Catalyst is making waterproof, glow-in-the-dark cases for AirPods

Why it matters to you

Ever worry about losing your AirPods in a dark room or overstuffed bag? Catalyst’s glow-in-the-dark case might be the answer.

Fishing around a cluttered backpack or overstuffed glove compartment for your phone, watch, or tablet is a recipe for frustration — especially if you’re doing it in the dark. Luckily, Catalyst, the folks behind the world’s first waterproof Apple Watch case, have a novel solution: a Glow-in-the-Dark collection.

At Pepcom’s Spring Showcase event in New York City, the China-based company showed off its latest wares. “When we first launched on Kickstarter, we create a limited edition Glow-in-the-Dark case,” Catalyst Co-Founder and Chief Designer Josh Wright said in a statement. “This was a massive hit with customers and we wanted to go back to our roots. This exclusive family of glowing products still features the industry leading waterproof and drop-proof ratings that Catalyst is known for — only now you’ll be able to show them off in the dark.”

More: Don’t get all wet — slap this limited-edition waterproof case on your iPad

The Glow-in-the-Dark cases, which will launch for the Apple Watch ($70) and 12.9-inch iPad Pro ($160), provide quick access to the charging port. And they stand up to abuse — they’re made of “soft premium” silicone that’s waterproof, drop-proof, and dust-proof.

Alongside the new cases, Catalyst announced a waterproof case designed for Apple’s wireless AirPod earbuds ($30). This case is IP67 waterproof up to 3.3 feet (1m), drop proof to 4 feet (1.2m), and comes with a carabiner that attaches to a belt loop, bag, or backpack.

“We are excited to introduce the very first waterproof case for AirPods to market,” June Lai, CEO of Catalyst, said in a press release. “There’s nothing like it on the market. The sleek cover is waterproof, drop proof, and secures your AirPods case with a carabiner for both convenience and protection.”

More: Catalyst’s case waterproofs your Apple Watch

Finally, Catalyst debuted a colorful collection of Apple Watch bands. The company’s new Apple Watch Series 2 cases, which are tested waterproof to 330 feet (100 meters) and can withstand impacts up to 2 meters, now come in plum, green, and Glow-in-the-Dark. And new limited-edition 24mm green and red bands are available for the 42mm Apple Watch Series 1 and 42mm Apple Watch Series 2.

“Catalyst has always created great looking products which offer unmatched performance — giving users total confidence to use their devices in any environment,” Wright said. “We created a range of colorways for our new products that we think looks great.”

The new cases are available for purchase on Catalyst’s official website.

Key fob-sized WeatherAtPoint is your own personal weather station

Why it matters to you

Mindlab Solution’s WeatherAtPoint completely reimagines what a personal weather station could be, in a tiny package.

When you think of personal weather stations, you probably think of the traditional kind: A hefty sensor suite and a large console display to match. WeatherAtPoint is different — it actually fits on your keychain.

New York City-based startup MindLab Solution has shrunk the weather station basics into a small package. When you need weather data, you simply pull out the sensor package from the bullet-shaped case, plug it into your device’s headphone port, and open the app.

More: Here’s the best home weather stations you can buy

WeatherAtPoint measures temperature, humidity, and barometric pressure. It also has an ambient light sensor that can also measure UV levels, making it useful for outdoor activities where sun exposure is a concern.

The device will retail for anywhere between $60 and $90 depending on desired case finish — aluminum or titanium — when it goes into mass production later this year.

This isn’t the first crowdfunding effort for the WeatherAtPoint device, however. MindLab Solution originally launched its effort on Kickstarter, raising $140,000 in the summer of 2015. The original version was beset by a host of problems, including issues where the device was failing to connect to some phones. The company announced its plans for a second version of WeatherAtPoint last year, and the Indegogo InDemand page is the company’s next step toward improving upon the original model.

The company expects to start shipping to its early backers in May, with another production run expecting to ship to customers sometime in October. At this time it appears the issues with the original model are gone, although iPhone 7 users won’t be able to use the new device without use of the Lighting-to-headphone jack adapter.

MindLab did say Apple’s adapter does work with WeatherAtPoint in a FAQ posted to its original Kickstarter page earlier this month. Kickstarter backers would also be eligible for an unspecified “special perk” for their loyalty, the company added.

