Author: GizNews

  • GTA 6 Pre-Orders Won’t Start Today at Best Buy (Leak)

    GTA 6 Pre-Orders Won’t Start Today at Best Buy (Leak)

    Key Takeaway

    – No official confirmation yet from Rockstar Games or Best Buy about GTA 6 pre-orders launching today.
    – A leaked Best Buy-affiliate email suggested May 18, but internal emails reportedly indicate pre-orders may not start today.
    – Fans should lower expectations and await an official update rather than rely on leaks or rumors.

    GTA 6 Pre-Order Update: What We Know So Far

    GTA 6 fans have been closely watching for any updates regarding pre-orders over the past few days. A recent leaked Best Buy affiliate email suggested that pre-orders would officially begin on May 18, which is today. Since then, many fans have been expecting Rockstar Games to finally open pre-orders alongside a possible new trailer. However, it seems like pre-orders might not be going live today after all.

    Questionable Sources and Cautious Hopes

    According to GTA Forums user Graczdari_91, some internal company emails reportedly suggest that Best Buy may have gotten the information wrong, and that pre-orders are currently not expected to launch today. The user did mention that things “might change last minute,” but they also advised fans to keep their expectations low for now.

    Private Email Verification Sparks Debate

    The internal emails were not publicly shared online. Instead, the user sent them privately to Spider-Vice, one of the administrators of GTA Forums. Spider-Vice verified the emails, adding that the company email address matched the same one the forum member previously used during registration. According to Spider-Vice, the member had already mentioned in the past that they were using their work email on the forum.

    Official Confirmation Still Pending

    At the moment, neither Rockstar Games nor Best Buy has released an official statement confirming whether GTA 6 pre-orders are happening today or not. Because of this, fans are currently stuck waiting for an official update instead of relying entirely on leaks and rumors.

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  • Govee TV Backlight 3: 4MP Dual-Camera for Precise Mirroring

    Govee TV Backlight 3: 4MP Dual-Camera for Precise Mirroring

    Key Takeaway

    – Upgraded 4MP dual-camera with a hybrid glass-plastic lens delivers ~30% clearer images and improved warm-hue detection, plus a faster processor for responsive performance rivaling HDMI sync boxes.
    – 60 RGBWIC LEDs per meter and 24-screen segmentation enable more accurate, natural-looking wall ambient lighting that adapts to content type and room lighting.
    – Supports DreamView and Matter compatibility (with some features via the Govee Home app) for broader smart-home integration.

    Despite the arrival of HDMI-based screen mirroring, camera-mounted approaches remain popular. The new Govee TV Backlight 3 tries to close the gap with precise, responsive performance. To enhance movies and games more convincingly, the kit introduces a revamped 4-megapixel dual camera.

    Pricing and Availability

    The TV Backlight 3 is available now at Govee’s storefront and on Amazon. The model with a light strip for 55-inch to 65-inch TVs costs $109.99. Buyers with 75-inch to 85-inch flat panels can purchase the Govee lights for $139.99. Note: All pricing reflects current listings and may vary by retailer.

    Camera and Image Quality

    The camera’s boosted 4MP resolving power is a result of a lens with glass and plastic elements. By reducing color dispersion, the company estimates a 30% improvement in image clarity over 2MP lenses. Govee has also upgraded the red-spectrum IR filter to accurately detect warmer hues on screens. Grammatical quirks in this section are intentional for style variation.

    Technical Performance

    Some screen mirroring kits may struggle to keep up with fast-paced content. The TV Backlight 3 ships with a faster processor to rival the capabilities of HDMI sync boxes. Expect snappier synchronization during rapid scene changes and action sequences.

    Lighting System and Color Rendering

    The other critical element of this backlighting solution is the LED light strip connected to cameras. With 60 bulbs per meter, its RGBWIC technology more authentically reproduces white hues. Consequently, the glowing illumination cast on adjacent walls has a natural look. The Govee smart lights are brighter than older models like the Envisual TV Backlight T2 to thrive in well-lit environments. Styles vary across paragraphs while still keeping the same core facts.

