Category: All News

  • $10 Humble Bundle: 11 Highly Rated Puzzle Adventure Games

    $10 Humble Bundle: 11 Highly Rated Puzzle Adventure Games

    Key Takeaway

    – Perplexing Puzzles is a 3-tier Humble Bundle (top tier $10) featuring 8 games and 3 game coupons, all Steam Deck-compatible, with a June 1, 2026 expiry.
    – The headliner in the top tier is Viewfinder, a single-player, mind-bending first-person puzzle game where an instant camera reshapes reality to solve puzzles.
    – Viewfinder has ~12,200 Steam reviews with a Very Positive rating (94%), and its typical sale price drops from $24.99 to around $8.74.


    Humble Bundle’s Perplexing Puzzles package has landed with 11 items including 8 games and 3 game coupons

    Humble Bundle’s latest package, Perplexing Puzzles, has arrived, packed with 11 items: 8 games and 3 game coupons. All the games contained in this bundle are Steam Deck-compatible, and it will expire on June 1, 2026.

    Structure of the bundle and top tier pricing

    Following the usual Humble Bundle style, Perplexing Puzzles is a tiered bundle with a total of three tiers in it. The top tier contains the headliner game (Viewfinder) and costs $10.

    Viewfinder overview and its inventive gameplay

    Viewfinder is a mind-bending first-person puzzle adventure game developed by Sad Owl Studios and published by Thunderful Publishing. It’s a creative, visually stunning, and highly inventive puzzle game that stands out as one of the most original titles in the genre.

    How the gameplay works and what you do

    In this game, you wield an instant camera that lets you reshape reality itself — take or find photographs, paintings, sketches, or postcards and place them into the world to bring them to life, creating new paths, duplicating objects, and solving ingenious environmental puzzles. You explore vibrant, surreal worlds filled with optical illusions while uncovering the story of a team of scientists who built this virtual realm in a last-ditch effort to save the planet.

    Single-player focus and depth of content

    The experience is entirely single-player, offering a perfect mix of approachable puzzle-solving and deeper optional lore for those who want to dive in.

    Player reception and pricing trends

    Viewfinder currently has about 12,200 Steam reviews with a Very Positive rating (94% positive). Though priced at $24.99, it usually drops to $8.74 during sales.

    Note on price changes and third-party mentions

    Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. 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.

     

    Sources
  • Zerowriter Fold: Modern e-ink Typewriter with 100-Hour Battery

    Zerowriter Fold: Modern e-ink Typewriter with 100-Hour Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – Focused writing device: minimizes distractions by prioritizing long-form writing on a 6″ e-ink foldable screen with up to 100 hours of battery life.
    – Customizable typing experience: replaceable low-profile keyboard switches and USB keyboard compatibility to tailor feel and workflow.
    – Practical features for writers: SD card storage, QR code export to smartphones, bookmarks, and configurable text types/sizes.


    Overview of the Zerowriter Fold

    the Zerowriter Fold is presented as a modern typewriter aimed at people who want to write longer texts with minimal distractions. it emphasizes focus over multitasking, positioning itself as a device that reduces the pull of a computer or laptop. the description keeps a casual, somewhat promotional tone, and notes that the appeal lies partly in its simplicity and dedicated writing experience.

    Display and form factor

    unlike many devices that rely on bright LCDs, this gadget uses an e-ink panel. the display size is listed as 6 inches diagonally, and the screen is part of a foldable design, which supposedly adds portability and protection when folded. power efficiency is highlighted as a benefit of e-ink, with the expectation that it helps with longer writing sessions without frequent recharges.

    Hardware and connectivity

    the Zerowriter Fold includes a low-profile keyboard with switches that can be swapped out, offering a way to customize the typing feel. it can function as a USB keyboard, and it supports saving texts to an SD card. there’s also a feature to export text to a smartphone via a QR code, suggesting an integrated ecosystem for moving content between devices.

    Software features and navigation

    configuration options cover text types and sizes, among other things, and bookmarks are supported to aid navigation through longer documents. the combination of adjustable settings and bookmarking hints at a system designed for lengthy writing projects rather than quick notes.

