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The best Google Play Store tips and tricks for Android users

Alexandra Arici
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For many, using the Google Play Store is limited to searching for apps or tapping the Install button. But the Play Store includes a bunch of lesser-known features to help you optimize the experience.

Whether you’re a new Play Store user or you’re looking to get the most out of this app, here’s a list of useful tips and tricks you should definitely try out.

Use parental controls

If you have children in your home, you might want to restrict them from downloading and installing apps/games that are not meant for them.

It’s quite easy to set a filter in the Google Play Store. Go to Settings>User Controls>Turn on Parental Controls>Set the restrictions.

Once in place, your child will have to enter your PIN each time he or she tries to download something inappropriate.

Prevent other people from buying on your account

Many people share a phone with someone else in the household, including kids. So if you linked your credit card to the Play Store, chances are high they will end up making a purchase without your permission.

To prevent this, restrict app purchases by enabling authentication from the Play Store. Go to Settings>Require authentication for purchases>For all purchases through Google Play on this device.

Also, if you’re smartphone has a fingerprint scanner you can also turn on the Fingerprint authentication options under User controls.

Get a refund

If the inevitable happs, you should know you can request a refund. But you need to act fast. A Refund option should appear next to the Install and Open buttons. You can tap refund within two hours of your purchase and get your money back no questions asked.

If the 2-hour window has passed, open a browser on a computer and type in this address: https://play.google.com/store/account. Scroll down to view your order history. Find the app in question and click on the three dots on the right. Select Request a refund. Complete the form and submit it. You should get an answer within 15 minutes.

Install an app on your smartphone directly your computer

You’re browsing on your desktop and stumble upon an app that you find interesting. But you’re too lazy to go in search of your phone.

No worries, you can install the app directly from your desktop. Visit Google Play on your computer’s web browser, authenticate with your Google account, chose which device you want the app to be installed to. And click Install.

The desired app will download and install automatically on your phone. Easy, breezy!

Search apps by developer

Are you a super big Candy Crush fan? See what else King has to offer. An easy way to do so is to use pub:developer name when you’re searching for apps.

This will filter the results and only show you apps that were developed by a particular game studio.

Stop apps from updating automatically

It’s so annoying when the Google Play Store starts updating exactly the app you want to use right now. To stop this from happening, simply go to Settings>General>Auto-update-apps>Do not auto-update apps.

The Play Store also allows you to disable auto-updates selectively. Go on the app’s page in the Play Store, tap on the menu button at the top-right and uncheck Auto-update.

Update all your Android apps in bulk

Once you decide not to let your apps update automatically, you’ll need to manually do so. Fortunately, you don’t have to update each at a time.

The Google Play Store lets you update your apps in bulk. Simply tap on the hamburger menu in the left top corner (or swipe from left to right), then tap on My apps & games. From there, tap on the Update all button.

Master & Dynamic MH30 on-ear headphones for only $200 in limited sale

AndroidGuys
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To celebrate the growing success of Amazon and the company’s Prime Day event, Master & Dynamic are joining in. Master & Dynamic is offering its MH30 on-ear headphones for sale. The headphones usually are priced at $300 but will be available online for $200, only while Prime day is going on. You do have to use a coupon code to access the deal, contrary to Amazon’s sales, the code is ‘MH30FLASH’.

If you think you’ve heard of the Master & Dynamic brand here before we wouldn’t blame you. We’ve reviewed the company’s MW50 and MW60, wireless versions of their on-ear and over-ear headphones and came away impressed. Master & Dynamic is a company that takes pride in its products, not only with their build but also their presentation. If you’ve never had a luxury audio product before this is the best time to invest. With the sale going on, it is more than easy to start a new life in audio with the MH30.

Check out some of the features about the MH30 below:

  • Sophisticated design, premium leathers, and machined metals for unmatched style and durability
  • Precision-tuned custom 40mm neodymium drivers provide a rich, expansive and warm sound signature
  • Lambskin-wrapped, removable memory foam ear pads provide superior comfort and breathability
  • Two heavy-duty woven cables, one with separate mic and remote, for greater voice clarity
  • 2 Year Warranty. Includes canvas carrying case, leather cable box, & 3.5/6.3mm gold-plated adapter

To grab these headphones, in a variety of 5 color finishes, visit Master & Dynamic’s website listed below. The sale is only live until tomorrow, July 17th. Remember to use the coupon code and let us know what you think.

