Android Central |
- Latest Tweet Lanes update brings direct messages, notifications coming soon
- OTA Update Center brings over-the-air updates to any ROM developer
- Intel to bring wireless charging to smartphones and ultrabooks in 2013
- LG Optimus Vu review
- Raved review - turning Facebook likes into business discovery
- Amber Alert GPS review - if you can't hide yo' kids, at least track 'em
- Google brings Google Earth 3D maps to Seattle and Denver
- Gameloft teases Unreal-powered Wild Blood
- Asus Transformer Pad TF300 LTE headed to Germany and Austria
- UK Sony Tablet S receiving maintenance update
- T-Mobile UK removing tethering for new Full Monty plans, backtracks on 'truly unlimited' data
- FlightTrack offers free version with new design; paying customers have to wait
- Ouya pre-orders now open to everyone
- Amazon Cloud Player now available on Sonos
- T-Mobile Galaxy S Blaze Q press shot appears, Aug. 15 release rumored
- Sony Xperia Tablet leaks once again, aluminum shell shown up close
- Deal of the Day: Krusell ColorCover Case for Samsung Galaxy S3
- CyanogenMod 9 gets stable for the Galaxy Nexus
- Google Translate v2.5 adds image translation and more
- Motorola Xoom 3G finally gets Ice Cream Sandwich in the UK
- Sony Xperia GX now available in Japan on NTT Docomo
- International Galaxy S3 gets OTA update with new baseband
- Android 4.1 for the T-Mobile G1 probably won't be your daily driver...
- Cablevision Optimum TV streaming app now available on the Kindle Fire
| Latest Tweet Lanes update brings direct messages, notifications coming soon Posted: 09 Aug 2012 03:57 PM PDT
While much of the Android world still waits on Carbon making its long awaited appearance, its continued absence leaves room for others to try and capitalise. One such Twitter client is Tweet Lanes, which unlike Carbon is conducting its beta testing in public. It still isn't finished yet, but developer Chris Lacy has been working his socks off and is producing a really nice application. We reviewed Tweet Lanes a few weeks ago when it first started making the headlines, but what a difference a few weeks can make. Our conclusions were that Tweet Lanes is a new twist on Twitter, but definitely still a work in progress. Since that review much has changed, with the most significant visual change being the addition of a much welcomed dark theme. Additionally the developer has been working on supporting the Nexus 7, and adding the features that were lacking when it first arrived. It's also much faster, and much less bug prone than those early builds, testament to the devs hard work over the last few weeks. The latest update to be pushed to the Play Store brings yet more additional features, notably the inclusion of direct messages. Along with notifications, DM access was the big thing missing from Tweet Lanes which possibly prevented its use as a main Twitter client. They're here now though, and according to the developer, notifications are next. Chris Lacy is one of those developers who really engages with the community, constantly posting updates and early access to new builds from his Twitter account. This latest build was released to users willing to test well in advance of pushing it to the Play Store, and the feedback prompted a number of bug fixes before the official update was pushed out. The latest build doesn't just bring DM access either. There's now a really nice pinch-to-zoom functionality in the image viewer, further layout optimizations, and a heap of bug fixes. Full details of the changelog can be found at the source link below. If you're using Tweet Lanes though and you like it, definitely give the developer a follow on Twitter and join in with the early testing. Source: Tweet Lanes, More: Chris Lacy (Twitter) 
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| OTA Update Center brings over-the-air updates to any ROM developer Posted: 09 Aug 2012 03:00 PM PDT
