Microsoft sights on Android – BBC

Microsoft invests in companies Cyanogen, developers an alternative version of Android, does not support the store Google Play Store. The transaction will not only strengthen the position of Cyanogen on the market, but also help in the promotion of applications and services Microsoft, reduce the impact of Google’s Android.

The intention IT-giant to invest in startup Cyanogen reports The Wall Street Journal, citing informed sources. Cyanogen is developing its own operating system based on Android, CyanogenMod, is not supported by the app store Google Play.

Microsoft will become a minority shareholder of the investment round Cyanogen, totaling $ 70 million. According to a source publication, this amount may increase significantly, as other strategic investors have already expressed an interest in Cyanogen: Microsoft – is not the only company interested in reducing control over the Google Android. The names of other potential investors are not disclosed.

It should be noted that investment in Cyanogen – not the first attempt to compete with Microsoft Google over Android. In February last year, the company introduced a line of inexpensive Android-smartphone Nokia X. As in the case of CyanogenMod on them was not available app store Google Play, but the user will have the ability to download software from third-party stores, such as “Yandeks.Store.”

However, experts note that investment in Cyanogen – unexpected move for Microsoft, offers its own mobile platform Windows Phone. However, the fact that the market share of mobile operating system from Microsoft is only 3%, may force the company to take unexpected actions.

Android – an open operating system that gadget makers can be installed on their devices free of charge. However, in the past few years, Google has strongly demanded from vendors to upload to the device and its applications to install its default search engine in exchange for access to search, YouTube, and millions of apps in the store Google Play Store.

Because of this, application developers, competing with Google, it became more difficult to distribute their programs on Android-powered devices. For Microsoft, this means, in particular, reducing the popularity of the search engine Bing and other software.

Cyanogen same – an alternative version of Android, free from such restrictions. The company employs just 80 people, however, in their words, in creating an alternative version of Android is helping them as much as 9,000 volunteer developers.

«We will select Android from Google», – said the head of Cyanogen Kurt McMaster last week.

According to McMaster, CyanogenMod are more than 50 million people, most of them set it instead of the original OS your device.

Cyanogen is now discussing with the vendors the ability to set an alternate version of Android on its proprietary devices. The company has already agreed this with the largest Indian manufacturer of smartphones Micromax.

Now we have a situation in which more than 80% of all smartphones sold in the world are produced under the control of Android, says head of mobile and digital devices J’son & amp ; Partners Consulting Eugene Almine. “This device is already pre-installed on the app store, maps, search and other software from Google. Thus, Google gains control of a significant part of the mobile content market and can dictate its terms to developers of mobile applications, “- he says.

Cyanogen can help Microsoft to distribute their applications and services on smartphones, experts say.

Independent version of Android is already very popular, particularly in China, where many products are simply unavailable Google. According to research firm Strategy Analysis, they accounted for 37% of all deliveries of Android in the third quarter of last year.

«Alternative firmware and the App Store for Android is pretty much a no-brainer for Google they are not but CyanogenMod now one of the most popular and Microsoft participation in this project will add ecosystem Cyanogen chance of success “- says CTO Redmadrobot Arthur Sakharov.

Microsoft this transaction will also be helpful, I’m sure he is, if the corporation now has to deduct Google percentage of sales of its services in Google Play, in the case of run Cyanogen App Store it will cease feed a competitor, and indeed would deprive him of a substantial share of the market applications. Naturally, it bothered Google, so it is likely that in the future we will see a real IT-war – for example, the introduction of an exclusive licensing agreements distribution, predicts Sakharov.

Investing in Cyanogen may allow Microsoft to some extent integrate its services, such as search Bing, voice assistant Cortana, cloud storage OneCloud etc., CyanogenMod ecosystem, says Eugene Almine.

Tools of the month. Major Android-Apps January – BBC News

Vesti.Haytek continue to keep track of the best applications that developers write for the platform Android. In the January collection got a program that will not spoil the laundry in the washing tablet Office from Microsoft, the legendary photo editor from Adobe, a terrific replacement for the standard photo gallery and other useful software.

