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6,282 'Apps' stories April 2010 - May 2015
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Learn about the latest news for iOS, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV apps

Apps for iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS power our modern world. 9to5Mac will update you on the latest news, review, and updates for all types of apps. “There’s an App for that”.

The term came became part of our vocabulary when Steve Jobs announced The App Store as part of the iPhone 2.0 software update in 2008.

Over the years, the term has become as common as kleenex for describing applications on all of our devices. Apple’s platforms have apps for just about anything from finance, banking, sports, social media, podcasting, music, and more. We have a guide for helping you discover the best ones as well. Apps are now on everything from our TV, to our smartphones, on our laptops, and all the way down to our wrists.

As new ones are released or existing ones have major updates, the team here at 9to5Mac will bring you the latest news and reviews. If you want to follow along with video footage, be sure to follow 9to5Mac on YouTube. Scroll down below our latest updates on all things relating to applications on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, and Apple Watch.

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Tweetbot for iPhone update adds support for Twitter’s new ‘quote tweet’ feature

Avatar for Mike Beasley May 1 2015 - 12:52 pm PT
6 Comments

Tweetbot for iPhone was updated today with support for Twitter’s recently-introduced ‘quote tweet’ format. The update adds a new option called “standard quote” under the retweet style options. Selecting that setting will change the “quote tweet” button in the timeline so that instead of copying the body of the tweet into the compose screen, it inserts only the URL of the original post.

Linked tweets will appear as embedded media within the timeline, allowing you to quickly see text and images without tapping through to the next screen. You’ll still need to tap through the preview to the original post to watch animated GIFs or videos, however. Embedded tweets also appear as a larger preview on the tweet detail page.

For those who liked the old “quote tweet” setting in Tweetbot, you’ll find that it’s still available under a new name. Just set your “quote format” to “copy tweet.” Previously included options like “RT with comment” and “via @user” are also still available.

Tweebot for iPhone is one of the first third-party apps to integrate this feature after it was made available to developers earlier last month. You can download the 3.6 update for free if you already own the app, or for $4.99 if you haven’t purchased an earlier version of Tweetbot 3.

9to5Toys Last Call: iPhone 6 battery cases from $30, 11″ MacBook Air $750, 3-Pack Lightning cables $20, more

Avatar for May 1 2015 - 8:59 am PT
0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

 

iPhone 6 MFi battery cases: UNU DX 3,000mAh $50 (Orig. $70), Anker Premium 3,100mAh $30 (Orig. $70), more

Apple 11-inch MacBook Air 1.6GHz/4GB/128GB (newest): $750 shipped (Reg. $899)

Apple 13” Retina MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch: 128GB $1,100 or 256GB $1,300 ($199 off)

Stock up on MFi Lightning cables w/ Monoprice’s discounted bundles: 3-Pack for $20 shipped, more

Spotify reboots its popular 3-month $0.99 Premium plan for new subscribers

T-Mobile is once again dishing up free MLB At Bat access to its customers ($20 value)

Wireless EarPod-style Bluetooth 4 headphones (compatible w/Apple Watch): $12 shipped

Spigen iPhone 6/Plus cases in multiple styles & colors from $4 Prime shipped (up to 80% off)

Poweradd iPhone 6/6Plus & Galaxy S6 cases (variety of styles/colors) $2 shipped (Reg. $8)

9to5Toys Specials currently has a VPN Unlimited Lifetime Subscription for $39 and ibVPN Total Plan 4 year subscription for $59. Either way you won’t have to worry about hackers for a long time.

More new gear from today:

HBO NOW free trial offer drops to one week after initial promo period, sign up now on your Apple TV, iPhone or iPad

More deals still alive:

iTunes Free App of the Week: Mighty Switch Force! Hose It Down! ($2 value)

Ring Wifi Video Doorbell w/ iPhone/Android app: $189 Shipped (Orig. $229)

New products & more:

IKAWA’s coffee roaster brings the experience home w/ iOS connectivity and custom recipes

Connected Cycle’s smart pedals will track your riding and help you find a lost bicycle

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Ekko Player for iPhone will read the latest news headlines & stories to you

Avatar for Chance Miller Apr 30 2015 - 8:04 pm PT
0 Comments

Ekko Player for iOS is a neat app that will read news headlines and stories to you. In addition to reading the headlines and articles to you, the app also allows you to use you voice to navigate between stories, making it an excellent way to digest news while on-the-go.