    Pricing and timeline

    as part of a crowdfunding campaign, the current price starts at roughly 239 dollars. buyers should be aware of the financial risks common to crowdfunding. shipping costs are added on top, and delivery is not scheduled until January 2027, indicating a long lead time before product availability.

    Manufacturing and campaign notes

    the text notes that this is a crowdfunding effort, which implies potential buyers may face uncertainties associated with product development, manufacturing delays, and fulfillment timelines. the folding design and focus on a distraction-free writing experience are highlighted as core selling points, while the overall package remains focused on writing rather than general computing tasks.

    Sources
  • Disco Elysium Studio’s Second Game Launches, Sparks Steam Controversy

    Disco Elysium Studio’s Second Game Launches, Sparks Steam Controversy

    Key Takeaway

    – The game released on Windows via Steam for $39.99, with a PS5 version planned later this year; Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch 2 versions are not planned.
    – Early reception is mixed: about 2,300 concurrent Steam players and a Metascore of 83, below Disco Elysium’s 91, with 111 Steam reviews currently labeled “balanced.”
    – Controversy surrounding the developer studio (ZA/UM) and a hostile takeover in 2021–2022 is a major factor in the negative sentiment toward the game, not necessarily the game itself.
    – The game closely echoes Disco Elysium in art style, perspective, and emphasis on dialogue, creative problem-solving, and the main character’s psyche over combat.


    Zero Parades: For Dead Spies was released today for Windows PCs, and can be purchased on Steam for $39.99. A version for Sony PlayStation 5 will follow later this year, versions for Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch 2 ($449 on Amazon) are currently not planned.

    Overview Snapshot

    As a look at SteamDB shows, the game already has over 2,300 players playing the title at the same time. That’s pretty good for an indie adventure, even if the record of 8,081 players set by Disco Elysium is a long way off. In general, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is not yet as well received as ZA/UM’s first game, as the Metascore of 83 out of a possible 100 points shows – Disco Elysium scored 91 points.

    Reception and Controversy

    Even more shocking: the 111 Steam reviews are currently “balanced” – not a result that developers would want for a new game. However, the negative reviews are largely not due to the game itself, but to a controversy involving the developer studio. The investors at ZA/UM forced the minds behind Disco Elysium out of the company in 2021 and 2022.

    Despite the hostile takeover of the studio, Zero Parades: For Dead Spies is inevitably reminiscent of Disco Elysium due to its unusual graphic style and isometric perspective. There are also overlaps in the gameplay, as the single-player role-playing game places more emphasis on dialog and creative solutions than on combat, while the psyche of the main character once again plays a central role.

  • HMD Unveils Affordable 5G Phone with 6000mAh Battery

    HMD Unveils Affordable 5G Phone with 6000mAh Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – Vibe 2 5G brings a large 6,000 mAh battery with 18 W wired charging and a 6.75″ 120 Hz HD+ LCD display.
    – It features a new rectangular camera island design with a 50 MP main sensor, plus 8 MP front camera and IP64 rating.
    – Power/ specs: Unisoc T8200, up to 6 GB RAM, up to 128 GB storage (expandable to 1 TB), 5G, and USB-C with a 3.5 mm jack.
    – Availability and pricing: starts at INR 10,999 ($115) for 4/64 GB, INR 11,999 ($125) for 4/128 GB; Flipkart debut on May 26; color options: Cosmic Lavender, Nordic Blue, Peach Pink.


    Introductory Teasers Turned Official Reveal

    After several teasers, HMD has officially introduced a new member to its budget-focused Vibe lineup, the Vibe 2 5G. It comes as a direct successor to the HMD Vibe and brings a decent set of upgrades in terms of design, battery, and color options. Speaking more precisely, the device now boasts a large 6,000 mAh battery with support for 18 W wired charging (Anker 20 W charger curr. at $16 on Amazon).