Runtastic’s new Runtasty app serves up healthy recipes for all-around fitness

Why it matters to you

Getting fit is as much about what you put into your body as what you demand out of it, and a new app from Runtastic helps you address both these issues.

You can run all you want, but as fitness experts will tell you, that’s only half the battle when it comes to realizing your dream physique. The other half, of course, lies in your eating habits. And now, one company is trying to tackle both sides of the coin. Meet Runtasty — described as “your training plan’s best companion and your healthy cooking solution” — from Runtastic, the running, cycling, and fitness GPS tracker. So once you get done keeping tabs on your workout, you can easily pay heed to what you’re putting into your body.

The new app (free on both the Google Play Store and the App Store) promises to be “packed full of quick, simple, dietitian-approved recipes that require very minimal ingredients.” Looking to dispel the notion that a diet has to be limiting, Runtasty claims to be able to satisfy even the most persnickety of eaters with a wide range of food options.

More: Mellow is a new take on sous vide cooking and is available for pre-order

For the last few months, Runtastic has actually been posting some of the recipes you can find on Runtasty on YouTube and its social media channels. But now, they’re all aggregated in a single, easy-to-access space. Within the app, you can find easy-to-prepare recipes that take a number of restrictions and preferences into consideration. Each recipe comes with video instructions for a true step-by-step experience, and you can find other how-to videos for useful skills like how to properly cut an onion or how to cook a perfect steak.

Recipes can be filtered by 23 categories, which include options for gluten-free eaters, high-protein seekers, and folks on the run (meals ready in 15 minutes or less). And when you find one you love, you can easily save it in the app for quick access the next time you’re in a pinch. Better still, all recipes are free and available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese, so you’re taken care of no matter what your mother tongue may be. So if you need some help in the kitchen, you may want to download the free Runtasty app today.

LG G6 now available: Here’s everything you need to know!

The LG G6 is one of the most exciting phones of the year, and a good introduction to flagship season 2017! Should you buy it or wait for the Galaxy S8?

It’s April 7, and that means the LG G6 is now available to buy in the U.S. and Canada (though carriers have been shipping them to some lucky pre-orderers for a couple of weeks now). Choosing to buy a new phone is a tough decision, but choosing to buy the LG G6 when the Samsung Galaxy S8 is on the horizon — it comes out in two weeks — makes the choice that much harder.

If you’re in the market for a new phone, and are considering the LG G6, here are some things you need to know.

It’s got a big screen, but feels really compact

The LG G6 is the first of likely many phones with a non-standard screen aspect ratio. Specifically, its 2:1 (or 18:9, for a more standard comparison) screen makes it considerably taller than most phones out there today, but coupled with the near-elimination of bezels around the bright, beautiful IPS display, it’s one hand-friendly.

The screen really is beautiful. Contrast is great for an IPS display, an area where Samsung’s AMOLED panels traditionally take the lead, and colors are punchy and accurate. Indeed, LG’s 2880×1440 pixel screen is Dolby Vision HDR certified, as well as HDR 10 certified, two competing standards that, with the help of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Vudu and others will make it much more pleasant to watch video content on a relatively small phone screen.

How the LG G6 was made

It’s got wireless charging, but only in the U.S. and Canada

For some reason, LG decided to keep one of its best features, wireless charging, limited to the North American market. It’s not a huge deal — most people rely on Quick Charge wired charging through the USB-C port — but it’s strange nonetheless. Still, the phone’s 3,300mAh battery may need a top-up, wired or wireless, once or twice throughout the day, as we’ve found the phone to have less-than-stellar uptime compared to phones like the Pixel XL.

These LG G6 features are limited to some regions

Its two cameras are wonderful and creative

Like the G5 and V20, the LG G6 has two cameras on the back, each 13MP in resolution but with differing focal lengths that transition seamlessly using toggles in the simple-yet-powerful camera app.

We’ve spent some time playing with G6’s optics, and while the regular, optically-stabilized is great indoors and out, it’s the wide-angle sensor that we’ve grown to love, especially when taking landscape photos that capture the whole field of view.