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Camu

One of the best photoappendices 2014 for iOS finally got to the platform Android. The service allows you to quickly achieve stunning effects. Image processing does not occur until after the shooting, but while creating photographs.

The Finnish studio has created an amazingly simple and easy interface, where you can find a huge number of filters and settings, a variety of interesting” chips “. For example, the mode of “self-timer” is automatically tracks the movement of the frame. Once people stop moving and will freeze, the shutter releases. For more details about the application read our review.

To install Camu version 1.1 of 11 MB, you will need a smartphone with Android version is not lower than 2.3. The application can be downloaded for free from Google Play.

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Falcon Pro 3

Fresh program that is sure to appeal to all who sit in Twitter, but dissatisfied with the official Android-client. Compared to a standard client Falcon Pro looks amazing – she fully adapted to Android 5.0 and is made in the “material” design. But application download costs, primarily because of its functionality.

Navigation in the program reminds TweetDeck built on the principle of speakers, you can switch between swipe. The user chooses what is displayed in each column – it may be mentioned, tweets from selected users, granting to the proper hashtag and so on. Especially note that the photos from Instagram in the tape are displayed fully, and not as a reference than sinning standard Twitter-client. For more information about the application can be found in our review.

Download Falcon Pro 3 can be free (payment in the amount of 238.3 p. For the connection account then possible in the appendix) in the Google Play

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Lightroom

Prior to the Android platform and got a professional photo editor Lightroom from Adobe. The program is almost identical to the previously released versions for the iPhone and iPad and has almost all the basic functionality of a “desktop” version optimized for the touch interface. The user can quickly take a photo and synchronize it between all your devices with Lightroom.

Thus, You can, for example, start to edit a document on Android-smartphone, and finish on “iPads”. Android-tablet version has not yet been optimized.

Lightroom can free download and use for 30 days. To continue, you will need a subscription service Creative Cloud.

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Microsoft Office for tablets

A full-featured office suite Microsoft has finally got to the Android-plates (devices with a screen diagonal of 10.7 inches). Android version is virtually identical to the version for the iPad, which was released last year.

This package includes programs such as Word, PowerPoint and Excel. The program is free, but for the use of all functions and to work on the displays of more than 10 inches need a subscription to Office 365.

The package runs on Android 4.4.4. Word, Excel and PowerPoint available for free download on Google Play.

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iStirka

It often happens that by machine washing things go bad – fade, sit, crawl. Most likely, this is due to the wrong place the selected mode. Many people simply do not understand the meaning of these strange symbols on labels of clothes and washing regimes differ.

The application iStirka should help to cope with such situations. Choose your washing machine from the list of models of the program, and then scan the tag on the clothes (or manually select the desired icon), then the program will tell you which mode you need to wash it.

The program is available for free in zaguzki Google Play

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depressants

Russian debtors in this month relieved, because the new program” depressant “protected them from the persistent calls of collectors of debts. It’s no secret that collectors are used psychological techniques of attack, the names in the most inconvenient time – early morning, late at night, many times a day.

Application “depressant” collects and regularly update the database of phone numbers used by collectors and blocking receive calls and SMS from these unpleasant people. The only chance for the collector to call you – use a virtual phone number, but it is difficult and requires money, so that in any case, calls will be much less.

Not long ago, Google, without explaining the reasons, remove the program from the store Play Store. So far, the service is available in Yandeks.Store. The developer is going to sue Google, to return to the store its program.

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Update

Also in January, the developers released many wonderful updates to their programs, which greatly expanded their functionality. Consider the best of them.

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QuickPic 4.0

One of the best alternative galleries for Android updated to the fourth version. Service continues to be one of the fastest-running programs galleries, which is achieved by caching. There are lots of opportunities – for example, viewing a slide show, a built-in image editor.

Updates allowed to pull the gallery not only pictures of the phone memory, but also from a variety of” cloud “services. Now you can create your own folders, view “SIFCO” send photos over Wi-Fi and much more.

To learn more about the possibilities of the fourth version of this review can be.

The program is available for free download in Google Play

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Google Translate

translator from Google in January significantly wiser. The program has learned to translate it in synchronous mode. With the camera can instantly translate the inscriptions.

