Category: Phones

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  • Sony Limits Xperia Phone Availability in European Market

    Sony Limits Xperia Phone Availability in European Market

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Sony Xperia 1 VII stands out by including a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot, which are rare in high-end smartphones.
    2. Sony is the only brand offering a telephoto camera with a genuine zoom lens in its smartphones.
    3. Despite its unique features, Sony holds only 3.5% of the global smartphone market share, lagging behind competitors like Samsung.
    4. Sales of the Xperia 1 VII have been suspended globally due to reports of crashes and unexpected shutdowns, with restricted availability in Europe.
    5. Sony plans to maintain warranty and update support but is evaluating the viability of selling Xperia phones in certain regions, following a 40% decline in sales in Japan in 2023.

    Smartphones such as the Sony Xperia 1 VII are quite unique since Sony provides a 3.5mm headphone jack and a microSD card slot. These features are very uncommon in the high-end smartphone market. Additionally, Sony is the only brand that has a telephoto camera with a genuine zoom lens. Even with these distinctive offerings, Sony struggles to keep up with competitors like Samsung. Insider Monkey reported that in the first half of 2024, Sony held a mere 3.5 percent of the global market share, only slightly ahead of HMD Global, ZTE, and Asus.

    Sales Halted

    Recently, sales of the Xperia 1 VII have been suspended globally due to a rising number of user reports about crashes and unexpected shutdowns. The reason behind this problem remains unclear. Sony has confirmed to Suomimobili that the availability of Xperia devices in Europe will be restricted moving forward. In Finland, several models will not be available at all. In other European nations, Xperia smartphones are expected to be sold mainly through Sony’s official online shop and Amazon, which means local retailers in those areas may not be able to sell these devices. Suomimobili also suggests that Sony might be planning to completely exit the European smartphone market.

    Future Plans

    In reaction to these issues, Sony has simply stated that it will uphold all warranty and update responsibilities. The company mentioned that it continuously evaluates demand and profitability to decide if selling Xperia phones in certain areas is viable. A Bloomberg article citing IDC data revealed that Sony’s smartphone sales in Japan saw a dramatic decline of 40% in 2023. Since that time, Sony has not released any official sales figures for its Xperia models.

    Suomimobili | Bloomberg | Insider Monkey

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  • Panasonic KX-TF400: Essential Feature Phone for Everyday Use

    Panasonic KX-TF400: Essential Feature Phone for Everyday Use

    Key Takeaways

    1. Feature phones, like the Panasonic KX-TF400, offer reduced distractions by limiting notifications and features compared to smartphones.
    2. Panasonic’s KX-TF400 is a new 4G feature phone priced at €49.99 in Europe, with a long battery life of up to eight days on standby.
    3. The phone has a 2.4-inch TFT color screen, large tactile buttons, and supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE).
    4. Additional specifications include a 1000mAh battery, USB-C charging, a 1.2MP camera, a headphone jack, and an LED flashlight.
    5. The KX-TF400 supports nano SIM cards and microSD cards for up to 32GB of extra storage.

    In today’s quick-moving world, nearly everyone is connected through messaging applications and social media. Feature phones may serve as a good option for those looking to experience a “digital detox.” Although these devices are mainly aimed at older adults, they also present some benefits for younger users.

    Reduced Distractions

    For starters, users are not continuously interrupted by notifications since these “dumb phones” have limited features compared to smartphones. Additionally, the battery can last as long as a week (depending on the model), making them perfect as backup phones for events like festivals, where the risk of theft is higher.

    Panasonic’s New Release

    Panasonic has introduced a new feature phone named the KX-TF400, which can be purchased for an MSRP of €49.99 in Europe. This is a 4G mobile device that supports Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and boasts a battery life that can reach up to eight days (200 hours) on standby or around five hours of call time. It comes equipped with a 2.4-inch TFT color screen and features large, tactile buttons that clearly display numbers and symbols, as noted by Panasonic.