Master & Dynamic MH30 Link

Emporio Armani Connected 2018 is the fashion brand’s new and improved Wear OS smartwatch

Alexandra Arici
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Fashion brand Emporio Armani is spearheading Wear OS efforts this summer with a refreshed model of its original Connected smartwatch.

The 2018 model brings some notable upgrades to the table including a heart rate sensor, GPS and NFC technology to use for Google Pay. Even so, the Emporio Armani Connected 2018 still runs on the aged Snapdragon 2100 platform. Which, according to a report dating back from May, it’s bound to be replaced soon. Apparently, Qualcomm is working on a new wearable chipset that’s expected to launch this fall.

Given that a new dedicated processor and a flagship device are in the pipeline, it might be worth to consider postponing your Wear OS smartwatch acquisition plans. For the time being.

Emporio Armani’s smartwatch puts an emphasis on style

But the Connected 2018’s appealing design makes it hard to ignore. It’s a 43 x 49 mm watch made from stainless steel that’s offered in a range of elegant finishes. Customers will be able to grab it in silver, black, blue, green or rose gold with rubber link bracelets. A Milanese loop option will also be available.

The smartwatch packs a circular 1.19-inch AMOLED screen and a battery that’s said to be able to support up to 2 days of use. We should also mention the wearable is waterproof and comes with Google Assistant built-in.

Pricing is set to start at $295 and interested parties will be able to pick it up before the end of this month (in select locations). The smartwatch should become more widely available in September.

In related news, it seems LG is also gearing up to launch two Wear OS smartwatches. And according to a recent leak, the Korean company might unveil the two devices as soon as this month.

One of these watches could be the LG Watch Timepiece that leaked back in May. The wearable has been rumored to be a digital/analog hybrid watch packing a 1.2-inch circular LCD display and IP68 certification. But we doubt the LG Watch Timepiece will be as stylish as the new Emporio Armani watch.

T-Mobile has deals on top Android phones in time for back to school

Jason England
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T-Mobile has some great deals for all you back to school shoppers, but you don’t have to be a parent or a student to enjoy these deals.

Starting today when you buy a Samsung Galaxy S9 you get a second one free. You can also save up to a whopping $720 on a second Samsung Galaxy S9+ or S8 Active with the purchase of one.

The deals are available for a limited time

Don’t worry all you LG fans because T-Mobile has you covered as well offering up to $720 off select phones including the LG G7, G6, V30, Aristo 2+, K30 or Stylo 4 when you purchase the LG G7 or V30.

In order to get these great deals, all you have to do is add a new line with T-Mobile ONE when purchasing the phones with T-Mobile’s interest-free Equipment Installation Plan. The only downside is you’ll have to wait to get your money back through bill credits over a 24 month billing period.

The deals don’t stop there, but you’ll have to wait until July 20th to save $400 on the Samsung Galaxy S8 dropping it down to $199 or get the Note8 for $399 for a savings of $440. However, you’ll have to add a line with EIP and the savings come through bill credits over a 24 month period.

These offers won’t last forever and they are available for new and existing customers. So grab them while you can and check out the deals hub for more information.

Have a Wear OS or Tizen smartwatch? Try Facer’s new Watch Face Games

Alexandra Arici
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Facer, the watch face customization platform for Wear OS and Tizen smartwatches, is taking things to a new level.

The company just unveiled Watch Face Games, a series of mini-games that are always active on your smartwatch and waiting for you to start playing. Facer calls this “ambient gaming”.

In addition to being always on, the new mini-games are also integrated with the sensors on your watch. So the data collected, such as heart rate or steps taken, can be used in the games in real-time.

For the time being Facer offers a short selection of games which are available for Wear OS or Tizen smartwatches.

