The best Visible deals: Get two months of Visible for $15 per month https://ift.tt/2TOAwJG

If you want to switch to a contract-free prepaid carrier in the US, but you also want to keep the nationwide coverage of Verizon’s 5G network, then Visible is the best option for you. We’ve dug deep and put together a list of the best Visible deals that are active right now.

Our own Andrew Grush even gave Visible a try as an alternative to satellite internet and found a change for the better.

Related: Visible buyer’s guide: a truly unlimited data plan

Visible keeps things simple plan-wise by offering just one. However, the real opportunities for savings pop up when you purchase a new phone or add a line of service. You can choose from any phone in the Verizon arsenal, which means that the Samsung Galaxy S21 is more affordable than ever.

Here are some of the best Visible deals currently on offer.

Featured deal: Get two months of Visible for $15 per month

Credit: Visible

Visible’s best deals can be a bit fleeting, but they’re worth looking out for. This is a good example. If you sign up by September 7 and use the code LABORDAY, you can get your first two months of Visible wireless service for just $15 per month.

Read more: Verizon’s Visible now has 5G, eSIM, and Canada/Mexico calls

Visible only has one contract, and it’s good value at the usual asking price of $40 per month. Usually, the MNVO entices new uses with a $15 discount on your first month, so this deal represents much bigger savings. You’ll pay just $30 for the two months, saving $70, and there’s no annual contract or associated costs if you walk away afterward. 

Hit the button below to find out how to apply, or keep scrolling for a whole host of other Visible deals. 

Check out the deal!

Best Visible deals:

1. Get a $200 gift card of your choice when you switch
2. Get the Samsung Galaxy A42 and free gifts
3. Get free Google Pixel Buds when you buy a new phone
4. Get a free Amazon Fire Stick and more when you buy a new phone
5. Trade-in your old phone and get a new Android for free
6. Pay as little as $25 per month with Party Pay
7. Get a year-long subscription to Calm for free
8. Get up to 50% off your current phone when you upgrade
9. Get $100 when you switch

Editor’s note: We will update the list of Visible deals periodically as the offers change.

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1. Get a $200 gift card of your choice when you switch to Visible

Credit: Visible

If you’re looking to switch carriers, now might be the best time to do so as Visible is offering a $200 gift card of your choice when you make the switch.

This deal will help you save on essentials that you would otherwise have to pay out of your own pocket to buy such as cases, screen protectors, earphones, etc. Or, if you’re not looking for these accessories, the range of brands that Visible is offering is vast, ranging from versatile options like Amazon and Mastercard to more specialized ones such as Hotels.com, Chevron, etc. All you have to do to take advantage of this deal is to bring your current number, switch to Visible, and active an eSIM or order any eligible phone from their list.

All in all, it’s a great deal that gives you tons of versatility if you’re looking to switch. 

Get a $200 gift card from Visible

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2. Get the Samsung Galaxy A42 and free gifts

Credit: Visible

As part of the Galaxy A range of phones, the Samsung Galaxy A42 has mainly been available from limited carriers so far. Visible is one of them, and you can get some epic extras for free when you purchase.

The Galaxy A42 offers 4GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. Its 6.6-inch, 60Hz AMOLED screen won’t make others envious, but the Snapdragon 750G chip, 48MP triple rear camera setup, and under-screen fingerprint reader make it a solid choice. Plus, you’re instantly ready for Visible’s 5G network.

Read more: The best cheap Samsung phones you can get

The phone itself is on offer for just $408. On top of that, you’ll get a gift card worth $100 dollars and a year-long Calm subscription — all for free.

Save on the Galaxy A42

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3. Get free Google Pixel Buds when you buy a new phone

Credit: Visible

While you’re upgrading your phone you might as well up your audio experience too. Visible is here to help, with a free pair of Google Pixel Buds included with the purchase of certain smartphones. 

The 2020 version of the Pixel Buds boasts a minimalistic design and premium features like wireless charging and water resistance. They’re not the highest-end earbuds on the market, but they’re obviously well equipped if you’re a fan of Google Assistant. 

Read more: Best Pixel 5 headphones

The Pixel Buds don’t come free with all the phones that Visible sells, but the ones you can get it with include everything from the Samsung Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 8, to the Blade X1 to the Motorola Edge.

Find out how you can get your free Pixel Buds via the button below. 

Grab free Pixel Buds

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4. Get a free Amazon Fire Stick and more when you buy a new phone

Credit: Dhruv Bhutani / Android Authority

It seems like there’s always something to upgrade in our lives whether it be our phone, laptop, TV, or some other piece of smart tech. Visible is helping customers simplify that process by giving away an Amazon Fire Stick and a prepaid gift card with many of its phones.