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Apple Store app on iOS updated with support for Apple Watch

Avatar for Chance Miller Apr 30 2015 - 3:16 pm PT
4 Comments
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As we reported would happen earlier this week, Apple this evening has updated its Apple Store app with support for Watch. From the app, users can get real-time order status updates, initiate the process of picking up an order, make and search for Genius Bar appointments, and discover events and workshops taking place in nearby Apple Stores.


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Apple opens sign-ups for developers to test upcoming App Analytics feature (U: Access starting today)

Avatar for Zac Hall Apr 30 2015 - 11:17 am PT
1 Comment
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Apple has started offering registered developers the chance to sign-up and test its upcoming App Analytics feature first announced last year at WWDC. Developers have been awaiting the service since it was announced following Apple’s acquisition of TestFlight (and FlightPath), a service which offered its own analytics features.
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‘Marvel Future Fight’ action RPG for iOS arrives as Avengers: Age of Ultron movie hits theaters

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 30 2015 - 9:39 am PT
2 Comments

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HlJSTVX7KA]

With the North American release of the new Avengers: Age of Ultron movie hitting theaters tomorrow, Korean developer Netmarble has perfectly timed the release of its anticipated “Marvel Future Fight” action RPG for iPhone and iPad.

Available on the App Store now for free, the game features 36 officially licensed Marvel characters, including The Avengers, Hulk, Captain America, Iron Man, Spider-Man, Daredevil, the Guardians of the Galaxy, Loki, Doctor Octopus and Ultron.

The game includes a single player campaign, 3 vs. 3 battles, one-finger gesture control or a virtual gamepad, and a familiar RPG leveling system.

With a storyline penned by best-selling Marvel comics writer Peter David, players can experience the world of Marvel firsthand across four action-packed modes. In addition to the PVE Mission Mode, Marvel Future Fight also includes a PVP three-on-three Timeline Battle that will see teams of players fighting heroes from other dimensions. For players looking to take it to the next level, the Villain Siege mode taps on players’ knowledge of the Marvel Universe to uncover evil plots of the most infamous villains, while Dimension Rift Missions will offer a true test of skill for players seeking the ultimate challenge.

To celebrate the launch of the title, Netmarble and Marvel are offering players the ability to unlock Iron Man armor as an in-game item during the first week.

Marvel Future Fight is available for free on the App Store now.

9to5Toys Last Call: Beats Tour $95, 13″ MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch $1,100, iPad mini 2 64GB WiFi+Cell $330, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Apr 30 2015 - 9:10 am PT
0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Headphones: Beats Tour 2.0 in-ears $95 (Orig. $150), AIAIAI TMA-1 on-ears $100 (Orig. $250), more

Apple 13” Retina MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch: 128GB $1,100 or 256GB $1,300 ($199 off)

Apple iPad mini 2 Wi-Fi + Cellular 64GB in Space Gray: $330 shipped (Orig. $729

Apple iPad Air 2 Wi-Fi 64GB $500 (Reg. $599) or 128GB in Space Gray $590 (Reg. $699

Wireless EarPod-style Bluetooth 4 headphones (compatible w/Apple Watch): $12 shipped

Spigen iPhone 6/Plus cases in multiple styles & colors from $4 Prime shipped (up to 80% off)

Poweradd iPhone 6/6Plus & Galaxy S6 cases (variety of styles/colors) $2 shipped (Reg. $8)

9to5Toys Specials currently has a VPN Unlimited Lifetime Subscription for $39 and ibVPN Total Plan 4 year subscription for $59. Either way you won’t have to worry about hackers for a long time.

