. Property owners can use the insights from the report to design landscaping that promotes a healthier environment.


    Nonprofit Project EverGreen has launched a complimentary environmental impact tool known as the Clean Air Calculator. This tool offers homeowners and property owners a swift method to assess the effects of their landscaping choices.

    Benefits of Greenery

    Plants like trees, grass, and bushes offer substantial advantages to the surrounding community. These include providing shade from intense sunlight, which lowers daytime temperatures, reducing CO2 levels via carbon sequestration, and offering refuge for beneficial wildlife such as birds. Moreover, greenery can enhance human health and mood because of the positive effects of natural volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

    How to Use the Calculator

    To use the Clean Air Calculator, individuals simply need to input their address and outline where their greenery is located on an interactive map. This fast and straightforward method allows the calculator to produce a report, which can be emailed, saved as a data file, or converted into a PDF.

    Insights from the Report

    The resulting report shows various important metrics, including the yearly amount of CO2 that has been sequestered, the volume of clean air generated in cubic yards, the miles of carbon emissions from cars that have been offset, and the number of people benefiting from the shade, improved air quality, and health advantages provided by the greenery. Property owners can utilize this information to create landscaping designs that contribute to a healthier environment for the community.

    For those working remotely, adding plants like the money tree available on Amazon can enhance indoor air quality.

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  • Android 16 Leak Unveils New Design for Google Pixel 9 Pro

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google launched the public beta version of Android 16 in January, with the final version expected in June.
    2. Major updates and features will be revealed at the Google I/O event on May 20th and 21st.
    3. Android 16 will allow users to customize app icon shapes, offering options like rectangular and circular designs.
    4. The system settings app is getting a redesign with vibrant icons and clearer section separations.
    5. Enhancements to the volume slider and lock screen display are coming, along with updated quick settings and menu bar icons.


    Google has already launched the initial public beta version of Android 16 in January, with the final version of this mobile operating system anticipated to arrive in June. The beta was mainly focused on establishing the technical groundwork, but it didn’t introduce significant visual alterations. Major updates are expected to be revealed during the upcoming Google I/O event scheduled for May 20th and 21st.

    Hidden Features Discovered

    Nevertheless, Android Authority has apparently uncovered several concealed design modifications in the fourth beta version of Android 16. It’s still uncertain whether Google will actually include all of these alterations mentioned below, and it’s possible that certain features may be exclusive to Google’s custom launcher available on the Pixel 9 Pro (priced from $799 on Amazon) and other Pixel devices.

    Changes to App Icons and Settings

    One of the most striking modifications is the customizable shape of app icons on the Android 16 home screen. Users could soon have the option to select from rectangular, circular, and three other shapes, as illustrated in the screenshot below.

    The system settings application is also undergoing a significant redesign, featuring vibrant icons, clearer separations among various sections, and a new design for the sliders.

    Volume Slider and Lock Screen Tweaks

    In addition, Google is enhancing the volume slider design and making adjustments to how the time and date are displayed on the lock screen. The blurred wallpaper will now be visible in the background when users enter their passcode.

    Android 16 is set to introduce new quick settings, maintaining the same layout but with a refreshed appearance. Moreover, Google is reportedly planning to update some icons in the menu bar. Since the official release of Android 16 is still over a month away, it’s reasonable to believe that the new OS update will include additional changes and features not yet revealed.

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  • Garmin Launches New Update for Flagship Smartwatches After Beta Testing

    Garmin Launches New Update for Flagship Smartwatches After Beta Testing

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin is preparing a significant stable update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8, with almost 150 entries in the 15.xx beta version changelog.
    2. A new stable update, System Software 13.37, was released for several devices without prior notice, similar to previous updates like System Software 13.35.
    3. The recent updates do not include the features from the ongoing beta testing, leaving users confused about the changes.
    4. Garmin lacks transparency in sharing update details, choosing to post changelogs on forums instead of within the smartwatch or Connect Mobile app.
    5. The latest update primarily addresses a bug related to Alipay, indicating that a more significant update for premium smartwatches may take a few more weeks.