Nothing pleases Android fans more than a notice that they have an update. Millions of words have been spent on countless blogs and forums discussing OTAs (or the lack of them) and we get a little giddy when we see the notice that one is available. The folks at the OTA Update Center have worked out the supporting infrastructure and methods to offer a free OTA service to any ROM developer, so that hackers and modders can enjoy that fuzzy feeling an update brings as well. It' not really anything new -- hackers and ROM devs have been doing custom ROM OTAs since the days of the HTC Hero, and we see similar services offered from ROM Manager and Goo.im Manager. The OTA Update Center will work in a similar fashion, where an app will be installed into the system that communicates with the servers to pass out OTA updates to anyone using the ROM. For the end-user, it's a simple and impressive way to keep the OS on your phone up-to-date. The real difference here is to the developers. They no longer need to host files or insert framework for an FOTA system into their ROM, and instead can use the supplied tool with a few edits. This will get everything up and running with minimum of extra code, and provide a sort of standard that all developers can follow. We like standards. Developers like standards. Users like things that "just work", and standards allow that to happen easier. If you're an end user, you'll have to wait and see if your ROM development team decides to use the OTA Update Center. If you're a developer, you should check out the source links and think about giving it a try. Be sure to give us a shout if you incorporate this into your ROM, we'd love to give it a look! Source: OTA Update Center, via XDA-Developers 
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| Intel to bring wireless charging to smartphones and ultrabooks in 2013 Posted: 09 Aug 2012 02:38 PM PDT
According to DigiTimes' "upstream supply chain," Intel is readying technology that will wirelessly charge Intel powered smartphones via over-the-air induction. To put it in layman's terms, hardware inside the phone will be able to grab low power electricity from mid-air and charge the battery. It's safe, and already has a standard in the Wireless Power Consortium's Qi method, which we've seen in action with contact induction charging on the Thunderbolt. The real barrier, according to the sources has been cost. Both Sharp and NTT Docomo have launched devices that charge wirelessly via the Qi standard in Japan, but prohibitive costs have kept it from becoming the norm. Samsung was expected to release a similar product this summer, but the project has been delayed until the end of 2012 or early 2013. What's different about Intel's rumored offering is the power "source". Supposedly to debut on ultrabooks, a chip inside the laptop will transmit power through the air to an Intel powered smartphone, like Orange's San Diego model. Intel's resources and software group can likely bring the price point down to more reasonable levels, which other OEMs could integrate into their hardware. Hopefully options that consist of a wall socket that works stand-alone with the correct smartphone hardware will follow soon, then we can stop worrying about battery life and just buy a sub-station for home and the office. It's one way to address battery life issues that smartphone users suffer from on every platform, and with Intel behind it, it becomes a real possibility now. Source: DigiTimes 
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| Posted: 09 Aug 2012 02:00 PM PDT
Oh Optimus Vu, what an odd little device you are. Developed as a less than subtle knee-jerk reaction to Samsung’s Galaxy Note, the Vu went on sale in Korea earlier this year, and it’ll soon be making its way to Japan on NTT Docomo, too. Stateside, a Verizon launch is rumored, though far from certain. In any case, this is LG’s 5-inch, stylus-using, 4:3 aspect ratio squarish slab. It ran Android 2.3 at launch, but it’s recently received a substantial update to version 4.0 and the new LG Optimus UI 3.0. Shaped more like a placemat than a telephone, the Optimus Vu is one of the most outlandish-looking devices to have ever passed across our desk. The Vu’s internal specs closely match the device it emulates, and the recent ICS update has done a lot to unlock the potential of that hardware. But considering the 5+ inch phone space is dominated by Samsung, is there space for a second device in this product class? And with the Galaxy Note 2 expected in a matter of weeks, is there any reason to consider LG’s offering? Find out in our full review of the LG Optimus Vu. 
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| Raved review - turning Facebook likes into business discovery Posted: 09 Aug 2012 01:50 PM PDT
Raved recently launched on Android in an attempt to translate your friends' Facebook likes into a tangible, unified business discovery app. It's a particularly handy, free way to see if there are any places in town that more than one friend personally endorse, even if they weren't explicitly suggesting anything to you. 