Small States Review: Grovemade’s Laptop Stand combines quality craftsmanship & thoughtful design, giveaway

More new gear from today:

Network: Netgear’s best-selling Wi-Fi extender $30 (Reg. $37), TP-LINK AV200 Powerline kit $20 (Reg. $28+)

Games/Apps: Select Star Wars titles for iOS/Mac drop to lowest prices ever, more

More deals still alive:

Skiva iPhone/iPad charging bundle: 3.2-ft MFi Lightning cable + 2.4A Car Charger for $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $17)

Hulu just paid $180 million for Seinfeld, but this deal on the entire series for $65 is real and it’s spectacular

New products & more:

Give your iPhone a shake to create exciting videos with TomTom’s new Bandit action cam

Patriot’s USB-C Flash Drives are primed for new MacBook and Chromebook Pixel owners

Amazon Instant Video iOS app adds HD content, streaming over cellular

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 30 2015 - 7:10 am PT
0 Comments
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The Amazon Instant Video app for iOS is getting a nice update today that brings streaming of content in HD as well as the ability to stream over a cellular connection. Previously users were only able to stream over WiFi, but will now be able to stream movies and TV shows on their LTE connection while on the go. 
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Evernote adds new middle-tier for those who want premium features at a lower price

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Apr 30 2015 - 4:42 am PT
0 Comments

Evernote, which previously offered only a free Basic membership or a $50/year Premium one, has now added a middle tier. The new Evernote Plus subscription offers many of the premium features for half-price, at $25/year. The catch? Limits to the amount of data you can add to Evernote.

Evernote Plus limits you to 1GB/month total, a maximum note size of 50MB and no more than 250 emails per month – and you’ll be missing out on a few features, like the ability to search inside PDFs and Office documents. The full comparison chart can be found here.

Evernote has also increased Premium prices in some regions, including the U.S. if you pay monthly, up to $5.99/month. However, the company says that it has locked in existing pricing for current subscribers.

If you’re currently paying and the price of Premium went up in your region, then we’ve locked you into your rate for a year, or more. As long as you continue in your current plan, your price will adjust at your first renewal after April 29, 2016.

Finally, some regions have seen a price fall, and the company’s FAQ explains how to switch to the lower price.

Evernote made major improvements to its OS X desktop app toward the end of last year.

Microsoft announces new tool for effortlessly porting iOS apps to Windows 10

Avatar for Mike Beasley Apr 29 2015 - 10:52 am PT
24 Comments
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Microsoft announced today during its Build conference that it will release a tool for developers to port their iOS apps directly to Windows 10 as “universal apps” that run on both phones and desktop computers. Developers will be able to feed their existing Objective-C code into a new software package and have it converted to work on the upcoming PC operating system.

At least, that’s how Microsoft is pitching it, though the whole process is a bit more complex. Essentially Windows 10 will ship with APIs that mirror the expected behavior of many iOS APIs, and this new conversion tool will help developers swap out iOS code for matching Windows code.


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Office for iPhone & iPad will soon support cross-platform add-ins from services like Uber and LinkedIn

Avatar for Zac Hall Apr 29 2015 - 10:28 am PT
3 Comments
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<a href="https://twitter.com/harrymccracken/status/593459473173204992" target="_blank">via Harry McCracken</a>

It was hard to miss the iPhone 6 and iPad Air on stage during the beginning of Microsoft’s BUILD conference for developers. It turns out the Apple devices were used to demo a new feature coming to Office for iPhone and iPad called add-ins…

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9to5Toys Last Call: 13″ MacBook Pro w/ Force Touch $1,300, iPad Air 2 64GB Wi-Fi $500, iPhone 6 cases from $2, more

Avatar for Apr 29 2015 - 9:10 am PT
1 Comment

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

Spigen iPhone 6/Plus cases in multiple styles & colors from $4 Prime shipped (up to 80% off)

9to5Toys Specials currently has a VPN Unlimited Lifetime Subscription for $39 and ibVPN Total Plan 4 year subscription for $59. Either way you won’t have to worry about hackers for a long time.