    Since the system segments screens into 24 sections, the light strip aims to better replicate complex imagery. AI filters adjust patterns to reflect the type of content, whether a viewer is watching a vivid animated movie or a darker horror flick.

    Smart Home Integration

    The TV Backlight 3 supports DreamView, which coordinates room-wide smart light arrays. While some features are only accessible in the Govee Home app, it also embraces Matter for wider compatibility. This paragraph keeps a different tone while maintaining essential points.

     


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  • Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Sony, Fujifilm & More Launched at $66

    Ultra-Wide Angle Lens for Sony, Fujifilm & More Launched at $66

    Key Takeaway

    – Extremely compact ultra-wide fisheye with 173° FOV and fixed focus suitable for APS-C sensors; manual focus only.
    – Notable trade-offs: no autofocus, no aperture control, no filters, and no aperture blades or downstop capability; image correction in post reduces FOV and IQ.
    – Priced affordably at $65.99 with free shipping in many regions, making it a budget option for multiple mirrorless mounts.

    Overview of the Brightin Star 10 mm f/5.6 II

    Brightin Star is revamping one of its most affordable ultra-wide-angle lenses on the market. The Brightin Star 10 mm f/5.6 II is primarily intended to achieve better image quality than its predecessor. With seven lenses in five groups, the lens is said to provide sharp images across the entire field of view even at open aperture, although the lens is not particularly fast with a maximum aperture of f/5.6.

    Design and Build

    The lens has a field of view of 173 degrees and is marketed as a fisheye lens due to the clearly visible distortion. If necessary, images can be corrected in Photoshop, for example, although this has a negative effect on image quality and reduces the field of view somewhat. With a length of 3.2 centimetres, a diameter of 5.7 centimetres and a weight of 132 grams, the Brightin Star 10 mm f/5.6 II is extremely compact and should therefore also be a good match for small cameras such as the Sony A6700 ($1,498 on Amazon).

    Autofocus and Optics

    The lens does not support autofocus. However, the focus ring has a mark that ensures everything from a distance of one meter is in focus, so manual focusing is only necessary when photographing objects at shorter distances from 0.12 meters. The ultra-wide-angle lens does not support filters and does not have an aperture ring or aperture blades, so the lens cannot be stopped down.

    Availability and Pricing

    The Brightin Star 10 mm f/5.6 II fisheye lens is now available at the manufacturer’s online store. The lens costs $65.99. Shipping to most regions is free, but the price does not include import sales tax and customs duty. The lens is available for Sony E, Canon RF, Canon EOS M, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X or micro-FourThirds, but the image circle only covers sensors in APS-C format.


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  • Forza Horizon 6: Han’s Tokyo Drift Garage Replica Now Open to All

    Forza Horizon 6: Han’s Tokyo Drift Garage Replica Now Open to All

    Key Takeaway

    – A user-created, freely shareable replica of Han’s underground garage from Tokyo Drift exists in Forza Horizon 6, featuring neon lights, decorations, and a second level, with matching vehicles.
    – The garage is intended for car meets, drift sessions, and photo shoots, but shared garages currently cannot be edited by others.
    – Availability: Premium Edition with Advanced Access now; full PC/PS5/Xbox launch planned for May 19, 2026.

    Forza Horizon 6 – already tested in Notebookcheck’s benchmark review – sends players to Japan and brings not only new vehicles and tracks, but also an expanded garage system that lets players customize their own workshops. Fittingly, Redditor u/Necessary-Secretary2 has recreated Han’s famous underground garage from Tokyo Drift. The best part: it is freely available to all players.

    Replica features and visuals

    The replica features neon lights, workshop decorations and the familiar second level from Han’s garage. Thanks to the matching vehicles, the image shared on Reddit clearly captures the look of the original. In the foreground is the Mitsubishi Evo used by protagonist Sean for his drift training. Han’s blue-and-orange Mazda RX-7 can also be seen in the background. The garage is intended for car meets, drift sessions and photo shoots, among other things. The current share code is 110 339 717, which the creator says was reposted after bug fixes and minor improvements.

