Category: Phones

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  • Redmi Note 15 5G Launches Globally with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Chipset

    Redmi Note 15 5G Launches Globally with Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Chipset

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi launched five models in the Redmi Note 15 series: Note 15 4G, Note 15 5G, Note 15 Pro 4G, Note 15 Pro 5G, and Note 15 Pro+ 5G.
    2. The Redmi Note 15 4G features a MediaTek Helio G100 Ultra chipset and a 6,000 mAh battery, while the 5G version uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset with a 5,520 mAh battery.
    3. Both models have a 108 MP primary camera with OIS, but the 5G version includes an 8 MP ultrawide lens, while the 4G has a 2 MP depth lens.
    4. The smartphones feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with FHD+ resolution, 3,200 nits peak brightness, and a 120 Hz refresh rate.
    5. Pricing starts at £179/€229 for the Note 15 4G and £199/€299 for the Note 15 5G, with pre-orders beginning on January 5.


    Xiaomi has just revealed its new Redmi Note 15 series smartphones for the global market. This time, they have introduced five models in total, which are the Redmi Note 15 4G, Note 15 5G, Note 15 Pro 4G, Note 15 Pro 5G, and Note 15 Pro+ 5G. We have already discussed the Pro versions separately, and you can find that information here.

    Base Models Overview

    Regarding the base models, like before, Xiaomi has launched the standard Redmi Note 15 in both 4G and 5G versions. However, there are several similarities between these two models. For instance, both smartphones share the same design, display, and camera features. The main difference lies in their chipsets and battery sizes. Specifically, the 4G version is powered by a MediaTek Helio G100 Ultra chipset and has a 6,000 mAh battery, while the 5G version comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 chipset and a slightly smaller 5,520 mAh battery (20,000 mAh Ugreen Nexode 45 W power bank currently priced at $28.49 on Amazon). In terms of charging capabilities, the 4G model supports 33 W charging, while the 5G variant offers a quicker 45 W charging speed.

    Camera and Display Features

    When it comes to photography, both the Redmi Note 15 and 5G are equipped with a 108 MP primary camera that has Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Additionally, the 5G model includes an 8 MP ultrawide lens, whereas the 4G version has a 2 MP depth lens. For selfies and video calls, both devices feature a 20 MP front-facing camera. They also showcase a curved 6.77-inch AMOLED display, offering FHD+ resolution, a peak brightness of 3,200 nits, and a refresh rate of 120 Hz.

    Pricing and Availability

    In terms of pricing, the Redmi Note 15 5G starts at £199/€299 for the 6 GB + 128 GB configuration, with color options including glacier blue, mist purple, and black. Conversely, the Note 15 4G begins at £179/€229 for the base 6 GB + 128 GB variant, available in blue, purple, forest green, and black. Both smartphones are set to be available for pre-orders starting January 5.

    Xiaomi’s

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  • Understanding Siren Emojis on Incoming Calls in Android

    Understanding Siren Emojis on Incoming Calls in Android

    Key Takeaways

    1. Google is introducing a new feature called Expressive Calling in the Phone by Google app.
    2. Callers can label their calls as urgent, which will display a message and a red siren emoji for the receiver.
    3. Urgent calls can bypass Do Not Disturb mode or be highlighted based on user settings.
    4. Both the caller and receiver must use the beta version of the app for the feature to work.
    5. User reactions are mixed, with concerns about potential misuse by spam or marketing calls.


    The phone starts ringing. You take a quick look at the display and then put it back into your pocket. A lot of people don’t want to say it out loud, but almost everyone ignores calls from time to time, usually thinking it’s not that important. If you do this too frequently, though, you could end up missing something really urgent. To help with this issue, Google is introducing a new feature.

    New Feature: Expressive Calling

    Expressive Calling is a fresh capability in the Phone by Google app that lets callers label their call as urgent when they dial. If the call is marked urgent, the person receiving it will see a message saying “It’s urgent!” along with a red siren emoji. This feature is currently being introduced gradually in the beta version of the app. When activated, urgent calls can either bypass Do Not Disturb mode or be highlighted, depending on what the user has set. The urgent label will also show up in the call log for missed calls. However, both the caller and the receiver need to be using the beta version of the app with this feature turned on.

