Monday, August 30, 2010

Turn On Hardware Graphics Acceleration in Chrome 7 [Chrome]

Source: http://lifehacker.com/5625256/turn-on-gpu-acceleration-in-chrome-7

Turn On Hardware Graphics Acceleration in Chrome 7It's only available in the Dev and Canary builds of Chrome, and very few pages support it—for now. But if you want to get hardware acceleration running in Google's browser, it's just a simple command line switch away.

ZDNet's Googling Google blog points out that getting GPU acceleration going in your Chrome Dev version is simply a matter of right-clicking your Chrome shortcut and adding a parameter to the end, just as we've explained in the power user's guide to Google Chrome. In this case, that parameter (or "switch") is --enable-accelerated-compositing.

Where can you try out your new graphics-card-assisted browsing and rendering? Oddly enough, at Microsoft's Internet Explorer 9 Testdrive site. There will be, assuredly, other sites that support GPU acceleration in the near future, but for now, it's neat to see how fast you can get your browser going.

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How Did An iPhone Take This Picture? [Camera]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5624889/how-did-an-iphone-take-this-picture

How Did An iPhone Take This Picture?Unless the blades of this airplane propellor can defy gravity and float, the iPhone's camera totally distorted reality with this picture. How did this happen? No, it's not Photoshop. It's because of the camera's "rolling shutter".

So as it turns out, most digital cameras don't actually take a picture the instant you hit the button. What they actually do to capture an image is scan over the frame either vertically or horizontally. So basically, not all parts of an image are recorded at exactly same time (the top right could be a little ahead of the bottom left, etc.). Hence it being called "rolling shutter".

And though the "rolling shutter" is typically fast enough and hardly affects daily life, it means when you're trying to take a picture of an even faster moving object, distortion like the picture above occurs. Looks kind of cool. [Soren Ragsdale via Core77 via TUAW]

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There Is Such Thing As Dry Water [Science]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5624936/there-is-such-thing-as-dry-water

There Is Such Thing As Dry WaterDon't ask me what voodoo they used but scientists have created dry water. Well, they originally invented it back in 1968 but they've recently re-discovered it and this time, found an actual use for it.

First, dry water, how does that even make sense? Ben Carter, Ph.D, the researcher, explains:

[It's] known as "dry water" because it consists of 95 percent water and yet is a dry powder. Each powder particle contains a water droplet surrounded by modified silica, the stuff that makes up ordinary beach sand. The silica coating prevents the water droplets from combining and turning back into a liquid. The result is a fine powder that can slurp up gases, which chemically combine with the water molecules to form what chemists term a hydrate.

So what can we use it for? Apparently, those fine grains of water do a magnificent job in absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, which if you didn't know contributes to global warming.

There's also other potential uses for dry water such as jumpstarting chemical reactions and providing a safer way to transport and store harmful industrial materials. Which is all fine by me, I'm just stunned that I can say dry water and not have my brain explode. Hmm, I wonder if I can swim in it. [Science Daily]

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Nanotech First Claimed By LG's LEX8 LED TV [TVs]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5625184/nanotech-first-claimed-by-lgs-lex8-led-tv

Nanotech First Claimed By LG's LEX8 LED TVIt looks like nanotech-based screen technology is nearer than we thought—LG's claiming its upcoming LEX8 adds "NANO Lighting Technology" to its new top-end LED backlit TV model, the LG LEX8.

LG's press release doesn't go into any hardcore technical detail about how this makes its standard LED backlighting any better, simply claiming the new set produces "brighter, clearer and smoother" pictures. The end result is a TV only .88cm thick, which is 0.34 of a standard imperial inch. [LG]

COMPLETE 3D, COMPLETE PLEASURE

COMPLETE 3D, COMPLETE PLEASURE: LG SHOWCASES A FULL RANGE OF 3D DEVICES FOR SUPREME 3D EXPERIENCE
With TVs, Home Theater Systems, Blu-ray Disc™ Players and Projectors, LG Brings Every Element of Home Entertainment Together in its Complete 3D Collection

SEOUL, Aug. 30, 2010 – At this year's IFA, LG Electronics (LG) is showing participants at the 2010 IFA tradeshow how it's staying ahead of the 3D curve. Showcasing a range that includes everything from the very latest in NANO FULL LED and Plasma TVs, to Home Theater Systems and Blu-ray Disc™ Players, to the only complete selection of 3D projectors, LG is embracing the 3D revolution with products that offer the perfect 3D entertainment experience for every occasion and every setting.