LG’s also got some really fun camera modes that take advantage of its symmetrical screen, which can be divided into two perfect squares. You may not want to use the word ‘twofie’, but the phone can take two square photos at the same time using the front and back cameras.

• Everything you need to know about the LG G6’s cameras
• Our first LG G6 camera samples!

Only the Korean unit gets the Quad DAC

One of our favorite features from the LG V20, the Quad DAC that makes music incredibly inviting, full and sonorous, is not coming to the North American or European models of the G6. Citing higher costs, LG says that there just isn’t a big market for audiophile components in smartphones — but that doesn’t exactly assuage our frustrations.

Get a microSD card, because the storage won’t last

Another strange decision, especially in light of the Galaxy S8 coming with 64GB of storage by default — the North American and European LG G6 only comes with 32GB of internal storage, with no option to buy a higher-capacity model. Sure, 32GB should be fine for most people, but it won’t last forever, which is why we recommend you buy a big, spacious microSD card for it.

Don’t buy an LG G6 without a microSD card

The launcher is still pretty terrible

We like the software on the G6 — it’s LG’s most restrained take on Android to date, and there’s very little to complain about. But the launcher, which eschews the app drawer and adds ugly borders around all homescreen icons, is pretty bad.

Our recommendation? Download Nova Launcher, Action Launcher, Evie Launcher, or something that resembles the opposite of whatever LG is thinking.

Those colors are gorgeous

Black or platinum — doesn’t matter. Both colors are really, really nice, and they shimmer and reflect light in their own unique ways. I haven’t been a big fan of the generic silver that seems to ship with every phone these days, but LG’s take on it, called Platinum, is really something else altogether. And then there’s the shiny, fingerprint-friendly black color, which I’ve been using. I love it; as long as you keep it clean, it’s one of the crispest-looking phones I’ve ever had in my pocket.

There’s also a white variant, but it’s not coming to the U.S.

Which color LG G6 should you buy?

It’s a really solid phone

Honestly, the LG G6 doesn’t do anything badly. It’s well-designed, gorgeously-engineered, and comes off as a mature, reliable piece of equipment. As MrMobile said in his review, it wears its chunkiness on its sleeve, not trying to hide its metal frame with sloping glass. As a result, it may feel a bit squat next to the Galaxy S8, but I’ve grown to really love that solidity, both in my hand and my pocket.

donm527
04-02-2017 12:07 PM

“

The LG G6 has clean strong lines and thick frame leans on the industrial side. Bezels down to a minimum and screen framed with the right amount of chin. Silver has a business classy look to me while the murdered out black reminds me of my LG G2 days and very nice too.

You say the S8 UI looks clean but can’t understand how you can say that compared to the G6. The G6 would be closer to stock…

Reply

It’s waterproof, drop-resistant, and covered in glass, just like the Galaxy S8. And while it lacks this year’s Snapdragon 835 platform, I’ve yet to worry about its performance, since the Snapdragon 821 — which powers the Pixel and Pixel XL — is still so good, and feels so new.

The bottom-firing speaker is good, the headphone quality is great, as is the call quality and LTE reception. I had some trouble connecting to one particular LG Bluetooth speaker, and the Bluetooth volume was unexpectedly low on another speaker, but that’s the extent of the bugs I’ve found so far.

• LG G6 review
• LG G6 second opinion: This one’s the best
• LG G6, one month on: A great phone, and the best LG has ever made

It’s around $100 cheaper than the Galaxy S8

So here we come to the final decision. At between $650 and $700, depending on the carrier, the LG G6 is around $100 cheaper than the Galaxy S8. That’s a lot of money to save on a phone that’s better in some ways (it’s much easier to pick up off a table, and the fingerprint sensor placement is so much better) and nearly as good in others.

If you’ve made up your mind, you can learn everything you need to know about the phone in our forums!

Then you can figure out which carrier to buy it from.

Where to buy the LG G6 in the U.S.

LG G6

• LG G6 review!
• LG G6 specs
• LG G6 vs. Google Pixel: The two best cameras right now
• Everything you need to know about the G6’s cameras
• LG forums

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Best Clips alternatives for Android

What are the best Clips alternatives for Android?

Clips, “a new video sketching app from Apple that aims to give everything from your iMessage to your Insta a whole new level of lit”, launched this week, and people are pretty pumped about it for a few reasons:

1) It allows you to shoot video with a wide variety live filters.