    Mixed Reactions from Users

    Early news about Expressive Calling has come from sources like Android Police, while Google hasn’t released any official statement yet. Reactions from the community have been varied. Some users are in favor of the concept, while others have expressed worries about possible misuse. On Reddit, some users have cautioned that spam or marketing calls might take advantage of the “urgent” label, quickly ruining its intended function. Whether Expressive Calling advances beyond the beta phase will probably depend on how well Google tackles these issues.

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  • Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Global Launch: 200 MP Camera & More

    Xiaomi Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus Global Launch: 200 MP Camera & More

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus has a 200 MP main camera in the global version, replacing the 50 MP main camera and omitting the telephoto lens found in the Chinese version.
    2. The global variant has a 6,500 mAh battery, smaller than the 7,000 mAh battery in the Chinese model, but features upgraded 100 W fast charging.
    3. The device retains a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 3,200 nits, now protected by Gorilla Glass Victus 2.
    4. It is powered by the Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor and includes a 32 MP front camera, IP ratings, and dual speakers with Dolby Atmos support.
    5. The global Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus starts at €499 for the 8 GB RAM and 128 GB storage model, with pre-orders beginning on January 5, 2026.


    Xiaomi has officially launched the Redmi Note 15 series in the worldwide market, with the Note 15 Pro Plus being the high-end model of this lineup. It maintains the same design as the version released in China, but there have been several alterations in the specifications.

    Camera Changes

    One of the most significant modifications is the camera system. Looking back, the Chinese version of the Redmi Note 15 Pro+ features a 50 MP main camera, along with a 50 MP telephoto lens and an 8 MP ultrawide camera. The addition of the telephoto lens helped this mid-range device distinguish itself from the previous model, but this isn’t the case for the global version.

    The global variant switches from a triple-camera arrangement to a dual-camera one, omitting the telephoto lens. The primary camera has also changed, as the international model is equipped with a 200 MP HPE sensor, while the ultrawide camera remains unchanged.

    Battery and Charging

    The battery specifications have also been adjusted. While the Chinese version boasts a massive 7,000 mAh battery, the global Note 15 Pro Plus comes with a 6,500 mAh battery. Despite being smaller, it is still quite substantial, and the good news is that the international version has received a slight charging upgrade, now featuring 100 W fast charging support compared to the 90 W found in the Chinese model (160 W Anker Prime charger curr. $107.49 on Amazon).

    Other Specifications

    Regarding other specifications, the global Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus is largely similar to its Chinese counterpart. It includes a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness of 3,200 nits. Xiaomi has opted to use Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for display protection instead of Dragon Crystal Glass.

    Additional features worth noting are a 32 MP front-facing camera, Snapdragon 7s Gen 4, various IP ratings, and a dual-speaker setup with Dolby Atmos support. The global Redmi Note 15 Pro+ will be offered in three color options, with the base model featuring 8 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage priced at €499. The high-end configuration, which includes 12 GB of RAM and 512 GB of storage, is available for €549. Pre-orders are expected to start on January 5, 2026.

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  • Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1: New Features & GPU Update for Pixel 10

    Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1: New Features & GPU Update for Pixel 10

    Key Takeaways

    1. Beta Phase Launch: Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is now available for testing, allowing users to preview new features before the public release in March 2026.

    2. Key Features: Major updates include a driver upgrade for the Pixel 10’s PowerVR GPU, new folder animations, Quick Settings tweaks, and a three-button navigation layout.

    3. Flashlight and Widget Adjustments: Users can now adjust flashlight brightness, remove the At a Glance widget, and enjoy enhancements to the Always On Display (AOD).

    4. Eligible Devices: Pixel 6 and newer models can participate in the Android 16 beta by enrolling in the Android Beta program or manually installing the update.

    5. Installation Note: Reverting from the beta version to the stable channel requires a factory reset of the device.


    Hot on the heels of the Android 16 QPR2 stable update that was released earlier this month in the December Pixel Drop, Google is now starting the beta phase for Android 16 QPR3, which is the last quarterly platform update in the Android 16 series.

    Try Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1

    If you’re a Pixel 6 owner or have a newer model, you can now test Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 and preview the new features and changes before its public launch in March 2026. This is a great chance to experience the latest improvements ahead of time!

    New Features and Improvements

    Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 comes with several fresh features and enhancements for Pixel devices. One of the biggest highlights is the long-awaited driver update for the Pixel 10’s PowerVR GPU, which upgrades the driver from version 1.602.400 to 1.634.2906. This should help fix some issues with compatibility and performance that many users faced in games like Genshin Impact.