    In the past few weeks, Garmin has been setting the stage for what looks like a major stable update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8 (currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon). According to our observations, the changelog for the 15.xx beta version has now reached almost 150 entries, which include bug fixes, new features, and improvements. Sadly, Garmin hasn’t provided any hints about when these 15.xx updates will be available in its stable software version.

    New Updates Rolled Out

    Recently, Garmin has started to quietly release a new stable update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Tactix 8, but this update does not include any of the changes that have been in beta testing since last month. Similar to System Software 13.35, Garmin has launched System Software 13.37 without any prior notice, as well as System Software 13.73 for the Tactix 8. This has left many users asking questions on Garmin’s forums about what has actually changed with this new version.

    Lack of Transparency

    On other devices, users can usually find out what improvements come with a new update. For some unknown reason, Garmin chooses not to display a changelog either on the smartwatch itself or within its Connect Mobile app. Instead, these updates are shared on its forums, which Garmin finally did for System Software 13.37. It turns out that this new update only fixes an unspecified bug that was causing issues with Alipay. So, it looks like Garmin intends to hold off for a few more weeks before rolling out a significant update for its latest premium smartwatches.

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  • New Chrome Extensions Show Tariff Prices on Amazon and eBay

    New Chrome Extensions Show Tariff Prices on Amazon and eBay

    Key Takeaways

    1. Amazon does not display extra costs from tariffs, making it harder for budget-conscious shoppers to estimate prices.
    2. Google Chrome extensions use US government tariff data to help users calculate updated product prices.
    3. “Tariff Price Adjuster” and “Tariff Shopping List” offer user-friendly drop-down menus for tariff calculations.
    4. “Tariff Lens” simplifies the process by automatically selecting the country of origin and applying tariffs only to relevant items.
    5. Users should choose one extension at a time, as they do not work well together.


    While Amazon has made it clear that it won’t show the extra costs of products because of tariffs, shoppers who watch their budgets still have ways to estimate these costs when they shop online. A few Google Chrome extensions have come to the rescue, using tariff rate data provided by the US government to calculate and show the updated prices of items chosen by users. There are three extensions available now, and each offers a unique way to estimate and present these revised costs.

    Different Approaches to Tariff Calculation

    The extensions “Tariff Price Adjuster” and “Tariff Shopping List” both provide a user-friendly drop-down menu for calculating extra charges. Within this menu, shoppers can pick the country of origin, type of product, and choose between a total amount or a percentage for the pricing model. For “Tariff Price Adjuster,” the modified price is shown directly on the website, while “Tariff Shopping List” compiles a continuous list for users to check the extra costs tied to each product’s tariff.

    A Simpler Option for Users

    If users are looking for a simpler solution, the “Tariff Lens” extension automatically picks the country of origin and is designed to only apply tariff calculations to relevant items. The extension has recently been updated to version 1.0.4 and boasts several interesting features, such as:

    Despite its benefits, “Tariff Lens” takes a more assertive stance when it comes to displaying updated prices. Although the extension aims to educate consumers, only time will show if it avoids the fate of the now-defunct extension “Add the Trump Tariff,” which was taken down for not complying with Chrome Extension best practices. Users interested in these extensions can find links below. It’s worth noting that these extensions don’t work very well in tandem, so switching back and forth between them might not be the best strategy.

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  • OpenBSD 7.7 Enhances Hibernation and Introduces New Features

    OpenBSD 7.7 Enhances Hibernation and Introduces New Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. OpenBSD 7.7 is the 58th release of the operating system, continuing support for older hardware while adding compatibility for new AMD and Intel chips.
    2. New features include support for GNOME 47 and KDE Plasma 6.3.3, catering to users with different desktop environment preferences.
    3. The release can operate with just 32 MB of memory using a command line interface, making it suitable for minimal setups.
    4. The Gefs filesystem introduces a timed snapshots feature, enhancing data management capabilities.
    5. Various improvements include better power management, bug fixes, and the ability to download OpenBSD 7.7 as a floppy disk image.