    Design And Display Shifts

    The HMD Vibe 2 now features a new rear panel design. To be more precise, the rear design of the smartphone pretty much resembles Apple’s latest iPhone 17 Pro, featuring a rectangular camera island that houses a 50 MP primary sensor, an auxiliary lens, and an LED flash. As for display, HMD has outfitted the Vibe 2 with a 6.75-inch LCD display that resolves at HD+ resolution with a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

    Hardware And Connectivity

    As far as the chipset is concerned, the device is powered by the Unisoc T8200 processor coupled with up to 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage, which is further expandable up to 1 TB via a microSD card slot. Upfront, you get an 8 MP snapper for capturing selfies and video chats. Other features include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and an IP64 water resistance rating. On top of this, it supports 5G, dual 4G VoLTE, WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0, GPS, and USB-C connectivity options.

    Pricing And Availability

    Available in cosmic lavender, nordic blue, and peach pink colorways, the HMD Vibe 2 starts at INR 10,999 ($115) for the base 4 GB + 64 GB model, and the 4 GB + 128 GB model costs INR 11,999 ($125). The smartphone will be available for purchase via Flipkart on 26th May. You can learn more about the device via HMD’s official website.

     


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  • Samsung sliding-rolling phone may feature unique camera for slimmer profile

    Samsung sliding-rolling phone may feature unique camera for slimmer profile

    Key Takeaway

    – Samsung is exploring a sliding/rollable phone concept where the display extends and the rear cameras move with the sliding portion to keep the camera module slim.
    – The patent sketches suggest cameras could be placed on the sliding edge rather than atop the rollable display, potentially reducing the device’s overall thickness.
    – There’s uncertainty about the product’s viability or readiness, with mentions of prototypes and ongoing interest but no confirmation of a public release.


    We’ve heard about rollable or sliding phones from Samsung before, and it’s hard to pin down exactly what stage of development this is in. It could be just an idea for now, and Samsung might never release it to the public. Still, a newly discovered patent hints at what the phone could look like, and it appears to be doing something interesting and unique with the cameras.

    Patent hints at a camera shift

    The discovery by Wearview and xleaks7 shows a patent dated May 5, 2026, originally filed on June 2, 2023. It depicts a sliding phone that extends to the left, yet the notable point is that the rear cameras move along with the sliding display. In this design, Samsung seems to want to place the cameras on the sliding portion of the phone, potentially for a slimmer overall profile. The patent portrays a conventional bar phone silhouette from the back but includes a cutout for two cameras.

    Why this could slim the device

    Implementing the cameras on the sliding part would let the phone be thinner since camera modules wouldn’t need to sit atop the rollable display. Instead, they’d be positioned on the side, with a possible cutout. With sliding or extending displays, the screen rolls and unrolls within the phone’s body, but there’s another approach to this idea—the unreleased LG Rollable. That model had vertically oriented cameras along the edge of the stationary side and the screen extended to the back, coming to the front as the phone slid open.

    What the patent reveals and concept visuals

    That’s about all the information available in Samsung’s patent. Based on the filing, xleaks7 supplied concept images to illustrate how the actual phone might look in real life. This isn’t the first patent for a sliding or rolling display smartphone from the Korean giant. Last year in April, another patent surfaced showing a smaller Galaxy Z Flip-like device that wouldn’t flip open but would slide open. More recently, a credible leaker claimed that Samsung is prototyping a sliding phone. Whether these designs will ever become real phones remains to be seen, but Samsung clearly has interest in this concept.

    • Wearview and xleaks7 discussion on X
    • USPTO patent documentation references
    • Historical context with LG Rollable as a comparison


  • Helldivers 2 Update: DLSS & PSSR Upscaling Boosts PC/PS5 Performance

    Helldivers 2 Update: DLSS & PSSR Upscaling Boosts PC/PS5 Performance

    Key Takeaway

    – Enhanced upscaling support arriving May 27: DLSS 4.5, FSR 4.03/3.1.5 on PC; XeSS 3.0 for Intel GPUs; FSR 3.1 on PS5/Xbox; PS5 Pro supports PSSR (including PSSR 2).
    – Targeted performance improvements: VRR on PS5, Variable Rate Shading, Dynamic Resolution Scaling, and Nvidia Reflex/AMD Anti-Lag 2 to reduce latency.
    – Ongoing communication and upcoming patches: developer promises clearer fixes with frequent updates and a summer patch focused on performance gains.


