Category: All News

  • FiiO Launches SA1 Desktop Speakers with 31-Band EQ and LDAC

    FiiO Launches SA1 Desktop Speakers with 31-Band EQ and LDAC

    Key Takeaways

    1. Compact Design: The FiiO SA1 speakers measure 13.6 x 15.6 x 18.5 cm and weigh 1.75 kg, making them small yet powerful desktop speakers.

    2. Audio Performance: They feature a frequency range of 65 Hz to 20 kHz, a 31-band equalizer app for sound customization, and the ability to connect to an optional active subwoofer.

    3. Connectivity Options: The speakers offer various inputs, including aux, TOSLINK, coaxial, USB-C, and Bluetooth 5.4, along with a phono preamp for turntables.

    4. Integrated DAC: The built-in DAC supports high-resolution audio signals, handling up to 96 kHz/32-bit and 192 kHz/24-bit through USB and coax inputs.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The FiiO SA1 is priced around $200 on AliExpress, with availability expected from global retailers like Amazon shortly after release.

    The FiiO SA1 is a set of small desktop speakers that packs a punch. With dimensions of 13.6 x 15.6 x 18.5 cm (5.4 x 6.1 x 7.3 in) and a weight of 1.75 kg (3.86 lb), each unit features a 90 mm wood-fiber woofer and a 20 mm aluminum-magnesium tweeter, powered by a 20-watt and 5-watt amplifier respectively.

    Audio Performance

    Thanks to this configuration, the speakers provide a frequency range from 65 Hz to 20 kHz. A standout aspect is the 31-band equalizer found in the accompanying smartphone app, which lets users modify the sound output based on their likings and the acoustics of their space. The app also has presets tailored for different music styles. Moreover, the FiiO SA1 can connect to an optional active subwoofer and includes knobs for independent volume and bass control.

    Connectivity Options

    The FiiO SA1 desktop speakers are created for great adaptability. In addition to aux, TOSLINK, and coaxial inputs, FiiO has added a USB-C port for computer connections, a phono preamp for turntable use, and Bluetooth 5.4 that supports AAC, SBC, and Sony’s LDAC. The integrated DAC can handle 96 kHz/32-bit and 192 kHz/24-bit audio signals through USB and coax inputs respectively.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can find the FiiO SA1 on AliExpress with a price tag of about $200, not including taxes and shipping costs. If you’d rather not deal with imports, FiiO products usually show up at worldwide retailers like Amazon a few weeks after their initial release. For further details about the SA1, you can check out the official product page.

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    FiiO Launches SA1 Desktop Speakers with 31-Band EQ and LDACFiiO Launches SA1 Desktop Speakers with 31-Band EQ and LDACFiiO Launches SA1 Desktop Speakers with 31-Band EQ and LDAC

     

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  • Oppo Pad 4 Pro Launching Next Month to Rival Apple iPad Pro 13

    Oppo Pad 4 Pro Launching Next Month to Rival Apple iPad Pro 13

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Pad 4 Pro will be unveiled on April 10, alongside the Watch X2 Mini and Find X8 smartphones.
    2. It features Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, the first for tablets, and a 13.2-inch IPS display with a 7:5 aspect ratio.
    3. The tablet has a thickness of 5.99 mm, which is about 17% thicker than the iPad Pro 13.
    4. It will include an active stylus and a detachable Bluetooth keyboard, similar to the OnePlus Pad 2.
    5. The Pad 4 Pro will be available in three colors, with matching accessories.

    Oppo has officially announced the release date for the Pad 4 Pro, which will launch alongside the Watch X2 Mini and a set of Find X8 smartphones. Although the tablet is set to be unveiled on April 10, the company has already shared its design and some accessories on Weibo.

    Key Features

    Oppo has previously stated that the Pad 4 Pro will utilize Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, a first for tablets. As noted by Digital Chat Station, this premium chipset will be paired with a 13.2-inch IPS display featuring a 7:5 aspect ratio. Additionally, the Pad 4 Pro measures 5.99 mm in thickness, making it around 17% thicker than Apple’s iPad Pro 13.

    Accessories and Availability

    The Pad 4 Pro will come with an active stylus and a detachable keyboard, similar to the OnePlus Pad 2, currently priced at $549.99 on Amazon. The keyboard supports Bluetooth, allowing it to be used independently from the Pad 4 Pro, much like Microsoft’s Surface Pro Flex keyboard. Oppo has indicated that its upcoming high-end Android tablet will be released in three colors, accompanied by matching accessories.

