Author: GizNews

  • Xbox Game Pass: Five Games Leaving This Month

    Xbox Game Pass: Five Games Leaving This Month

    Key Takeaway

    – Five games will leave Xbox Game Pass on May 31, so they won’t be accessible via the service after that date.
    – Games commonly rotate off 6–18 months after joining, though some depart earlier due to licensing or publisher deals.
    – Members can purchase these leaving titles at a discount to keep them permanently in their library.

    Microsoft keeps expanding Xbox Game Pass with new titles each month

    Microsoft continues to expand Xbox Game Pass with new titles every month. Recently, the company added 10 new games to the service, and before that, subscribers got access to another 13 titles across console, PC, and cloud. However, while new games continue joining the library, some older titles are also preparing to leave the service this month.

    Five games leaving Game Pass on May 31

    According to Microsoft, the following five games will officially leave Xbox Game Pass later this month on May 31. Once removed, subscribers will no longer be able to access them through the service unless they purchase the games separately.

    Rotation and licensing impact on catalog

    This is something Xbox Game Pass users have become familiar with over the years. Microsoft regularly rotates games in and out of the subscription catalog. In most cases, a game stays on the service anywhere between six and 18 months after being added. However, some games can leave much earlier depending on licensing agreements and publisher deals.

    Discounted opportunities before removal

    Thankfully, Xbox Game Pass members can grab these titles at discounted prices before they leave the platform. This way, you can permanently add them to your library at a lower price if you want to continue playing after removal.

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  • GTA 6 May Hint at a Leaked Online Feature

    GTA 6 May Hint at a Leaked Online Feature

    Key Takeaway

    – A GTA Online sunstrip description hints at a VIN-based mechanic possibly tied to GTA 6, suggesting a hidden feature or flagging system for stolen vehicles.
    – The VIN reference does not exist in GTA V/Online currently, pointing to a potential leftover GTA 6 code fragment accidentally ported.
    – This theory aligns with past leaks about a suspect profiling system and police data integration, indicating broader cross-game development signals.

    Most leaks surrounding Rockstar’s massive upcoming game have been coming from data miners or insiders.

    That new one, however, came from a sunstrip menu. A player on r/GTA6 noticed something quite odd (see below) while customizing the Coquette D10 — a car claimable from the Chop Shop last week — in GTA Online’s mansion vehicle workshop. There is a strange detail that stands out, and it’s described in a way that begs for more context and speculation.

    Instead of the usual “Custom sunstrips” description every other vehicle usually displays, the D10 showed something way more specific: “The Vehicle Identification Number is a unique code used to identify individual vehicles. This has already been removed from the vehicle.”

    The sentence about VINs isn’t commonly seen in GTA V or GTA Online, where the mechanic plays no role. So the question arises: where did this exact description come from, and why does it appear here in the D10’s interface? The wording hints at a code-based system that could be meaningful in another context or up ahead in a future release.

    The leading theory

    The leading theory — and it’s a pretty convincing one — is that a Rockstar developer accidentally left behind a fragment of GTA 6 code when porting the D10 to GTA Online. The car does show up in GTA 6 trailers, and the description specifically references removing a VIN, which could only mean that the mechanic actively matters in that game. The player who discovered it tested both the D10 Pursuit and the Tigon from the same LS Summer Special update; neither showed the message, and buying a brand new D10 didn’t reproduce it either.

    This is also in line with past details

    This is also in line with past details from the 2022 Rockstar leak, which described a suspect profiling system where NPCs would relay information to police about Jason and Lucia’s appearance, vehicle colour, and license plates. A VIN-based system, if true, would fit naturally into that framework — stolen cars flagged as “hot” until the identification is stripped, not very different from how Red Dead Redemption 2 handled wanted levels. The idea of cross-game linkages is not unusual in this fan-curious landscape, and it continues to fuel discussions among players who track every breadcrumb.

    The post and community reaction

    The post has cleared 1.2K upvotes in under seven hours. Rockstar hasn’t said anything, which isn’t surprising, really. The silence from the studio keeps the mystery alive and invites more discussion, speculation, and the occasional cautious theory about what might be coming next in the series. Fans share screenshots, theories, and potential connections to other Rockstar projects as part of the ongoing conversation.