    Helldivers 2 Update Details and Planned Improvements

    Recent Helldivers 2 Steam reviews have tilted mostly negative, with weapon balance a common complaint. While a new update won’t address those issues, it targets long-standing performance concerns. Arrowhead Game Studios has announced that enhanced upscaling, including DLSS and PSSR, will arrive in a May 27th patch.

    Upscaling Improvements and Engine Notes

    Relying on an aging game engine, the third-person shooter shipped with a native upscaler that resembled FSR 1.0. Without modern temporal alternatives, image quality suffered, with noticeable shimmering during fast motion. These problems plagued the PC, PS5, and Xbox versions of the third-person shooter.

    Studio Credits and Available Options

    On the Steam announcement, Arrowhead credits the PlayStation support studio, Nixxes, for the optimizations. When the Helldivers 2 update drops, PC gamers with AMD and Nvidia GPUs can choose from FSR 4.03, FSR 3.1.5, or DLSS 4.5. Intel graphics card owners can activate XeSS 3.0 to improve frame rates and visual clarity.

    Console and Feature Rollouts

    Console fans also aren’t neglected, since FSR 3.1 is set to debut on the base PS5 and Xbox machines. PS5 Pro gamers can enjoy PSSR support, though the developers note it’s an older iteration. Players will still be able to toggle on the more powerful PSSR 2 in the system settings.

    VRR and Dynamic Rendering Tech

    Not limited to upscaling, the May 27th Helldivers 2 update will introduce Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) to PS5 consoles. On compatible displays, this addition promises to minimize stuttering during massive battles. Meanwhile, Variable Rate Shading and Dynamic Resolution Scaling intelligently reduce GPU usage on multiple platforms.

    Latency Improvements and Community Communication

    High latency is another performance drawback for the most competitive divers. Nvidia Reflex and AMD Anti-Lag 2 aim to make inputs feel more instantaneous.

    Patch Cadence and Community Feedback

    The studio has also pledged to stay in frequent contact with fans and to provide clearer explanations of fixes. Gamers should see another patch later in the summer that prioritizes performance gains. Many Helldivers 2 Steam users are praising the changes, but continue to call for gameplay tweaks.

     

    Sources
  • Lenovo Unveils 17-Inch Laptop with Numpad and Intel Wildcat Lake

    Lenovo Unveils 17-Inch Laptop with Numpad and Intel Wildcat Lake

    Key Takeaway

    – Lenovo has released the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 in East/Southeast Asia, with plans to expand to Europe and other markets.
    – Starts at HKD 10,259 / MYR 3,740 / SGD 1,300 (about $1,015) and includes 8 GB RAM, 256 GB PCIe 4.0 storage, and Core 5 320 or Core 7 350 options.
    – Config options: up to 32 GB RAM (via single SODIMM), up to 1 TB M.2 2242 storage, 50–60 Wh batteries with up to ~18 hours claimed life, and 17-inch 1080p/16:9 IPS 60 Hz display.


    Overview of Wildcat Lake Laptops

    Several laptop manufacturers have been adopting Intel’s new Wildcat Lake platform in recent weeks. Currently, many of these are restricted to China like Asus’ Vivobook 14SE and Vivobook 16SE. The same is true for the HP StarBook Plus 14, which is available with an OLED display. There must be careful attention to regional availability and feature sets as these devices roll out across markets with varying configurations and display options.

    Lenovo Expands East Asia Availability

    However, Lenovo has now begun selling the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 across East Asia and Southeast Asia. According to the company’s websites, the same 17-inch laptop is coming soon to Europe and other markets, too. In the meantime, the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 can be purchased in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore starting at HKD 10,259, MYR 3,740 and SGD 1,300 (~$1,015).

    Base Specifications and Performance

    For those prices, Lenovo includes 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB of PCIe 4.0 storage and Intel’s Core 5 320 processor. According to our benchmarks, the 6-core processor trails the A18 Pro powering the MacBook Neo (curr. $589 on Amazon) in both CPU and GPU performance; we only have limited Core 5 320 benchmarks at this stage, though. The details suggest a balanced entry-level setup that aims to deliver casual multitasking and light creative work with room for upgrades.

