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IN THE KNOW To read more about the ideas featured, visit us online at GravitasMag.com Like most people, you're probably paying a hefty cable bill for a lot of programming you never watch. Check out some of the alternatives that can save you money without sacrificing the quality of your at- home entertainment. Although you won't have access to all the content readily available through your current networks, Netflix offers an ever-expanding library of choices. Previous seasons of many small-screen favorites are available. Additionally, Netflix original programming, such as "Orange is the New Black," frequently garners attention at the Emmys and the Golden Globes. A basic package is $7.99 a month. Similar to Netflix, Hulu is a monthly on-demand provider more oriented toward television series. This is a great service to use if you want to binge-watch current and past episodes of your favorites. As with Netflix, you can get started for as little as $7.99 a month. Warning: Hulu programming includes commercials. Check out the one-week trial if you're worried you won't be able to live without ad- free fast-forwarding on DVR. Make every night movie night with Amazon Video, giving you instant access to thousands of popular films—as well as television shows. With different categories like "Trending" and "Amazon Original Series," you're sure to find something to indulge in. This service requires an Amazon Prime account, which costs $10.99 per month. A 30-day trial period is available if you're still shopping around. ROBOT ASSISTANT Meet Gita—your new buddy when it comes to toting around heavy items. Italian for "short journey," the Gita is a robot that can carry loads weighing up to 40 lbs. The kicker is that no effort at all is required on the part of the owner—the ingenious device follows you…after having learned the logistics of an environment by repeatedly navigating a certain path. With maintenance or custodial workers in mind, Piaggio Fast Forward, the company that dreamt up Gita, additionally envisions its practical use in places such as senior living centers and even on college campuses. Take heart, frequent flyers: With advancements like this in the works, self-propelled luggage may be right around the corner. Beautifully Clean Energy Clean energy has just gotten cooler with the gorgeous new smartflower™. This intelligent solar module utilizes smart tracking to follow the sun throughout the day, maximizing energy output by 40% compared to other models. The panels are self-cleaning and the unit fends off severe weather by folding in on itself and reopening once conditions have improved. Through the company's own app, you are able to monitor the system's energy output and your own electricity usage. Portable and easy to use, this technology is a big step toward clean energy for all. TECHNOLOGY ENTERTAINMENT Ditch Cable Once and For All Photo cour tesy of smar tflower TM ENVIRONMENT 10 | GRAVITAS MAGAZINE GravitasMag.com

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