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  • GTA 6 Playable Map Faces Shutdown as Take-Two Lawyers Step In

    GTA 6 Playable Map Faces Shutdown as Take-Two Lawyers Step In

    Key Takeaways

    1. A modder named Dark Space created a playable map of GTA 6 for GTA V, called “Project Vice.”
    2. Take-Two Interactive issued a copyright claim, leading to the removal of Dark Space’s YouTube video and download links for the mod.
    3. Dark Space received a copyright strike on his YouTube channel, risking potential channel termination with further strikes.
    4. Take-Two did not contact Dark Space before removing the video, which is unusual for companies in such situations.
    5. GTA 6 is scheduled to release this fall for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, with a PC release expected next year.

    Last week, a modder released a playable map of GTA 6 as a mod for GTA V, giving players a sneak peek of the eagerly awaited game. However, the modder has now reported that lawyers from Take-Two Interactive, the parent company of Rockstar Games, have issued a copyright claim and removed the video from YouTube. This action led him to also take down the download links for his mod. Many in the gaming community anticipated this move, believing it was just a matter of time before the company acted.

    Modder’s Announcement

    The modder, known as Dark Space, utilized details from the official trailer, leaks, and speculation to create what he named “Project Vice,” a playable GTA 6 map for GTA V. He shared the unfortunate update on his YouTube channel, showing the copyright claim he received from Take-Two Interactive regarding his video titled, “I Finally Made A Playable GTA 6 Map in FiveM and Single Player.”

    Legal Actions

    Notably, Take-Two’s lawyers did not reach out to Dark Space via email before taking down the video, a common practice for companies in similar situations. YouTube informed Dark Space that the video was removed and that he now has one copyright strike against his channel, warning him that accumulating multiple strikes could lead to a channel termination.

    Precautions Taken

    In response to the strike, the modder preemptively deleted the download links for his mod to avoid further issues with Take-Two. It seems the modded GTA 6 map may have been too closely aligned with what the company wants to keep under wraps, not wanting gamers to catch a glimpse of the game before its official release.

    GTA 6 is set to launch this fall for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. PC gamers are likely to get their chance to play the game sometime next year, provided there are no delays.

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  • TCL T8C QLED TV with 288Hz Game Accelerator Launches Globally

    TCL T8C QLED TV with 288Hz Game Accelerator Launches Globally

    Key Takeaways

    1. The TCL T8C QLED HDR Smart TV is now available in several European countries, including France, Spain, and Germany, after its initial launch in the UK.

    2. It features a 4K resolution, native refresh rate of 120Hz, and Motion Clarity Pro with a maximum of 144Hz, along with a high contrast ratio of 5,000:1 to 6,000:1.

    3. The TV supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, achieves up to 350 nits of brightness, and covers 93% of the DCI-P3 color space.

    4. For gamers, it offers a 288Hz Game Accelerator, ALLM, AMD FreeSync Premium support, and superwide screen ratios of 21:9 and 32:9.

    5. Pricing starts at €549 for the 55-inch model in Germany and £649 in the UK, with availability at retailers like Amazon.

    The TCL T8C QLED HDR Smart TV is now available in several more European nations. It first launched in the UK a few weeks ago and is now accessible at stores in countries such as France, Spain, and Germany.

    Specifications and Features

    The T8C boasts a 4K resolution and is advertised with 144Hz Motion Clarity Pro, although it has a native refresh rate of 120Hz. The HVA Screen enhances contrast, offering a ratio of either 5,000:1 or 6,000:1, depending on the screen size. Furthermore, the TV is reported to achieve up to 350 nits of brightness, covers 93% of the DCI-P3 color space, and supports HDR10+ as well as Dolby Vision.

    Gaming and Connectivity

    For gamers, the T8C comes equipped with a 288Hz Game Accelerator, ALLM, and support for AMD FreeSync Premium. It also offers superwide screen ratios of 21:9 and 32:9. Running on Google TV, this model allows users to stream from a variety of apps, use voice commands to control the TV, and wirelessly cast via Google Chromecast and Miracast. Built-in Onkyo 2.1 channel speakers are compatible with Dolby Atmos and DTS-X technologies. Additionally, it features Bluetooth 5.2 and dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, alongside multiple ports including four HDMI, USB-A, and LAN.

    Pricing Information

    You can purchase the TCL T8C QLED HDR Smart TV at retailers like Amazon (DE), with the 55-inch model starting at €549. In the UK, prices begin at £649; a detailed price list is provided below.