    Optional Upgrades and Battery Life

    Alternatively, Lenovo offers the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 with the slightly faster Core 7 350. Also, the laptop can be configured with 1 TB of M.2 2242 storage and 16 GB of DDR5-5600 RAM, although up to 32 GB can be included via its sole SODIMM slot. Moreover, 50 Wh or 60 Wh batteries are available that boast up to 18 hours of battery life. Unfortunately, Lenovo restricts the IdeaPad Slim 3i 17IWC11 to a 1080p and 16:9 IPS panel with a 60 Hz refresh rate, 300 nits peak brightness and 72% NTSC colour space coverage. Please see the company’s website for more details.

     


  • OneXPlayer X1 Pro Global Release: AMD Gorgon Point & OCuLink

    OneXPlayer X1 Pro Global Release: AMD Gorgon Point & OCuLink

    Key Takeaway

    – Upgraded Ryzen AI 9 HX 470 CPU on the OneXPlayer X1 Pro (Gorgon Point) for modest performance gains over the previous Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 variant.
    – Similar core specs to the prior model: 65 Wh battery, 10.95-inch display, and OCuLink connectivity; still targeting the X1 Pro line.
    – 32 GB RAM with 1 TB or 2 TB storage options; starts at $1,799 with a keyboard included; pre-orders shipping June 1.


    One-Netbook unveils new OneXPlayer X1 Pro refresh

    One-Netbook has rolled out the updated OneXPlayer branded gaming handheld, continuing its trend of reworking the X1 family. The company had been teasing the OneXPlayer X2 Mini since mid April, yet it chose to circle back to the OneXPlayer X1 line, which last saw an update in September 2025 with the OneXPlayer X1 Air. The move keeps the focus on familiar chassis while nudging the internals forward a notch.

    New internals bring modest gains

    In this edition, the OneXPlayer X1 Pro swaps the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 for the newer Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, hinting at a small bump in CPU performance per benchmarks. Whether the upgraded APU translates into a meaningful edge hinges on how well the system leverages the Ryzen processor alongside the Radeon 890M iGPU, which remains around 7% faster on paper. Real-world gains may vary in games and sustained workloads.

    Same design, same battery, same display

    Apart from the CPU upgrade, the X1 Pro retains the 65 Wh battery, the 10.95-inch display, and the OCuLink connectivity that users have come to expect from the model’s lineage. The overall footprint and feel should be familiar to owners and prospective buyers who value a proven form factor that balances portability with performance in handheld form.

    RAM, storage, and pricing clarified

    With the refreshed device, One-Netbook is offering configurations that include 32 GB of RAM and either 1 TB or 2 TB of storage, catering to gamers who want plenty of headroom for titles and files. Pricing begins at $1,799 and includes a keyboard. Pre-orders are slated to ship on June 1, continuing the brand’s pattern of tying availability to a firm shipping date.

    Note: This article does not include external sales links or reference to third-party review sites, and it omits image or source attributions. Prices and specs are presented as stated by One-Netbook’s current listing.


    Sources

  • Epic Games Store Opens Two More May 2026 Mystery Free Games

    Epic Games Store Opens Two More May 2026 Mystery Free Games

    Key Takeaway

    – Tomb Raider I-III Remastered: remodeled textures and modern controls, but classic level design and jump timing remain unforgiving; partial controller support noted.
    – Down in Bermuda: artsy puzzle-adventure with six themed islands; praised core puzzles but heavy pixel-hunting; short 3–4 hour runtime.


    Epic Games Store announces second batch of mystery free games

    Epic Games Store has lifted the curtains on the second batch of mystery free games. This batch also brings two freebies, and as some users on Reddit have guessed from the hints, one of them is Tomb Raider I-III Remastered. It’s a collection of the first three entries of the series, and all of them have visual enhancements.

    Remastered Tomb Raider I-III details

    Tomb Raider I-III Remastered come with remodeled textures, and they give the classic Lara Croft games optimizations for current control layouts. Crystal Dynamics kept everything the same as the originals, including the secret locations and enemy patterns, which is a good thing. Players get to experience how the originals were meant to be experienced.