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| Amber Alert GPS review - if you can't hide yo' kids, at least track 'em Posted: 09 Aug 2012 12:10 PM PDT
With back to school season around the corner, some parents may be getting antsy about having their young ‘uns out in the big wide world. Luckily, thanks to phones and stand-alone GPS units, mindful moms and dads can track the little buggers every moment of every day. Amber Alerts, the long-standing organization built with the express purpose of preventing child abduction, has launched their own companion Android apps. 
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| Google brings Google Earth 3D maps to Seattle and Denver Posted: 09 Aug 2012 12:04 PM PDT
Back in June Google announced they would be improving Google Earth substantially by adding 3D mapping to the mix and we even managed to get a good look at it during Google I/O. Now, only a few short months later Google has managed to add Denver, Colorado and Seattle, Washington as destinations that you can view on Google Earth in 3D. All the work is done using advanced image processing and 45-degree aerial imagery as noted on the Google Lat Long blog. The data is live and viewable right now, if you want to take a fly-over Seattle or Denver. Just make sure you're on the latest version of Google Earth and you're all set to go. Source: Google 
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| Gameloft teases Unreal-powered Wild Blood Posted: 09 Aug 2012 11:36 AM PDT
Gameloft has been having a bit of fun with video game fans using their next action adventure game as bait. As revealed, the game is called Wild Blood and makes use of the Unreal Engine. The freshly revealed trailer shows off some pretty interesting footage but Gameloft isn't ready to give up all the goods just yet. Hints given out tell us the IP based on a well-known character from history and that's about it. In order to unlock the next hint, you have to hit up their Facebook page. If you're not all into that and just want to check out the trailer, you'll find it embedded below. More Info : Gameloft on Facebook 
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| Asus Transformer Pad TF300 LTE headed to Germany and Austria Posted: 09 Aug 2012 09:57 AM PDT
Coming a little out of the blue, it seems that an LTE version of Asus' Transformer Pad TF300 is 100% real and is to be released in Europe this month. A German press release issued today indicates that Germany and Austria will be seeing the TF300 LTE in the middle of August. That's pretty close to now. Available in red and blue in both countries, a white version can be had only on O2 and without the docking keyboard. Prices without the keyboard are set to be €529 ($651), and with the keyboard €629 (about $774). It's a little pricey, especially given the other Asus tablets available. But, it's got LTE and for some that's enough to warrant parting with their hard earned. There is no mention of prospective availability outside of these two countries at the moment. Prospective German and Austrian buyers should be sure to check out our full review of the WiFi only TF300. Source: Techfokus via The Verge
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| UK Sony Tablet S receiving maintenance update Posted: 09 Aug 2012 09:37 AM PDT
The world may be forgetting about the Sony Tablet S, but Sony isn't. And that's a good thing. UK based Tablet S owners should be seeing an update pushing out to them right about now. The update doesn't bump the Android version any further than the current 4.0.3, and at only 9MB isn't bringing anything massive to the tablet. But, the fellas over at Coolsmartphone are reporting that they're seeing a considerable improvement in performance. Overall they're seeing a distinct change in navigating through the tablets UI and menus, although app performance hasn't changed. In any case, bug fixes and optimizations are as good a reason as any to update a device, so if you've got a Tablet S let us know in the comments below if you're seeing any changes. Source: Coolsmartphone 
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| T-Mobile UK removing tethering for new Full Monty plans, backtracks on 'truly unlimited' data Posted: 09 Aug 2012 09:23 AM PDT