    Additional Specs

    The 1000mAh battery can be charged using a USB-C connection, and a compatible USB cable is included in the package. There’s also a 1.2MP camera that is probably only good for basic photos. Other features include a headphone jack, a hands-free function, and an LED flashlight. The dimensions of the Panasonic KX-TF400 are approximately 5.2 x 2.2 x 0.57 inches, and it weighs 3.88 oz with the battery. Lastly, this Panasonic phone supports nano SIM cards and microSD cards, allowing for up to 32GB of extra storage.

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    Panasonic KX-TF400: Essential Feature Phone for Everyday UsePanasonic KX-TF400: Essential Feature Phone for Everyday UsePanasonic KX-TF400: Essential Feature Phone for Everyday UsePanasonic KX-TF400: Essential Feature Phone for Everyday Use

     

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  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra “100 Years of Leica” Limited Edition Patina Style

    Xiaomi 15 Ultra “100 Years of Leica” Limited Edition Patina Style

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra starts at $1,220 and emphasizes camera quality through a collaboration with Leica, featuring unique software and hardware enhancements.
    2. It has a quad-camera setup, including a 50MP main camera, a 50MP ultrawide camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with macro capabilities, and a notable 200MP periscope telephoto camera with 4.3x optical zoom.
    3. A special limited edition celebrates Leica’s 100th anniversary, featuring unique packaging and a photo book, along with a silver phone design with gold accents.
    4. The limited edition phone includes an engraving commemorating Leica’s history and a design that reveals metal as the paint wears away.
    5. Xiaomi plans to release the special edition globally, but has not yet provided pricing or specific country details.

    The Xiaomi 15 Ultra, starting at $1,220 on Amazon, stands out as one of the most captivating flagship phones with a focus on camera quality. The collaboration with Leica has brought about significant software changes, including unique Leica filters, and the two companies also worked together to enhance the camera hardware.

    Impressive Camera Features

    This device boasts an impressive quad-camera setup, which is spearheaded by a 50MP f/1.6 main camera equipped with a 1-inch sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS). Additionally, Xiaomi has incorporated a 50MP f/2.2 ultrawide camera, a telephoto camera with 50MP f/1.8 that features a 1/2.51-inch sensor and macro capabilities. Most remarkable is the 200MP f/2.6 periscope telephoto camera which includes a sizable 1/1.4-inch sensor and provides 4.3x optical zoom. To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Leica 1, their first mass-produced 35mm camera, Xiaomi has introduced a special limited edition of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.

    Special Edition Packaging

    This limited edition comes nestled in a large gift box, which also includes an exclusive “Xiaomi x Leica Humanistic Photography Series” photo book along with a 90W USB-C charger. The phone itself sports a silver back complemented by gold accents on its frame and camera module. Engraved on the golden frame is the phrase “100 Years of Leica 1925 – 2025.” Xiaomi indicates that the gray paint on the frame is designed to wear away gradually, revealing the metal beneath, harkening back to the classic black-painted Leica cameras.

    Global Release Information

    On the back, you will find both the Xiaomi logo and a special “Leica 100” logo that was created just for this milestone. Although Xiaomi has mentioned that this special edition will be available globally, they have yet to disclose the pricing and specific countries where the “100 Years of Leica” Special Edition of the Xiaomi 15 Ultra will be sold.

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  • Apple iPhone 17 Pro Expected to Feature Unique New Color Option

    Apple iPhone 17 Pro Expected to Feature Unique New Color Option

    Key Takeaways

    1. The iPhone 17 Pro is expected to feature a new color lineup, including black, gray, silver, dark blue, and orange.
    2. The blue and orange colors are new additions, with orange being a first for iPhone models.
    3. The gold color option is being replaced by a copper/orange finish.
    4. Sonny Dickson, a reliable tipster, has shared this information, adding credibility to the news.
    5. The tech community closely follows Dickson’s insights due to his accurate past predictions.

