The Christmas season is nearly upon us, and that means it’s time to choose your gifts, schedule the Christmas parties and take the Christmas lights out of the loft. The internet has made shopping and arranging parties more convenient — so far, so obvious — but it’s made Christmas lights easier to control too. In this article, we’ll show you how how to get started.

Instead of turning on and off your Christmas lights by flicking on and off a plug on the wall, you can do it on your phone. This is achieved using a smart plug — literally an internet-connected plug.

Simply connect all of your Christmas lights together using a 4- or 6-way extension lead, then into the smart plug, and you’ll be in business. Open the app on your phone, and you can turn your lights on and off, whether you’re in the same room or a different continent. You can also do more clever things, like automatically turning the lights on at sunset or connecting multiple lights on different plugs and controlling them independently.

Of course this isn’t just useful for Christmas lights; the rest of the year you could use it to turn on a coffee machine, lamps or whatever other appliance you like.

We have a few options along these lines at Mobile Fun. D-Link do a cheap Smart Plug with an easy-to-use app, which offers energy use tracking and overheating protection as a nice bonus. You can get this as a single plug or a discounted pack of three.

• D-Link App Controlled Smart Plug for iOS & Android
• D-Link App Controlled Smart Plug for iOS & Android (3 Pack)

Energenie also do a starter pack for a similar price, offering three plugs, a hub and a remote. Their offering can also use the stellar If This Then That (IFTTT) service, which lets you set up more complex routines. For example, you could turn on your lights earlier if the weather is bad, or coordinate with other elements in your smart home.

• Energenie MiHome Starter Pack (5-in-1)

So there you have it – an easy way to control your Christmas lights using your Android or iPhone. Let us know what you think in the comments below, and stay tuned for more Christmas light control options in future articles!

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No, the Nexus 6P doesn’t have wireless charging.

Although a common feature on earlier Nexus devices, Google didn’t include the technology on the latest Nexus phones, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. In a Reddit AMA interview session, Google engineer Hiroshi Lockheimer stated that they ditched the tech because USB-C solves a lot of wired charging problems and they wanted a thinner phone:

We added Qi wireless charging starting with N4 because plugging in USB micro B was such a hassle! (Which way is up!?) With this year’s Nexii, we support USB Type-C which has a reversible connector so there’s no more guessing. AND it charges incredibly swiftly: 1% to 100% in 97 mins on the 6P for example (the first ~45 mins of charging is especially fast). Meanwhile, wireless charging adds z (thickness). So, ease of plugging in + fast charging + optimizing for thinness made us double down on Type-C instead of wireless!

As referred to in that statement, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X do have a new form of fast charging, courtesy of their novel USB-C connector. When using an appropriate 15W USB-C charger, operating at 5V and 3A, it’s possible to get 7 hours of battery life out of just 10 minutes of charging on the 6P. To learn more about fast charging on the new Nexus phones, see our guide to rapid charging on the Nexus 6P and 5X.

Does this answer your question? Let us know in the comments below!

 

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It’s not uncommon for iPhone cables to break, especially the proprietary ones that Apple provides.

They usually start to show wear by the connectors and before you know it, the wires start to fray and you’re without a means for charging your phone.

What makes braided Lightning cables stronger?

Braided Lightning cables provide a super strong alternative to your default Apple cable, and it’s all down to the weave.

The tight braiding on the outside of the cable offers better flexibility and can withstand greater pressure. So you can expect a braided cable to weather daily wear and tear better and to last longer than your initial Apple cable.

So why cut corners? If you’ve purchased a high-end device like an iPhone make sure you’ve got a quality cable to keep it charged.

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Braided Lightning cables to buy

We have a number of braided Lightning cables available to purchase. Top selling models include:

Kanex Aluminium Tip braided Lightning cables

Shop Rose > Shop Gold >

The Kanex Aluminium Tip braided Lightning cable is MFi certified and offers a premium charging experience. It’s a cable which is built to last. With its aluminium connectors and 1.2m long braided cable, it offers both efficiency and durability.

You can use it to connect your iPhone 5/6, iPad or iPod to a computer or a USB mains charging adapter. It also enables you to charge and sync simultaneously.

Happy braided Lightning cables

Shop Now >

The Happy range of braided lightning cables offers not just a splash of colour, but a fun functional device, with lights that glow when the cable’s connected.