     

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  • Specialized launches full-suspension e-bike with 150 km range

    Specialized launches full-suspension e-bike with 150 km range

    Key Takeaway

    – Vado 3 X adds full-suspension versions (4.0 and 6.0) with the same 3.1 motor (105 Nm, up to 810 W) as other Vado 3 models.
    – Large 840 Wh battery plus a 280 Wh range extender, offering up to 150 km (93.2 miles) of range.
    – Premium tech and features: Apple Find My, 2.2-inch MasterMind C4 display, Bluetooth, Abus wheel lock, wireless Quad Lock charging, and smartphone/Apple Watch integration.

    Specialized Expands Vado 3 X Lineup with Full-Suspension E-Bikes

    Earlier this month, Specialized launched the Vado 3 and the Vado 3 Evo urban e-bike lineup. Now, the brand has officially added another member to its existing Vado series, the Vado 3 X. Specialized has introduced two variants under the Vado 3 X, namely the Vado 3 X 4.0 and the Vado 3 X 6.0. The news comes as a continuation of their push into more capable city and trail focused e-bikes, aiming to blend comfort with performance in urban environments. The information presented here repeats what was announced, including model names, variants, and the general positioning of the new e-bikes.

    Powertrain and Performance

    The Vado 3 X features a full-suspension design, which is said to be optimized for offering maximum comfort even during rough terrains or bumpy rides. At the heart of the e-bike is the same electronics and powertrain as the rest of the Vado 3 family. Speaking more precisely, the electric bike is powered by Specialized’s latest 3.1 motor system, producing 105 Nm of torque and up to 810 W of peak power. This ensures robust assistance across a variety of riding conditions, from city streets to light off-road detours, while keeping the ride smooth and responsive for the rider.

    Battery and Range

    As for the battery, a large 840 Wh battery pack powers the Vado 3 X, and according to the company, the e-bike offers up to 150 km (93.2 miles) of range on a single charge. Interestingly, riders can also extend the range of the e-bike for longer rides, thanks to the 280 Wh range extender. Specialized has also incorporated some premium features into the e-bike, including Apple Find My tracking, a 2.2-inch MasterMind C4 touchscreen display, Bluetooth connectivity, a new digital Abus wheel lock system, and a wireless charging Quad Lock phone mount.

    Features and Accessories

    Accessories include fenders, integrated lighting with up to 805 lumens on high beam, a kickstand, a bell, a rack, a taillight, and a headlight. Thanks to Bluetooth connectivity, you can view real-time speed, distance, and battery level information directly on your smartphone. You can even track heart rate with the Specialized app for Apple Watch.

    Color Options and Pricing

    Interested buyers can choose from gloss ruby metallic, gloss warm smoke, gloss obsidian, and gloss agave grey color options. As for price, the Specialized Vado 3 X 4.0 is priced at $5,499.99 and the Vado 3 X 6.0 costs $7,999.99. Both bikes are now available for purchase directly. Specialized’s official website in four different sizes, including S, M, L, and XL.


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  • Amazon Luna gains three new games in update

    Amazon Luna gains three new games in update

    Key Takeaway

    – Space Grunts (GOG) is a fast-paced roguelike with space-themed missions and varied character classes.
    – Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room (GOG) is a sci-fi puzzle game focused on exploration, memory uncovering, and logic-based challenges.
    – Hot Brass (GOG) is a tactical SWAT action title offering solo and 4-player co-op with strategic breaching and environmental interactions.

    At the start of May, Luna added new games

    At the start of May, Amazon Luna added 11 new games to Luna (formerly Prime Gaming), and later followed that up with three more titles. Now, another batch of three games has officially joined Luna, bringing the total number of new additions in May to 17 games so far.