Get into Network Attached Storage today with these deals on QNAP and WD Red products

Hulu just paid $180 million for Seinfeld, but this deal on the entire series for $65 is real and it’s spectacular

Patriot’s USB-C Flash Drives are primed for new MacBook and Chromebook Pixel owners

$50 iTunes gift card for $40 shipped: save 20% on apps, music, movies and more

Small States Review: Grovemade’s Laptop Stand combines quality craftsmanship & thoughtful design, giveaway

More new gear from today:

Skiva iPhone/iPad charging bundle: 3.2-ft MFi Lightning cable + 2.4A Car Charger for $9 Prime shipped (Reg. $17)

Spigen unveils new Apple Watch stand and protective solutions, get 15% off + 70-80% off iPhone cases

More deals still alive:

Add AirPlay music streaming to your house w/ JBL’s SoundFly Air Wi-Fi Speaker for $39 shipped (Orig. $200)

Harman Kardon AE in-ears w/mic & remote $49 shipped (Reg. $125+), more

New products & more:

The ON magnetic portable charging station from RUBIX takes inductive charging on the road

Review: Omaker M4 Splashproof/droppable Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker with NFC: $25 Prime shipped (Orig. $70)

Rock out with this scaled down Bluetooth-connected Iron Man Mark XLIII mask

Apple will soon let you shop the Apple Store from your Apple Watch

Avatar for Mark Gurman Apr 29 2015 - 8:23 am PT
11 Comments
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Amazon and Target won’t be the only major retailers on your wrist for long: sources say that Apple is finishing up work on a version of its Apple Store application for the Apple Watch. The Apple Watch app will come “soon” as part of an update to the Apple Store iPhone and iPad application, and will likely enable customers to make certain types of Apple Store purchases from their wrists, as well as receiving Apple Store-related notifications. As the Apple Watch does not have a keyboard, more involved orders will require the user to move over to the iPhone app. Apple will ask employees to push Apple Store app installations for the Apple Watch to customers this summer, when the Watch goes on sale in Apple’s own stores. Until then, retail employees will be encouraged to show off the Apple Store app on demo Apple Watches.


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Pixelmator for Mac adds Force Touch pressure-sensitive painting, even better Repair Tool, more

Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Apr 29 2015 - 4:29 am PT
0 Comments
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The developers behind Pixelmator have just released another free update to the Mac app, available in the Mac App Store ($29.99). Despite the bug-fix identifier, Version 3.3.2 packs some cool enhancements to support Apple’s latest technologies and hardware.

For one, as demoed in the screenshot above, Pixelmator brushes now support Force Touch so you can draw with multiple levels of pressure by pressing harder on the touchpad of your new Retina MacBook (or early 2015 13 inch Retina MacBook Pro). This is useful for quick adjustments although serious painters will still want to use dedicated drawing tablets. The update also adds support for the Photos app and a revamped Repair Tool …


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Apple now says human medical research apps ‘must’ get ethics board approval

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 28 2015 - 3:38 pm PT
1 Comment
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Apple has added a clause in its App Store guidelines for developers noting that apps doing health-related human subject research are required to obtain approvals from an independent ethics review board.

Apple previously recommended that developers utilizing its new open-source ResearchKit framework for medical research in apps consult with an “institutional review board or ethics committee” to ensure safety requirements are met, but the new guidelines make approvals from a review board and proof of the approval a requirement for all apps conducting human subject medical research. 

The new guideline reads:


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9to5Toys Last Call: Spigen iPhone 6 cases from $4, JBL AirPlay speaker $39, Aukey 20,000mAh power bank $27, more

Avatar for Justin Kahn Apr 28 2015 - 9:10 am PT
0 Comments

Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Last Call Updates:

iPads: mini 3 16GB Wi-Fi $250 (Reg. $399), Air 2 Wi-Fi 64GB $500 (Reg. $599), 128GB $590 ($699)

Add AirPlay music streaming to your house w/ JBL’s SoundFly Air Wi-Fi Speaker for $39 shipped (Orig. $200)

Aukey: 20,000mAh powerbank $27 (Reg. $35), Bluetooth hands-free car kit $20 Prime shipped (Reg. $30), more

Review: Omaker M4 Splashproof/droppable Bluetooth 4.0 Speaker with NFC: $25 Prime shipped (Orig. $70)

$50 iTunes gift card for $40 shipped: save 20% on apps, music, movies and more

This $7 iPhone 6 armband is the perfect Apple Watch workout companion (Reg. $12)

Small States Review: Grovemade’s Laptop Stand combines quality craftsmanship & thoughtful design, giveaway

More new gear from today:

Daily Deals: Samsung 50″ 1080p Smart TV $650 (Orig. $950), Quadcopter w/FPV Cam $130 (Orig. $200), more