FULL LED and Plasma 3D TVs: The Ultimate 3D Viewing Experience
By releasing market-leading sets in an array of different versions, LG is offering customers 3D TVs that are ideally suited to their needs. Top of the range is LG's new LEX8, the world's slimmest (0.88cm) and narrowest bezel (1.25cm) FULL LED TV. In a world first for the TV industry, the LEX8 adds NANO Lighting Technology to LG's FULL LED backlighting to produce pictures that are brighter, clearer and smoother than ever before. Also on show are the new LEX9, which boasts the biggest LED LCD screen yet at a mouth-watering 72 inches, and the LX9500, the world's first FULL LED 3D TV, which was unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.

With an array of LED backlights behind the screen, LG's FULL LED 3D TVs deliver brightness that draws out the sharpest 3D images on the market. While the entire FULL LED 3D TV range comes with localized dimming, the LEX8's dimming function – called Micro Pixel Control – is LG's most advanced yet, delivering a wide and rich array of colors that produce even more gripping 3D pictures. Complementing their outstanding brightness, the LEX8, LEX9 and LX9500 also come with TruMotion 400Hz, which provides an ultra-fast screen refresh rate for the most comfortable 3D images. Completing the effect, the narrow bezel INFINIA Design lets the 3D images practically burst out of the screen, for an astonishingly immersive viewing experience.

Alongside a spectacular 180-inch Plasma 3D TV prototype, LG is also displaying the PX950N, its first Plasma 3D TV and the first TV in the world to receive 3D THX Certification, the ultimate recognition for cinema-quality 3D on a TV. For a truly outstanding 3D picture, 600Hz Max Sub-field Driving ensures smooth viewing of even the fastest action sequences, while LG's 3D Panel phases out light faster to produce images that are practically blur free.

What's more, the Plasma set's self-illuminating pixels enable a wider viewing angle, meaning viewers can see complete, smooth 3D images wherever they choose to sit or even lie down in the living room. In addition, the PX950N supports the Multi Picture Format (MPF) function, enabling users to connect their 3D cameras to the TV and view their 3D pictures directly on the big screen.

Along with the FULL LED models, the PX950N provides effortless, seamless connectivity through NetCast™, DLNA certification and a wireless AV link. With these functions, viewers will have access to a growing range of 3D movies and shows, whether they're online or stored in home digital libraries.

3D Blu-ray Home Theater Systems: Immersive Sound and Vision
Delivering the pinnacle of sound quality, LG's HX995TZ and HLX55W offer a perfect platform for 3D movies and immersive, cinematic sound, along with the connectivity options of NetCast™ and DLNA.

Leading the way is the HX995TZ, a top-of-the-range Blu-ray Home Theater System whose exquisite wall-mountable design blends right in with practically any environment. With 1,100 watts of output, the HX995TZ delivers a truly room-filling sound. For consumers looking for the 3D Home Theater experience on a slightly smaller scale, LG also offers the HX995DF, with 2.1 Ch and 560 watts of output.
Cutting a more compact but no less enticing figure is LG's HLX55W 3D Blu-ray sound bar. Comprising a stylish single black bar with a vertical Blu-ray Disc™ Player in its center, the HLX55W delivers 3D Blu-ray Disc™ Playback accompanied by 430-watt audio output and 4.1 Ch full surround sound. Rounding out the home theater systems is the new HX900, LG's first Real 3D Sound Home Theater System, which embraces a completely new concept in home audio to produce a sound as deep and life-like as any 3D image.

3D Blu-ray Disc™ Players: Perfect Playback, Fabulous Features
LG has also beefed up its video equipment with three superb 3D-friendly models, the HR550, the BD590 and the BX580. Along with Blu-ray Disc™ Playback that is equally outstanding in 2D or 3D, the HR550 comes with built-in DVB-T/C/S tuners that eliminate the need for a digital set-top box. The tuners also make it possible for viewers to record a show or movie on one channel – including in 3D – while simultaneously watching a Blu-ray disc. For people who don't need so much storage space, the BD590 offers all the same superb functions as the HR550, with the sole exception of built-in HDD.

Also a perfect fit for LG's 3D TV range, the BX580 lets users enjoy a variety of 3D content in the Blu-ray format, while retaining outstanding 2D playback as well. In common with the HR550, the BX580 is also equipped with the superb connectivity options of NetCast™ and DLNA.

3D Projectors: Bringing 3D Cinema Home
Increasing the 3D options still further, LG's two 3D projectors – the only selection to offer both Dynamic and CINEMA 3D – bring all the wonder of the 3D cinema experience into the home.

