Shipments of foreign-branded phones in China up slightly YoY in December
Foreign-branded smartphone shipments in China, including Apple's iPhone, increased by 0.6% year-over-year in December, according… The post appeared first on MacDailyNews.

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Apple's robot Pixar lamp, iPhone SE 4, and Apple TV+ on Android, on the AppleInsider Podcast
Apple has shown us a peek into the long term future with its Pixar-like robot, a peek into the very near future with the iPhone SE 4, and just maybe an alternative future where it makes all its apps work on Android, on the AppleInsider Podcast.Left: Apple's robot lamp. Right: Stylized Apple logo believed to be promoting the iPhone SE 4Apple researchers have unveiled an anthropomorphic lamp — think how Pixar's logo lamp is so human — and while it's a demonstration of general research, it does also suggest a new direction for the company, following the cancellation of the Apple Car. Host Wesley Hilliard will buy an Apple robot the minute it's released, but see if he convinces you any more than he does co-host William Gallagher.Both, though, are looking forward to the iPhone SE 4 which is now expected to be launched on February 19. If all the rumors about it are true, this could be the phone that brings Apple Intelligence to most people — and it looks certain to be a very good buy. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple TV app finally starts including Netflix series
After years of holding out, Netflix appears to be thawing toward Apple TV as certain shows have begun appearing in the TV app's "Continue Watching" selection.Netflix shows are starting to appear in the Apple TV app.Netflix did recently update its iPhone app to allow full-season downloads. However, on Apple TV 4K set top boxes, Netflix has long insisted on remaining solely its own app, instead of allowing it to be included in Apple's own TV app.Now, however, Apple TV 4K users in the US are being prompted to "Connect Netflix to the Apple TV app," and then at least some Netflix titles start appearing there. Just as with Amazon Prime, Paramount+, and many others, selected Netflix series such as "Squid Game" are showing up in the Apple TV app's Watchlist and Continue Watching sections. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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iCloud encryption explained: How secure is your data?
Macworld With all the marketing Apple does around privacy, and all the talk lately of government surveillance around the globe, you would hope that the data for all your Apple cloud services is locked down tight. You may be surprised that a lot of it, depending on the settings you choose, is not nearly as secure as you may think. Here, we’ll spell out the difference between Apple’s two different encryption methods, discuss the Advanced Data Protection mode, and let you know which services are encrypted in which ways. All encryption is not the same Apple employs two different forms of encryption for iCloud services. The most basic type is what the company calls “In Transit & On Server” encryption. The other, more secure method is end-to-end encryption. In Transit & On Server: Your Apple device has a decryption key, and so does Apple’s servers. When you save data to the cloud, it is encrypted on your device so that prying eyes spying on your network can’t understand it. It is stored encrypted on Apple’s servers, so if a hacker gets access it will all be scrambled and useless. But, and this is crucial, Apple does hold the decryption key and can decrypt the data on its servers. It could do this for regular use (to analyze data to provide services) or at the request of governments (the laws for how these requests are made vary from one country to the next). If you ever lose access to your account, Apple can help you recover your data if you prove you’re the legit owner of the account. End-to-End: E2E encryption means your Apple device has the decryption key, which is tied to your passcode and Face ID/Touch ID biometric, and