More deals still alive:

iOttie iTap Magnetic Air Vent Mount for iPhone 6/6 Plus $17 Prime shipped (Reg. $25)

Hours Time Tracking app from Apple Design Award winner Tapity goes free ($7 value)

djay 2 for iPhone & iPad go free for the very first time

New products & more:

Rock out with this scaled down Bluetooth-connected Iron Man Mark XLIII mask

The Flyte levitating light bulb works like magic and looks like a dream

How to watch the live stream of the 2015 NFL Draft on iPhone & iPad as teams pick players

Avatar for Zac Hall Apr 28 2015 - 7:35 am PT
2 Comments
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Courtesy: <a href="http://www.nfl.com/draft/2015" target="_blank">NFL.com</a>

You’ll need the NFL Mobile app for iOS if you plan on catching the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft from your mobile device, and Verizon today has shared that it will exclusively carry the broadcast for its subscribers on iPhone. Verizon’s exclusivity deal doesn’t extend to the iPad version of the app, though, so non-Verizon customers can still catch the draft’s live broadcast from the tablet app after verifying with a supported cable provider.
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Facebook Messenger for iOS adds cross-platform video chat support

Avatar for Mike Beasley Apr 27 2015 - 11:04 am PT
3 Comments
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Facebook continues to add new capabilities to its Messenger app today with the launch of a new video calling feature. A new video icon at the top of conversation threads will initiate a call, allowing participants to communicate across platforms over Wi-Fi or LTE connections.

The addition puts Facebook in competition with Apple’s FaceTime, Microsoft’s Skype, and other similar services. Interestingly, web-based video chat has been available on the desktop for some time, and was previously powered by Skype.


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The Weather Channel brings real-time alerts for rain, snow, & lightning strikes to Apple Watch & iPhone

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 27 2015 - 10:21 am PT
2 Comments

The Weather Channel app is today bringing new real-time alerts for rain, snow, and lightning strikes to both iOS devices and the Apple Watch.

For rain and snow alerts, the app will be offering up what the company says are “exact, to-the-minute timing of when rain or snow will start based on their GPS location,” while the app will also notify users of lightning strikes nearby with a new lightning map layer.

The Weather Channel® today announced the launch of real-time rain and lightning alerts on iOS, Android and Apple Watch. In the app, users can set up fully customizable notifications based on personal preferences so they receive the exact alerts that are relevant to them, whether they are at home or on-the-go. By combining the most accurate forecasts and weather data from The Weather Channel with real-time notifications, users have the information they need to get outside, stay safe and make the most of the weather.

The Weather Channel app, which just received an update for Apple Watch support over the weekend, is available on the App Store.

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Instagram introduces three new filters and support for emoji in hashtags

Avatar for Mike Beasley Apr 27 2015 - 10:19 am PT
0 Comments

Instagram announced today that three new photo filters will be making their way to the photo sharing app later today through an update on the iOS App Store. The new filters are called Lark, Reyes, and Juno, and are focused on enhancing outdoor photography.

These new filters are just the first of many, as the app’s development team has promised to add new filters more regularly in future updates.


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Discover cardholders get Apple Pay support starting this fall

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Apr 27 2015 - 5:55 am PT
7 Comments
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Discover announced today that it’s made a deal with Apple to join the other three big card companies already offering support for the company’s new payments service, Apple Pay. That means that starting this fall, Discover cardholders will finally be able to add their cards to the service and make contactless, NFC-based payments using iPhone and Apple Watch, as well as make payments within apps supporting the platform on all iOS devices.
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Your Apple Watch can now open your hotel room door at over 100 Starwood Hotels

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Apr 24 2015 - 7:47 am PT
8 Comments
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Starwood Hotels has allowed guests to use their iPhone as their room key since last November, and today announced that guests can now use the group’s Apple Watch app to unlock room doors at more than 100 properties. You can also use the app to get directions to the hotel and to check-in.

“We’re committed to mobile and digital innovation and are excited to be the first hotel company to let guests check in and open their hotel room door with their Apple Watch,” said Mark Vondrasek, Senior Vice President, Distribution, Loyalty and Partnership Marketing for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Apple Watch allows us to engage with our guests and give them the information they need instantaneously in a simple yet extremely stylish way. ”

For regular guests, the app offers two additional functions … 
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