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    TCL T8C QLED TV with 288Hz Game Accelerator Launches Globally
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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Early at Dutch Retailer

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Early at Dutch Retailer

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nintendo will share more details about the Switch 2 during a Nintendo Direct event on April 2, with hints of an earlier event focused on launch titles.
    2. The expected price for the Switch 2 is around CAD$499.99 (about $349.99), but analysts suggest it could be priced at $400 or higher.
    3. A retailer in the Netherlands has begun accepting pre-orders for the Switch 2, listing it at €499 (approximately $539) with a disclaimer that this price is an estimate.
    4. The estimated availability of the Switch 2 in Belgium and the Netherlands is mid-June, but this timeline is still speculative.
    5. Pre-orders will be fulfilled in the order they are received, and customers will receive a refund if the final price is lower than the pre-order amount.

    Numerous uncertainties still surround the Switch 2, even after Nintendo’s brief YouTube video announcement two months ago. The company has stated that more details will be shared on April 2 during the upcoming Nintendo Direct event. There are hints that a different event focusing specifically on launch titles might take place before April 2, too.

    Pricing Expectations

    As of now, Nintendo hasn’t disclosed the price for the Switch 2. However, evidence that came to light last month suggests the console could have a price tag of around CAD$499.99, which currently translates to approximately $349.99. Analysts, however, believe that the Switch 2 might be priced at $400 or higher.

    Pre-Order Details

    In the meantime, a retailer in the Netherlands has started accepting pre-orders for this much-anticipated console. The original Switch, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon, goes for just below €300 in the Netherlands, while Game-stock has listed the Switch 2 at €499 (roughly $539). It’s important to note that the listing includes a disclaimer stating that this pricing is merely an estimate and not final. Game-stock also anticipates that the Switch 2 will be available in Belgium and the Netherlands by mid-June, although this is still speculative. Consequently, this early pre-sale seems to be more of an optimistic guess than anything else. Here’s the complete statement from Game-stock:

    Please note: This is a pre-order for the Nintendo Switch 2. The precise delivery date, price, and quantity that will be delivered are still unknown. Our current estimate is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be accessible in the Netherlands and Belgium by mid-June of this year.

    Orders will be fulfilled in the order they were placed, meaning the first customers to order will receive their console first upon release. We will update our page immediately once we have more information.

    If we are unable to fulfill all orders, or if you wish to cancel your order, a refund will be promptly issued. The pre-order price is set at 499 euros, and if the final price of the console is lower, you’ll of course receive a refund for the difference.

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    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Early at Dutch RetailerNintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Early at Dutch RetailerNintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Early at Dutch RetailerNintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Launch Early at Dutch Retailer
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  • New Fitbit Patent Reveals Blood Pressure Finger Monitor

    New Fitbit Patent Reveals Blood Pressure Finger Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fitbit has filed a new patent for a finger-mounted blood pressure monitor with innovative dual-sensor technology.
    2. The device is designed to be compact and more comfortable than traditional blood pressure cuffs.
    3. It may include a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor to track heart rate and SpO2 levels.
    4. The device features an inflatable component that could improve the accuracy of blood pressure readings.
    5. The American Heart Association recommends cuff-style devices for blood pressure monitoring, noting that finger monitors are generally less reliable.

    Another patent associated with a Fitbit blood pressure finger monitor has shown up at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The company has made several applications in recent years regarding devices for tracking blood pressure, including a recent filing for innovative dual-sensor technology. However, new documents provide further insights about this potential gadget.

    Compact and Comfortable Design

    Patent number 12,251,205 B2 expands on previous records, presenting images of a wearable device for the finger. Fitbit claims that this finger-mounted device would be smaller and more comfortable compared to traditional blood pressure cuffs. This product might include a photoplethysmographic (PPG) sensor, enabling it to assess heart rate and SpO2 levels.

    Enhanced Measurement Accuracy

    Regarding blood pressure readings, there is reportedly an inflatable component similar to those found in conventional cuff-style devices, which can be pressurized dynamically. By altering the pressure and consequently the blood flow, the patent suggests that the precision of blood pressure readings is improved. Nevertheless, at this point, there is no evidence to support this claim or to compare it with standard blood pressure cuffs.

    The American Heart Association (AHA) currently recommends using a cuff-style device for monitoring blood pressure from the upper arm; one example is the Withings BPM Connect (curr. $84.99 at Amazon). The organization indicates that finger monitors tend to be less dependable. It is still uncertain whether a Fitbit device focused on blood pressure monitoring will be released.