Truly unlimited mobile data is something of a rarity in the UK, so imagine our delight when the Full Monty plan first appeared from T-Mobile. No fair usage limits, and perhaps best of all, all variants of the Full Monty included free and unlimited tethering. Now though, it seems T-Mo UK is quickly backtracking on their "truly unlimited" moniker and taking away tethering from the package. Speaking to Techradar, a T-Mobile spokesperson had the following to say:
So as of yesterday tethering is no more. The spokesperson also declined to comment further on why the U-turn had come about. As it stands now, Three UK once again looks like the best deal to be had, with their One plan still offering unlimited data and inclusive tethering. With Everything Everywhere -- the T-Mobile/Orange UK partnership -- looking to try and offer LTE before the year end, removing tethering from their flagship plan is sure to be a bitter blow to those who may have been holding out. Source: Techradar 
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| FlightTrack offers free version with new design; paying customers have to wait Posted: 09 Aug 2012 08:52 AM PDT
Some news out of the Mobiata camp today. FlightTrack -- which long has been one of our go-to travel apps -- now has a free version, with a beautifully revamped design. If you've previously purchased FlightTrack, however, you'll not see the redesign just yet. Included in the free version of the app, though, are the redesigned UI, including flight details and a rough tracking map (other apps give a more detailed flight path), real-time departure and arrival info, gate numbers and baggage claim details. Plus, there's viewing on Google Maps, and the whole shebang covers more than 16,000 airports and 1,400 airports. So is the free version of FlightTrack the way to go? Probably not if you're a road warrior. It's lacking the all-important Tripit integration, you can only track a single flight at a time, you're missing weather info, plus other features. But if you travel only once in a blue moon, it's definitely worth checking out. Let's just hope those of us who have paid for the app see an update shortly. 
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| Ouya pre-orders now open to everyone Posted: 09 Aug 2012 08:43 AM PDT
If for whatever reason you didn't back Ouya's efforts on Kickstarter when it was live, no matter. Starting right now, you can head on over to the Ouya website and place your pre-order for an Ouya console and controller. Ouya has set up several options for ordering, so if you need more than one controller you can order it directly with your package. The price list looks like this -- U.S. Orders
International Orders
The pricing includes $10 for shipping in the U.S., and $20 for international shipments. The expected time of delivery is listed as being April 2013. That's still quite a wait, but if the funding was any sort of indication, you might want to get your pre-order in while you still can. Full disclosure -- Android Central is one of Ouya's Kickstarter backers. Source: Ouya 
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| Amazon Cloud Player now available on Sonos Posted: 09 Aug 2012 08:22 AM PDT
Amazon has been busy making improvements to its Cloud Player. The company recently announced the ability to scan and match music and now it has made the service available on Sonos. So now if you store your music through Amazon, you can register and start playing your collection anywhere in the house, directly from your Sonos system. To get started, you'll need a five-digit code from your Sonos controller, which will allow you to register through Amazon.com. Once it's registered, to find your collection on your controller, just select 'music' and then 'Amazon Cloud Player'. There is a Sonos app available for the Kindle Fire and for other Android devices from the Google Play Store. Full press release after the break. More: Amazon Appstore, Amazon 
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| T-Mobile Galaxy S Blaze Q press shot appears, Aug. 15 release rumored Posted: 09 Aug 2012 08:19 AM PDT