stored in the secure element hardware. It is encrypted on your device and stays encrypted as it is transmitted to Apple’s servers, where it is stored encrypted. Apple does not have the decryption key and has no way to make your data readable at all. It doesn’t matter if it gets a legitimate law enforcement request or it wants to analyze your data to provide services–Apple can’t see your data and has no way of accessing it. If you ever lose access to your Apple account and need to recover it, Apple has no way to help you recover E2E encrypted data. Advanced Data Protection In 2022, Apple made available a new feature called Advanced Data Protection. To use it, your Apple account must have two-factor authentication enabled, and you must have a recovery key set or recovery contact. Advanced Data Protection takes nearly all the iCloud services and upgrades them to E2E encryption. This makes them much more secure, as Apple cannot decrypt your data even if it wants to, but it has the tradeoff of making it possible to permanently lose your data if you lose access to your Apple account and can’t recover it with a recovery key or contact. To enable ADP on your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap on your name, and then tap iCloud. Select Advanced Data Protection and turn it on. You can about Advanced Data Protection here. How your iCloud data is encrypted The following table lists the various types of iCloud data for each of Apple’s services and the ways they’re encrypted. Note that three types of data are never end-to-end encrypted, even with Advanced Data Protection enabled: iCloud Mail, Contacts, and Calendar. This a necessary compromise to make sure the data is usable in third-party apps. Other mail/contact/calendar clients, especially those you access on something other than your own Apple device, would not be able to use this data if it was E2E encrypted. Data TypeStandard EncryptionAdvanced Data ProtectioniCloud MailIn transit & on serverIn transit & on serverContactsIn transit & on serverIn transit & on serverCalendarsIn transit & on serverIn transit & on serveriCloud Backup (device and Messages)In transit & on serverEnd-to-endiCloud DriveIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endPhotosIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endNotesIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endRemindersIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endSafari BookmarksIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endSiri ShortcutsIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endVoice MemosIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endWallet passesIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endFreeformIn transit & on serverEnd-to-endApple InvitesIn transit & on server*specialPasswords and KeychainEnd-to-endEnd-to-endHealth dataEnd-to-endEnd-to-endJournal dataEnd-to-endEnd-to-endHome dataEnd-to-endEnd-to-endMessages in iCloudEnd-to-endEnd-to-endPayment informationEnd-to-endEnd-to-endApple Card transactionsEnd-to-endEnd-to-endMapsEnd-to-endEnd-to-endQuickType Keyboard learned vocabEnd-to-endEnd-to-endSafariEnd-to-endEnd-to-endScreen TimeEnd-to-endEnd-to-endSiri informationEnd-to-endEnd-to-endWi-Fi passwordsEnd-to-endEnd-to-endW1 and H1 Bluetooth keysEnd-to-endEnd-to-endMemojiEnd-to-endEnd-to-end   * Apple’s new Invites app has some special-case rules if you have ADP turned on. If so, unpublished invites are E2E encrypted, but once published, they apply standard “In-transit & on server” encryption unless all invitees are also Apple users who have ADP enabled. Several services, such as Messages and Mail, have specific exceptions and caveats you might want to be aware of. You can about them in this Apple support document. Also note that certain metadata is always stored with standard encryption. Your device backup may be E2E encrypted, but Apple stores data like the name, model, color, and serial number using standard encryption, as well as the list of apps and file formats for each backup and the date and time of the backups.