    First new addition: Space Grunts

    The first new addition is Space Grunts (GOG). This is a fast-paced turn-based roguelike set in the year 2476. Players take control of elite “Space Grunts” sent to investigate a moon base that suddenly stopped responding after sending a distress signal. Players can choose between different character classes, including the Leader, Enforcer, and Tech Junky, each offering unique playstyles and abilities. Throughout the mission, you’ll fight aliens, robots, drones, and other threats while exploring deeper parts of the moon base.

    Second new addition: Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room

    The second game joining Luna is Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room (GOG), a sci-fi puzzle title focused on exploration and mystery. The game begins with players waking up alone inside a spaceship with no memory of who they are or how they got there. The main focus here is solving logic-based puzzles while investigating different rooms throughout the ship. Players must search for hidden clues, decode passwords, interact with objects, and slowly uncover the story behind the mysterious situation.

    Final new addition: Hot Brass

    The final new addition is Hot Brass (GOG), a tactical SWAT-focused action game that supports both solo play and co-op for up to four players. In the game, players step into the role of elite SWAT operators handling dangerous missions such as hostage rescues, bomb threats, gang arrests, and robberies. The gameplay focuses heavily on strategy and quick decision-making. Players can use different tools and equipment, breach buildings through multiple entry points, and even destroy parts of the environment to gain an advantage.

    Deadlines to claim

    All three games also have a deadline and must be claimed before it expires. Palindrome Syndrome: Escape Room will remain available to claim until June 20, while Hot Brass’ deadline will expire on June 24. Space Grunts, on the other hand, will remain available until August 19.

     

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  • Oppo Pad 6 Debuts with 144 Hz Display and Dimensity 9500s – $515

    Oppo Pad 6 Debuts with 144 Hz Display and Dimensity 9500s – $515

    Key Takeaway

    – Oppo Pad 6 is thinner (5.99 mm) and slightly lighter (577 g) than the Pad 5, with an aluminum body and slim bezels, available in silver, black, and blue.
    – 12.1″ IPS display at 3000×2120, 144 Hz, 900 nits brightness, ~98% DCI-P3, with a separately sold compatible stylus.
    – High-end performance centered on MediaTek Dimensity 9500s, plus Wi-Fi 7, 5G, six speakers, two mics, and ambient light sensor; no fingerprint sensor.
    – Battery is 10,420 mAh with 67 W USB-C charging; camera setup includes 8 MP front and back.
    – Initial China launch only, pricing from CNY 3,499 for 8/256 GB to CNY 4,299 for 16/512 GB; international release TBD.

    The Oppo Pad 6 is official, and with a height of 5.99 millimeters and a weight of 577 grams, it is considerably thinner and slightly lighter than the Oppo Pad 5. The aluminum body is relatively ordinary with a flat frame, a pill-shaped camera module and evenly narrow screen bezels on all sides, with Oppo offering the tablet not only in silver and black, but also in blue.

    Display and cameras

    Oppo has installed a 12.1-inch display based on an IPS panel with a resolution of 3,000 x 2,120 pixels, a frame rate of 144 Hz and a remarkable brightness of 900 nits, 98% of the DCI-P3 color space can be displayed. A compatible stylus is sold separately. Oppo has installed an 8 megapixel camera on both the front and the back

    Battery and performance

    Despite the thinner body, Oppo is able to install a 10,420 mAh battery, which can be charged with up to 67 watts via USB-C, just like the Chinese version of the Oppo Pad 5. In addition to the display, the processor is the highlight of the specifications, as the tablet should offer almost flagship-level performance with the MediaTek Dimensity 9500s. Wi-Fi 7, a 5G modem, six speakers, two microphones and an ambient light sensor complete the specs, but the Oppo Pad 6 does not offer a fingerprint sensor.

    Launch and pricing

    The Oppo Pad 6 will first be launched in China. The base model with 8 GB RAM and 256 GB flash memory costs CNY 3,499 ($515), while Oppo is charging CNY 4,299 ($632) for the top model with 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage. Details on the international launch are still pending. The Oppo Pad 5 was also launched internationally.