A press render for the T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze Q (gasp) has emerged, seemingly confirming rumors of an Aug. 15 release for the upcoming QWERTY slider. The device, which we'll mercifully call the Blaze Q from now on, is rumored to rock a 1.5GHz dual-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a 720p screen and Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich. Essentially, a Galaxy S3 with a full physical keyboard, which is exactly what it looks like in the shot above. Today's render, obtained by TmoNews, hints at a possible release next Wednesday, Aug. 15. The date is mentioned in the clock and weather widget on the phone, and last month a leaked internal screen claimed that's when the Blaze Q would launch. As you may have noticed, certain manufacturers like to include launch and announcement dates in promotional photos -- for example, the Galaxy S3 press renders all showed May 3, the date of that phone's unveiling in London. It's far from conclusive, but the evidence is certainly stacking up in favor of a Blaze Q launch in just under a week. Tmo customers, anything here catch your eye? Let us know in the comments. Source: TmoNews 
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| Sony Xperia Tablet leaks once again, aluminum shell shown up close Posted: 09 Aug 2012 07:17 AM PDT
Following the huge leak just over a week ago that revealed its existence, the Sony Xperia Tablet has emerged once again today, in the form of leaked press renders. The renders obtained by XperiaBlog show the Tegra 3-powered, Xperia-branded tablet up-close, allowing a more detailed view of the new aluminum back and folded magazine style chassis. The trademark wedge, while not as pronounced as in last year's Tablet S, is plain to see. Sony's Tablet S was one of the more unique Honeycomb tablets to emerge late last year, and the Xperia Tablet is shaping up to be a worthy successor, with Android 4.x, a quad-core CPU and software aesthetics influenced by Sony's smartphone range. Sony's new tablet is expected to make an appearance at the company's IFA press conference later this month, with a launch rumored in time for the holidays. Tentative pricing is purported to start at $449.99 for the 16GB version. 32GB is set for $549.99, and 64GB for $649.99. We've got a couple more leaked renders after the break. Source: XperiaBlog 
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| Deal of the Day: Krusell ColorCover Case for Samsung Galaxy S3 Posted: 09 Aug 2012 06:38 AM PDT
The Krusell ColorCover Case is available for just $12.95, 48% off today only. Backed by our 60-day return policy and fast shipping. Never miss a deal. Sign up for Daily Deal alerts! 
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| CyanogenMod 9 gets stable for the Galaxy Nexus Posted: 09 Aug 2012 05:21 AM PDT
Just a quick heads up that CyanogenMod 9 has hit stable build status for the Samsung Galaxy Nexus. (That's the GSM Maguro version of the GNex.) That means you'll be running Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich and not the newer Android 4.1 Jelly Bean. But if you've got a hankering for some stable CM9 on the GNex, you're ready to go. If you do choose to download and are comfortable with torrents, be sure to seed. You'll be doing the world a favor. Download: CyanogenMod 9 (stable) for the Galaxy Nexus; thanks, @zacharystern 
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| Google Translate v2.5 adds image translation and more Posted: 09 Aug 2012 04:40 AM PDT
Looks like there's a big update for the Google Translate Android app going out this morning. The big addition in the new version 2.5 is the ability to translate parts of images using your phone's rear-facing camera. This feature can be used by tapping the camera icon, tapping the screen to take a picture, then highlighting what you want to translate. It takes a little getting used to, but with a bit of practice it's pretty easy to tag certain sections for translation, which should be useful for signs and other short messages when traveling. Note, however, that you'll need at least Android 2.3 Gingerbread to use image translation. Other changes include the ability to specify preferred dialects for speech input, instant, as-you-type translation similar to the Google Translate web interface, and improvements to the way Japanese characters are handled. Specifically, the app can now recognize multiple Japanese characters at once. We'll definitely be taking this app with us to IFA in Berlin, Germany later this month. If you're traveling anytime soon, you'll probably want to do the same. Hit the Google Play link to grab the latest version of Google Translate. 