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Netflix shows start appearing in Apple TV app unified Watchlist
Apple and Netflix have seemingly managed to find some common ground and strike a partnership for integration in the Apple TV app. Some users in the US are starting to be prompted to connect their Netflix account to the Apple TV app on their devices. After doing so, Netflix originals are then able to be added to their Watchlist inside the TV app, and appear in Continue Watching. However, the integration does not seem to be complete just yet, so it’s probably still in the process of rolling out. more…

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How a single Apple Watch alert changed my life
Macworld The Apple Watch often makes headlines for saving lives by detecting signs of AFib, calling emergency services after a crash or fall, and other safety features. That wasn’t really the reason I bought one a few years ago. I was merely interested in the Apple ecosystem perks, like automatic Mac unlocking, iPhone notification mirroring, and music playback controls. So, despite sometimes recording my random workouts, I muted activity ring alerts. Closing them didn’t mean much to me.  That all changed when I received a single notification late last year. Health data keeps you in check It was October 23, 2024. I was sitting on my couch at home when my iPhone’s Health app alerted me about a change in my average resting heart rate. Following months of inactivity and overthinking stressful matters beyond my control, that rate started to climb from 53 BPM in May to an all-time high of 66 BPM in October. I then checked my cardio fitness data, and it had dropped to its lowest value yet, with an alarming VO2 max of 34.9 mL/kg/min. Foundry The great thing about the Apple Health app is that it proactively monitors users’ metrics and notifies them about relevant changes, be they positive or negative. Those wearing their Apple Watches for prolonged periods can also view graphs visualizing their changes over the years. I glanced at my arm and realized I had been underutilizing the health computer strapped to my wrist. Fitness+ just works (out) For a long list of personal reasons, I no longer hit the gym. That is not an excuse to remain idle, as the alternatives are plentiful. In my case, I decided to opt for Fitness+ workouts, as the service is bundled with my Apple One subscription and won’t cost me an additional $10 per month. As it turns out, it’s exactly the kind of coaching I need. Beyond its ease of use and accessibility on Apple TV’s larger screen, I appreciate the diversity of Fitness+ content. I get to pick between multiple workout types, durations, coaches, music genres, equipment, and so on. Thanks to the included filters, I can quickly narrow the results and find a video that matches my current mood and energy levels. Each session also typically features three coaches that cater to different capabilities. I don’t have to browse through hundreds of videos to find the right one and helps me jump right into the action. Foundry To get started, I committed to at least 10 minutes of high-intensity interval training (HIIT), as it’s one of the most demanding workouts on the platform. On certain days, I’d increase the duration to 20 or 30 minutes, or opt for kickboxing, yoga, or core when seeking lighter activities. By December, my average resting heart rate had dropped to 60 BPM and VO2 max rose to 41.9 mL/kg/min. This pushed me to further embrace Apple Fitness+, as it was evidently improving my cardiovascular health. At some point, you adapt to specific coaches and their approaches, and working out with them every evening becomes a rewarding activity you look forward to rather than a dreadful chore. Free Fitness features Besides the subscription service, Apple offers free features in its built-in Fitness app. For starters, I re-enabled activity ring notifications, as I’ve been committed to closing them daily for over a month now. This reminds me to stand every hour, exercise for at least 30 minutes, and burn over 500 active calories a day. The app also offers daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal awards that challenge you to finish certain tasks. I especially value the social aspect of the app, which lets me view my friends’ activities, compete against them, and exchange motivational texts. It truly helps push one’s boundaries and adopt healthy routines. Apple Watch Series 10 (42mm) Read our review Price When Reviewed: $399 Best Prices Today: $329 at Amazon | $329 at Best Buy | $329 at Walmart Electronics A well-rounded smartwatch While the Apple Watch is primarily known for the Fitness app and its paid offerings, its health features extend beyond that. Thanks to sleep tracking support, I’ve been making a conscious decision to meet my nightly sleep goal to ensure I’m well-rested during the day. Meanwhile, the Mindfulness app has taught me to dedicate short breaks during the day to focus on my breathing. It also helped me train my brain to focus on deep breaths during anxiety flare-ups. This has played a key role in stress management, which can notably impact one’s cardiovascular health. Other nice-to-have perks include loud noise alerts, which remind me to enable active noise cancelation (ANC) in clamorous environments to protect my hearing. Likewise, ECG tests offer reassurance and peace of mind when performed periodically. What I love about my Apple Watch Series 9 is how versatile it is. When I first bought an earlier model years ago, it was primarily for the integrations with my iPhone and Mac. Today, I still rely on those Continuity features, but it also accompanies me as I work out and collects essential data throughout the day. That chilling Health notification I received last fall kickstarted my active lifestyle. Had I not used an Apple Watch, that catalyst would’ve been eliminated from the equation, barring me from escaping an increasingly unhealthy cycle. Apple’s commitment to introducing and maintaining health features makes me appreciate its products more now. Not only do these devices perform their typical computing tasks, but, in a way, they also take care of us and ensure we’re doing all right.

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Alibaba To Partner With Apple On AI Features, Sending Shares To 3-Year High
Alibaba will partner with Apple to support AI features on iPhones in China, sending Alibaba's shares surging over 9% to a three-year high. Reuters reports: "They talked to a number of companies in China. In the end they chose to do business with us. They want to use our AI to power their phones. We feel extremely honored to do business with a great company like Apple," Tsai said at the World Government Summit in Dubai. Apple continues to work with Baidu on AI features for iPhones in China, The Information reported on Thursday, citing two people with direct knowledge of the matter. While Apple's phones outside China utilize a combination of its proprietary Apple Intelligence and OpenAI's ChatGPT, Tsai did not specify whether the Alibaba partnership would follow a similar model. In China, consumer-facing AI products require regulatory approval, and The Information reported earlier that both Alibaba and Apple have already submitted materials to authorities. "Instead of viewing the Alibaba-Apple partnership through the lens of China's AI strength, the partnership is mainly a recognition of Alibaba's AI capability," said Lian Jye Su, a chief analyst at tech research firm Omdia. Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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Apple CEO Tim Cook teases product launch for next Wednesday
In a social media post on Thursday, Apple CEO Tim Cook teased an upcoming “launch” of some kind scheduled for Wednesday, February 19. “Get ready to meet the newest member of the family,” he said, with an #AppleLaunch hashtag. The post also included a short video with an animated Apple logo. Cook did not provide […] Source