These titles include:

  • Your Beast Friend – a virtual pet game in which you are tasked to geed a tiny creature living on your wrist with the buys randomly appearing on your watch face. The more you feed it, the more it grows.

  • Dino Catcher – Help Dino find her lost family by traveling the world and finding her missing relatives. Players have to increase their step count if they want to succeed in the game.

  • World Cup Shooutout! – Challenges you to score the most goals in 1 hours. When the game detects an elevated heart rate, like when you’re out for a run, it will give you a sprint bonus. You’ll also be able to see your player rush towards the goal.

  • Rock, Paper, Scissors – The classic game is available on your watch. Just look at your watch face to play. The higher you score, the more customization options you can unlock including animations, colors and more.

The first three games are developed by Facer itself, while the last is offered by GRR Watchfaces. Two other games by TOMAJA Design are also available. Check out the whole collection here.

Only World Cup Shootout! is free, you’ll have to purchase the other games if you want to try them out on your watch. To download the games, you’ll need to get the Facer app from the Play Store.

While the selection is quite limited at the moment, we expect more titles to be added soon.

Deal: BOGO Android phones at Verizon and more just in time for back to school

Jason England
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It’s almost time to send the kids back to school and you know what that means. Time to break out your wallet and pick up supplies. If a new phone is on your list, then Verizon has good news for you. Thanks to its back to school sale, you can pick up some of the hottest Android phones with their buy one get one deal.

Phone Deals

For a limited time, pick up the Samsung S9, Pixel 2, or Moto Z 2 Force and get the second one free. This deal is available for upgrades and switchers. The only catch is the discount comes in the form of a bill credit over 24 months and you have to activate a new line.

If those are a little outside of your price range or you’re just looking for a simple phone with a few smart features, then you’ll want to check out the Kyocera Cadence LTE flip phone. It provides you with all the basics along with lightning fast speeds, dual-mic noise cancellation, and large easy to use buttons for only $89.99.

Main specs:

  • 4-inch QVGA display with 240 x 320 resolution
  • 16GB of internal expandable storage (up to 32GB)
  • 2-megapixel main camera
  • 1,430 mAh battery

JBL Headphone Deals

If you’re a music lover then these next deals will be right up your alley and don’t worry you don’t have to be a Verizon customer to get them. First up is the wireless on-ear JBL E45BT for only $99.

However, if you’re more interested in a pair of Google Assistant enabled headphones you’ll want to check out the JBL Everest 110AG for $99 or the JBL Everest 310AG. The JBL Everest 110AG will work for all of you looking for a smaller pair of in-ear headphones, while the JBL Everest 310AG is for the fans of larger on-ear headphones.

Saturday Savings: Tech and Gear on sale this weekend

Andrew Myrick
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As we are gearing up to see the fury that is Amazon Prime Day, there are still a few days left. Starting on July 16th, Amazon will have a boatload of items on sale, but there are some sales starting now.

In today’s edition of Saturday Savings, you can see a great sale on the Amazon Echo Show, which has been discounted by $100. Additionally, there are some great deals on accessories like the iHome Bluetooth Speaker for the Echo Dot.

Save on new tech

Amazon Echo Show – $229.99 $129.99

It’s been a little bit over a year since we saw Amazon debut the Echo Show. The latest in the Echo lineup provides an interactive touchscreen display, along with respectable speakers.

To help celebrate Prime Day 2018, Amazon is kicking things off early by offering the Echo Show for just $129.99. This is a savings of $100, and is definitely worth the look if you live in the Amazon ecosystem.

Buy the Amazon Echo Show!

Save on Accessories

iHome Color Changing Speaker for Echo Dot – $59.99 $41.99

Keeping with the trend of Amazon Echo products, we have the iHome Bluetooth Speaker for the Echo Dot. You simply place your Echo Dot in the holster at the top of the speaker and can play music or content to your heart’s content.

What makes this speaker even more awesome is that it changes colors automatically. Normally, this speaker is priced at almost $60, but you can get one today for just $41.99.

Buy the iHome Echo Dot Bluetooth Speaker

Weekend Recommender: EVRI, JLab, Phiaton, mophie, and Scosche

AndroidGuys
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Summer is hitting its stride and the weather has definitely started to heat up. If you’re like us, you’re finding it’s getting harder and harder to get back inside and get actual work done.