    Oppo


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  • Band of Brothers RTS: Cinematic Strategy Classic under $4 on Steam

    Band of Brothers RTS: Cinematic Strategy Classic under $4 on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – Focus on tactical positioning, cover, and control of key map sectors, with destructible environments and bonus veteran units.
    – Campaigns span Allied and Axis perspectives, including expansions that add new campaigns, modes, and bonus units; multiplayer supports multiple factions.
    – Strong cinematic presentation and sound design, with solid reception but initially limited campaigns and factions that expanded in later DLC.

    Overview

    In Company of Heroes, players take command of Allied troops during the invasion of Normandy. Locations such as Omaha Beach, Carentan and Cherbourg serve as backdrops for tactical battles involving infantry, paratroopers, tanks and artillery. While base building is included, the focus is clearly on positioning, cover and control of strategic sectors. The Opposing Fronts expansion adds two campaigns: a British campaign centered on the liberation of Caen and a German campaign from the perspective of the Panzer Elite. Both factions are also playable in multiplayer. Tales of Valor further expands the package with three short single-player episodes, new multiplayer modes, additional maps and bonus units.

    Gameplay and Mechanics

    Gameplay revolves around intense battles on destructible battlefields. Houses can collapse, cover can be blown apart and entire streets can come under artillery fire. Resources are not generated automatically, but earned by holding key sectors of the map. This creates a dynamic flow of attacks, counterattacks and organically shifting frontlines. At the same time, units gain experience, achieve veteran status and become increasingly valuable over time.

    Reception and Reviews

    When it launched in September 2006, the strategy game developed by Relic Entertainment was praised above all for its cinematic presentation. German gaming magazine PC Games repeatedly compared it to HBO’s Band of Brothers and highlighted its believable story, impressive graphics and excellent sound design. Criticism focused on the somewhat short 15-mission campaign and the limited number of multiplayer factions – weaknesses later addressed by the expansions. The editorial team ultimately awarded the game a score of 9 out of 10.

    Scores and Community

    On Metacritic, the strategy game holds a Metascore of 93 and a User Score of 8.5. The Steam community’s verdict is even more impressive: 94% of more than 18,300 user reviews are positive. On the Steam Deck, the title is classified as “Playable.” However, the controls are clearly designed for mouse and keyboard, which can make gameplay somewhat fiddly on the handheld.

    Pricing and Availability

    On Steam, Company of Heroes normally costs around $20. An 80% discount lowers the price to $3.99 until May 31. According to SteamDB, the current deal matches the lowest recorded price, which was last seen at the beginning of April. The Complete Pack, which includes all released DLCs, is also discounted by 80% and currently costs $7.39.

    Player Activity

    Player numbers remain solid, especially considering the game’s age. In the last 24 hours, 1,678 users were online at the same time. For RTS fans who have not yet played Company of Heroes, now could be a good opportunity to jump in – both for the multiplayer and the excellent campaigns.

    Note: The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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  • iPhone 18 Pro Leaked: New Colors in 2026 Flagships Reveal Video and Cases

    iPhone 18 Pro Leaked: New Colors in 2026 Flagships Reveal Video and Cases

    Key Takeaway

    – MagSafe-compatible cases reveal three of four rumored Pro models’ colors: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray (Silver missing).
    – Dark Cherry is expected to be the hero color, replacing the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange.
    – Leaks suggest a smaller Dynamic Island cutout and thicker new iPhone 18 Pro/Pro Max, potentially breaking cross-compatibility with older cases.

    Overview of iPhone 18 Pro Leaks and Colors

    As the anticipated September launch of the iPhone 18 Pro nears, a fresh wave of leaks has offered a closer look at what Apple has in mind in terms of design. The new images circulating on social media showcase MagSafe-compatible cases, giving clues about the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max’s color variants and design. There is a sense of anticipation and curiosity, with fans mapping out potential finishes and how they might feel in hand, while analysts weigh in on the possible launch timeline and event specifics that could accompany the reveal.