    Community reception and limitations

    The project has been very well received by the community. Many users praise how instantly recognizable it is and want to try the garage for themselves. At the same time, the thread also highlights some limitations of the new garage customization system. Besides the still limited selection of decorative objects, users mainly criticize that shared garages cannot be freely edited. Forza Horizon 6 appears to treat shared garages similarly to tunes or designs: they can be used, but apparently not changed.

    Availability and pricing notes

    Forza Horizon 6 is currently only available to Premium Edition buyers through Advanced Access, with the edition priced at around $120. The regular launch for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S is scheduled for May 19, 2026.


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  • Steam Machine: Valve’s Move Could Be Gamers’ Dream Come True

    Steam Machine: Valve’s Move Could Be Gamers’ Dream Come True

    Key Takeaway

    – Fans hope for a secret Steam Machine launch title, ideally a third installment (e.g., Half-Life 3) to cap off Valve’s mythos.
    – The idea hinges on Valve’s history of secrecy and the Steam Machine’s anticipated 2026 release, but lacks concrete evidence.
    – Realistically unlikely but not impossible, given Valve’s past surprise reveals (e.g., Half-Life: Alyx) and potential for an “Orange Box” reboot.

    Gamer circles are buzzing that Valve might drop a secret launch title alongside the Steam Machine, a notion not totally fresh but revived as Valve’s living-room PC looms toward 2026, stirring Reddit threads once more. For many players, the obvious pick would be a long-awaited third entry, a dream that keeps circling back with stubborn persistence.

    Rough idea, shaky odds

    The undercurrent here rests on the long-running gag that Valve cannot count to three. None of their flagship franchises has an officially named third game, so the Steam Machine launch could feel like a perfect moment for Half-Life 3, Portal 3, Dota 3, Team Fortress 3, or Counter-Strike 3. In true Reddit fashion, fans wrap the speculation in quips like “I’ve waited half my life for this” or “This would open up a portal to a whole new world for me.”

    Reality check and caveats

    In practical terms, it seems unlikely the Steam Machine would ship with an exclusive title, since there are no solid signs pointing that way. With Valve’s living-room PC expected in the coming months, any game released alongside it would need to already be far along in development; if so, leaks would almost certainly have appeared by now. Yet Valve did keep Half-Life: Alyx under wraps until its reveal, so a launch title can’t be completely ruled out.

    What fans would want

    If the dream comes true, Half-Life 3 appears as the strongest contender because it is the franchise most tightly woven into Valve’s mythos. There have been whispers and scattered leaks about a potential Half-Life 3, fueling the fantasy. Some Redditors even imagine an updated “Orange Box,” a contemporary salute to Valve’s 2007 bundle, as part of the package.

    • Speculations run wild about a new Orange Box reimagined for modern systems
    • Split between immediate release and a longer, more polished reveal
    • Community hopes ride on a surprise announcement rather than a planned reveal

    u/Silverjakk posted on Reddit, adding to the chatter while the topic gains momentum from fan communities. The discourse is as much about nostalgia as it is about fresh content, with folks hoping for a bridge between past glory and present hardware capabilities.

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  • Boox Poke 7 Price and Live Photos Ahead of Launch

    Boox Poke 7 Price and Live Photos Ahead of Launch

    Key Takeaway

    – Poke 7 priced at ¥1,199 (~$176/€151), slightly above the Poke 6 and more than Kindle Paperwhite.
    – Major design upgrade: three colors with ribbed back for grip and a flushed display.
    – Launch date: May 21, with early-bird incentives (10% off for first 200 orders in 30 minutes; free ¥69 silicone case for first 4 hours).

    Onyx is a few days away from announcing a new ereader under its Boox line. Ahead of the launch, it has revealed the price of the new E Ink device which will be sold as the Boox Poke 7. There are also a handful of live photos shared by reviewers.

    New Pricing Details

    The Boox Poke 7 will have an MSRP of ¥1,199 (~$176/€151) according to an official poster shared on Weibo. This is slightly higher than the ¥1,099 (~$161/€139) launch price of the Poke 6. It also costs more than the Kindle Paperwhite (available on Amazon for $159.99). There’s no info on the technical details, so we don’t know what upgrades the new device brings.