Whether you’re working or playing, or doing a little bit of both, you’ve probably got your phone nearby. If not, maybe a tablet, camera, or something else. We love our tech and we love to share our favorite products.

The Weekend Recommender is our chance to share some of the better tech devices and items that have crossed our path. What you’ll find below are five products that we’ve spent time with over the last few weeks which deserve special recognition.

EVRI 80W USB C Charging Station

If you’ve got a newer phone, laptop, Macbook, or Pixelbook, you’ve probably got a USB C port on it. It’s quickly becoming the preferred cable of choice because of its speeds and general flexibility.

Most of us carry around or consistently use multiple gadgets which charge via USB. In addition to the aforementioned items, you can also find products like action cameras, GPS units, tablets, and accessories. The problem a lot of people run into is having too few outlets where it’s important.

The EVRI, from OneAdapter, takes one power outlet and turns it into five very fast ports. Indeed, it gives you one USB C port and four Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 ports.

With 80W of power it ensures you’ve got optimal charging speeds for all of your important gear. This ain’t some big, clunky device to lug around, either; the whole thing weighs around one half of a pound and takes up less desk space than a napkin.

The EVRI Charging Station carries a price tag of around $75. You can also learn more about OneAdapter and its products, or buy them, online at retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, London Drugs, and Staples.

JLab Epic Executive Wireless Headphones

The Epic Executive come with an assortment of earbud tips to fit every size and shape of ear which makes finding the right fit pretty easy. Also included is a USB charging cable, a standard aux adapter to go hardwired, and a carrying case to keep it all together.

The Active Noise Cancelling on the Executives is truly amazing. JLab claim 90% of the background noise is cancelled and we’d have a hard time arguing the point. We were amazed at the quietness from the earbuds on a flight with it turned on.

The battery last a long time; on a full charge were able to get a whole day of listening on flights and airport layovers. To get back to a full charge takes about an hour.

In the last few months of using these we’ve never had a time where we were disappointed. They just work. Every time. They’re lightweight and we often forget that we’re wearing them. In short, they sound good and work great. These run about $100 at JLab’s website.

Phiaton BT 100NC

These have been around a few years now but we still dig ’em in 2018. Designed to drape around the neck, the BT 100 NC earbuds feature active noise cancelling as well as IPX splash resistance and sweat-resistance.

Whether you want to use them for workouts or just a simple commute, these are a convenient, go-anywhere type of earbuds. They’re offered in black or white and complement pretty much any outfit you want to wear.

The noise cancelling tech reduces low frequency noise by upwards of 95%, in turn drowning out buses, trains, and other ambient city sounds. This makes it much easier to enjoy that audiobook or stay in the zone as you push hard in that last mile.

In addition to music and other audio, the Phiaton earbuds also offer up wireless calls. You’ll feel a vibration if it’s time to take a call and the controls are super simple. What’s more, the EverPlay-X means you can plug in directly when the battery drains or if the music source doesn’t have Bluetooth (4.0+) connectivity.

Quickly pair via NFC and you’ll be connected without fumbling with Bluetooth settings. Additionally, you can connect two devices to the BT 100 NC. Share them with your spouse or simply use it to have your phone and tablet paired up together. These now cost about $80 at retailers such as Amazon.

mophie charge stream travel kit

The perfect accessory to pack for a weekend getaway or day at the beach, this bundle offers up a variety of charging options.

In the box you will find a wall charger, car charger, microUSB cable, carrying pouch, and the pad itself. The Stream Pad Mini is a universal (Qi) wireless charging device that’s compatible with many of today’s popular flagship phones. If you have a late model Samsung, LG, or Apple, consider grabbing one of these.

As you would find with better charging technology, this unit includes quick and powerful speeds at 2.4A for both car and wall. At 1.5m (just under five feet), the cable is plenty long enough to tuck behind that hotel night stand or desk. Mix and match the cable with different chargers and take advantage of the microUSB plug.