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What to do when Time Machine incorrectly says your computer is on battery
Macworld Automated Time Machine backups should be a “set it and forget it” strategy. Once enabled, macOS warns you only when something goes wrong. No alerts, and–almost always–the backups have continued apace. (macOS automatically runs verification tests on Time Machine volumes, or you can perform one manually.) A Macworld reader started to receive this message on their laptop Mac and needed help diagnosing it: No Backups for X Days The most recent backup did not complete because your computer was running on battery. This warning improbably appears when their laptop is plugged into power. They tried performing a manual backup and were also told their machine was on battery power, and the backup couldn’t be completed. This straightforward message might be completely incorrect. This message may be accurate for some users, but it often appears in the wrong circumstances. To add confusion, the alert sometimes occurs after a successful Time Machine backup, baffling users as to why it popped up at all. Here are a few things to try to stop the alert from appearing, though you may find none work. Drive issue If you’re plugging in a drive directly to your laptop or using a networked Time Machine backup, some users have found the battery alert appears when the Time Machine volume has a fault. Run Disk Utility and repair the Time Machine volume. Because Time Machine maintains an active state on volumes it uses, you may need to disable Time Machine (in System Settings > General > Time Machine) in order to repair a backup volume. Optimized charging or Low Power Mode active Optimized charging on Apple laptops tries to extend battery life by monitoring your behavior over time. If patterns develop in which there are long periods–typically overnight–in which your laptop is plugged in, macOS will charge your computer first to 80 percent, then hold it there, and only charge to 100 percent in time for when you typically take your Mac off charging for commuting or daily work. Keeping a battery at 80 percent of potential charge reduces unnecessary heating, but it may also disrupt Time Machine backups. A laptop can “think” it’s using a battery charge even when plugged in. Disabling optimized power in System Settings > Battery by clicking the info (i) icon to the right of Battery Health. Disable Optimized Battery Charging. The tradeoff is potentially affecting the long-term capacity and lifespan of your battery. Disabling Optimized Battery Charging might convince Time Machine to make backups—but maybe not. Low Power Mode might also be a culprit. Make sure that you have Low Power Mode set to Never or Only on Battery in the Battery settings panel. Battery power on networked volume If you’re backing up your Mac to a drive attached to another Mac on the network, that Mac can’t be on battery power, either–nor can macOS think it is. If the networked destination is a laptop, make sure you test changing the settings above on it, too. Enable Time Machine backups on battery power The alert noted above seems to be in line with the Time Machine option in System Settings > General > Time Machine when you click Options: “Back up on battery power.” When this setting is turned off, you would expect that Time Machine backups do not occur when the laptop is not plugged into power. Let Time Machine carry out backups while on battery power to avoid errors—maybe. Conversely, if the setting is on, Time Machine should perform backups even when using battery power. This may eliminate the error and alert this column is about–but not all users have found that changing the setting does. None of the above may solve the problem Sadly, even after you’ve made all of the changes above you can’t be sure that the alert will go away or that backups will finish. That’s the case for the correspondent who wrote in with this question. Reports of this problem date to at least macOS 13 Ventura (fall 2022), so it may be a persistent, erratic bug that Apple still needs to quash or provide more guidance to users when it appears. What you can do whenever you see this alert after going through the troubleshooting in this column is to use the Time Machine menu bar icon to note when the last backup occurred. If you don’t see this icon, go to System Settings > Control Center and, under Menu Bar Only settings, choose Show in Menu Bar for Time Machine. Even then, some backups may still fail, claiming erratically that your laptop is using battery power. This Mac 911 article is in response to a question submitted by Macworld reader Robert. Ask Mac 911 We’ve compiled a list of the questions we get asked most frequently, along with answers and links to columns: read our super FAQ to see if your question is covered. If not, we’re always looking for new problems to solve! Email yours to mac911@macworld.com, including screen captures as appropriate and whether you want your full name used. Not every question will be answered; we don’t reply to emails, and we cannot provide direct troubleshooting advice.

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Block pop-ups, autoplay videos & malware—forever, for just $16
Macworld Browsing the internet should be smooth, safe, and ad-free. Instead, we’re bombarded with pop-ups, autoplay videos, and trackers that follow our every move. If you want to stop all that, the AdGuard Family Plan is an ad-blocking, privacy-protecting, and kid-safe browsing solution. For a limited time, you can get a lifetime subscription for just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) when you use code GUARD20 at checkout. With AdGuard, intrusive ads, malware-laden websites, and data-hungry trackers become a thing of the past. It’s a full-scale online security suite that ensures a clutter-free, fast, and private web experience for your entire family. From blocking annoying YouTube ads to shielding your sensitive data from prying eyes, AdGuard works across multiple devices—and yes, that includes Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. For parents, AdGuard’s parental controls help create a safe online space for kids by filtering inappropriate content and limiting access to harmful sites. Meanwhile, its anti-malware defense protects your devices from phishing scams and hidden online threats. Use GUARD20 at checkout to get this lifetime ad blocker for $15.97 (reg. $169.99).   AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription See Deal StackSocial prices subject to change.