The world's first one-body, dual-engine CINEMA 3D projector transmitting FULL HD pictures, the CF3D can project an exceptional 2D or 3D picture with a diagonal span that stretches up to 200 inches. With TruMotion 100Hz practically eliminating image blur and 3D Auto Picture Calibration creating optimal brightness and color, the CF3D delivers a crisp, stunning blur-free picture. The CF3D also comes with six free pairs of glasses, meaning users can comfortably watch its wall-covering 3D projection in the company of family and friends.

Also at this year's IFA is the BX327, a Dynamic 3D-type (DLP Link 3D Technology) 3D Projector with a picture boasting a diagonal span of up to 150 inches. Delivering the outstanding brightness of 3,200 ANSI-lumens and the superb colors and contrast of 0.55" DMD, the BX327 also produces a beautifully sharp 2D or 3D picture with crisp, perfectly aligned edges. Also, among projectors using DLP Link 3D Technology, the BX327 is the only one with HDMI, meaning users can enjoy 3D images without 3D-compatible graphic cards.

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Intel Upgrades Its Cell Phone—Buys Infineon's Wireless Solutions Business for $1.4bn [Mobile]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5625223/intel-upgrades-its-cell-phonebuys-infineons-wireless-solutions-business-for-14bn

Intel Upgrades Its Cell Phone—Buys Infineon's Wireless Solutions Business for src=Intel has agreed to buy Infineon Technologies' Wireless Solutions business for around $1.4bn, as it positions itself to grab a chunk of the rapidly exploding smartphone market. Intel's CEO Paul Otellini said of the deal "The acquisition of Infineon's WLS (Wireless Solutions) business strengthens the second pillar of our computing strategy—internet connectivity—and enables us to offer a portfolio of products that covers the full range of wireless options from Wi-Fi and 3G to WiMax and LTE (4G)."

Infineon's baseband chips are found in many of today's popular wireless toys, most notably Apple's iPhone 4 and iPad. [Cnet]

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Nvidia's Tegra 2 Obliterates The Competition In Speed Test [Android]

Source: http://gizmodo.com/5625232/nvidias-tegra-2-obliterates-the-competition-in-speed-tests

Nvidia's Tegra 2 Obliterates The Competition In Speed TestThat Toshiba AC100 Android-powered netbook may not be the most desirable combination of hardware and software out there, but it already has one big plus point—it's Nvidia Tegra 2 chipset destroys anything else in terms of raw speed.

A speed test using Android benchmarking tool Quadrant carried out by a reviewer at Carrypad shows how far the Tegra 2 is ahead of the competition, soundly thrashing the Nexus One by a huge margin. It's interesting to note that the AC100 is running Android 2.1 beneath Toshiba's skin, so the machine isn't even using the JIT speed enhancements that came with Android 2.2—meaning there's more to come. [Carrypad via SlashGear]

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Zotac's Zboxes are small, Ion-fueled, and cheap

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/zotacs-zboxes-are-small-ion-fueled-and-cheap/

If you're like us, you're constantly on the hunt for the perfect small computer. Now, we're not saying we've found it in this new set of Zotac Zboxes... but we do like where they're coming from. The minimal slivers pack Ion chipsets along with Intel CULV CPUs, making for a power-sipping experience that can actually push a couple of pixels (a couple, not many more). The company is dishing out a few varieties of the mini PCs, all loaded with some variation of Intel's Celeron processors. The HD series (the NS21 and ND22) pack a Celeron 743 or SU2300 CULV (respectively), DDR3 RAM slots, a 2.5-inch hard drive slot, HDMI and DVI-I ports, along with NVIDIA's Ion GPU. There's also an ITX series, all sporting those same CPUs, a single PCI Express x16 slot, a handful of SATA / eSATA hookups, and HDMI, DVI-D, and VGA connections. All the systems have a slew of USB ports, the boxes can be mounted in four different positions (including on the back of a monitor), and though retail pricing hasn't been announced, it looks like at least the ND22 should list for around $270. Hit the source link for all the details, and More Coverage for a review.

Zotac's Zboxes are small, Ion-fueled, and cheap originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 00:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Researchers set new record for ferroelectric data storage

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/researchers-set-new-record-for-ferroelectric-data-storage/

Ferroelectric isn't just a ridiculously fun word to say, it might just also be the future of computing. While that possibility is still a ways off, researchers have been making considerable progress in recent years, and a team from Japan's Tohoku University has now set a new record for ferroelectric data storage. That was accomplished with the aid of a scanning nonlinear dielectric microscope, which allowed the researchers to hit a data density of 4 trillion bits per square inch. As you might expect, the exact process is a bit complicated -- involving a pulse generator that's used to alter the electrical state of tiny dots on the ferroelectric medium -- but the researchers say that the technology is a leading candidate to replace magnetic hard drives and flash memory, or "at least in applications for which extremely high data density and small physical volume is required." Unfortunately, they aren't going so far as to speculate when that might happen.