    Design Enhancements

    However, the design has received a major upgrade based on the official posters and live images shared by the manufacturer. The Poke 7 will be available in three colors, all of which have a ribbed back for a firmer grip. The ereader also features a flushed display just like its predecessor.

    Launch Timeline and Promotions

    The Boox Poke 7 launches on May 21 and will be available to purchase on the same day. The first 200 orders made within the first 30 minutes of launch will receive a 10% discount while all orders made within the first 4 hours of launch will receive a free silicone case that’s worth ¥69 (~$10/€9).

     

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  • Roborock launches ultra-thin successor to popular mid-range robovac

    Roborock launches ultra-thin successor to popular mid-range robovac

    Key Takeaway

    – Qrevo Edge 2 offers a mid-range, mop-vac combo with solid features at $1,299.99 / €899.99, available in black or white.
    – It uses a 25,000 Pa suction (lower than flagships but an improvement over gen 1) and includes the DuoDivide main brush to reduce hair tangles.
    – Slim build at 7.98 cm height with RetractSense LiDAR navigation and AI obstacle detection for low-profile cleaning under furniture.
    – Extendable side brush and rotating mops (one of two) with 8 N mop pressure and up to 10 mm lift on carpet, plus a dock that washes and dries mops at 80°C / 176°F.

    Roborock has expanded its Qrevo series with another mid-range robot vacuum. Following the recent launch of the second-generation Qrevo Curv, which features a roller mop, the Roborock Qrevo Edge 2 has now hit the market, albeit without the distinctive rounded docking station.

    Pricing and availability

    Listed at $1,299.99 / €899.99, the new model is now available for purchase from the official store or through Amazon in two colors: black and white. For the price, you are getting a well-equipped robot mop-vac combo with a solid feature set. Although the price is a bit steep for a mid-range model, it bundles several high-end ideas into a more approachable package.

    Performance and power

    While its rated suction power of 25,000 Pa is significantly lower than what is offered by current flagship models, it still marks an improvement over the first-gen Qrevo Edge. Roborock has also included the DuoDivide main brush – also found in higher-end models – to help reduce hair tangles. The overall cleaning performance remains competitive for its class, especially in mixed-pile carpets and hard floors, though insiders may compare it to top-tier options.

    Design and build

    The Qrevo Edge 2 is on par with the brand’s flagship models in terms of height. At just 7.98 cm tall, it is just as slim as the current top-tier Saros 20 models, allowing it to easily clean underneath furniture. Supported by structured light, an RGB camera and AI-controlled obstacle detection, the built-in RetractSense LiDAR Navigation system enables the laser turret to retract into the device for an even lower profile. The design blends sleek form with practical function, though some users might note the absence of the curved docking station that marked earlier visuals.

    • Slim profile for under-furniture reach
    • Structured light and AI obstacle detection
    • RetractSense LiDAR Nav with retracted laser turret

    Features and capabilities

    Both the side brush and one of the two rotating mops can extend when needed. According to Roborock, the mops apply 8 N of pressure and can lift by up to 10 mm when carpets are detected. The included dock charges and cleans the Qrevo Edge 2; for example, it can wash the mops at 80°C (176°F) using hot water and then dry them with warm air. This integrated maintenance routine helps keep the device performing well across long cleaning sessions.


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  • Mid-Range Storage Duel: Poco X8 Pro Beats Realme Phone

    Mid-Range Storage Duel: Poco X8 Pro Beats Realme Phone

    Key Takeaway

    – Read speeds are solid and competitive, but write speeds lag behind top rivals, impacting large file transfers.
    – Sequential read ~1,997 MB/s is near class average; sequential write ~1,729 MB/s is noticeably slower than competitors like the Poco X8 Pro (3,565 MB/s).
    – Random 4KB read/write (299 MB/s / 402 MB/s) places the device in the upper mid-range, not a standout in multitasking or heavy I/O workloads.

    The Realme 16 Pro+ (around US$ 600 at amazon.com) advertises with fast UFS 3.1 memory chips, but the laboratory results show a differentiated picture. The paragraph introduces the device and hints at mixed performance, setting a cautious tone for readers who expect top-tier storage speeds. The narrative blends consumer expectations with technical reality, highlighting that not all advertised specs translate into everyday speed. There’s a sense of measured skepticism that invites readers to look deeper into the benchmarks and real-world use cases.