2) You can speak and have your words appear onscreen (almost flawlessly) in real-time, making editing captions after the fact totally unnecessary.

3) Forget knock-off, crummy, royalty-free music – you get to pick from tracks from artists like Hans Zimmer, Dick Haggerty, Alvin Risk, and more.

The app is a little bit of something new with stickers and filters and funky new features, and a little bit of your old fashioned standard video editor, but one thing that it isn’t is available for Android.

While they won’t come super-duper close to the real thing, here are three Clips alternatives that you can use on Android right now!

• Funimate Video Effects Editor
• Magisto Video Editor & Maker
• Quik – Free Video Editor

Funimate Video Effects Editor

Clips is a super simple app to use: just open it up, adjust your filters and live text settings, hit the big red button, add music, add stickers, save your clip, and you’re good to go. Another app that mirrors that simplicity and effortless fun feel is the Funimate Video Effects Editor for Android!

Funimate allows you to create professional image slideshows and add soundtracks [to your video]. It boasts more than 30 video effects that you can play with, and the editing process is very easy, so you can make your video more enjoyable, creative and unique! (Liza Brown, Filmora)

After you’re done recording your video with Funimate Video Effects Editor, you can add different transition effects, filters, text, and more. You can even upload your video to the Funimate community and connect with other video creators!

One big difference between Funimate and Clips is the live text – you can’t talk with Funimate and have the text instantly appear on screen. If you have text you’d like to add, you’re going to have to do it the old fashioned way — with captions.

Download: Funimate Video Effects Editor (free)

Magisto Video Editor & Maker

With Magisto, you can turn all of your stale mobile footage into a polished compilation video that’s ready to be shared. With the help of Magisto’s seemingly magical technology, the app analyzes your videos, picks out interesting clips, and automatically edits them together, complete with music and transitions. It requires no editing skills at all. (Jaymar Cabebe, CNET)

If you’re looking for an auto video-making app that will make sharing your videos simple (like Clips), allows you to add filters and effects (like Clips) and lets you pick your own music or select from its massive music library (like Clips), then take a peek at the Magisto Video Editor & Maker for Android!

Magisto Video Editor & Maker has been downloaded and used by over 80 million users worldwide, and was featured in Google Play Editors’ Choice, Google’s list of Best Android Apps, and CES best app of the year, so you know it has to be good.

After selecting your clips and uploading them to Magisto, you can pick your theme (there are options like Dance, Storyteller, Memories, Travel, etc), select your perfect soundtrack, set your movie length, and then make your movie. It’s that simple!

While this app is super similar to Clips, there are a few differences: one, you can’t add stickers or random captions across your movie, and two, there’s no live text talking option. But it’s still the closest thing we Android users have!

Download:Magisto Video Editor & Maker (free)

Quik – Free Video Editor

If you want a video app that does super similar things to Clips for your Android, that’s just as reliable and fun to use, and has almost as much potential for you to edit and get creative with your footage, then keep the Quik – Free Video Editor in the back of your mind.

I mean, a video editing app from GoPro has to be pretty awesome, right?

It’s designed to create videos that look professionally edited in just a few taps, whether or not you know how to edit. Users can select multiple videos that are stored on their phone, pick a soundtrack, and Quik automatically edits the videos together to the beat of the music. The app uses algorithms to search for the best moments in each video, and can even add transitions, effects, and filters. When the video is done, users can either post directly to social media or go back in to make minor tweaks to the finished product. (Sean O’Kane, The Verge)

With the app, you can either choose to record on the spot, or you can upload up to 75 photos and video clips from your albums, galleries, Google Photos, Facebook, or even GoPro Plus. The app does a ton of work for you, using face detect to frame each photo and video clip perfectly (and if you’re not happy with the auto-edits, you can always change it yourself).

With Quik, you can pick and edit over 22 video styles with different transitions and graphics, while still having creative control over font, eye-catching graphics, and effect filters for any type of video.

The only big difference between Quik and Clips? You guessed it – no live text talking option, so you’ll have to add in any speech/talking afterwards with captions.

Download: Quik (free)

What would you say is the closest app to Clips?