It’s a flat braided cable which means it’s less likely to get tangled or damaged. Each Happy cable stretches 1m in length and they’re available in and array of colours, including blue, pink, purple, black and white.

You’ll find Happy cables suitable for all iPhone 5, 6 and 6 Plus models, as well as your iPod or iPad.

Nohon braided Lightning charge and sync cables

Shop Silver > Shop Gold >

Built to last, the Nohon braided lightning cable doesn’t just look amazing but it’s incredibly hard-wearing. It has a tightly braided 1m cable that is flexible and strong, with connectors that are highly durable.

Rather uniquely the Nohon also sports an LED light which lights up according to your charging status.  So you can tell in an instant what your phone’s charging status is.

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Yes! The Nexus 6P has NFC capabilities, unlike some other recent phones we could name (cough, OnePlus 2). The transmitter used for NFC is in the big black bar on the back of the phone, allowing signals to easily escape the otherwise metallic construction of the phone. The Nexus 6P is therefore perfect for use with Android Pay and the range of NFC accessories too.

For example, you can use NFC to automatically pair with Bluetooth devices like the FreSound Music Streamer or the best-selling Olixar X2 Pro headphones, making it faster and easier to get connected.

You can also use NFC tags embedded in car mounts like the TYLT Capio to automatically set up your phone for a drive: turn off Wi-Fi, turn on GPS, start your favourite driving app or even text your loved ones that you’re on the way. Use the Trigger app on the Play Store to set these up easily.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any follow-up questions or comments, let us know below!

 

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Mozo’s Designed For Lumia range has arrived at Mobile Fun, just ahead of the launch of the Lumia 950 and 950 XL in Europe. We’ve gone hands-on and taken some photos, so check them out!

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Mozo Genuine Leather Back Cover for Lumia 950 / 950XL

This is the first leather back cover for a Lumia phone, and it’s beautiful. The Mozo Back Cover is made from hand-crafted premium leather, fitting perfectly to the back of the phone around the camera, flash and other features. The case allows for both Qi and PMA wireless charging, so you can use it with a wide range of charging pads from docks to lamps. NFC is included as well, so you won’t miss out on mobile payments, NFC tags or other features.

Here are the Back Covers (right three), with one Flip Cover intruding (left).

For Lumia 950

• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 Genuine Leather Back Cover – Black
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 Genuine Leather Back Cover – Cognac
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 Genuine Leather Back Cover – White

For Lumia 950 XL

• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Genuine Leather Back Cover – Black
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Genuine Leather Back Cover – Cognac
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Genuine Leather Back Cover – Red

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Mozo Genuine Leather Flip Cover for Lumia 950 / 950XL

Next up is the Mozo Genuine Leather Flip Cover, which drapes the Lumia 950 in beautiful premium leather. The cover fits securely around the back of the phone, while protecting the phone’s screen from damage. The Flip Cover also includes support for NFC, plus Qi and PMA wireless charging.

The photos below show the cognac-coloured flip cover for the Lumia 950 XL.

For Lumia 950

• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 Genuine Leather Flip Cover – Cognac
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 Genuine Leather Flip Cover – Red
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 Genuine Leather Flip Cover – Black

For Lumia 950 XL

• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Genuine Leather Flip Cover – Cognac
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Genuine Leather Flip Cover – Red
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 950 XL Genuine Leather Flip Cover – Black

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Mozo Cover Case for Lumia 550

It’s not just the high-end phones that are getting quality Mozo cases either. You can also find the Mozo Cover Case for the Lumia 550, a colourful rubber-coated case that replaces the back of your phone and provides additional protection. We don’t have hands-on images of these yet, so take a look at the official photos:

• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 550 Back Cover Case – Blue
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 550 Back Cover Case – Green
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 550 Back Cover Case – Orange

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Mozo Flip Cover for Lumia 550

We conclude with a pair of Mozo flip covers for the Lumia 550. These leather-style wallets add slots for your cash and cards, while protecting both the back and front of the phone. While most wallet cases are fairly thick, these replace the original back covers and therefore don’t add much bulk.

• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 550 Flip Cover Case – Black
• Mozo Microsoft Lumia 550 Flip Cover Case – White

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Conclusion

Thanks for checking out the photos, and let us know what you think in the comments below!