    Color Variants and Hero Tone

    The cases show three of the four rumored colors for Apple’s Pro iPhones, including Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray (the Silver is missing). The “Dark Cherry” option, described as a deep, wine-like red, is expected to serve as the hero color, replacing the iPhone 17 Pro’s Cosmic Orange. You can see it in the hands-on video attached below. Although the attachments are not verified by official sources, the visual cues suggest a bold, premium aesthetic that aims to stand out in a saturated market where subtlety and brightness both have their fans and detractors.

    Other Leakage and Implications for Accessories

    In related news, we just reported the leaked iPhone 18 Pro screen protectors, which hint a smaller Dynamic Island cutout, while previous iPhone 18 Pro case leaks suggests the new 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max might be thicker than their predecessors, which means the new cases won’t be cross-compatible. These hints imply potential shifts in design language and accessory ecosystems, where cases and protectors may need to be re-evaluated by consumers and retailers alike as they gear up for the official release window.

    What This Means for Consumers and Market

    Industry watchers note that the combination of new colors, a revised Dynamic Island, and altered thickness could influence purchasing decisions, pricing, and availability at launch. Consumers who already own MagSafe accessories may need to check compatibility, while those seeking a fresh color story might be enticed by the Dark Cherry option and its perceived hero status among the lineup. The balance between design changes and practical usability will likely shape early sentiment and sales trajectories as the September date approaches.

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  • 007 First Light Won’t Preload on Steam or Xbox

    007 First Light Won’t Preload on Steam or Xbox

    Key Takeaway

    – Pre-loading is not available on Steam or Xbox Series X/S for 007 First Light; only PlayStation 5 supports pre-loading.
    – Early access (Deluxe Edition) begins 24 hours before release, but download can’t start until official launch on Steam/Xbox, potentially wasting early access time.
    – The exact reason for the lack of pre-loading on Steam/Xbox hasn’t been disclosed by IO Interactive.

    Pre-loading allows players to download a game before its official release time so they can jump in immediately once it unlocks. It is especially useful for large modern games, as they can take several hours to download, depending on internet speeds. Unfortunately, if you were planning to pre-load 007 First Light on PC or Xbox, there’s some disappointing news.

    Launch Details and Early Access

    The game is scheduled to launch on May 27, while players who purchased the Deluxe Edition upgrade will get access 24 hours earlier through early access. However, IO Interactive has now confirmed that pre-loading will not be available on Steam or Xbox Series X/S.

    Platform-Specific Pre-Load

    According to the game’s community manager on Reddit, the earliest point players on Steam and Xbox will be able to download the game is at the official release time itself. In other words, PC and Xbox users will need to wait until launch before they can even begin downloading the files. PlayStation 5 will be the only platform getting pre-load support, as it is mandatory on Sony’s platform.

    At the moment, IO Interactive has not shared an exact reason behind why pre-loading is unavailable on Steam and Xbox for 007 First Light. This is particularly frustrating for players who purchased the Deluxe Edition specifically for early access. Since they only get 24 hours of early playtime before the standard release, some of that limited access window could now end up being spent simply downloading the game instead of actually playing it.

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  • Battlefield 6 Needs Big QoL Upgrades, Not Small Fixes

    Battlefield 6 Needs Big QoL Upgrades, Not Small Fixes

    Key Takeaway

    – Ongoing technical problems are still a major hurdle, including server lag, region misplacement, high ping, and hit registration issues.
    – Graphics bugs (e.g., extreme screen brightness) continue to undermine gameplay despite patches.
    – Player interest and engagement have declined significantly since launch, with declining concurrent players and mixed reviews despite some positive content updates.

    Battlefield 6 is getting another quality-of-life patch tomorrow with update 1.3.1.5, which is meant to address several technical issues. EA lists more consistent gameplay, fewer respawn and deployment problems and clearer information in Battle Royale and Portal as the main goals. The full patch notes can be found here.

    Reasoning about the patch and lingering problems

    This article, however, looks at a broader question: why is one of last year’s biggest shooter releases, backed by EA – one of the world’s largest publishers – still struggling with technical issues more than half a year after launch? While the discussion around launch was dominated by audio and netcode problems, graphics bugs and matchmaking now seem to be among players’ biggest complaints.