Researchers set new record for ferroelectric data storage originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 02:28:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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StreamTV Elocity A7 tablet packs Tegra 2 and Android 2.2, coming to Amazon for $399 in September

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/streamtv-elocity-a7-tablet-packs-tegra-2-and-android-2-2-coming/

We can't say we'd ever heard of StreamTV, but all the company had to say was "Tegra 2 Android Froyo tablet" to get us to meet up with them in NYC earlier today. The Philadelphia start-up is planning to bring its Elocity A7 -- essentially a re-badged Compal's NAZ-10 -- to an Amazon order page near you, and from what we saw during the hour-long demo it may just be a contender for your stashed away $399. The 7-inch tablet has an extremely responsive 800 x 480 resolution, capacitive touchscreen -- yes, multitouch worked in the browser and photo gallery -- with a front-facing 1.3 megapixel cam on the left bezel. We actually got to make a quick Fring video call to one of the other tablets in the room, though it was rather lagging since we were running over it all 3G.

Surrounding the tablet is an SD card slot along with USB and HDMI ports, the latter of which did come very handy for hooking up the tablet to a 22-inch HDTV and watching an extremely smooth 1080p clip. (Thank you 1GHz Tegra II-720 CPU!) Speaking of, we also got to play a racing game, Asphalt 5, on the device, though the accelerometer steering was a bit flaky. Besides that, we've got to say the entire tablet experience was pretty smooth -- you can see for yourself after the break and in the upcoming episode of the Engadget Show -- but the unit we saw was running Android 2.1. The SteamTV's CEO says they'll only be shipping 2.2-running units come October and with a supplemental GetJar app store since it cannot preload Google's Marketplace because of restrictions. He also tells us they'll be including an HDMI cord and wireless keyboard in the box -- all for $399. It all sounds rather promising, but so do all these future Android tablets!

Continue reading StreamTV Elocity A7 tablet packs Tegra 2 and Android 2.2, coming to Amazon for $399 in September

StreamTV Elocity A7 tablet packs Tegra 2 and Android 2.2, coming to Amazon for $399 in September originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 08:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba's Tegra 2-powered Android Smart Pad to be called Folio 100?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/toshibas-tegra-2-powered-android-smart-pad-to-be-called-folio-1/

A Smart Pad? That's just Toshiba's product category, according to Netbook Italia's latest post on the tablet (it's previously shown off some apparent imagery). The publication has published new renders -- including a dock peripheral -- and some purported specs. Here's what's being said: Android 2.2, NVIDIA Tegra 2 (both of which we've heard in other whispers), a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 screen, 16GB internal memory, 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, 3G, SD and MMC card readers, HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, a 1.3 megapixel webcam, and a 1020mAh battery with a battery life of up to 7 hours with mixed use (browsing and video playback). Software-wise, it's got Opera mobile browser, Flash 10.1, an e-book reader, and some office applications. The doubting Thomas in us still remains hesitant until Toshi gives the official word, but nothing here seems too crazy for the tablet mania most companies seem to have this year. One thing's for sure, its claimed official name -- Folio 100 -- is a few degrees to close to some bad memories of ours.

Toshiba's Tegra 2-powered Android Smart Pad to be called Folio 100? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 14:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HP's Phil McKinney teases three mystery prototypes on Twitter

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/hps-phil-mckinney-teases-three-mystery-prototypes-on-twitter/

Well, this is certainly interesting -- that's HP CTO Phil McKinney pictured above in a pair of redacted shots that were posted to Twitter by HP's Mark Budgell. Described only as "early protos" by McKinney himself, the pictures show what appears to be phone-sized device, a tablet-sized device and, perhaps most curiously, something on McKinney's wrist (all mysteriously blacked out). Before you get your hopes up too much about a new wave of webOS devices, however, you might want to take a look at the second part of Budgell's tweet, which encourages folks to vote for McKinney's SXSW 2011 panel -- a panel in which McKinney promises to make some "bold predictions for the future - backed up with a number of breakthrough prototypes," and specifically talk about what the future will look like in "5 to 10 years." Now, we can't be certain of course, but that doesn't exactly suggest these are right around the corner. Head on past the break for a slightly bigger image.