Related: Our review of the Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite

If you grab any of the eligible iPhones that they have listed, Visible will throw in a free Fire Stick and $50 in the form of a giftcard. Although the eligible devices are previous generation iPhones, they’re all on affordable deals and are quality phones, especially if you don’t need the newest phone.

Get a free Amazon Fire stick

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5. Trade-in your old phone for a new one for free

Credit: Visible

There’s no reason to let an old phone hold you back from a powerful new carrier. If your current phone doesn’t work on Visible, you can trade it in for one that will work for free. Their selection of free devices is constantly evolving, but right now, the only device available as part of this offer is the Visible ZTE Blade A7 Prime.

Trade-in for a new phone  

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6. Pay as little as $25 a month with Party Pay

Credit: Visible

Visible’s service for a single line costs $40 per month, but just like a real party, everything is better with friends. That is to say that when you add more lines on Party Pay, you can save up to $15 per month. Two users can pay $35, and three pay just $30, and four or more pay $25 per month for service. You won’t have to worry if someone else in your party slips up one month. With this Visible deal, everyone in your party has an individual account, so you won’t have to manage anyone else’s service.

All you have to do to get started is head right to the Party Pay section of your account and invite your friends. Learn more via the button below.

Save with Party Pay

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7. Get a full year of Calm for free

Credit: Visible

Staying calm and getting good rest is important in a world where it seems like everything is flying past a million miles a minute. That’s why Visible added a deal to get a full year’s subscription to Calm — an award-winning iPhone and Android app for meditation —  for free when you purchase an eligible device. Calm is usually priced at $70 a year for its subscription services, so Visible is offering a great deal. Plus, the range of phones it’s offering is good as well as it includes the iPhone SE, iPhone 11, Galaxy A42, and more. 

Click on the button below to learn more.

Get a full year of Calm for free

8. Get up to 50% off your current phone when you upgrade

Credit: Visible

If you’re still rocking with an old iPhone 8, Pixel 3, or Galaxy S9, there’s no judgment here. Still, if you’ve been thinking about upgrading, Visible makes the process cheaper and easier as it will pay off up to 50% of your current phone when you upgrade to an eligible model.

Now is definitely a great time to upgrade to a next-generation smartphone as the rollout of 5G continues nationwide and new software updates are expected soon like Android 12 and iOS 15 from Apple.

You can check out the eligible phones using the button below.

Get 50% off on a new phone

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9. Get $100 when you switch

Credit: Visible

If you don’t want to go down the eSIM route mentioned in the featured deal at the top of the post, you can still grab yourself some free spending money. If you activate your current phone on a new SIM at Visible and keep your current phone number, you’ll get a free $100 gift card sent out to you after two full month’s service payments.

There are tons of gift card options to choose from, including Amazon, Best Buy, Chevron, Uber Eats, and more. Click below to see if your current phone is eligible.

$100 gift card when you switch

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There you go — the best Visible deals that are online right now. We’ll update the post with new deals when they launch.

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Only 18% of US Android users would even consider iPhone 13, says report https://ift.tt/3rC7Zpu

Credit: Robert Triggs / Android Authority

• An Android loyalty survey points to only 18.3% of United States Android users being interested in the next iPhone.
• This number is actually down by a whopping 14.8% from this time last year.
• The lack of features Android users care about is cited as the main reason for the dismal interest.

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The next slate of iPhones — tentatively known as the iPhone 13 series — is coming up quickly, likely launching in September. As with every year, this gets some folks wondering: how many Android users are planning to jump ship?

According to a new survey from SellCell, not too many. The used technology service asked over 5,000 Android users based in the United States if they were interested in the iPhone 13. A whopping 81.7% said “Nah.”

See also: The best Android phones you can get right now

That leaves just 18.3% who are even considering ending their Android loyalty streak. Interestingly, SellCell conducted a similar survey last year that found nearly 33% of Android users were considering an iPhone. That’s a drop of nearly 15% in just one year.

Android loyalty appears strong this year

Credit: SellCell

What happened? Why are so few Android users in the US thinking about switching? According to the survey, most users aren’t interested in losing their fingerprint sensor, as iPhone 13 phones are widely expected to continue to solely rely on Face ID. This makes sense when you consider we’re still in the midst of a global pandemic. Even if Face ID could work well while the user has a mask on, a fingerprint sensor is obviously superior.

The next most prominent reason is the lack of customizability within iOS. And, in third place, is the iCloud photo scanning controversy, in which Apple scans user photos in an effort to hunt down child abuse and exploitation.