    User reports and new glitches

    In a Reddit thread about the upcoming update, players mainly report massive server problems: lag spikes, being placed in the wrong regions, high pings and persistent hit registration issues are severely limiting the fun for those affected. On top of that, newly introduced graphics bugs also appear to be causing trouble. One user, for example, describes a glitch that makes the entire screen glow “brighter than the sun.”

    Personal experience and optimism fades

    I took part in both Battlefield 6 open beta weekends in August 2025 and actually came away very optimistic. After the Battlefield 2042 disaster, the playtest reminded me of the golden age of the series – namely Battlefield 3 and Battlefield 4. Even after the release in October, I spent a lot of time in the game and initially brushed off the technical problems that were already present back then with optimism. After all, Battlefield 6 is not an indie title with an uncertain future. I thought: DICE and EA, with their large development team and extensive budget, will surely manage to build on this strong foundation, fix the problems quickly and deliver plenty of content – especially after such a strong launch, which even outperformed genre leader Call of Duty.

    Reality checks and dwindling player numbers

    As it has since turned out, I was probably a little too optimistic. It feels like every fixed bug is replaced by a new one. At least the content seems to be slowly moving in the right direction: the new Railway to Golmud map has been well received by many players and naval battles, one of the most requested features, are already waiting in the wings. Nevertheless, I have not logged into the game for several weeks. My initial euphoria has now turned into frustration. And if SteamDB’s player numbers are any indication, I am not alone. In the last 24 hours, only 58,676 players were online at the same time – not even 10% of the launch player count. The downward trend is also reflected in the Steam reviews: only 64% of more than 274,000 player ratings are still positive.

    Bottom line and future prospects

    That is not necessarily because Battlefield 6 is a bad game. The foundation is still rock solid and, in my opinion, has huge potential. However, the shooter simply feels too broken in too many places. I get the impression that EA and DICE have lost the thread somewhere along the way – the technical side simply seems to be overwhelming the developers. Better content or small quality-of-life updates such as patch 1.3.1.5 will do little to change that. If the developers do not get the disastrous technical situation under control soon, the future looks bleak for Battlefield 6. For me, this patch feels like little more than a drop in the bucket.

     

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  • Google Unveils Wear OS 7 Widgets for Galaxy Watch and More

    Google Unveils Wear OS 7 Widgets for Galaxy Watch and More

    Key Takeaway

    – Wear OS 7 introduces standardized 2×1 and 2×2 widgets that unify Android and Wear OS widget experiences, replacing Tiles in many cases.
    – Widgets promise lower power consumption and longer battery life, with some AI features reserved for future devices.
    – Third-party widgets are already available (e.g., Spotify and WhatsApp), demonstrating cross-app functionality and greater widget availability.

    Wear OS 7 announced with new widgets and powersaving goals

    Wear OS 7 was announced a week ago. In addition to the approximately 10 percent lower power consumption and AI features, most of which will only be available on future smartwatch models, the widgets are probably the biggest innovation of the next generation smartwatch operating system. In the video embedded below, Google now explains some more details about these widgets.

    Widget formats mirror Android and aim for consistency

    As already announced, these widgets are available in two formats – 2×1 and 2×2. These formats are already familiar from Android widgets, and this is no coincidence, as Google’s aim is for widgets on Android and Wear OS 7 to look the same and offer the same functionality. With this change, uses should feel right at home when buying a smartwatch like the Google Pixel Watch 4 ($309 on Amazon).

    Standardization and developer benefits

    This should also save developers time and effort, which should ultimately ensure that more widgets are available than was previously the case with Tiles. Smartwatch platforms should also be standardized in this way, as the new widgets can not only replace full-screen tiles, but can also be integrated into the widget system of the Samsung Galaxy Watch8.

    First third-party widgets introduced

    Google has already introduced four widgets from third-party apps, including a Spotify widget that displays the current music playback including album cover, as well as a WhatsApp widget that displays the pictures of six selected contacts so that chats with these people can be accessed directly from the widget. The widgets differ not only visually, but also technically from Tiles, and should consume far less power, thus contributing to the announced longer battery life of Wear OS 7.


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