So, Google Translate has become an indispensable tool for travelers and people who often need to speak with foreigners. Imagine that you have come to the restaurant in China and can not understand what is written on the menu. Enough to bring the phone and now the terrible characters are converted into understandable names of the dishes.

An updated version of the application is available for free download on Google Play.

Out free office software Microsoft for Android and iOS – Russian newspaper

Microsoft has released a free application from his famous Office suite, for two mobile platforms: Android and iOS.

Users of Android-plates with screen sizes from 7 to 10 inches can be downloaded from the Google Play applications Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as the owners of “apple” devices available on iTunes email client Outlook.

Free versions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint to allow Android create, edit and print files, reports tenhnoblog techcrunch.com. To use all the functions the user is required to pay gadget subscription to Office 365.

To install the necessary “tablet” with a display at least 7 inches and Android 4.4 version or above.

The final release of Office for Andriod-released tablets to optimize, which largely contributed to extensive testing programs and criticisms of users, experts say.

See also

As for the Outlook client for the mobile platform Apple, it is compatible with all devices based on iOS is not lower than 8.0 notes tehnoblog macdigger.ru. Annex unified view of email, calendar, contacts and attachments, optimized search for important messages, delete “trash” and planning activities.

The application Outlook is based on the technology company Acompli, purchased the software giant from Redmond in December last year.

Word, Excel and PowerPoint available for download in Google Play, and Outlook is available in iTunes.

Microsoft will give millions to “select Android at Google» – CNews.ru

Android has received a final Office – Dni.Ru

14:17 / 29.01.2015 Android, Excel, Microsoft, Office, PowerPoint, Word Microsoft has released the final version of their office applications for the operating system Android. All of them are free, but require a Microsoft account and provide clearance for a paid subscription to Office 365.

Photo: play.google.com

Microsoft unveiled the final office applications Word, Exel and PowerPoint for tablets on the operating system Android. All of them are free and design have not changed compared with the version for Windows. In contrast to the Windows-based software applications for Android free of charge.

The company had previously released Office only on the iPad, and for Android-users was available meager Android Office Mobile, intended for viewing office documents on smartphones. In early January, Word, Exel and PowerPoint appeared in Google Play as test beta versions, and were finally released the final application.

Functional little inferior to Windows-analogues on tablets now also conveniently edit documents as computers. Especially with the external keyboard. All three applications work with tablets with screen sizes from 7 to 10.1 inches, require at least one gigabyte of RAM and at least Android version 4.4 Kitkat. Applications optimized for “fifth” Android, but when you run the user sees warning that they are not optimized for this version, according to TechCrunch. In addition, the “five” does not work training video.

Microsoft Word for tablets received from users of four stars out of five. Criticism is to ensure that Microsoft asks to register for work in the application, as well as making a paid subscription to Office 365, which costs 200 rubles a month. Some say the speed, others say that it is too slow. Apparently, it all depends on each individual iron plate.

LG has introduced “clamshell” on Android – BBC News

The Korean company LG has released a smartphone Ice Cream Smart, which revives the popular ten years ago, the concept of “clamshell” – the phone with two screens and a physical keyboard.

Despite the presence of physical keys, the display is Ice Cream Smart touch . If desired, users can print directly on it. Previous folding smartphone Korean company released back in 2008.

Ice Cream Smart received a quad-core processor at 1.2 gigahertz, gigabytes of RAM and a 3.5-inch display with a resolution of 320 × 480 pixels. There is a rear camera is 8 megapixels and a small wheel “eye” of 0.3 megapixels.

The device supports LTE, Bluetooth 4.0. There is a built-in flash memory of 8 GB. The operating system uses Android 4.4.4, which is installed on top of a specially adapted shell, greatly simplifies the use of unusual gadget.

The device will come in pink and blue colors. The gadget is designed primarily for people who need a compact device, easy to make calls, but requires and “smartphone” functionality. The release date has not yet been announced. It is known that the price in Korea will be about $ 280 in terms of the local currency.