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  • Oppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs Revealed

    Oppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Oppo Watch X2 Mini will launch on April 10 and is expected to have a 42 mm case size.
    2. It will be available in three styles: a fancy design, and simpler black and silver versions, all with fluoroelastomer bands.
    3. The smartwatch features a 60 Hz AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,200 nits, powered by a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor.
    4. Battery life is up to 3 days, or 8 days in power-saving mode, with a hybrid operating system combining Wear OS and RTOS.
    5. It is expected to have 32 GB of internal storage, 2 GB of RAM, a 5 ATM water resistance rating, and IP68 certification.

    Oppo has officially announced the release date for its upcoming smartwatch. The Watch X2 Mini is set to launch on April 10, providing a more compact alternative to the current Oppo Watch X2. While the exact size of the case has not been revealed yet, the Watch X2 Mini is anticipated to measure 42 mm, similar to the Apple Watch Series 10, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon.

    Launch Styles and Designs

    Oppo has also shared that the Watch X2 Mini will be available in three distinct styles, with images provided below. As illustrated, the fancy design that Oppo unveiled last week will be accompanied by simpler black and silver versions, both featuring what seems to be fluoroelastomer bands. All styles will share the same core hardware, which includes two physical buttons and a round display.

    Display and Performance

    As per Abhishek Yadav, the display is a 60 Hz AMOLED screen that can adjust its refresh rates thanks to an LTPO backplane and boasts a peak brightness of up to 2,200 nits. Reportedly, the Watch X2 Mini is equipped with a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor and a BES2800 low-power chipset, allowing for a battery life of up to 3 days, or 8 days when the power-saving mode is turned on. These chipsets will deliver a hybrid operating system experience that combines Wear OS and RTOS, akin to Mobvoi’s TicWatch series.

    Storage and Durability

    Moreover, the Watch X2 Mini is likely to come with 32 GB of internal storage, 2 GB of RAM, and typical health monitoring sensors. Yadav also mentions that the smartwatch will have a 5 ATM water resistance rating and will be IP68 certified. However, details regarding its international availability are still unclear at this point.

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    Oppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs RevealedOppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs RevealedOppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs RevealedOppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs RevealedOppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs RevealedOppo Watch X2 Mini Launch Date and Key Specs Revealed

     

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  • Lenovo 24.5-Inch 1080p Office Monitor: 100Hz, 4ms Response Time

    Lenovo 24.5-Inch 1080p Office Monitor: 100Hz, 4ms Response Time

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Lenovo ThinkVision S25e-30 refresh features a 24.5-inch IPS screen with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080) and a 100Hz refresh rate for smoother visuals.
    2. It offers 99% sRGB color coverage and a contrast ratio of 1300:1, suitable for light photo editing and design tasks.
    3. The monitor includes eye care technologies with TÜV Rheinland and Eyesafe certifications, low-blue light support, and flicker-free DC dimming to reduce eye strain.
    4. Connectivity options include HDMI 1.4, VGA ports, and a 3.5mm audio jack, along with a tilt-adjustable stand and VESA mounting support.
    5. It has a typical brightness of 250 nits, wide 178-degree viewing angles, and is lightweight at just over 4 kg for easy portability.

    Lenovo has introduced its new office display, the ThinkVision S25e-30 refresh, which is now available in China for 579 yuan (approximately $80). Let’s take a look at the main specifications of this monitor.

    Specifications of the Lenovo S25e-30 Refresh

    The S25e-30 refresh showcases a 24.5-inch IPS screen with a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080, aimed at efficiently managing daily tasks and some light creative work.

    This monitor is equipped with a 100Hz refresh rate and a quick 4ms response time, providing smoother scrolling and quicker window movements, which is a step up from the usual 60Hz displays. It also features a sleek design with narrow bezels on three sides, giving it a modern look while maximizing the visible area of the screen.

    Color and Eye Care Features

    When it comes to color accuracy, it offers 99% sRGB coverage along with a contrast ratio of 1300:1. With the ability to support up to 16.7 million colors using a 6-bit + FRC setup, while this monitor isn’t meant for professional color work, it still provides decent vibrancy and accuracy suitable for light photo editing and design tasks.

    The S25e-30 incorporates various eye care technologies. It has certifications from TÜV Rheinland and Eyesafe, along with hardware-level low-blue light support that does not alter colors, plus flicker-free DC dimming to help minimize eye strain during extended usage.

    Connectivity and Design

    For connectivity options, it comes with HDMI 1.4 and VGA ports, in addition to a 3.5mm audio jack for versatile audio needs. The stand has a built-in cable management system and allows tilt adjustments from -5° to 22°, helping users find a comfortable viewing position. VESA mounting is also supported for those who prefer wall or arm mounting.

