Set top boxes for satellite and cable also use a hardware module to authenticate devices and bind them to subscribers.

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Alpha will consist of a complex of connected spacecraft: a Sundancer and a BA330 for customer use, a second Sundancer that will house Bigelow crew to maintain the station and a module that provides a power bus and docking node.

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You can also use the same slot to expand the device's capabilities--already Palm has developed a Bluetooth wireless module that fits into the SD card slot.

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The hardware module is connected to a smartphone or tablet on which apps can be written to consume and use these data.

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