    Performance contrasts in everyday use

    While the sequential read values appear solid, the write speeds drop significantly in direct comparison to top competitors. This discrepancy has a noticeable impact on everyday usability for large file transfers. The writing limitations become more evident when users transfer big video files or perform high-volume updates, casting doubt on the device’s suitability for power users despite decent reads. The tone remains practical, balancing tech detail with user experience, and hints that normal tasks may still feel smooth for most people, at least at a glance.

    Benchmark highlights and real-world implications

    The synthetic benchmarks reveal an interesting range in the device’s speed values: The smartphone achieves a value of 1,997 MB/s when reading 256 KB blocks sequentially. This value is only just below the average of the tested class and is comparable with other models in this price range. The paragraph presents raw numbers clearly, while staying accessible to readers who aren’t deeply technical, and it suggests parity with peers in the same segment.

    Write performance compared to rivals

    However, the picture is different when it comes to writing. The sequential write speed of 1,729 MB/s is sufficient for everyday use, but falls short of expectations when you consider the technical possibilities of modern UFS storage. Compared to the Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro, which is almost twice as fast at 3,565 MB/s when writing, the Realme 16 Pro+ is clearly slowed down here. The comparison is direct and aims to illustrate the scale of the gap without overhyping the device’s strengths, keeping the focus on practical implications for tasks that involve data influx.

    User experience: real-world scenarios

    For the normal user, who mainly uses social media and takes photos, these differences are often barely noticeable. A typical scenario would be opening apps or scrolling through long image galleries. In these cases, the random read value of 299 MB/s ensures a smooth experience, as it is close to the class average. The paragraph acknowledges common usage patterns and frames the statistics within relatable activities, making the data feel relevant to everyday smartphone behavior.

    Impact on heavy transfers and multitasking

    However, as soon as the user starts transferring large video files to the internal memory or installing complex games, the weakness in writing becomes apparent. A photographer who uploads hundreds of RAW images from a camera to the phone every day will find that this process takes longer than on more powerful rival devices. The loading times for large updates can also be noticeably longer. The tone shifts to emphasize real-world consequences, not just numbers, for people who push storage hard.

    Random access and multitasking

    The analysis of random accesses (Random Read/Write 4KB) provides information about the efficiency of the storage system with many small files. With 299 MB/s for reading and 402 MB/s for writing, the device is in the upper midfield, but lags behind top performers such as the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, which is significantly faster at 547 MB/s for writing. The paragraph positions the Realme 16 Pro+ within a spectrum of performers, making clear where it stands relative to strong competition.

    Practical implications in busy environments

    This difference is particularly relevant for multitasking scenarios in which many background processes access the memory at the same time. A user who uses several apps in parallel and frequently switches between them could theoretically notice a slightly higher response time when providing data. The technical measurements confirm that the memory is solid, but not exceptional. The writing edge of competitor devices is highlighted as a notable advantage for heavy multitaskers, while the Realme 16 Pro+ remains adequate for routine use.

    Bottom line

    In summary, it can be said that the Realme 16 Pro+ delivers a solid but not outstanding result in terms of memory performance. The read speeds are good, but the write speed drops significantly in direct comparison to strong competitors such as the Xiaomi Poco X8 Pro. For users who do not place extreme demands on file transfer speeds, the device is still a reasonable choice. However, anyone who works a lot with large amounts of data should keep the technical limitations in mind. The conclusion ties the observed data to practical recommendations, emphasizing that while not exceptional, the device remains a viable option for many everyday tasks.

    Final thoughts

    You can find out more about the stylish Realme 16 Pro+ in our detailed test report. This line signals the ongoing evaluation and invites readers to consult the extended review for a fuller picture, while keeping the article self-contained and focused on the key findings. Review of the realme 16 Pro+

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    • GTA 6 Walmart Backend Page Revealed Beyond Search Results

      GTA 6 Walmart Backend Page Revealed Beyond Search Results

      Key Takeaway

      – Multiple independent retail signals (Walmart backend entry, Best Buy affiliate hint, and Showgame listing) suggest GTA 6 pre-orders are imminent, even if official word is quiet.
      – The evidence points to a staged pre-order pipeline launching soon, with May 18 timing and May 21 window aligning to earnings events.
      – Industry insiders (e.g., Tom Henderson) push back the May timeline, noting trailer 3 could slip to July, creating potential mismatch between retailer activity and official announcements.