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A new startup called Chaotic Moon Studios has released a video showing off their progress in an exciting new field: technological tattoos. The company calls them Tech Tats, and they’re proper circuit boards made from a micro-controller, conductive ink and LEDs. They look amazing — almost cyborg-like, with blinking LEDs and obvious circuitry shapes — but they’re also functional.

The Tech Tats can be set up for a variety of potential purposes, from mimicking the functionality of common wearables today to entirely new purposes. For example, the tattoos could monitor stats like body temperatures blood pressure or your heart rate, then transmit that information wirelessly to the internet, where it could be accessed via smartphone apps or on PCs. That’s useful enough for fitness tracking, but imagine what it would like for medical patients staying in a hospital; doctors would always be aware of their charge’s vitals.

The tattoos could be used for tracking as well. The tattoos are thankfully temporary, so you could apply one to your kids to keep track of them in a department store, or to soldiers on a battlefield. They don’t look particularly durable though, so using them on prisoners wouldn’t make much sense.

The tattoos are still in their early stages, but it’s already an exciting insight into the future of wearable technology. Right now it’s all about watches and armbands, but we’re not so far away from moving directly to clothing or even skin with tattoos like these.

What do you think of the technology — could you foresee yourself wearing a connected tattoo? Let us know in the comments below, or write to us on twitter @mobilefun!

Via: Slashgear | Source: Motherboard

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Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Yes, but it’s complicated.

The Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X don’t support the most popular fast charging standard, Quick Charge 2.0. Instead, they use the new USB-C standard to charge at a rate of 15W (equivalent to 5V x 3A). At full speed, that means you can get about seven hours of battery life after just 10 minutes of charging the Nexus 6P – very fast indeed!

That’s great for charging with the adapter that comes in the box, but if you want a charger in your car, or a portable charger, your options for rapid charging are limited as the 6P and 5X are among the first devices to charge in this way. You can use existing USB chargers, but most will top out a little under 10W (2A / 5V), making them around 33% slower than the maximum speed.

Here are the best chargers we’ve found so far, along with their charging rates. Ideally all of these will eventually include full speed, 15W charging, and we’ll keep updating the page and adding new products until that’s the case.

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Best portable charger: Xtorm Power Bank

The Xtorm Power Bank provides USB-C charging at 5V / 3A, making it perfect for the Nexus 6P and 5X. It also supports Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0, so it should charge most other Qualcomm-powered Android phones rapidly as well.

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Best car charger: Nomad RoadTrip

The RoadTrip is tested as delivering 2.4A, a reasonable result and the best option from a car charger we’ve seen yet. The RoadTrip also includes a 3,000mAh internal battery, making it a good choice for portable charging too.

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Best Nexus 6P dock: Kidigi Desktop Dock

The Kidigi Dock is limited to 5V / 2A charging rates (~10W), but it is lightweight, stylish and includes the right USB-C adapter to get the job done. For use on your desk or nightstand, it’s a reasonable solution until a maximum speed dock is found.

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Best mains charger: Google 15W Type-C charger

So far, only Google’s own 15W USB-C mains adapter provides full speed charging. If you need an additional charger for a second location (or as a replacement), then this is the best choice.

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We should see a lot more USB-C chargers of all kinds in the coming months, which should support rapid charging on the Nexus 6P. We’ll look to get more of these accessories in ourselves, of course, and update this page as they become available!

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So far we’ve looked at a wide range of iPhone 6S cases: flip cases, bumper cases, wallet cases and tough cases. Now, it’s time to complete our  roundups with another popular option: leather cases!

In this blog, we’ll recommend five brilliant leather cases for the iPhone 6S and 6. Each case featured is made of real leather, but their looks and features differ considerably. I hope you’ll find one that you like!

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5. Redneck Redline Genuine Leather Pouch

Black, Blue, Brown

The Redneck Redline is our first case, and comes in the popular pouch form factor. Pouches are great because they cover the entire phone – screen, back and sides – yet are completely removed for use, ensuring easy accessibility when you need it. If you don’t use your phone that often, then this is the ideal trade-off. The Redline is a good example of the pouch form factor, with beautiful leather in three classic colours, handcrafted in Europe and finished with a microfibre internal lining.