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How to unplug from Apple Intelligence on iOS and macOS
Apple Intelligence is still in its infancy, but not everyone wants to use it. Here's how to disconnect from Apple Intelligence on iOS and macOS.Unplug from Apple Intelligence.While artificial intelligence is gaining in popularity at an accelerated rate, some users have found they prefer to turn off Apple's AI, Apple Intelligence, on their iOS and macOS devices.In iOS 18.3 Apple made Apple Intelligence be on by default. You may want to turn it off. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Alibaba to manipulate Apple Intelligence output in China for censorship
Apple will finally be able to launch Apple Intelligence in China, but the cost is allowing Alibaba to manipulate AI output to be acceptable to the Chinese government.Apple Intelligence coming to ChinaApple Intelligence is an Apple-built artificial intelligence system that runs on devices and in the cloud through Private Cloud Compute. The ChatGPT chatbot can be called via Siri, and Visual Intelligence allows users to search Google, but all the iPhone AI features are built from the ground up with privacy in mind.According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple's ability to bring Apple Intelligence to China relies solely on giving the government the ability to censor the output. So, in an unprecedented move, Apple has partnered with multiple AI companies in China to help ensure its customers can use a sanitized version of Apple Intelligence. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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TikTok is back on the iPhone’s App Store
TikTok is once again available for download on the App Store in the US following a letter from US Attorney General to Apple. (via Cult of Mac - Apple news, rumors, reviews and how-tos)

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Report reveals details of how Apple Intelligence will work in China
As reported earlier today, Apple has officially partnered with Alibaba to enable Apple Intelligence for iPhone users in China. The country has strict regulatory requirements on artificial intelligence, which has led Apple to partner with Chinese companies for AI processing. Now a new report from Bloomberg details how Apple Intelligence will work in China. more…

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Unlikely iPhone 17 Pro Max render shows odd camera bar layout
New renders of an iPhone 17 Pro Max with a massive camera bar are going around, and not only are they an incredible departure from Apple design, they're from unreliable sources.A render of the iPhone 17Apple is out of space for its camera system, so a camera bar that reaches across the back of the device may help provide more needed space. The idea of a camera bar isn't new, as Google Pixel employs one, and there's no way of knowing if Apple will actually implement one.That said, the current renders show an impractically large camera bar that is just an extended version of the camera bump. The latest hail from Jon Prosser and his current render artist Asher Dipprey. Rumor Score: 💩 B#$&(*it Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller star in new movie The Gorge, streaming now on Apple TV+
Apple today launches its next original film, The Gorge, streaming now exclusively on Apple TV+. The Gorge stars Anya-Taylor Joy and Miles Teller as operatives tasked with guarding a vast chasm, protecting the world from the evil within. The pair communicate via message boards and strike up a bond. As this film is debuting on Valentines Day, it is probably not a spoiler to suggest there is a romantic relationship underpinning this action film. more…

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Potential new iPhone 17 Pro camera design shown in 3D renders
The next generation iPhone is expected to arrive later this year, but there are already plenty of rumors about it – especially when it comes to design and cameras. Previous rumors have suggested that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have a new rear camera design with a different bump. Now 3D renders shared by Jon Prosser show what the final version of the new phones might look like. more…

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TikTok to return to Apple App Store Thursday
Apple will finally return TikTok to the App Store after receiving a letter from US Attorney General Pam Bondi.TikTok returning to Apple App StoreApps controlled by Chinese company ByteDance were banned on January 19 due to failing to meet requirements set by a law. On January 20, newly inaugurated President Trump signed an executive order that aimed to restore TikTok's operation in the United States for 75 days.The President doesn't have the authority to stop the Department of Justice from enforcing laws, so companies like Apple and Google were cautious and didn't restore the app to their app stores. According to a report from Bloomberg, the newly appointed Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to Apple, which has resulted in the promised return of TikTok. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

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Apple To Restore TikTok To US App Store Following Justice Department Letter
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple will restore TikTok to the U.S. App Store on Thursday (source paywalled; alternative source), following a letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. From the report: Apple, along with Alphabet's Google, removed TikTok in the US to comply with a law passed last year. In a Jan. 20 executive order, Trump said he instructed the attorney general "not to take any action to enforce the act for a period of 75 days from today to allow my administration an opportunity to determine the appropriate course forward." Apple confirmed the app will return "Thursday evening." Developing... Read more of this story at Slashdot.

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TikTok set to return to App Store tonight ahead of new iPhone launch next week
Breaking news from Mark Gurman at Bloomberg: Trump’s attorney general Pam Bondi has reportedly penned a letter to Apple that grants the company permission to restore TikTok in the App Store. more…

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