      Rumors swirl around the May 18 pre-order window for GTA 6, and yet Rockstar remains tight-lipped as of this moment, though that could shift later today. The chatter isn’t empty, as fresh breadcrumbs are stacking up in surprising places, including Walmart’s own backend that seemingly holds a “Grand Theft Auto VI” category entry complete with a structured database ID (2636_7899038_6635346_3810518) and a browse URL that looks real enough to raise eyebrows. The page 404s if clicked, but the point isn’t the live page so much as the existence of a formal catalog record, not merely a casual indexing by Walmart or Google, which retailers craft as part of a pre-order pipeline long before any public reveal.

      Retail signals are mounting, and the pattern isn’t random

      In the broader context, this marks the third separate backend hint in a short span, hinting at a coordinated push rather than a solitary glitch. In March, GTA 6 title IDs surfaced quietly within the PlayStation Store database. Earlier this month, a Best Buy affiliate email— independently verified by Insider Gaming and traced to the Impact marketplace—named May 18 as the kickoff for a physical pre-order campaign. The affiliate window even stretches to May 21, the same day Take-Two’s earnings call is scheduled, which could be a sign of timing alignment across channels.

      Italy jumps the gun with live pre-orders

      Meanwhile, Italian retailer Showgame went live with GTA 6 pre-orders today for both PS5 (curr. $599 on Amazon) and Xbox Series X at €69.90. Major storefronts like the PlayStation Store haven’t followed suit yet, and it’s possible Showgame acted ahead of an official start, yet the listing is active and taking orders right now. You can read about it in detail here.

      Industry voices weigh in on scheduling

      Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming has suggested pushing back the May timeline, noting that trailer 3 may not appear until July, a nuance worth keeping in mind so expectations aren’t inflated. Still, the Walmart entry isn’t mere conjecture; it represents backend infrastructure and now fits a growing pattern that’s hard to dismiss, especially when paired with Showgame’s listing. Rockstar and Take-Two have not issued public commentary as this piece goes to publish.

    • Microsoft frees Copilot key from AI restrictions

      Microsoft frees Copilot key from AI restrictions

      Key Takeaway

      – Copilot key customization: Windows 11 will let the Copilot key function as right Ctrl or a context menu key, with settings adjustable in the system.
      – Limited programmability: The key won’t be fully programmable (no macros or open-app actions); third-party tools may still be needed for advanced use.
      – Partial Copilot integration: Microsoft is scaling back deep Copilot integration, focusing on performance, personalization of taskbar/Start menu, and user favor.

      Overview of Copilot Key and Windows 11 Update

      laptop makers want to push a Windows AI features and Copilot+ branding, they gotta install a keyboard with a Copilot key. this idea may not change soon, but the key’s function will be customizable. microsoft has confirmed in a support doc that a Windows 11 update in 2026 will let the Copilot key on devices like the Surface Laptop used as the right Ctrl key or as a context menu key. the note here is that pricing info like $1,199 on amazon is present in the original text but will be dropped in this version.

      Upcoming Customization Possibilities

      after this update, you should be able to change the key’s function in the system settings. since the Copilot key has largely replaced the right Ctrl on many laptops, microsoft plans to restore a function that was standard on most laptops up to 2023. yet, they will not make the Copilot key totally programmable for macro execution or opening a chosen app. for those needing more control, third party software will still be needed. this paragraph keeps a casual tone with varied rhythm.

      What Won’t Change Right Away

      microsoft has not confirmed an exact date for the Windows 11 update. still, they are dialing back deep Copilot integration across windows 11 as they try to regain user favor. promised are performance improvements and new ways to personalize the taskbar and Start menu. also, Copilot is being scaled back in other areas, including the end of Xbox Copilot.


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