    Known tipster Sonny Dickson has recently shared some intriguing news about the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro flagship lineup from Apple. This time, a new and distinctive color is likely to be featured on Apple’s top-tier iPhone.

    Color Covers Revealed

    In a tweet, Sonny disclosed lens covers that are supposedly intended for this year’s Apple iPhone 17 Pro. If these are indeed accurate, the color-matched lens covers provide a sneak peek at the available color choices for the new flagship smartphone. Therefore, the iPhone 17 Pro series is anticipated to come in five colorways: black, gray, silver, dark blue, and orange.

    New Color Options

    Naturally, the first three colors are quite similar to those found in the existing iPhone 16 Pro. However, blue and orange are fresh additions, even though Apple has previously used bluish hues in earlier iPhone Pro models. The orange option is especially noteworthy, as there has never been an orange or copper variant of an iPhone until now.

    With the gold color option no longer available, a copper/orange finish seems to be a fitting substitute. While color preferences are very subjective, it’s reasonable to trust that Apple will choose a nice shade, as they have generally done in the past. Sonny Dickson is known for his reliability, as pointed out by MacRumors, which lends credibility to this information.

    Trustworthy Sources

    Sonny Dickson’s insights are followed closely by many in the tech community. His past predictions have often proven to be accurate, making this latest update about the iPhone 17 Pro line something to keep an eye on. As we await further details, the excitement builds for what Apple has in store with its next flagship device.

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    Apple iPhone 17 Pro Expected to Feature Unique New Color Option

     

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  • Vivo X300 Pro and Oppo Find X9 Pro Battery Upgrade Details Leak

    Vivo X300 Pro and Oppo Find X9 Pro Battery Upgrade Details Leak

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming flagship Android smartphones are expected to launch around the same time in 2025 with thin-bezel flat screens.
    2. The Vivo X300 Pro and Oppo Find X9 Pro may feature large batteries, with capacities around 6,870mAh and 6,830mAh, respectively.
    3. Battery capacities might be rounded up for marketing purposes to appear as significant upgrades over previous models.
    4. New models may use L-shaped or steel-reinforced battery designs, similar to those of Apple’s iPhones.
    5. The X300 Pro and X9 Pro are likely to use the Dimensity 9500 chipset instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC, with potential changes to rear camera layouts.

    The latest leaks about the upcoming flagship Android smartphones indicate that many of them could launch around the same time in 2025. They are expected to feature similar designs, particularly with their thin-bezel flat screens.

    Shared Features Among Competitors

    Devices like the Vivo X300 Pro and Oppo Find X9 Pro may share a significant feature: a large 7,000mAh battery. The Vivo X300 Pro is rumored to have a capacity of 6,870mAh, while the Oppo Find X9 Pro might have a slightly lesser capacity at 6,830mAh.

    Marketing and Specifications

    In comparison to their potential competitors, the Xiaomi 16 Pro and Honor Magic 8 Pro, these battery figures might be rounded up for marketing appeal. This could be a strategy to make them seem like more attractive upgrades over previous models, namely the X200 Pro and X8 Pro, which offer 6,000mAh and 5,910mAh batteries, respectively.

    The upgrades might be integrated using L-shaped or steel-reinforced battery designs, which have been primarily associated with Apple’s iPhones. Interestingly, the iPhones are expected to receive less impressive upgrades, even in the premium 17 Pro series.

    Powering the New Models

    The X300 Pro and X9 Pro are likely to use the Dimensity 9500 chipset instead of the Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 SoC. There’s speculation that Oppo’s new Pro model could introduce a different layout for the rear camera, while the Vivo variant may continue with the classic central DSLR-style design seen in the high-end X200 Ultra.