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| Motorola Xoom 3G finally gets Ice Cream Sandwich in the UK Posted: 09 Aug 2012 02:38 AM PDT
More than a month after the European roll-out of Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich for Wifi-only Motorola Xoom tablets begun, the British 3G version of the Xoom is finally getting its ICS update. That's right -- until recently, the UK 3G Xoom was two versions behind the U.S. Wifi version, which recently got bumped up to Jelly Bean. We'll just let that sink in for a second. In any case, Eurodroid is reporting that those who've stuck it out with the 3G Xoom for the past year or so have been rewarded with an OTA update to Android 4.0.4, and with it the knowledge that they're only one major version behind Xoom owners across the pond. If you've got a 3G Xoom, head to Settings > About tablet > Software updates and finally kiss goodbye to Honeycomb. Now begins the wait for Android 4.1 Jelly Bean, though given the timing of this most recent update, we certainly wouldn't hold our breath. If you're feeling brave (and impatient), you may want to check our friendly Motorola Xoom forums for tips on rooting and flashing a Jelly Bean ROM on there manually. Source: Eurodroid 
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| Sony Xperia GX now available in Japan on NTT Docomo Posted: 09 Aug 2012 02:10 AM PDT
Right on schedule, Sony's new flagship smartphone, the Xperia GX, has today launched on NTT Docomo in Japan. The slim-line device is the spiritual successor to last year's Xperia Arc, and it comes with a spec list that should tantalize Android fans after a relatively tepid early 2012 showing from Sony. The GX boasts a 4.6-inch 720p Sony HD Reality Display, a dual-core Snapdragon S4 CPU at 1.5GHz, 1GB of RAM, a 13MP rear camera (based on Sony's new CMOS sensor for smartphones). On the software side, there's Android 4.0.4 Ice Cream Sandwich, backed up by Sony's UXP NXT software, and all the proprietary Sony Entertainment Network and PlayStation functionality you'd expect. Android purists will be pleased to hear that the GX sports on-screen buttons, including a dedicated multitasking key. If you're in Japan, you can view pricing details and other info at the source link below. If not, you'll have to wait until later this month, where Sony's expected to unveil an international version of the GX at its IFA press conference in Berlin. Source: NTT Docomo 
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| International Galaxy S3 gets OTA update with new baseband Posted: 09 Aug 2012 01:52 AM PDT
Owners of the international Samsung Galaxy S III (S3, GT-i9300) are waking up to a new over-the-air update this morning. This tiny update weighs in at under 1MB, and comes labeled as a "stability improvement" patch. As far as we can tell, the only thing this version changes is the phone's baseband (radio firmware), bumping it up version XXLH1. The rest of the system image, where the remainder of the software is housed, doesn't seem to have been touched at all since the last OTA. So it looks like this is just a minor OTA to address some issues with the radio firmware, which will be welcome news to S3 owners still experiencing the elusive "cell standby" battery drain issue that's been reported on forums. Though we've yet to receive confirmation that the update fixes this issue, it's the most likely reason for a quick radio update like this. We should also mention that local search is alive and well in this version, after it was restored a few weeks back. If you're rocking an unlocked international Galaxy S3, you'll probably have already received the notification for this update. If not, head to Settings > About device > Software updates on the phone, or fire up Samsung's Kies desktop software to grab the new OTA. Carrier-branded phones may have a little longer to wait before they get this latest update. 
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| Android 4.1 for the T-Mobile G1 probably won't be your daily driver... Posted: 09 Aug 2012 01:42 AM PDT ... But damned if it isn't cool to see the original Android phone from late 2008 getting some custom Jelly Bean love. Yes, it's slow (sloooow), unstable, and the hardware's prehistoric, but it's Jelly Bean -- based on a port of CyanogenMod 10 -- and it's running on the T-Mobile G1 (aka HTC Dream). See the full preview video from the developers above, or check the forum thread linked below if you fancy firing up your G1 for old time's sake and flashing this custom ROM. Source: XDA 
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| Cablevision Optimum TV streaming app now available on the Kindle Fire Posted: 08 Aug 2012 10:17 PM PDT
If you current needs for streaming content on the Kindle Fire are not really working out there is a new option out there if you're a Cablevision subscriber. Cablevision has now released a revised Optimum app for the Kindle Fire. This app differs from the one currently available in the Google Play Store that simply allows you to control your DVR and browse listings. The new app has a whole new set of features built into it that will make those stuck with the Google Play version a bit jealous:
Yep, direct streaming of shows and movies over Wi-Fi is offered on the Kindle Fire version. The press release which can be found below makes no mention of an update coming to the Google Play version so alas, Kindle Fire and iOS users are the only ones who get in on this action. Hopefully though, Cablevision will roll out an update to bring all their apps on the same level. Source: Cablevision, Download: Amazon 
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