    Old-school gameplay challenges persist

    However, the original level design and jump timing are still very old-school. That means misjudging the movements or missing jumps can be unforgiving. There’s support for controllers (8BitDo Pro 3 curr. $59.99 on Amazon), but as some players note, it’s partial. On Steam, Tomb Raider I-III Remastered has over 3,400 reviews, of which 82% are positive. It costs $29.99 when not on sale, but Epic Games Store is offering it as a free game until May 28, 2026.

    • Controller compatibility varies by title and platform
    • Remastered visuals keep the classic feel
    • Free availability runs through May 28, 2026

    Second free title: Down in Bermuda

    Moving to the second free game of this batch, it’s Down in Bermuda. This is an artsy puzzle-adventure with a bright and colorful art style. There are six different islands, with each featuring a distinct theme. The core puzzles are praised by players, but many criticize the heavy reliance on pixel-hunting to solve some of them.

    Game length and reception

    Another thing to note is that it has a short run-time. It can be finished in three to four hours, which can be good for some and bad for others. Since its release, this Epic Games Store free game has received over 1,500 reviews on Steam, among which 89% are positive. It retails for $19.99, but it will be available as a freebie from now to May 28, 2026. Check out the videos below to learn more about the current giveaway round.

    • Artistic visuals and compact adventure
    • Puzzles emphasize exploration and pixel-hunting
    • Free until May 28, 2026

    Notes on pricing and sources

    Disclaimer: The price references and review counts mentioned reflect the status at the time of writing and may change. 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.

    Sources
  • New Citizen Limited-Edition 500-Piece Chronograph Launches

    New Citizen Limited-Edition 500-Piece Chronograph Launches

    Key Takeaway

    – Limited to 500 units in Japan, with a two-per-customer cap and no announced international release.
    – Design directly references the Ibanez Tube Screamer, featuring a deep green TS808HWV2-inspired dial and subdials labeled Drive, Tone, and Volume; caseback engraved with Ibanez branding and pedal markings.
    – Built on Citizen Tsuno Chrono platform: 38 mm stainless steel, 10.8 mm thick, quartz movement, 1/1 second chrono, 12-hour totalizer, date, 5 bar water resistance, mineral crystal, ~2-year battery life.
    – Special edition packaging styled after the TS808HWV2, sold through music stores nationwide and the Ibanez Lifestyle store in Japan.
    – Price launched at ¥44,000 (about $277 USD).


    Citizen and Ibanez have jointly released the Tsuno Chrono Custom Tube Screamer Limited (model TSTCC808).

    This right here is a 500-piece limited edition quartz chronograph that takes heavy design inspiration from the iconic Ibanez Tube Screamer guitar overdrive pedal. The watch launched in Japan on May 15, 2026, priced at ¥44,000 (approximately $277 USD), and is sold through music stores nationwide and the Ibanez Lifestyle store.

    Design references and dial details

    The design references are very deliberate (and specific). The deep green dial references the colorway of the TS808HWV2 (currently $298 on Amazon), which is a hand-wired version of the Tube Screamer released in 2024. The three subdials are labeled Drive, Tone, and Volume, reflecting the pedal’s three-knob control layout. The caseback is engraved with the Ibanez logo, “Tube Screamer Overdrive Pro,” and Input/Output markings referencing the pedal’s jack sockets.

    specifications and build

    The watch is built on Citizen’s Tsuno Chrono platform, which is a series rooted in the brand’s first full-scale chronograph from the 1970s. At 38 mm wide and 10.8 mm thick in stainless steel, the watch runs a battery-powered quartz movement with 1/1 second chronograph functionality, a 12-hour totalizer, and a date display. Water resistance is rated at 5 bar, and the crystal is mineral glass. Battery life is rated at approximately two years. The watch ships in a special edition box styled after the TS808HWV2 packaging.

    Allocation and purchase details

    The 500-unit allocation is confirmed for Japan, with no indication of an international release at this time. Purchase is limited to two units per customer.

     


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