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  • Ugreen Launches Nexode Power Bank with Built-In Cable

    Ugreen Launches Nexode Power Bank with Built-In Cable

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ugreen launched the Nexode Power Bank 45W in Europe, featuring a built-in cable and part of a new product line.
    2. The power bank can charge three devices simultaneously with up to 45W output and supports Samsung’s Super Fast Charging 2.0.
    3. It has a 20,000 mAh capacity, capable of charging a MacBook Air 13 about 1.2 times and an iPhone 16 Pro roughly 3.1 times.
    4. The device can be fully charged in around four hours and maintains at least 80% capacity after 300 cycles.
    5. The price is £39.99/€39.99, with discounts in the Netherlands (€27.99) and Germany (€25.99), availability in the US is uncertain.

    Ugreen has launched a new portable charger called the Nexode Power Bank 45W in Europe. This new device comes with a built-in cable and is part of a recent line of products that include a 90W car charger with a retractable cable and a Nexode Power Bank with a capacity of 20000 mAh (165W) that also features a retractable cable.

    Charging Capability

    The Nexode Power Bank 45W enables you to charge three devices at the same time. It has a fixed-length USB-C cable that is 17.8 cm (~ inches) long and can deliver up to 45W. Additionally, there’s an up to 45W USB-C port and a USB-A port that can provide up to 22.5W. When all ports are being used, they share a total of 15W. It supports Samsung’s Super Fast Charging 2.0 technology, claiming that the 45W output can charge a Samsung S25 Ultra to 61% in just half an hour.

    Battery Performance

    The power bank features a 20,000 mAh battery, which is capable of fully charging a MacBook Air 13 about 1.2 times or an iPhone 16 Pro roughly 3.1 times. A small digital display shows the remaining battery level, and it can be fully charged in around four hours using a 45W USB-C input. Notably, the power bank is designed to keep at least 80% of its original capacity after 300 charging cycles. It also includes a trickle charging mode and safeguards against problems like overvoltage, overcurrent, and overcharging. According to the listing on Amazon, its dimensions are 15.2 x 7.1 x 2.9 cm (~6.0 x 2.8 x 1.1 inches) and it weighs 380 g (~13.4 oz).

    Pricing and Availability

    You can now purchase the Ugreen Nexode Power Bank 45W on Amazon in select European regions for £39.99/€39.99. In the Netherlands, it’s priced at €27.99 thanks to a 30% discount coupon that will expire on July 20th. Customers in Germany can buy this product for €25.99, though it’s uncertain how long this offer will be available. It remains to be seen when or if this device will be released in the US.

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  • Xiaomi 16 Pro Set to Compete with iPhone 17 Pro Battery Life

    Xiaomi 16 Pro Set to Compete with iPhone 17 Pro Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Next-gen flagship smartphones are expected to have battery capacities reaching 7,000mAh by the end of 2025.
    2. Steel shielding technology and L-shaped designs are key advancements in battery technology.
    3. The upcoming iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max will not feature the high-capacity batteries.
    4. Xiaomi’s new flagship model is rumored to have a standard battery capacity of 6,860mAh.
    5. The Xiaomi 16 series aims to compete with the iPhone 17 Pro series in design and features, including camera design.

    Next-gen flagship smartphones are expected to see major improvements in their battery capacities, likely reaching the trendy 7,000mAh level by the end of 2025.

    Advancements in Battery Technology

    These enhancements are believed to be thanks to steel shielding technology, which could be paired with an L-shaped design that has been seen in previous high-end iPhones. This is notably illustrated by a questionable replacement battery for the iPhone 14 Pro Max available on Amazon.

    Apple’s Surprising Exclusion

    Interestingly, these high-capacity batteries are not expected to be used in the upcoming iPhone 17 Pro or Pro Max. Instead, it seems that a model from Xiaomi, possibly the 16 Pro or its more dubious counterpart, the 16 Pro Max, might feature one.

    Xiaomi’s Competitive Edge

    Rumors suggest that this new flagship from Xiaomi could have a standard capacity of 6,860mAh, although it may cleverly market itself with a more rounded capacity figure to appeal to consumers.