The entire kit is low profile and packs away nicely. The carrying pouch has pockets to keep things from getting messy and disorganized. When you’re ready to settle down for a bit, plug the pad in and enjoy the wireless charging.

This is one of those bundles that gets better and more convenient with time. You’ll miss it when it’s not around, especially if you have a phone with wireless charging and a microUSB port. Find yours for $50 at mophie’s website.

Scosche Boombottle MM

When you’re chilling on the patio with friends, listening to music, the last thing you want to do is have to fumble for the phone. Sure, your playlist is pretty solid, but maybe you’ve got a few tracks people don’t like. Instead of looking around for your phone, place it directly on top of your speaker.

Built to fit inside of most cup holders and water bottle cages, the Boombottle MM is a cylindrical speaker with a few tricks up its sleeve. It’s designed to go anywhere you would and its 12-hour playback will probably outlast you in the process.

The speaker automatically and magically sticks to your phone via the magnetic mount, hence the ‘MM’ in its name. Alternatively, you can snug it up against metal and put the music in fun, out of the way, places. Or, just do both, why don’t ya?

The IP67 rating means that water and dust won’t be an issue so feel free to lug this one to the beach. Or, pair a second one to it for true stereo and place ’em around the pool area. When it comes time to crack open a cold one, use the speaker’s built-in bottle opener.

Other specs you’ll appreciate include the 4 LED battery indicator and the microphone for hands-free phone calls. Grab one of these for roughly $130 at Scosche’s website.

Should you use a VPN on your phone?

AndroidGuys
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Lately, the internet and its usage have been a hot topic, especially here in America with Net Neutrality being discussed in politics. One of the major topics about internet use has always been privacy. How much privacy do you need? Can you secure your privacy online? How private can you be? The best way to accomplish all tasks has been by using a VPN, a virtual private network.

I’m sure most of you have heard the term VPN many times before, especially those who work with computers a lot during the week. Many of you though may not know what it means or what it does. A bigger question though is that we know the benefits of using a VPN on your computer, but do they transfer over to your phone? In this article, we’ll check out what a VPN is, does, and how it can affect mobile usage.

See Also:

Simply put, a VPN, or a virtual private network, is a service that encrypts data sent and received between you and any destination on the internet. By encrypting the data traffic, entities such as your ISP or government won’t be able to see what you’re doing online. Hidden network activity can have numerous benefits besides just not allowing everyone to track you. VPN servers are also hosted in many different parts of the world, which can affect your online experience as well.

More reasons to use a VPN

Using a VPN isn’t only for those worried about who may be watching their online activity. Individual businesses use VPNs to make sure that only its employees are viewing its content. People who frequently download may use a VPN not to be tracked or put on a watchlist. Someone may use one so that they can watch live TV not provided by their locations internet provisions.

There’s been a long time saying that a person wouldn’t need to use a VPN on their mobile device. That’s just not true. A VPN will not only protect your mobile internet usage but also protects the data from your apps. All the incoming and outgoing data from app usage has to go through the VPN as well, so it contains all the benefits.

Speaking of, there are definite pros and cons of using a VPN service. One of the main benefits of using the service, and the one we’re going to focus on, is security. When using a service, your data is scrambled and hidden. It’s hidden from most sources that try to get your data and even the ones that can find it can’t decipher what you’re doing. This protects you from most anybody you’d be worried about.

Also, a VPN can help you access information that otherwise would usually be blocked. Whether this means using materials for your job or going to a website hosted in a different country, you have the chance with a VPN. So now you can watch Netflix, even if you’re not supposed to.

Unfortunately, where there are pros, there are cons. The most commonly experienced con is internet speeds slower than usual. This happens due to the service having to hide and scramble your data. There are a few other cons when using a service, but connection speed is the one to be most aware.

The titular question of this article is should you use a VPN service with your phone. The answer is simple, why not? If you’re already using one on your computer or interested in being more secure with your practices, why not use one. Most of the more reputable companies that have virtual network services also have easy to use apps for your mobile devices. Some companies even offer extras like bandwidth monitoring if you have a metered data plan.