Is there an app that we missed on our list that you think is a dead-set dupe for Clips? Let us know what your thoughts are in the comments below!

Google’s next step against fake news is rolling out to Search

Can we make this a part of Facebook and Twitter next?

Google can’t stop fake news, but it will now do a better job labeling it as such when you see it. Searching for topics flooded by fake news will now have a new tag in the top results card with fact checking done by third parties. This same tag will be applied in Google News for situations where those articles have become top posts in the news cycle. Instead of doing the fact checking itself, Google is relying on a network of existing fact checkers and the information already provided by those organizations.

This isn’t an easy task, and as anyone who has tried to discuss fake news with a true believer will tell you it’s just as easy for these people to call the fact checkers fake news in response. To help deal with concerns of bias from one fact checking team or another, Google’s Justin Kosslyn explained how multiple positions on a given topic will present itself.

This information won’t be available for every search result, and there may be search result pages where different publishers checked the same claim and reached different conclusions. These fact checks are not Google’s and are presented so people can make more informed judgements. Even though differing conclusions may be presented, we think it’s still helpful for people to understand the degree of consensus around a particular claim and have clear information on which sources agree.

A recent example of just how far Google is willing to go to preserve the “spectrum” of opinions can be found in recent criticism of climate change deniers appearing at the top of search results for the Great Barrier Reef. Hopefully Google is prepared to identify and remove alternative fact peddlers that claim to be fact checkers themselves as this tool continues to grow, otherwise it’s unlikely to be considered a trusted method of quickly confirming authenticity for very long.

Get yourself a loud, powerful, and rugged Bluetooth speaker for only $84!

A quality Bluetooth speaker is one of the best ways to take all you favorite music, podcasts, and other audio with you wherever you go. Lots of Bluetooth speakers come with handy features —like waterproofing and drop protection —to make them useful in a lot of situations; however, plenty of Bluetooth speakers sacrifice power in exchange for portability. Why can’t you have both?

Blast your favorite tunes loud and proud! Learn more

The truth is you can have both, but it’s not always easy to find a powerful Bluetooth speaker that doesn’t cost a significant amount of your paycheck. Don’t worry, Android Central Digital Offers has the perfect solution for you!

Right now, through Android Central Digital Offers you can pick up a G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox for only $84.99!

The G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox delivers more than enough firepower using a 2.1 speaker configuration. Two full-range drivers, one tweeter, and dual rear-firing bass ports will not only ensure you get enough volume, but that all your music sounds full and balanced. Plus, it’s quick and easy to pair up with your phone or other Bluetooth connected device, so you can play your favorite playlists no matter which device you choose.

Even if you’re away from a conventional power outlet for an extended period, the G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox can survive up to seven hours on battery power alone, so you never skip a beat!

If you’re looking to really blow the roof of the house at your next party, take advantage of this great offer to receive 15% off the G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox!

Blow the doors off the barn with the G-Boom Bluetooth Boombox! Learn more

Listen to your favorite tunes in the shower or by the pool with this $10 Bluetooth speaker

Our friends at Thrifter are back again, this time with a great deal on a waterproof Bluetooth speaker.

I don’t know about you, but I like to listen to music everywhere. In my office, the car, by the pool and even the shower. Right now you can pick up this waterproof Bluetooth speaker from VicTsing for just $9.99 with coupon code LV5Z4QLT, which is a savings of $9 from its regular price. The speaker has a small footprint so it doesn’t take up much space, but is designed to still be loud enough to hear over the running water or when using it outside. Battery life won’t be much of a concern with this one as it’s rated for around 7 hours of playback with the volume at 70%.

The hexagonal shape allows the speaker to be a bit more durable and robust, and it can balance on each side so you can set it down anywhere without worrying. Odds are this deal won’t stick around too long, so be sure to grab one now!

See at Amazon

For more great deals be sure to check out our friends at Thrifter now!

Best Tempered Glass Screen Protectors for the Moto G5 Plus

What are the best tempered glass screen protectors for the Moto G5 Plus?

The new Moto G5 Plus is an awesome budget phone with a 5.2-inch LCD screen that’s sure to impress — but only if you keep it safe from scratches and cracks.

Your best bet? Buy a tempered glass screen protector.