    The Xiaomi 16 series is also anticipated to rival the design of the iPhone 17 Pro series, incorporating and modernizing the camera bump inspired by the innovative Mi 11 Ultra to compete with Apple’s sleek metal unibody and glass aesthetics.

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  • Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: First IP68 Foldable with Bigger Battery

    Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: First IP68 Foldable with Bigger Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Honor, Samsung, and Vivo have launched new foldable smartphones, with only the Galaxy Z Fold7 and X Fold5 available internationally.
    2. Google is expected to introduce the Pixel 10 Pro Fold, replacing the previous Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with several enhancements.
    3. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will feature a 6.4-inch cover display and maintain an 8-inch foldable display size, achieved by thinner bezels.
    4. The new model is anticipated to have a larger battery of 5,015 mAh and a cover display that is 10% brighter.
    5. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to launch on August 20, with pricing between €1,899 and €2,289, and available storage options of 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB.

    Honor, Samsung, and Vivo have recently launched new foldable smartphones over the past few weeks. Among these devices, only the Galaxy Z Fold7 and the X Fold5 can be purchased internationally at this time. Nonetheless, Honor is expected to unveil a global variant of the Magic V5 soon.

    Upcoming Google Foldable

    Additionally, Google is anticipated to replace the Pixel 9 Pro Fold with a new tenth-generation model. Reports from Android Headlines indicate that Google intends to introduce several enhancements to this year’s foldable, which have not been revealed in recent leaks. For example, the cover display is speculated to increase by 0.1 inches to 6.4 inches, making the Pixel 10 Pro Fold just 0.1 inches smaller than the Galaxy Z Fold7, which is currently priced at $1,999.99 on Amazon.

    Design Improvements

    It seems that Google has managed to achieve this upgrade by thinning the bezels without changing the overall size of the device. Consequently, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is likely to keep the same 8-inch foldable display as its earlier version. Furthermore, it is expected to feature a battery that is 7.8% larger, reaching a total of 5,015 mAh, along with a cover display that is 10% brighter.

    Pricing and Availability

    At present, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is rumored to be launching on August 20, coming in two color choices, and offering storage options of 256 GB, 512 GB, or 1 TB. Pricing is expected to fall between €1,899 and €2,289 (approximately $2,215 to $2,670), all powered by Google’s Tensor G5 chipset and featuring IP68 certification for dust and water resistance.

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  • Galaxy S26 Screen Sizes Leak, Plus Model May Be Discontinued

    Galaxy S26 Screen Sizes Leak, Plus Model May Be Discontinued

    Key Takeaways

    1. Major leaks about the Galaxy S26 series have been ongoing, revealing potential screen sizes.
    2. The Galaxy S26 series is expected to have similar screen sizes to the Galaxy S25 series, with 6.2-inch, 6.7-inch, and 6.9-inch displays.
    3. There are speculations that Samsung might skip the Galaxy S26 Plus in favor of the Galaxy S26 Edge.
    4. The absence of information on the S26 Plus suggests Samsung may prioritize the Edge model due to demand.
    5. Further specifications for the Galaxy S26 series are still unknown, and rumors should be treated with caution.

    It’s become kind of a norm for major smartphone releases to have nearly everything leaked well ahead of time. The Galaxy S26 series is not an exception, as it seems that every new day brings fresh leaks. Recently, we have learned about the potential screen sizes of the Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Edge, and Galaxy S26 Ultra.

    Speculation on Screen Sizes

    While discussing the supply chain matters concerning the Galaxy S26 series’ High-Density Interconnect (HDI) PCBs, The Elec has revealed the display sizes of Samsung’s 2026 flagship devices:

    To give some context, the regular Galaxy S25 has a 6.2-inch AMOLED screen, while both the Galaxy S25 Edge and the Galaxy S25 Ultra feature 6.7-inch and 6.9-inch displays, respectively. Therefore, the screen sizes for the S26 lineup are expected to be similar to those of the Galaxy S25 series.