    Moreover, the update introduces new animations for opening and closing folders, tweaks to the Edit tiles screen in Quick Settings, and a three-button navigation layout similar to Samsung’s. Additionally, users can now adjust flashlight brightness, remove the At a Glance widget from the home screen, and enjoy further improvements to the Always On Display (AOD).

    Eligible Devices and Installation

    The following Pixel devices are now able to try out the Android 16 beta:

    The simplest way to access Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1 is to enroll your device in the Android Beta program. After signing up, you should receive an OTA update pretty soon.

    Alternatively, you can manually install the update by using flashable OTA images provided by Google. If you choose this method, be sure to carefully follow Google’s official installation guidelines. Keep in mind that once you install Android 16 QPR3 Beta 1, reverting to the stable channel will require a factory reset of your Pixel.

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  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launch Confirmed with Upgraded Leica Optics

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra Launch Confirmed with Upgraded Leica Optics

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is the first brand to launch flagship devices with Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 and is preparing to release the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.
    2. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra will be launched in China on December 25, 2025, earlier than typical releases for Ultra models.
    3. Xiaomi is enhancing its partnership with Leica, introducing a groundbreaking optical system and the first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens.
    4. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra is expected to feature a triple camera setup, potentially including a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 200 MP periscope lens.
    5. The device may come with a 7,000 mAh battery, 100 W wired charging, and 80 W wireless charging capabilities.


    Xiaomi has taken the lead by being the first brand to launch flagship devices using the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5. Now, the company is preparing to take on its rivals with its upcoming camera-centric flagship smartphone, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra. As highlighted in earlier reports, Xiaomi plans to introduce the Ultra model somewhat earlier this time around.

    Launch Date Announcement

    According to the official Weibo account, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is set to make its debut in China on December 25, 2025. Typically, Xiaomi reveals its Ultra flagship models in February, following the release of the standard non-Ultra variants.

    Upgraded Partnership with Leica

    In addition to revealing the launch date, Xiaomi has shared news about enhancing its collaboration with Leica. The company claims this partnership has led to a “groundbreaking optical system solution.” Another key feature is the anticipated inclusion of the “first Leica APO-certified telephoto lens” in the Xiaomi 17 Ultra.

    As per the teaser, these camera enhancements are expected to significantly improve low-light photography. The new phone should also provide better clarity across various shooting conditions compared to its earlier versions.

    Camera Specifications

    Recent reports suggest that the Xiaomi 17 Ultra will come equipped with a triple camera arrangement, marking a shift from the quad-camera setups found in its predecessors. Although not yet officially confirmed, this configuration might include a 50 MP main camera, a 50 MP ultrawide lens, and a 200 MP periscope lens.

    In additional information from previous reports, it’s hinted that the device will have a substantial 7,000 mAh battery along with 100 W wired charging (using the 160 W Anker Prime charger, currently priced at $107.49 on Amazon) and 80 W wireless charging capabilities. Xiaomi is likely to reveal more of these specifications through upcoming teaser posts.

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  • Xiaomi 17 Ultra Global Release Imminent with FCC Certification

    Xiaomi 17 Ultra Global Release Imminent with FCC Certification

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Xiaomi 17 series includes three models: Xiaomi 17, 17 Pro, and 17 Pro Max, with the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in development as the top-tier device.
    2. The Xiaomi 17 Ultra has received 3C certification in China and is listed in the IMEI database, confirming its global version and features.
    3. It runs on HyperOS 3 and supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth LE for connectivity.
    4. The expected launch for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra in China is around late December 2025, with a global release anticipated in January 2026.
    5. Rumored features include the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor, a battery close to 7,000mAh, and a Leica camera system with a 1-inch sensor.


    The Xiaomi 17 series made its debut in September 2025, showcasing three models: the standard Xiaomi 17, the 17 Pro, and the 17 Pro Max. Recently, there have been reports indicating that Xiaomi is developing a new model, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, which aims to be the top-tier device in the series.

    Certification Updates

    The Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s Chinese version was seen getting 3C certification under the model number “2512BPNDAC.” Additionally, its global version, listed as “2512BPNDAG,” was found in the IMEI database. Furthermore, the smartphone has also obtained certification from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This listing shows that it runs on HyperOS 3 and supports 5G, Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be), and Bluetooth LE for connectivity.

    Expected Launch Timeline

    At this moment, Xiaomi hasn’t shared an official date for the Xiaomi 17 Ultra’s release. However, it is anticipated to hit the market in China around late December 2025. The global release is likely to take place in January 2026.