You can see the full breakdown of reasoning in the chart above.

Of course, the real question is whether or not the issues Android users have will trickle over to iPhone users this year. Will there be a surge of folks switching to Android? We’ll need to wait and see.

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Save 50% on the Pixel 4, and more of the latest Google Pixel deals https://ift.tt/3kLYykq

The Google Pixel family has long had a list of features that make it a go-to for die-hard fans. Whether it’s the vanilla Android experience or the powerful camera, the Pixel packs some features that set it apart from the pack. As Android nerds, we’re always on the lookout for Google Pixel deals.

And now, with the Google 5a on the market and the Google Pixel 6 on the way, we’re excited to see what Google has up its sleeve for us in the coming weeks and months. We’re keen to find out how the release of this new device will change the landscape of the Google smartphone market.

Read more: Everything we know about the Pixel 6

Still, the Pixel 5a isn’t here yet, so let’s look at some of the best deals from the Pixel 5 to the Pixel 2XL and everything in between.

Featured deal: Save 50% on an unlocked Pixel 4

Credit: Amazon

The Pixel 5 hasn’t been on sale in months, and we’re unlikely to see any Pixel 5a offers any time soon. With that in mind, the best way to get a cut-price Pixel is to step back a generation. Luckily, the Pixel 4 is still a fine daily driver, and it’s rarely been more affordable than it is now. It’s down to just $399.99 ($399 off) in this Amazon deal.

The Pixel 4 sports a 5.7-inch display with a Snapdragon 855 chipset and 6GB of RAM. The phone also comes with a 12MP main camera and 16MP telephoto camera with 2x optical zoom, an IP68 water resistance rating, and wireless charging. It even has a Soli radar up front that lets you do things like skip tracks, snooze alarms, and silence calls with swiping gestures above the device.

See also: The best Google Pixel 4 cases you can buy

As with most Pixel phones, the Pixel 4 features an exceptional camera, great performance, and a seamless software experience. If you don’t need the latest flagship and you’re on a mid-range budget then this could be the ideal time to buy.

This offer could end at any time, so hit the button below to check it out while you can or keep scrolling for more Google Pixel deals.

$399 .99

Google Pixel 4

Save $399 .01

Buy it Now

Google Pixel 4 Buy it Now

Save $399 .01 $399 .99

Best Google Pixel deals

• Google Pixel 5 deals
• Google Pixel 4a and 4a 5G deals
• Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL deals
• Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL deals
• Google Pixel 3 and 3 XL deals
• Other Google Pixel deals

Editors note: These deals change frequently, so we’ll do our best to keep them updated and add new ones regularly.

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Pixel 5 deals

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

Google’s Pixel 5 was a long time coming, and it turned out to be worth the wait. It’s not the highest-spec phone on the market but that wasn’t the aim. At $700 retail price, it ditches higher-end features like face recognition and the quirky Motion Sense gestures to bring you the stuff you love: a fantastic display, great battery life, and joyous software.

The Pixel 5 officially hit the market at the end of October 2020. That means it’s not going to be seeing big discounts until the Pixel 6 makes its official launch, but you can still get it for better than retail here and there.

Read more: Google Pixel 5 vs Pixel 4a 5G vs Pixel 4a: Which should you buy?

If you’re looking to get a Pixel 5 with a carrier, there are some options to save. Both AT&T and Mint Mobile have deals on the latest from Google. Check out the deals below for more details.

• Save up to $200 on the Pixel 5 with eligible trade-in with AT&T
• Grab a Pixel 5 for $50 off with Mint Mobile with a 12-month plan purchase
• Pixel 5 (international version) for $784.89 ($45 off)

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Pixel 4a

Credit: David Imel / Android Authority

The Google Pixel 4a takes many of the style cues from the Pixel 4, though it starts at the incredibly low price of just $349. If you want the best Google’s software can offer you at the lowest possible price, it’s tough to overlook the Pixel 4a and its powerful camera.

Since it’s a newer phone, there are yet to be many big discounts on the device but you can save $50 from Best Buy if you activate it on a carrier when purchasing.

• Save $50 on a Pixel 4a with activation at Best Buy

See also: Google Pixel 4a vs Pixel 4: Which should you buy?

The Pixel 4a 5G is, in essence, the 5G-enabled version of the Pixel 4a, but that’s not the only upgrade. The phone has a bigger screen, features a faster Snapdragon 765G processor, and comes with a bigger battery. It hits the balance between premium and budget perfectly, making it one of the best mid-range phones on the market.  There are no hot deals on it at the moment, but we’ve provided you with a buying option below.