Source: Pocket-lint

Android, so whether you’re awful? Opinion fans iPhone, or “poison terrible, but terrible slander” – androidinsider.ru

In the world there are a large number of operating systems, the most popular – Android and iOS. Today, Android has a leading position with a 84.4% market share. This is a huge figure, and it is possible that in the future, Google will become a monopolist, as worthy competitors every year fewer and fewer. Among consumers, there are certain groups of people who are ardent fans of a particular system, they create a picture of the users of the systems, and usually develops a misconception.

Below me was written by a small circuit in which I identified the main reference points by which users choose the device:

And on the stage there is a choice of the greatest resonance. After all, if we take the design, performance, in this respect, the position of the people is almost identical, but when it comes to choosing the system, it is influenced by several factors: the first – the price, and the second – this is a subjective interest of the consumer. And, as a rule, at this stage, people prefer to Android-powered devices, because they are cheaper, and I will not speak openly, but the ratio of operating systems can be relatively straightforward stratification of society, in other words, the more Android-devices on the market, the more people that are not as financially secured.

This is, of course, a very controversial issue because it affects the choice of a lot of factors, including the same subjective interests of consumers and the development of the system, but as an alternative assessment segments of the population, this method well suited. Because, firstly, iOS, and Android today are very similar both in appearance and functionality, and, secondly, the number of cheap Android-devices on the market greatly exceeds the number of flagship devices.

Another question – is the ratio of users of one system to other users. First, let’s understand what it means to “fans iPhone». Normal user absolutely uninteresting questions “Which system is better?”, “Who is cooler?” And other nonsense. However, in social networks and online resources taken to discuss this topic. People who start humiliate Android-users and cause some arguments in favor of iOS, a little bit, but they are there and leave considerable sediment in the opinion of the average user. Now I would like to get rid of the myths of the absurd opinions which disturb the harmony in the relationship between the owners of different operating systems.

Let us say at once, each system is good in its own way, one can not say that the best iOS or Android Android better than Windows Phone. Subjectively, each of the readers, of course, choose Android, and rightly so, another thing is when they begin to pick holes in other systems and point to them, in the circles of Android-owners is not so developed, but has a place, but among the iOS-users is found around it.

Pros Android’a in its openness, its customization, the ability to adapt to the user. Optimizes games and applications, smooth operation and intuitive – the pros iOS. And everyone chooses what he is most important: if a man decided to take the Android-device because of the possibility to put the firmware, it does not mean that it is poorly secured, it does not mean that he can not afford the iPhone. In other words, everyone has a choice each of us makes it, with an emphasis on personal preference. Yes, there are poor people, but it does not tell us that Android – it’s only system for the lower layers, Android – a universal system designed for a wide range of sectors of society, on iOS do not tell you this.

Android is often blamed for a large number of viruses that on Google Play a lot of unnecessary and “junk” content. And in this regard I would like to say that if the virus is, in Google Play a large number of vendors. Speaking of viruses: they are not so much to dwell on this point, so these accusations are groundless. About the content – here I am with you also do not agree: daily Google tightens control quality assessment downloadable applications, Google recently tightened rules of registration of the application descriptor, in other words, the development in this direction there.

Yes, of course, can not be simply delete the unwanted content, it is, but should understand that Google’s policy is quite different. Initially the system was designed as an open, there was little quality control of downloadable applications, since the system had to compete with the powerful at the time Apple. As you can see, this policy has made of once ant what we see now – the dominance of Android, strict control of the market and an annual expansion of zones of influence.

Review of android-tablet Smarto 3GDi10: budget premium – Overclockers.ru

Device Type	Tablet
Operating System	Android 4.4.2, Yandeks.Kit
Body materials	Metal
Screen	10.0 “, IPS, 1920 x 1200, 226 ppi
Processor	Intel Atom Z2580, 2 cores, 2.0 GHz
The video	PowerVR SGX544 MP2
RAM	2 GB
Built-in drive	8 GB
Card slot	MicroSD (up to 32GB)
Interfaces, communication and data transmission	USB 2.0, MicroHDMI, Wi-Fi (b / g / n), Bluetooth 4.0, 2G (900/1800/1900), 3G
Slots SIM	1 pcs., Mini-SIM
Camera	5.0 megapixel main c autofocus, 2.0 megapixel front
Battery	7500 mAh
sensors and sensors	Accelerometer, gyro
Dimensions	262.0 x 162.0 x 8.6 mm
Weight	643 g
Price	~ 9 000-11 000 rubles.