    Remaining one of the most simple and secure Unix-like operating systems available, OpenBSD has released its version 7.7. This marks its 58th edition in a lengthy history. While it continues to support older or less common hardware like HP’s PA-RISC boxes and Omron workstations using Motorola 88000 RISC processors, OpenBSD 7.7 also adds support for AMD Ryzen AI 300 and Intel Arrow Lake chips.

    New Features and Updates

    In addition to supporting the mentioned hardware, OpenBSD 7.7 now includes GNOME 47 and KDE Plasma 6.3.3. Users who prefer a minimal setup without a GUI will be happy to know that this release can run with just 32 MB of memory when utilizing the command line interface (CLI). The Gefs filesystem now introduces a timed snapshots feature. Furthermore, users benefit from enhanced power management controls, along with various minor bugs that have been fixed. For instance, the issue of false positives when changing time zones has been resolved, and the xmm/ymm registers in lldb now support read/write functionality, among other improvements.

    Notable Changes

    Reflecting on version 7.6, OpenBSD 7.7 brings a notable array of changes that are worth mentioning, as is customary. A complete list of these modifications is available on the official page. It’s also important to note that OpenBSD 7.7 can be downloaded even as a floppy disk image, providing yet another way for users to access the software.

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  • Vivo Unveils AI Features in Funtouch OS 15: AI Erase & More

    Vivo Unveils AI Features in Funtouch OS 15: AI Erase & More

    Key Takeaways

    1. Enhanced User Experience: FunTouch OS 15 offers a streamlined interface and innovative AI functionalities to simplify tasks and improve smartphone usability.

    2. AI Photo Features: Users can enhance their photos with AI Erase to remove unwanted elements and AI LIVE Cutout for easy isolation of subjects, making photo editing simpler.

    3. Voice to Text with AI Transcript Assist: The Recorder app now includes AI Transcript Assist, turning voice recordings into searchable text summaries for easier access to important information.

    4. Real-Time Language Translation: AI Screen Translation and AI Call Translation provide instant translations during calls and on screens, facilitating smoother communication across languages.

    5. Smart Search and Note Organization: Circle to Search enables quick information retrieval by circling text or images, while AI Note Assist organizes and formats notes for better clarity and efficiency.


    Vivo has introduced FunTouch OS 15, which is based on Android 15, making it among the first to adopt the new system. With every update, FunTouch OS has seen significant enhancements, and the latest version focuses on improving the overall smartphone experience, making devices quicker, smoother, and more practical for everyday use. This update aligns with Vivo’s mission to combine camera capabilities, an easy-to-use design, and smarter software solutions.

    Enhanced User Experience

    The new update features a more streamlined interface along with innovative AI functionalities that aim to simplify tasks, eliminating the need for additional applications or complex procedures.

    Better Photos with AI Erase and AI LIVE Cutout

    The AI Erase feature enables users to get rid of unwanted items in images with just a tap or a swipe. Whether it’s an extra tourist in the background or a streetlight that disrupts a sunset, users can quickly tidy up their photos. Meanwhile, AI LIVE Cutout allows for isolating people or objects in a picture by long-pressing on them. This makes it simpler to create clean cutouts for work presentations, creative projects, or personal mementos without having to rely on other editing tools.

    Voice Recordings Turned into Text with AI Transcript Assist

    The Recorder app now includes AI Transcript Assist, which automatically turns voice recordings into text and produces smart summaries. Users can search for keywords to find significant sections of lengthy recordings without having to listen to the entire thing. This feature is particularly useful for meetings, interviews, or jotting down ideas while on the move.

    Real-Time Translations with AI Screen Translation and AI Call Translation

    AI Screen Translation offers users the ability to translate entire screens instantly. Whether they’re reading an article in a different language or exploring international websites, users can receive translations without needing to switch applications. AI Call Translation, on the other hand, facilitates conversations across languages in real time during a call. It listens, transcribes, translates, and displays the translated text on the call screen, helping to ensure smoother interactions without pauses or misunderstandings.