    Rumored Features

    As for what’s expected under the hood, the Xiaomi 17 Ultra is rumored to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor. The battery is said to have a capacity close to 7,000mAh (Anker 20K power bank curr. $36 on Amazon). A standout feature of this smartphone is likely its Leica camera system, which is rumored to come with a 1-inch sensor.

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  • OnePlus 15R Global Launch: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 & 165Hz AMOLED Display

    OnePlus 15R Global Launch: Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 & 165Hz AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaways

    1. The OnePlus 15R replaces the OnePlus 13R and is a more affordable alternative to the OnePlus 15, priced at $699.
    2. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, 12 GB of RAM, and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB, with a 7,400 mAh battery supporting 80 W wired charging.
    3. The smartphone has a 6.83-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1,272 x 2,800 pixels, a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, and supports refresh rates of 120 Hz, 144 Hz, and 165 Hz.
    4. Camera specifications include a 50 MP primary sensor, an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32 MP front camera, but it only has a USB 2.0 Type-C port.
    5. Pricing starts at INR 47,999, €699, £649, and $699 for the 256 GB version, with an increase for the 512 GB model in the EU and UK after January 21.


    OnePlus has officially unveiled the OnePlus 15R on a global scale. This model takes the place of the OnePlus 13R, offering a more affordable and slightly less robust option compared to the OnePlus 15, which was launched outside of China over a month ago at a price of $899.99 on Amazon.

    Specifications and Performance

    The OnePlus 15R is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, along with 12 GB of LPDDR5X RAM and storage options of 256 GB or 512 GB through UFS 4.1. It comes equipped with a substantial 7,400 mAh battery that supports 80 W wired charging. Initial tests suggest that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 enables the OnePlus 15R to perform better than the OnePlus 13 in certain scenarios.

    Display Features

    This new smartphone boasts a 6.83-inch AMOLED display, offering a resolution of 1,272 x 2,800 pixels, a pixel density of 450 PPI, a peak brightness of 1,800 nits, and a variable refresh rate of 165 Hz. It’s important to mention that the display only supports 144 Hz or 165 Hz modes for specific applications; for all other uses, the OnePlus 15R defaults to a 120 Hz setting.

    Camera and Connectivity

    On the camera front, the device includes a 50 MP primary sensor (Sony IMX906), an 8 MP ultra-wide lens, and a 32 MP front camera. However, it is limited to a USB 2.0 Type-C port. The weight of the device varies slightly, coming in at 213 g for Electric Violet, 218 g for Charcoal Black, and 219 g for Mint Breeze.

    The pricing for the OnePlus 15R starts at INR 47,999, €699, £649, and $699 for the 256 GB version. If you opt for the 512 GB configuration, the price is INR 52,999, €699, £629, and $799.99. Be aware that the pricing in the EU and UK for the 512 GB model will increase to €799/£729 after January 21. For more information and launch offers based on your location, check out the OnePlus website.

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  • Xiaomi Poco M8 Pro 5G Launch: Specs and Details Unveiled

    Xiaomi Poco M8 Pro 5G Launch: Specs and Details Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi is streamlining its Poco lineup and may not replace the Poco F7 or Poco X7.
    2. The Poco M8 Pro 5G is delayed and expected to launch in January next year.
    3. The Poco M8 Pro 5G is a rebranded version of the global Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus.
    4. The device will feature a 6.83-inch AMOLED screen and a 6,500 mAh battery with 100 W charging.
    5. It is expected to have a 50 MP main camera, similar to the sensor in the original Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus.


    Leaker Abhishek Yadav has recently provided updates on one of Xiaomi’s upcoming mid-range Poco smartphones. To give some background, there are recent speculations that Xiaomi might not replace the Poco F7 or Poco X7 (currently priced at $282.99 on Amazon).

    Changes in the Poco Series

    It appears that the company is planning to streamline its Poco lineup after the surprise launch of the Poco F8 Pro and Poco F8 Ultra last month. While the release of these Poco F8 models came earlier than expected, Yadav mentions that the next version of the Poco M7 Pro 5G is running a bit behind schedule.

    Upcoming Launch Timeline

    In a post on X, the leaker states that the Poco M8 Pro 5G won’t be available until next year. More specifically, Yadav claims that the device won’t be ready for release until January. Currently, the full details about the launch are still unclear.