The tablet has all the basic functionality that you expect to see in the budget structure. Hardware layout looks good and should ensure the normal speed. Pleasing to the metal (and, according to some estimates, impact) body, the presence of a memory card slot, and support capacity battery mobile data.
 

Among the shortcomings immediately note the small amount of memory for storing files and modest set of sensors. The rest of the pluses and minuses, as usual, will be revealed in the course of a detailed study of the device.
 

Packaging equipment Smarto 3GDi10

The plate entered the test in a large cardboard box of blue.
 

On the surface of the package marked basic information about the product and its image.
 

The unit itself is just under the lid of the box in the recess.
 

Under the tablet contains the following package:
 

• Charger (5 V, 2.0 A);

 

• Cable USB;

 

• Corporate Case;

 

• Documentation.

The quality of all the components of a good delivery.
 

The main bonus delivery is blue cover design c beautiful images logo and Intel.
 

Hard inside cover covered with synthetic material under the skin.
 

The gadget is attached to the plastic tray.
 

He sits in a case not perfect, but tight enough .
 

The bag can be used as a protection device and as a stand .
 

Among iPhone buyers seen a record number of defectors from Android – Overclockers.ru

Those who are puzzled by the change of the “Day of AMD” on the “Day of Apple”, is haunted by the question: “Who are all these people who buy Apple products in record numbers”? Especially because analysts are increasingly talk about saturation segment of expensive smartphones, which continues to play aggressively the company, and the share of more affordable devices with the Android operating system is growing steadily. Comments from Apple’s recent quarterly balance sheet conference allow to shed some light on some of the issues.

The company’s management, firstly, encouraged by a record number sold last quarter iPhone (74,5 mln. Pieces) – the first quart erly revenue in this sector exceeded $ 50 billion. As we have already explained, the proceeds from the sale of iPhone grew faster compared with the volume of sales. This is confirmed by the CFO – iPhone average selling price rose to $ 687, it’s $ 50 more than the previous year. IPhone sales grew both in developed markets and on growing. BRIC in the list of champions last quarter featured China and Brazil. In general, in the BRIC countries, sales of iPhone for the year grew by 97%, but in the US rose by 44%. If we talk about the total revenues of the company, it has grown in developed markets by 20% and growing – by 58%. In China, revenue growth was 70%, while the number sold during the quarter, Apple’s smartphone is doubled.

In general, Tim Cook did not hesitate to confess your love to the Chinese market – the second largest in the world for the iPhone. Soon the number of retail stores Apple in the region will reach 20 un its, and by mid-2016 it will double. Apple Online Store delivers products in 350 Chinese cities. Last quarter, revenue from e-commerce in the region exceeded the result of the previous five years. Competition among local manufacturers Apple is not very confusing. At least she did not come today or yesterday, and the company feels quite comfortable in the Chinese market.

Tim Cook is not inclined to believe that the market is saturated smartphone brand Apple. On the contrary, he believes that the potential of these products is still very high. On the iPhone and the iPhone 6 6 Plus has passed no more than 10-15% of users iPhone, and they may be joined not only the owners of other models of the iPhone, but users and Android, as well as those who have none at all smartphones. In fact, the last quarter was a record number of “defectors” with Android and the “debut” buyers iPhone. Tim Cook is confident that the world is still quite owners of A ndroid-smartphone, which in the future wish to go on the iPhone. By the way, Cook did not go into the details of where it was more popular iPhone 6 Plus with large display, but the company’s CFO said that this smartphone is allowed to raise the average selling price in the last quarter.

By the way, Apple is quite happy with the outcome of the current sales iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c, and the balance of supply and demand on the iPhone and the iPhone 6 6 Plus has been achieved only in January, which already applies to the current quarter. In fact, all along the fourth quarter, Apple was struggling with a deficit of the current generation of smart phones, but at the end of the period was able to sell a few million more devices than expected in October.