    Improve Photos with AI Photo Enhance

    AI Photo Enhance works to rectify photos that may be blurry, too dim, or lacking in detail. It sharpens facial features, brightens images taken in low light, and reveals missing details, ensuring that every photo appears clearer and more vibrant. This feature operates automatically, allowing users to avoid manual editing.

    Search Smarter with Circle to Search

    With Circle to Search, users can find information by simply circling text, objects, or images on their screen. This action initiates an instant smart search that provides results based on the circled area. It expedites the process of searching for product prices, definitions, or background information without any typing required.

    Extract Text from Images with AI Live Text

    AI Live Text allows users to take a picture of a document, flyer, or book page and immediately extract the text from the image. The captured text can then be copied into notes, messages, or emails, eliminating the need for manual typing and reducing the chance of errors.

    Organize Notes Automatically with AI Note Assist

    AI Note Assist enhances disorganized notes by formatting them neatly. It summarizes essential points, extracts to-do lists, and can even translate notes if necessary. Whether users are taking minutes during a meeting or creating weekly plans, they can convert rough drafts into polished documents more swiftly.

    It’s important to note that these new features will only be available on select models and their availability may differ by device and region.

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  • Casio fx-CG100 ClassWiz Graphing Calculator with MicroPython Launches

    Casio fx-CG100 ClassWiz Graphing Calculator with MicroPython Launches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Custom App Development: The fx-CG100 ClassWiz allows users to create custom applications using MicroPython, enhancing its functionality beyond standard features.

    2. Extensive Functionality: With over 2,900 functions, the calculator supports a wide range of mathematics topics, from K-12 to graduate levels, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.

    3. Advanced Graphing Features: It offers sophisticated graphing capabilities, including animated variables, 3D intersections, and the ability to save graph screenshots for later use.

    4. Classroom Support Tools: The calculator includes a free PC emulator for educators and has an Exam Mode to comply with standardized testing requirements, ensuring a smooth testing experience for students.

    5. Competitive Pricing and Availability: Priced at $119.99, the fx-CG100 is available on Casio’s website and will be listed on Amazon, with bulk order options for educators.


    Casio has launched its fx-CG100 ClassWiz color graphing calculator, which allows users to create custom apps using MicroPython. This advanced model features over 2,900 functions, making it suitable for students from K-12 up to graduate levels who face various math challenges.

    Handling Complex Mathematics

    The ClassWiz is designed to assist students with subjects like pre-algebra, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. It can create spreadsheets with 26 columns and up to 999 rows, ideal for statistical analysis and graphing. Other key features include financial calculations, unit conversions, physical constants, and a periodic table of elements.

    Advanced Graphing Capabilities

    This calculator can animate variables while graphing 2D functions and can find intersections of 3D shapes like cones, planes, and other custom functions. Users have the ability to adjust and annotate their graphs, and they can save .bmp screenshots for later use.

    The fx-CG100 supports MicroPython programs of up to 300 lines, enabling users to graph data and functions with tools like turtle, matplotlib.pyplot, and casioplot. This feature allows students to develop unique programs for challenges that the standard functions might not cover. Files in MicroPython (.py), spreadsheet format (.csv), and .bmp screenshots can easily be imported from or exported to a PC.

    Classroom Tools for Educators

    For educators, the Casio ClassPad Workspace provides a free PC emulator for the fx-CG100, which can be used in classroom settings. When students take standardized tests like the ACT, AP, PAST, and SAT, they can enable Exam Mode on the calculator, which disables custom apps and user data to meet testing requirements.

    The Casio fx-CG100 ClassWiz is priced at $119.99. It is available for purchase on Casio’s official website and will soon be listed on Amazon’s Casio store. Educators interested in bulk orders and discounts should reach out to Casio Education for more information.