Continue reading HP's Phil McKinney teases three mystery prototypes on Twitter

HP's Phil McKinney teases three mystery prototypes on Twitter originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:17:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LG to unveil LEX8 3DTV at IFA featuring 'Nano LED' backlighting

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/29/lg-to-unveil-lex8-3dtv-at-ifa-featuring-nano-led-backlighting/

Now that LED backlighting has trickled down to nearly every HDTV lineup, it appears the big manufacturers will have to find new ways to differentiate their products, like LG's upcoming LEX8 television. Set to debut at IFA in Berlin before going on sale in Germany and Korea next month (no word on the US), LG claims that thanks to a 'thin film of miniscule dots positioned in front of a full array of LEDs' its Nano Lighting technology -- perhaps of the Nanosys variety it licensed earlier this year -- makes for a clearer, smoother picture, with the slimmest and narrowest outline of any LED TV, ever, at just .88cm thick with a 1.25cm bezel. Of course LG's NetCast widgets and Magic Motion remote are along for the ride as well, while we'll have to wait until the show opens later this week to get our eyes on this beauty, check after the break for a few more pictures.

Continue reading LG to unveil LEX8 3DTV at IFA featuring 'Nano LED' backlighting

LG to unveil LEX8 3DTV at IFA featuring 'Nano LED' backlighting originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 29 Aug 2010 20:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Digital Cowboy announces Xtreamer Pro NAS / media streamer

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/digital-cowboy-announces-xstreamer-pro-nas-media-streamer/

Your media streamer options aren't exactly limited these days, but if you're looking for one that will also double as a NAS (and prefer to get your gear from Japan), you might want to consider Digital Cowboy's latest addition to its Movie Cowboy line: the Xtreamer Pro. This one packs the same dual 3.5-inch hard drives as the company's previous DC-MCNAS1 model (not included), but adds an HDMI port to directly connect to your TV, and what appears to be a whole new interface to let you access the wide variety of media the device supports. No word on any plans for a release over here, but you can look for this one to be available in Japan next month for ¥22,000, or about $260.

Update: Apparently this Digital Cowboy is a rebadge of the Xtreamer Pro announced in Europe back in February.

Digital Cowboy announces Xtreamer Pro NAS / media streamer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia C6-01 is a Symbian^3 touchscreen candybar with 8 megapixel camera?

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/nokia-c6-01-is-a-symbian-3-touchscreen-candybar-with-8-megapixel/

The nerds over at Mobile Geek Inc did a nifty investigative piece revealing more details about Nokia's mid-level C6-01 candybar. After making an awkward early appearance on Nokia's Dutch online storefront, more pics along with the user agent profile have been located thus confirming its lack of QWERTY, 8 megapixel camera, and Symbian^3 OS. A nice alternative to the 5 megapixel C6-00 slider shackled to S60 5th. Look for the new C6 to get official with a very nice price either at, or around, Nokia World 2010 which kicks off September 14th in London. One more front-side pic after the break.

Continue reading Nokia C6-01 is a Symbian^3 touchscreen candybar with 8 megapixel camera?

Nokia C6-01 is a Symbian^3 touchscreen candybar with 8 megapixel camera? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New E-P2 kit and E-5 DSLR rumored, Olympus surprise parties ruined

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/30/new-e-p2-kit-and-e-5-dslr-rumored-olympus-surprise-parties-ruin/

New E-P2 kit and E5 compact rumored, Olympus surprise parties ruined
It's getting harder to keep a secret. Companies toil over surprise parties and then some blabber-mouth spills the beans. In this case the host is Olympus and the one holding the empty can is 43rumors who has word of a series of coming announcements from the company. First, on August 31, Olympus is said to be revealing a new E-P2 kit offering a 17mm lens and an external flash. Also announced will supposedly be a pair of new M.Zuiko lenses: a $900 75 - 300mm (150 - 600mm equivalent) f/4.8 - 6.7 model and a $300 40 - 150mm (80 - 300mm equivalent) f/4.0 - 5.6 model. More interesting, though, is a follow-up announcement said to be coming on September 14, when Olympus will supposedly announce the E-5, a replacement for the E-3 DSLR. This, we're told, will bump the megapixel count up to 12 from 10 and offer 720p30 video recording. Now that all that is out of the bag, the only question is: what will you be bringing to the parties?

New E-P2 kit and E-5 DSLR rumored, Olympus surprise parties ruined originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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