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4. Zenus Tesoro Diary

Brown, Black

Tesoro means ‘valuable things’ in Italian, and that perfectly describes Zenus’ approach to this Diary flip case. The Tesoro has a bold look, yet still protects the iPhone you keep inside with durable leather and a slim enclosure. Handmade construction, beautiful stitching and slim dimensions all contribute to this case’s enviable style. The case even includes a thin pocket for keeping your cash and cards. If you’re looking for a classic leather flip case, this should be near the top of your list.

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3. Twelve South SurfacePad

Camel, Black, Red, White

The SurfacePad isn’t a weird tablet crossover from Microsoft and Apple; it’s actually a stunning leather case for the iPhone 6 and 6S. The case comes in four colours, from traditional brown (‘camel’) and black to more modern white and red shades. Each is well constructed from genuine Napa leather, which provides lasting protection and looks fantastic. Your iPhone is held in place with a non-sticky adhesive, minimising the thickness of the case and providing an unparalleled look.

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2. Case-Mate Leather Charging Case

Black

The Case-Mate Leather Wallet Charging Case is a long name for a (relatively) simple product: a stylish leather wallet case with a built-in 3500mAh battery. That means you end up with a thicker package, but you more than double your battery life. That’s great for long weekends or nights out, and means you’ll only have to charge your phone a couple times a week. Best of all, the internal slim enclosure slides right out to become a slim case by itself.

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1. Piel Frama iMagnum

Dark Brown, Black

If you’re talking about leather iPhone cases, then perhaps none is as well regarded as the Piel Frama iMagnum. This case is expensive at £55, but you definitely get what you pay for. The iMagnum is made from soft, expensive Spanish 1A leather for a perfect look, smell and feel. It even comes with an optional belt clip, if you want to keep your iPhone close on hand (and really show off that awesome case).

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Conclusion

Thanks for checking out the article, and stay tuned for more iPhone 6S cases and other accessories from Mobile Fun!

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Veteran iOS hacker / developer Hamza Sood has impressed the ‘net with his latest project: enabling 3D Touch on the iPad Pro.

The hack is pretty clever, too. 3D Touch works on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus thanks to pressure sensors built into the screen. These sensors aren’t present on the iPad Pro, but there are pressure sensors in the Pro’s Pencil stylus. The hack uses that stylus data instead, multiplying by a constant value in order to provide a similar feeling to using 3D Touch with your finger. That means you can’t use 3D Touch on the iPad Pro without the stylus, but it’s still quite a useful hack.

Take a look at the hack in action below:

Useless project of the day: using Apple Pencil pressure data to drive the 3D Touch engine https://t.co/y3GNEZ8sfh http://pic.twitter.com/OwYpI9kIqD

— Hamza Sood (@hamzasood) November 23, 2015

With 3D Touch capabilities enabled on the iPad Pro, you can press harder with the Apple Pencil to access shortcuts, additional functions and variable-speed video scrubbing. For example, you can press lightly to ‘peek’ at links to see them without moving off the page you’re on, and press harder to ‘pop’ and actually open these links. Reviews of 3D Touch state that it’s not essential for getting around in iOS, but it is definitely a convenient time-saver.

3D Touch debuted with the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus this autumn, and is itself based on a simpler system called Force Touch that was released with the Apple Watch. We already know that 3D Touch is accurate enough to work as a digital scale, so it’s nice to see it unlocked for the iPad Pro. If you’re paying nearly £1000 for a tablet and essential accessories, then you definitely want to get as much out of it as possible.

Sood has released his work via GitHub, so if you’re happy to deploy this yourself using Xcode, then you should be able to add these functions to your iPad Pro as well. Hopefully we’ll see this nicely bundled up as an iPad app, perhaps released on the Cydia marketplace, before too long.

What do you think of the news? Let us know in the comments below.

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iPhone Photographer of the Month

Copenhagen based Karen Vikke is this month’s iPhone Photographer of the Month.

You can find her on instagram here @VikkeView

By day she’s a social worker, working with children with special needs. And in her spare time she explores Copenhagen, using her iPhone to capture the unique character of the city and its residents.

We sat down with her to find out more about her and what inspires her photography.

What’s your device of choice?

I take pictures with an iPhone 6 Plus. I love this phone because of the camera quality and the size of the screen – plus, it makes it easier for me when I want to edit my pictures. 

Have you always been an iPhone photographer or did you start out through a more traditional route?

I actually only started to get into photography in February 2014, but I have always just used my iPhone, even though I bought a camera!