    Competing in the Calculator Market

    In the ongoing competition between Texas Instruments and Casio, the TI-84 Plus CE Python calculators offer additional features, such as the ability to gather data from external sensors and control devices like robots and drones.

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  • iPhone 17 to Feature Android 16 Desktop Mode in iOS 19 Update

    iPhone 17 to Feature Android 16 Desktop Mode in iOS 19 Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. Desktop-Like Interface for iPhones: iOS 19 may introduce a desktop-style interface for USB Type-C iPhones, similar to the Stage Manager feature on iPads.

    2. Existing USB-C Capabilities: Current iPhones support DisplayPort for video output but lack a desktop mode, indicating untapped potential in existing hardware.

    3. Stage Manager 2.0 for iPad Pro: iPadOS 19 will refresh the Stage Manager interface for iPad Pro, adding a top menu bar similar to macOS for better app and window management.

    4. Enhanced Multitasking Features: The update is expected to include additional multitasking improvements, although details beyond the menu bar are not yet revealed.

    5. Testing and Rollout Timeline: Testing for iOS and iPadOS 19 is expected to start in June, with a full rollout likely coinciding with the iPhone 17 launch in September.


    We’ve had a glimpse of what’s ahead with the iPhone 17 and 17 Air dummy models being evaluated at Chinese stores. However, a recent leak from well-known leaker MajinBu has disclosed that significant enhancements could be on the horizon for both iPhone and iPad users when iOS and iPadOS 19 are released.

    Exciting New Desktop-Like Interface

    One of the most crucial points in the leak is the anticipated introduction of a desktop-style interface for supporting external displays on USB Type-C iPhones, which will likely begin with the iPhone 15 and, of course, the upcoming iPhone 17 series. This fresh UI is said to be similar to Apple’s existing Stage Manager feature currently available on modern iPads. This information comes right after the announcement of a comparable function, Desktop View, which is set to arrive in Android 16 soon.

    Existing Capabilities

    Although Apple’s iPhones utilize USB-C connectors that are limited to USB 2.0 transfer speeds, they already support DisplayPort for external video and image output. However, there’s been no desktop mode up until now. It seems the hardware has always been there, just waiting for Apple to tap into its potential.

    Enhancements Coming to iPad Pro

    The leaks also indicate that Apple is set to refresh the Stage Manager interface for devices like the iPad Pro M4 13-inch (currently priced at $1,199.99 on Amazon) alongside the launch of iPadOS 19. The leaker has dubbed this update Stage Manager 2.0, which is said to include a menu bar at the top of the screen, akin to what is found in macOS. This will supposedly “enhance the management of apps and windows, making it smoother and more efficient.” There seem to be additional multitasking improvements in iPadOS 19, although specifics beyond the top menu bar weren’t disclosed. Allegedly, Stage Manager 2.0 will also activate automatically when the Apple Magic Keyboard is connected to the iPad, making multitasking more user-friendly.

    As it stands, Apple appears to plan on initiating the testing phase for iOS and iPadOS 19 in June, with a full rollout expected to align with the anticipated September unveiling of the iPhone 17 lineup.

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  • Stable Xiaomi HyperOS 2.2 Update Expected to Launch Soon

    Stable Xiaomi HyperOS 2.2 Update Expected to Launch Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has started the HyperOS 2.2 beta update for selected users, with a stable version expected soon.
    2. The first stable release is anticipated between mid-May and mid-June 2025, with a second wave from mid-June to late July 2025.
    3. The rollout schedule is linked to the announcement of the Xiaomi Camera 6, which will launch alongside HyperOS 2.2.
    4. Certain Xiaomi phones are confirmed to receive the stable update in the first rollout period, while a second batch will follow.
    5. It is unclear if POCO devices will get the update on time, but eligible devices running HyperOS 2 should receive it eventually.


    Xiaomi has begun rolling out the HyperOS 2.2 beta update to chosen users, indicating that the stable version is likely coming soon. According to XiaomiTime, the first release is anticipated to take place between mid-May and mid-June 2025, with a second wave expected from mid-June to late July 2025.