• Google Pixel 4a 5G for $515

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Pixel 4

Google is axing the Pixel 4 from its lineup, meaning you’ll have to hurry if you want the newest Pixel flagship in your pocket. There are pros and cons to the Pixel 4, but it offers a camera experience that’s tough to top.

See more: Pixel 4 and 4 XL review

The best, unlocked Pixel 4 deals available right now are from Amazon and eBay. There aren’t any hoops to jump through so you can bring the phone to your carrier of choice.

• Pixel 4 unlocked for $399.99 ($399 off)
• Pixel 4 XL (renewed) for $309.95 ($590 off)
• Pixel 4 XL for $582 ($318 off)

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 Pixel 3a

Stepping back half of a generation, the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL still make excellent choices for mid-range devices. They step down to a Snapdragon 670 processor but retain many top features such as Google’s powerful camera and integrated Google Assistant.

You might miss features like wireless charging and a water resistance rating, but there are plenty of tradeoffs that are worth the money. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL use Google’s powerful 12MP camera and both phones even have headphone jacks.

See also: The best Google Pixel 3a cases

Here are the best deals we could find on the Pixel 3a range. They’re unlocked so you should have no trouble getting set up on your favorite network.

• Google Pixel 3a for $350 ($50 off)
• Google Pixel 3a XL for $310 ($190 off)
• Google Pixel 3a (Sprint) for $184 ($116 off)
• Google Pixel 3a XL (renewed) for $179 ($160 off)

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Pixel 3

While Google has ended sales of the Pixel 3 and 3 XL, you can still pick them up at good prices from other retailers. The Pixel 3 family comes with a Snapdragon 845 processor onboard and dual front cameras for great selfies.

Related: The best Google Pixel 3 cases

The top unlocked Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL deals come from Amazon right now, and it’s a bit more affordable than the more recent Pixel 4. If you don’t mind an open-box model, you can get a bit of a bargain on eBay on the Pixel 3 XL too.

• Google Pixel 3 for $238 ($561 off)
• Google Pixel 3 XL for $280 ($620 off)
• Google Pixel 3 XL (renewed) for $210.95 ($180 off)

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Other Google Pixel and Pixel accessories deals

If you’re itching for a dose of Pixel nostalgia, you can still pick up a classic Pixel 2XL at just $127 right now on Amazon. The Pixel 2 may not be a top-notch daily driver anymore, but it still has reasonable specs and could well be used as a backup to your more recent Pixel model.

A top-rated seller on eBay also has refurbished Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL phones available. Prices vary depending on the model and specs you prefer but they start at just $79.

If you’re looking to boost your Google Pixel experience with some accessories, here are some of the best deals on Google’s accessories for their flagship phone line.

• Google Pixel wireless charging stand for $35 ($44 off)
• Google Pixel wireless buds for $39.99 ($119 off)

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Poll: Do you use one-handed mode on your smartphone? https://ift.tt/3mJbv0S

Credit: Hadlee Simons / Android Authority

Smartphone screens have grown massively in size over the years, from ~4-inch displays in 2010 to nearly seven inches in 2021. The upside is that we’ve got plenty more screen area for games and movies, but the downside is that many feel they’ve become too big for comfortable use.

The large screens mean that reaching the top half of the display is a difficult endeavor. But one prominent solution over the years is the one-handed mode feature, which “shrinks” the screen via software to bring things within touching distance. Is this something you’re using on your phone? Give us your answer via the poll below.

One-handed mode is available on phones from a variety of Android OEMs. Prominent examples include Samsung, Huawei, and Xiaomi. This feature isn’t available on Google and OnePlus phones though.

Nevertheless, Google seems to be finally bringing one-handed mode to Android 12, so even manufacturers without this feature should be able to jump on the bandwagon soon. Got it on your phone? Then let us know whether you’re using it via the poll above.

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The Bose QuietComfort 45 bring the same comfortable design at a lower price https://ift.tt/3kIPY5G

Credit: Bose

• The Bose QuietComfort 45 bring improved noise-cancelling and an even more comfortable fit than before.
• Bose improved the microphone quality of its new headphones and extended the battery life to 24 hours.
• The QC 45 headphones are available for pre-order and cost $329, which is less than older generations.

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Bose unveiled its QuietComfort 45 headphones, a successor to the famed and everpresent QuietComfort 35 II. The new Bose QC 45 share a similar look to their predecessors, and this time around Bose improved the audio quality, controls, and yes, even the comfort. While Bose raised the bar with these improvements, it lowered the price; the Bose QuietComfort 45 retail for $329.