    Rumors About the S26 Plus

    Curiously, The Elec does not reference the display size of the Galaxy S26 Plus. This adds weight to the speculation that Samsung might be skipping the Galaxy S26 Plus and focusing on the Galaxy S26 Edge instead. Many observers anticipated this move, as the Galaxy S25 Edge (which you can find in our review) appears to fill the role of the Galaxy S25 Plus in Samsung’s product offerings. If there is enough demand for the Galaxy S25 Edge, it makes sense for Samsung to replace the Galaxy S26 Plus with the Galaxy S26 Edge.

    Other Specifications

    The Elec has not provided any further specifications regarding the Galaxy S26 series. However, numerous other sources have suggested various details about features like the camera, battery, and additional specs.

    Ultimately, we can’t say for certain what Samsung has in store for its upcoming flagship smartphones. So, it’s wise to take all these rumors with caution.

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  • Xiaomi 16 vs Oppo Find X9 vs Vivo X300 vs Honor Magic 8: Camera Showdown

    Xiaomi 16 vs Oppo Find X9 vs Vivo X300 vs Honor Magic 8: Camera Showdown

    Key Takeaways

    1. The next generation of Chinese flagship smartphones is expected to be unveiled in about two months, depending on new processors from Qualcomm and MediaTek.
    2. Prototypes of flagship devices like Xiaomi 15, Oppo Find X8, Vivo X200, and Honor Magic 7 are currently in testing, with possible late September launches.
    3. Design features vary among models, with Oppo maintaining a square camera layout, Vivo using a circular module, Xiaomi introducing a camera bar, and Honor resembling its predecessor.
    4. Upcoming smartphones will be powered by either Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 or MediaTek Dimensity 9500, with a trend towards flat displays.
    5. Consumers outside of China may need to wait until 2026 for these models, with potential reveals at Mobile World Congress in March 2026.

    The next generation of Chinese flagship smartphones is likely to be unveiled in about two months, depending on the release of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 and MediaTek’s Dimensity 9500. This would represent the earliest flagship processor introductions in recent times. Devices like the Xiaomi 15, Oppo Find X8, Vivo X200, and Honor Magic 7 may be ready for launch by late September, but consumers in other regions might have to wait until 2026, with a possible reveal at the Mobile World Congress in March 2026.

    Prototypes Under Testing

    The upcoming smartphone releases in China indicate a specific fact: these flagship prototypes are now in the testing phase. Well-known Chinese insider Digital Chat Station has claimed to have seen all four prototypes and shared sketches on Weibo that compare the camera layouts of what could potentially be the top competitors against the Samsung Galaxy S26 and Apple iPhone 17.

    Design Features

    The Oppo Find X9 (top left) appears to maintain the square camera layout in the top-left corner, similar to its predecessor. The Vivo X300 (top right) reportedly has a circular camera module positioned in the center, much like the X200. On the other hand, the upcoming Xiaomi 16 (bottom right) is expected to change from the Xiaomi 15 (available here on Amazon) in its design, featuring a camera bar that recalls the Mi 11 Ultra. Meanwhile, the Honor Magic 8 (bottom left) may take on a rear design akin to that of the Magic 7.

    These Chinese flagship smartphones will be powered by either the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 (for Xiaomi and Honor) or the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 (for Oppo and Vivo). They all seem to have a fairly uniform front design. Flat displays seem to be becoming the norm for next year, which is a clear shift from the past two years, where some models (like the Xiaomi 15 Pro) still utilized quad-curved screens.

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    Xiaomi 16 vs Oppo Find X9 vs Vivo X300 vs Honor Magic 8: Camera ShowdownXiaomi 16 vs Oppo Find X9 vs Vivo X300 vs Honor Magic 8: Camera Showdown
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