    Release Predictions

    XiaomiTime suggests that this schedule is based on the announcement of the Xiaomi Camera 6, which is expected to be released alongside HyperOS 2.2. The publication has also identified several phones that may be among the first to receive this update, including:

    The phones mentioned above are slated to get the stable Xiaomi HyperOS 2.2 update during the first rollout period. Additionally, XiaomiTime has specified a second batch of devices likely to receive the update from mid-June to late July 2025, which includes:

    POCO Devices Uncertain

    It remains uncertain if the Xiaomi phones under the POCO brand will receive the HyperOS 2.2 update within the stated timeframes. However, devices currently operating on HyperOS 2 that are not listed as EOL should be eligible for the update during or after the initial rollout phases.

    Regarding the update itself, there isn’t a lot of information available about HyperOS 2.2, but according to the beta version’s changelog, it appears that several improvements and fixes will be included. More information might be disclosed by Xiaomi in the near future.

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  • Xiaomi Confirms HyperOS 2.2 Update Rollout Plan

    Xiaomi Confirms HyperOS 2.2 Update Rollout Plan

    Key Takeaways

    1. Rollout Strategy Revealed: Xiaomi has shared its rollout plan for the HyperOS 2.2 update, indicating when users can expect the upgrade on their devices.

    2. First Batch of Devices: The initial phase of the rollout will occur from mid-May to mid-June, targeting flagship and newer models, including Xiaomi 15 series and Redmi K80 series.

    3. Second Batch Details: The second phase will take place from mid-June to late-July, extending the update to older models such as Xiaomi 13 series and Redmi K60 series.

    4. Device Lists Provided: Specific devices scheduled to receive the update have been listed for both the first and second batches.

    5. Awaiting Official Timeline: While Xiaomi follows this schedule, an official timeline for HyperOS 2.2 is still anticipated for more clarity.


    The HyperOS 2.2 update introduces several enhancements to improve user experience. Until today, there wasn’t a clear plan from Xiaomi on how they would be distributing HyperOS 2.2, but they have now indirectly shared their rollout strategy.

    First Batch of Devices

    Xiaomi has disclosed the launch timetable for the Xiaomi Camera 6, which will come equipped with HyperOS 2.2. This gives users a hint of when they might receive the new update on their devices. The first phase of the rollout is scheduled from mid-May to mid-June and will target flagship and newer models. The devices included are:

    – Xiaomi 15
    – Xiaomi 15 Pro
    – Xiaomi 15 Ultra
    – Xiaomi 14
    – Xiaomi 14 Pro
    – Xiaomi 14 Ultra
    – Xiaomi MIX Fold 4
    – Xiaomi MIX Flip
    – Redmi K80
    – Redmi K80 Pro
    – Redmi K70
    – Redmi K70 Pro
    – Redmi K70 Ultra
    – Redmi Note 14 (LTE/5G)
    – Redmi Note 14 Pro (LTE/5G)
    – Redmi Note 14 Pro+ 5G
    – Redmi Turbo 4

    Second Batch Details

    The second phase, which will occur from mid-June to late-July, will gradually extend the HyperOS 2.2 update to older models. The devices set to receive the update are:

    – Xiaomi 13
    – Xiaomi 13 Pro
    – Xiaomi 13 Ultra
    – Xiaomi 12
    – Xiaomi 12 Pro
    – Xiaomi MIX Fold 3
    – Xiaomi Civi 4 Pro
    – Redmi K60
    – Redmi K60 Pro
    – Redmi K60 Ultra
    – Redmi Note 13 (LTE/5G)
    – Redmi Note 13 Pro (LTE/5G)
    – Redmi Note 13 Pro+
    – Redmi Turbo 3

    This list is derived from the Xiaomi Camera 6 release timeline. While the brand is expected to adhere to this schedule, an official timeline for HyperOS 2.2 would provide additional assurance. We’ll update you with the specifics on this platform once they are available.