I like that there’s no limitations with mobile photography. The whole process, from taking the picture to editing and publishing, happens on my iPhone.

I also really like that I always have my iPhone with me and can be ready to shoot in an instant.

What’s your favourite subject to photograph?

My favorite subjects to photograph are architecture, facades, bikes and people.

Do you plan your photos or are they a response to everyday life?

A lot of my shots are unplanned, taken when I’m just walking or biking around Copenhagen.

However I have also started to plan photos using people I know as my subjects! It is great, because you can be really creative with the sort of scene you create. 

Do you use any apps?

I use a few apps to help edit my pictures. SKRWT is great to help straighten up perspective problems. I also use Snapseed a lot and sometimes touch retouch.

What tips do you have for any budding iPhone photographers?

If you are new to mobile photography my advice is just to shoot everything you find interesting. Teach your eye to see what works in a photo. Learn and find inspiration from others.

 

8-Tallet, Ørestad

Vestre Cemetary

Watch out honey

8-tallet

Ørestad Plejecenter

Copenhagen Gammel Kongevej

Supermarco

Østerbro Stadium

Den Sorte Plads

Superkilin

Out shopping for candy

Den Røde Plads

 

Solo parking

National Gallery of Denmark

 

Ny Østergade

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If you’d like to be considered for Mobile Fun’s iPhone Photographer of the Month simply @MobileFun us on Twitter or Facebook with your favourite image.

iPhone 6 photography accessories >

 

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As we continue our look at iPhone 6S cases, we’re turning our attention to the ever-popular bumper cases. These cases offer minimal bulk, yet still offer good protection (and sometimes some useful features too). Here are our five top choices, good for both the iPhone 6S and the original iPhone 6.

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5. Olixar FlexiFrame Case

Hot Pink, Black / Grey, Blue, Green

The Olixar FlexiFrame is a great low-cost option, coming in multiple bright colours (and one more reserved grey option) that really make your iPhone pop. The case is light and flexible, making it easy to install, but still provides good drop protection without affecting usability. The case has a textured grip too, which makes it easier to hold and prevents drops in the first place. All in all, it’s a solid first choice, especially if you don’t want to spend a lot to get an iPhone 6S bumper.

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4. Spigen Tough Armor Volt Wireless Charging Case

Black

The special ability of this case is that it adds convenient wireless charging to the iPhone 6 and 6S. This is accomplished through a slim coil installed into the case, which connects to your iPhone’s Lightning port to provide power. The wireless charging capabilities ensure you can use your iPhone with a wide range of Qi charging pads, and means you never have to deal with the hassle of plugging and unplugging ever again. The case is protective too, with strong armour against drops and scratches to keep your phone safe.

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3. Prodigee Show Dual-Layered Designer Case

Blossom, Koi, Rosette, Paradise, Meadow

This delightful series of cases showcases the work of talented designers, with beautiful illustrations featuring flowers, plants and wildlife. The Prodigee Show cases include a dual-layer construction too, protecting the iPhone inside against drops or scratches with aplomb. The nice thing about these cases is that if you don’t like one design, there are four others to choose from, so you should be able to find at least one that you really like!

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2. Rhino Shield Crash Guard Bumper Case

White

The Rhino Shield is our heavy-duty option, designed to protect your iPhone even from heavy drops and knocks. The bumper is made of a lattice of hexagons, which are more shock absorbent than a more naive design. The phone adds just 2.5mm t0o the thickness of your phone, but allows the phone to survive drops from a height of 20 feet (around 7 metres). Not bad at all, eh?

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1. Spigen Neo Hybrid Ex Bumper

Rose Gold, Champagne Gold, Electric Blue, Shimmery White

Our final case is the perfect companion to the iPhone 6S, as it’s available in Rose Gold and Champagne Gold colourways that match the iPhone precisely. The case is great for any iPhone 6 though, thanks to its blend of transparent body and perfectly-fitted design. The case includes a 1.2mm bezel around the display to prevent damage, which helps obviate the need for an iPhone 6S screen protector too.

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Conclusion

Thanks for checking out the article, and stay tuned for more from us! If you have any questions or want a personalised product recommendation, let us know in the comments below. You can also see our full range of iPhone 6S bumper cases, not just the five selected here.

See all of our iPhone 6S bumper cases >

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