Read on: The best noise-cancelling headphones

The QuietComfort 45 feature two audio settings, Quiet and Aware mode. With Quiet mode enabled, listeners can enjoy premium active noise-cancelling (ANC) performance. While we don’t yet know how the new headset’s noise cancellation performs, we can reference the old model’s ANC charts. It’s fair to expect that the QC 45 will quiet low-frequency sounds like the rumble of a jet engine or din of a train car, rendering them at least one-quarter to one-fifth as loud as they would sound without the headset. Aware mode has the opposite effect and lets the listener keep an ear on background noise without removing the headphones. This is good for hearing a subway announcement or responding to a train ticketer.

As the name suggests, the QuietComfort 45 are intended to be a comfortable pair of headphones. Bose QC 35 II owners back those headphones for their comfort, so the new iteration should be no different. The company made slight modifications to the ear pads which should reduce the number of gaps that form between the padding and skull, thereby improving passive isolation and fit. As before, the headphones fold flat and can be stored in the included carrying case.

Credit: Bose

Seeing how much of the past year-plus has been spent in virtual meeting rooms, more and more companies have realized the importance of microphone quality on their headsets, and Bose is no exception. The Bose QuietComfort 45 boast an improved microphone system that actively quiets distracting background noise, including the less predictable ones like a roommate’s barking dog or the whir of a coffee grinder.

The QuietComfort 45 is doubles as a great productivity headset, thanks to Bluetooth multipoint support. Listeners can connect to two devices at once, keeping an ear on incoming phone calls while streaming a conference call. The headphones use Bluetooth 5.1 and have Bose SimpleSync, which makes it easy to pair with Bose Soundbars for private audio streaming.

Battery life is better too as Bose promises 24 hours of playtime on a single charge. Modern smartphone owners can rejoice in the USB-C, rather than micro-USB, charging input. A full charge requires two hours, though you can fast charge the headset too: a 15-minute charge supplies 180 minutes of playtime.

The Bose QuietComfort 45 are available for pre-order today and cost $329. Bose will begin shipping the headphones out on September 23.

$329 .00

Bose QuietComfort 45

Buy it Now

Bose QuietComfort 45 Buy it Now

$329 .00

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Strava releases a favorite feature to all its athletes https://ift.tt/3DxKwLF

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

• Strava has released Beacon to non-paying users.
• Athletes can choose who they want to share their location with and when they want to share it.
• Devices with particularly complex integration will still need to pay for the feature.

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Solo rides just got a little bit safer. Strava, the popular fitness app among runners and cyclists, has made one of its top features free to non-paying users. Whether or not you are a subscriber, Strava’s Beacon lets you hit the trail with peace of mind.

Beacon is now free for all users

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Behind many distance-training athletes is someone wondering when they’ll be home for dinner. With Beacon, users can share real-time location updates with trusted contacts, making ETAs accessible and helping athletes stay safe. Before today, this feature was only available to paid subscribers. Now, any of the 90 million athletes using Strava can utilize Beacon at no cost on the mobile app.

As a safety measure, it seems like a no-brainer that Beacon would be universally available, and we’re happy to see Strava agrees. This news follows recent updates to Strava’s Edit Activity and Edit Map Visibility functions, all of which emphasize Strava’s commitment to athletes’ safety.

We haven’t been thrilled with how Strava managed its membership features in the past, but this is definitely a step in the right direction.

How Strava Beacon location sharing works

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Beacon allows athletes to let loved ones know they’re safe and sound while training. The idea is simple. Chosen safety contacts check-in on a cyclist or runner’s location and make sure nothing seems amiss. For example, if a workout is taking longer than expected, they can use Beacon to determine whether they need to reach out. Are you possibly hurt, or did you just make a pit stop at the drug store? Does your location show you stalled somewhere odd, or are you nearly home?

Beacon eliminates the guesswork. It generates a randomized URL that will work on any web browser and allow loved ones to keep tabs. Strava users choose up to three safety contacts who will be notified automatically each time they record, or they can choose to send out the URL manually via text message. Either way, the beauty is that recipients don’t need to log in to Strava or install the app. They can simply open the link and instantly access live location sharing. That means even your least tech-savvy friend will likely be able to manage.

Depending on cell service, your location will update every 15 seconds or so, letting your friends or family where you are and how your activity is progressing.

Read also: The best fitness trackers

Who still needs to pay?

There are still a few exceptions to the freebie. While Strava’s Beacon location sharing is now free to all users on the mobile app, it will remain a paid feature on devices such as the Apple Watch or Garmin bike computers. If you want to use Beacon but are committed to working out without your phone, you may still need to spring for that Strava subscription after all.

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