    Expected Specifications

    Nonetheless, Yadav emphasizes that the Poco M8 Pro 5G is essentially a rebranded version of the global Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus. The phone will have a 6.83-inch AMOLED screen, a massive 6,500 mAh battery with 100 W charging capabilities, and a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 processor. It’s also anticipated that the Poco M8 Pro 5G will come with a 50 MP main camera, potentially utilizing the f/1.6 and 1/1.55-inch sensor found in the original Redmi Note 15 Pro Plus sold in China.

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  • Oppo Find X9 Ultra Battery Teaser from Top Executive

    Oppo Find X9 Ultra Battery Teaser from Top Executive

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Find X9 Ultra is expected to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor.
    2. The device will have four rear cameras with a mix of 50 MP and 200 MP sensors.
    3. The Find X9 Ultra is projected to have a battery capacity of over 7000 mAh.
    4. The new model may surpass the Galaxy S26 Ultra’s battery capacity of around 5,200 mAh.
    5. Oppo’s strategy for battery capacity increases suggests the Find X9 Ultra could have approximately 7,740 mAh based on previous models.


    A few days back, Digital Chat Station revealed many details about the upcoming Find X9 Ultra. To summarize, this new device is likely to feature a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 processor and will have four rear cameras, equally divided between 50 MP and 200 MP sensors.

    Battery Tease from Oppo Executive

    Recently, Oppo’s Zhou Yibao has hinted at the battery size for the next Ultra smartphone from Oppo. To give some background, the Find X8 Ultra was released in April, boasting a 6,100 mAh silicon carbon battery, which easily outperformed the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra at that time (current price: $1,024.99 on Amazon).

    Enhanced Capacity for Find X9 Ultra

    In fact, even the smaller Find X9 has a larger battery compared to the Find X8 Ultra. To address this, Yibao has confirmed that the Find X9 Ultra will feature ‘a capacity of over 7000mAh,’ as shown in the image below. This suggests that the Find X9 Ultra will exceed the Galaxy S26 Ultra, which has a battery around 5,200 mAh.

    As for the battery technology itself, details about the Find X9 Ultra remain unclear. However, we can draw some conclusions from the Find X8 series. Notably, the Find X8 Ultra debuted six months after the Find X8 Pro, offering a modest 3% increase in battery capacity. Therefore, it wouldn’t surprise us if Oppo applies the same strategy for the Find X9 Ultra, potentially leading to a capacity of approximately 7,740 mAh, based on a similar boost from the 7,500 mAh battery in the Find X9 Pro.

    Zhou Yibao via WhyLab

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  • Honor Power 2 Launching This Spring with 10,080mAh Battery

    Honor Power 2 Launching This Spring with 10,080mAh Battery

    Key Takeaways

    1. Honor Power 2 is rumored to have a larger battery capacity of 10,080 mAh, up from 8,000 mAh.
    2. The new model is expected to support 80-watt charging via USB-C, 21% faster than its predecessor.
    3. It may feature a MediaTek Dimensity 8500 processor instead of the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3.
    4. The camera specifications are likely to remain the same with a 16 MP front camera and a 50 MP main camera.
    5. The Honor Power 2 is anticipated to launch in spring 2026 and will be available in Midnight Black, Sunrise Orange, and Snow White.


    Announced just in April, the Honor Power is already rumored to be getting a successor soon. Speculation indicates that the Honor Power 2 will come with a bigger battery, increasing its capacity from 8,000 mAh to 10,080 mAh. Furthermore, this new model is reported to offer 80-watt charging through USB-C, which is 14 watts (or 21%) quicker than the first generation of Honor Power.

    Minor Upgrades Expected

    According to the often reliable leaker Digital Chat Station, besides the enhanced battery, the Honor Power 2 will feature only slight improvements. The Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 is anticipated to be swapped out for the upcoming MediaTek Dimensity 8500. This new smartphone is also expected to maintain a 16 MP front camera and a 50 MP main camera, mirroring its predecessor’s specs. Its 6.79-inch OLED screen is projected to provide a resolution of 2,640 x 1,200, but it might not support a dynamic refresh rate because Honor has chosen to use an LTPS panel.

    Launch Plans and Color Options

    Codenamed “Sabre,” the Honor Power 2 is rumored to be set for an official launch in spring 2026, with colors available in Midnight Black, Sunrise Orange, and Snow White. It is still uncertain whether this device will feature additional enhancements like wireless charging, a higher-resolution ultrawide camera, or a telephoto lens.

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