There are many companies out there, but we strongly encourage you to do research and find popular and well-used ones. Security is ultimately better than cost and ease of use. 3 of the companies that I’ve personally used and researched are IPVanish, TunnelBear, and the one I use currently, NordVPN. Ultimately, do copious amounts of research before sticking with a service.

So, conclusively, a VPN is a service that handles all of your data traffic. It takes the incoming and outgoing information from your device and hides and encrypts it. Whether you want to be more secure or access information that is otherwise forbidden, a VPN can be a huge benefit. Not only does this apply to your computer but also your mobile devices.

Best Android games to play with family and friends

Alexandra Arici
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Technology often gets a bad rep for sucking kids and adults alike in for hours at a time, removing them from their peers and families and engulfing them into a fantasy world.

But throw in a good game into the mix and smartphones can quickly be turned into the tool that can help people connect and family members bond with each other.

With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best family-friendly games for Android to keep family and friends entertained for hours — regardless of age.

Tic Tac Toe Glow

What it is:

The mobile version of one of the most popular games in the world. You can play against a human opponent or the computer.

Why we like it:

  • Tic Tac Tow Glow features a new cool glow design which gives this classic game a modern look and feel.
  • The game has 3 difficulty levels.
  • The app includes four other games you can play including Block Tower and Bubble Shooter. But they don’t have a multi-player option.

Install Tic Tac Glow

Where’s My Water

What it is:

A fun app for parents and children alike developed by Disney. Features cute graphics and many challenging levels.

Why we like it:

  • Fun storyline: help Swampy the crocodile to take a bath by cutting through dirt and guide fresh water to his bathtub through increasingly challenging scenarios.
  • Three more characters (Allie, Cranky and Mystery Duck) to play with.
  • Develops creativity and problem solving throughout a series of 500 puzzles.
  • New levels are added each week. Just make sure you play them before they expire.

Install Where’s My Water

Sleepwalker’s Journey

What it is:

A beautiful journey into dreams developed by 11-bit studios. The app is perfect for imaginative kids of all ages who love fantasy.

Why we like it:

  • Beautiful graphics create an immersive visual story, players of all ages will love to immerse themselves in.
  • Invites you to solve environment puzzles where you move obstacles, use elevators to create a safe path for Moonboy, so he can go to his bed.
  • Over 45 dreams to explore. More are added with updates.

Install Sleepwalker’s Journey

Party Games

What it is:

A family party app which includes a series of 12 games which you can play with up to 4 players. Developed by MalyaWka.

Why we like it:

  • Let’s you play fun games with family and friends. Available options include Squares, Collapse, Highway, Races and more.
  • Some games let you set the difficulty level.
  • Colorful and friendly graphics will ensure you and your family have a great time.

Install Party Games

Pettson’s Inventions Deluxe

What it is:

A fun, pedagogic app that helps kids of all ages boost their logic and creative skills.

Why we like it:

  • Players are tasked to help old man Pettson and his kitty Findus to build their wacky inventions.
  • Simply drag and drop the parts to the right spot. The game boasts a multi-touch layout.
  • You can compete against a friend or a clock in VS mode.

Sidenote: This is a paid app. It costs $3.99 to download.

Install Pettson’s Inventions Delux

Heads Up!

What it is:

An addictive charades-style party game that became popular thanks to appearances on the Ellene DeGeneres show. What you need to do is guess as many words as possible from themed decks of cards based on your friends’ clues.

Why we like it:

  • The app includes 18 themed decks to choose from including movies, animals, characters and lots more.
  • Drawing a card is super easy. Just tilt your phone.
  • Records your friends giving clues. You can easily share the best moments afterwards.

Install Heads Up!

Draw Something

What it is:

The game which has been described as “Pictionary” on a phone has players draw an image, while the others have to guess the word that inspired the masterpiece.

Why we like it:

  • You don’t have to be an artist to play. Simply draw as well as you can on the phone. Don’t forget to add a bit of humor to your images for extra fun.
  • Extensive library of new and updated words to draw. From Science to Pop Culture and more.
  • Unlock color packs to make your drawings even more compelling.

Install Draw Something

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