    The display boasts a typical brightness of 250 nits, which is satisfactory for most indoor settings, and features wide 178-degree viewing angles to ensure consistent color and clarity from various positions. Weighing just over 4 kg, it’s light and easy to move around as required.

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  • ShadPS4 Emulator Adds AMD FSR, HDR Support, and More Features

    ShadPS4 Emulator Adds AMD FSR, HDR Support, and More Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. shadPS4 emulator has been updated to version 0.7.0, featuring AMD FSR, HDR support, and keyboard/mouse input remapping.
    2. The update includes numerous fixes and enhancements for better overall emulation performance.
    3. shadPS4 is compatible with approximately 41 games, with varying levels of performance; notable games include Bloodborne and Red Dead Redemption.
    4. The emulator is still under development, with ongoing improvements for support of more demanding titles.
    5. shadPS4 is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

    There are several PS4 emulators out there for people who want to play console games on their computers, and among them, shadPS4 stands out for its excellent compatibility with games. This emulator has just been updated to add features like AMD FSR, HDR, and remapping for keyboard and mouse inputs, among others. The latest release, version 0.7.0, includes these enhancements alongside multiple fixes to improve the overall emulation experience.

    Exciting Updates

    As mentioned on the GitHub page, shadPS4 has undergone an update that introduces a multitude of changes, enhancements, and bug fixes. The complete list of updates can be found on their site, but highlights include support for AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution, which could lead to a noticeable increase in FPS. Additionally, the v0.7.0 update includes HDR support, input remapping options, better compatibility with older CPUs, Unity-based games, and various fixes such as improved gyro handling, memory HLE calls, shader recompilation, and more.

    Game Compatibility

    According to the information on GitHub, shadPS4 is compatible with about 41 games, though the performance varies. Some games perform flawlessly, while others can be playable but face some compatibility issues. Successful games that run on the emulator include Bloodborne, Dark Souls Remastered, Red Dead Redemption, and others.

    Ongoing Development

    The emulator is still in early stages of development, and due to the limited free time of the developers, adding support for more demanding games may take some time. Nonetheless, in recent weeks, there has been a significant amount of progress, particularly with better support for titles like Killzone: Shadow Fall, The Last Guardian, and Until Dawn.

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  • Apple Watch to Feature Cameras for AI Visual Intelligence

    Apple Watch to Feature Cameras for AI Visual Intelligence

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple is developing new Apple Watch models with built-in cameras, expected to launch by 2027.
    2. The cameras will enhance Visual Intelligence, providing contextual data from the user’s environment.
    3. Regular Apple Watch versions may feature an under-display camera, while the Apple Watch Ultra is likely to have a visible camera module.
    4. The cameras are not intended for selfies or video calls, focusing instead on delivering AI-generated insights.
    5. Apple is also working on AirPods with infrared cameras to improve spatial audio and enable gesture-based controls.

    Apple’s plans for wearable AI are getting a serious upgrade in hardware. Mark Gurman from Bloomberg shared that the tech giant is working on new Apple Watch models that will include built-in cameras, signaling a major change in how the device connects with its environment. These upcoming Apple Watches, which are expected to launch by 2027, will utilize cameras to analyze surroundings, offering contextual data directly from your wrist.

    Cameras on Apple Watches — Not for Selfies

    For the regular Apple Watch versions, it appears that Apple is looking into integrating a camera within the display. However, it’s not yet clear if this will be achieved with an under-display sensor or an obvious cutout. On the more robust Apple Watch Ultra, the approach seems more feasible: a visible camera module situated next to the Digital Crown, allowing users to easily point their wrist and quickly scan items.

    These cameras won’t be designed for taking selfies or making FaceTime calls—those concepts are still too ambitious for such a small screen. Instead, the emphasis is on enhancing Visual Intelligence, a feature introduced with the iPhone 16 that enables users to aim their device at an object or text to receive immediate AI-generated insights. Imagine something similar to Google Lens, but more seamlessly integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, and soon available on your wrist.

    Apple Is Expanding Its Vision

    But that’s not all. The company is also reportedly developing AirPods that come with built-in infrared cameras. Though specifics are limited, the aim seems to be improving spatial audio features and possibly gesture-based controls that could interact with augmented reality settings. Picture turning your head or waving your hand in the air, and having your devices respond naturally.

    All of this will depend on Apple transitioning Visual Intelligence from depending on external AI models like ChatGPT to utilizing its own internal systems. That’s a significant challenge, but if Apple manages to succeed, the wearable tech landscape could be transformed dramatically by the end of this decade.

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