Cyanogen is going to create its own, completely open version of Android – 3DNews

CyanogenMod – one of the most popular third-party firmware on Android. Today, it depends on Google, but soon this may change, says CEO Cyanogen Inc. Kirt McMaster (Kirt McMaster).

At the conference «Next Phase of Android» San Francisco McMaster said that his company wants to make its firmware is fully independent from Google, to allow third-party companies to access any of the components system. « We are trying to take away from Android Google », – he said. For this purpose, will be released this version of Android, which will be fully open, and the partners will be able to create on its basis highly integrated services. With the new system it will be possible to do what is impossible now with Android because of control by Google.

« We are working on a more open version of Android, to integrate more partners that their services were on the ground layer to startups working in the field of artificial intelligence and other areas, are not faced with a problem when you do a silly little app and then buy it Google or Apple. Such companies can thrive on “neguglovskom» Android », – said McMaster.

As an example, he cited the Google Now: It runs as a third-party applications can not, integrated into most root components system. According to him, the same option may appear in the launcher Aviate, if he wants to work with Cyanogen.

Chapter Cyanogen Kirt McMaster (left)

As this look Google? Of course, negative, why Cyanogen and wants to get rid of her control. « Today Cyanogen has some dependence on Google, but it will not be tomorrow. After 3-5 years, we will no longer certain derivative from Google », – explains the head of the company.

Examples of successful” liberation “by Google is, at least a little. One of them – Amazon. However, most “forks» Android can not compete with the power of Google. To solve this goal Cyanogen plans to work closely with partners and support the various alternative app stores. McMaster also said that within 18 months Cyanogen will open its own application store.

Source:

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The best mobile apps for Android, iOS and WP: weekly digest – Mail.Ru

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At the beginning of each week, we talk about what happened last week important and interesting events related to applications and games for Android, iOS and Windows Phone: the key releases, updates and news.

Applications

MakerBot (free) – Android-official app from the creators of 3D-printer MakerBot Replicator. Allows access to the 3D-models directly from the repository MakerBot Cloud, download them from MakerBot Thingiverse and send to print via Wi-Fi. In addition, the model can be prepared for the press – to optimize and modify their scope. After starting the process, you can watch it via the app – via built-in camera printer.

GrooveMaker 2 (329 rubles) – Android-app for creating music, published on iOS last year. Be invited to tracks from ready-loops, which sets (House, Dubstep, Hip-Hop and others) are sold separately. Also in store are sold GrooveMaker kits loops from renowned artists like Skunk Anansie, Chris Domingo and others. In addition, the application allows you to work with the mixer IK Multimedia – iRig MIX .

All mobile office applications for Google Android – « Documents », “Tables» and «Presentations» – received last week the new features. “Documents” an opportunity in real time to check the spelling in the “table” is now possible to hide individual columns and rows, and in the “presentation”, you can group different figures. As usual, the update application occurs in stages, and some users will have to wait longer than others.

Ava Photo (for free until January 31) – iOS-app for shooting portrait photos and self that allows for easy photo retouching. Helps to quickly and gently to cover under-eye circles, uneven skin and other minor troubles. There are several predefined filters, but it is better to work in manual mode – good deal at a local toolkit is quite easy. The processed images can be stored in film or just send in the Instagram .

« Layfhaker » (free) – the official iOS-app popular Russian blog on how to effortlessly make life easier and more interesting. Topics – from yoga poses to reviews of gadgets, from the collections of the best apps for travelers to tips on choosing the perfect vegetable oil. Easy navigation, the ability to save articles and buttons Schering materials in social networks.

iOS-application independent educational organization Khan Academy (free) to get a huge upgrade. Now there are not only available training videos, and more than 150 thousand exercises, which previously could only be found on the website. Many of them are optimized to work on the iPad – supports manual text input, and puzzles on the geometry of the figure can be rotated. Also added an intelligent robot that analyzes what kind of exercise you choose is easy, but with some difficulties arose – and is further course on the basis of these data.

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