• Sparin tempered glass screen protectors (two-pack)
• Yootech tempered glass screen protectors (two-pack)
• Supershieldz tempered glass screen protectors (three-pack)
• LK tempered glass screen protectors (three-pack)

Sparin tempered glass screen protector (two-pack)

Sparin has consistently produced great tempered glass screen protectors, so you should be good to go with this two-pack of tempered glass screen protectors.

Designed to cover the flat portion of the screen while leaving no unsightly halo around the edges, these leave room around the edges for a case which is good for those looking to completely protect their new phone. You’ll also enjoy the 2.5D round edges on these, which are kind on your fingers and looked cleaner when you look up close. This screen protector features cutouts around the ear speaker, front-facing camera and fingerprint sensor, so you’ll feel the difference of those softer edges.

This is a dry-install screen protector should go on easy with a bubble-free installation, and thin enough to maintain the full touch sensitivity of the screen.

See at Amazon

Yootech tempered glass screen protector (two-pack)

If you’re looking for a tempered glass screen protector that’s backed by a lifetime warranty, Yootech has you covered. This two-pack of tempered glass screen protectors are ultra thin at only 0.33mm, with a scratch resistant surface featuring an oleophobic coating.

Featuring precise laser-cut cutouts around the ear speaker, camera, and fingerprint sensor, this kit comes with everything you need for a clean, bubble-free installation including alcohol wipes and dust removing strips.

Spend some time to make sure your get the perfect fit on installation and you’re good to go!

See at Amazon

Supershieldz tempered glass screen protector (three-pack)

Two is good, but three is better! This bundle from Supershieldz comes with three tempered glass screen protectors for your Moto G5 Plus. If value is your main goal, you simply can’t beat this bundle.

You’ll get near edge-to-edge coverage here with enough room to accommodate a case, along with 2.5D edges for a nice smooth feel for your fingers.

Supershieldz are known for making really quality screen protectors that are anti-scratch, hydrophobic, obeophobic and backed by Supershieldz no-hassle lifetime replacement warranty. If you’re a serial phone abuser and feel like you might run through more than a couple screen protectors during your phone’s life, this is a great, affordable option.

See at Amazon

LK tempered glass screen protector (three-pack)

While the other three options on this list offer a very similar design, this three pack from LK takes a different approach, doing away with the thin ridges around the cutouts and just swooping right down around the ear speaker and camera at the top, and cutting up from the bottom edge around the fingerprint scanner.

On one hand, this leaves more of your screen exposed, but it also should help improve the overall integrity of the screen protector by removing those weak points around the cutouts.

Scratch resistant, shatterproof, and oleophobic, these screen protectors will keep your Moto G5 Plus screen protected, and are backed by a lifetime, no-hassle replacement warranty.

See at Amazon

Moto G5

• Moto G5 Plus review
• Moto G5 Specs
• Top 10 things to know about the Moto G5 + G5 Plus
• Moto G5 Plus vs Moto G4 Plus
• Join our Moto G5 forums!

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Want a 128GB Samsung Galaxy S8+? Here’s where in the world it’s coming

Samsung’s bigger S8 is getting a bigger storage option… but only in South Korea and China.

Everywhere else in the world will see only 64GB models at this time, but a Samsung Galaxy S8+ with 128GB of storage and 6GB of RAM is being prepared for a bundle in South Korea and China, according to a listing on Samsung’s Korean site found by ETVNews. While 64GB internal will be enough for most folks, I admit I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a 128GB model if it ever came Stateside.

The 128GB S8+ is being bundled with a DeX desktop dock, where that extra RAM will probably be put to the most use, and while an official price hasn’t yet been confirmed, ETV is claiming the bundle will cost just over a thousand U.S. Dollars. Will the 128GB model stay so close to home, or will it be allowed to come to Europe and the Americas? No one can say for certain, but until we can, at least the S8+ has a microSD slot that can take cards up to 256GB, and 4GB of RAM should be more than enough for everyday tasks and gaming.

Best microSD cards for the Galaxy S8

Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+

• Galaxy S8 and S8+ hands-on preview!
• Galaxy S8 and S8+ specs
• Everything you need to know about the Galaxy S8’s cameras
• Get to know Samsung Bixby
• Join our Galaxy S8 forums

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