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Rikka Altland

rikkaaltland

Rikka Altland is the Editor-in-Chief of 9to5Toys. Having joined the team at the beginning of 2017, over the past six years she has gone on to specialize in being a mainstay in the LEGO news and rumors scene while also reviewing the latest iPhone accessories, earbuds, and home networking gear. Contact it directly at rikka@9to5mac.com for tips and pitches.

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NERF launches new Boba Fett EE-3 blaster with authentic details, now available for pre-order

Pre-order now

As Boba Fett has been hard at work reclaiming his empire on Tatooine in the new titular Disney+ series, Hasbro has been hard at work on its latest authentic replica. This time bringing the iconic EE-3 blaster into its NERF arsenal, the upcoming release brings Boba Fett’s signature weapon to your collection. Now available for pre-order, you can get all of the details below.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 11, 2022 – Save on M1 iPad Pro, Samsung’s new Galaxy S21 FE, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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LEGO Ideas’ first review round of 2022 is packed with 36 potential kits: Zelda, ATLA, NASA, more

After getting a first look at the upcoming Ideas Globe earlier in the month, the LEGO Ideas team is detailing what to expect from its next batch of fan-inspired creations. With 36 different builds submitted by builders now under review, there are plenty of notable inclusions like Zelda, Gremlins, Avatar, Studio Ghibli, and more. Head below for a closer look at the contenders for the next LEGO Ideas kit.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 10, 2022 – M1 MacBook Pro, Best Buy Apple flash sale, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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LEGO relaunching its limited-edition VIP Collectible Coins, here’s how to score them

The LEGO Group announced today that it would be giving builders another chance to score the limited-edition VIP Collectible Coins. For those who missed out on the unique releases throughout last year, tomorrow will see another chance to bring home all five of the coins inspired by classic LEGO themes. Head below for all of the details.

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Ubiquiti debuts dual camera UniFi G4 Doorbell Pro with customizable display, fingerprint sensor, more

Just when we thought that the CES 2022 news had come to a close, Ubiquiti is throwing in a final submission that might just be one of the best releases yet of the Las Vegas showcase. Arriving as a new flagship entry into Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect ecosystem, the new G4 Video Doorbell Pro packs a dual camera setup, customizable display, fingerprint sensor, and more.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 7, 2022 – Save on iPhone 12 mini cases, Belkin MagSafe gear, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 6, 2022 – iPad Air $539, Apple Watch Series 7 $120 off, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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LEGO debuts Year of the Tiger set alongside other upcoming freebies for Lunar New Year

Coming soon/Freebies

Starting next week, the LEGO Group just announced this year’s annual Lunar New Year gift with purchase would become available. Debuting in honor of the Year of the Tiger, the upcoming freebie will be available on select orders alongside a LEGO Monkie Kid set, as well. Head below for all the details on the latest LEGO Chinese zodiac animal for 2022.

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Arlo Essential Indoor 1080p Camera sees first discount to $78.50 (Reg. $100)

Reg. $100/$78.50

Amazon is now offering the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera for $78.49 shipped. Normally fetching $100, you’re looking at one of the very first notable discounts since launching last year, with today’s offer saving you 22% and marking a new all-time low. Delivering a standalone smart home security camera that pairs right to your home’s Wi-Fi, Arlo Essential sports an indoor design that’s backed by a 1080p sensor and 130-degree field of view. Alongside a built-in siren, there’s two-way talk capabilities as well as support for both Alexa and Google Asssitant. Night vision, motion alerts, and a unique automated privacy shield round out the package. Our hands-on review takes a look at how the camera fairs in an Assistant ecosystem, and you can get more details down below.

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Razer details new immersive gaming chair, next-gen. smart mask, more at CES 2022

After showcasing its new Blade gaming laptops earlier in the week at CES 2022, Razer today is taking to the virtual stage in order to announce a collection of new gear. And not just for your battlestation either! On top of announcing an immersive gaming chair and next-generation smart mask, Razer is also detailing a new smart home lighting program and its latest concept projects, as well.

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JBL Clip 4 portable Bluetooth speaker sports a built-in carabiner at $60 (Save 25%)

Reg. $80/$60

Amazon currently offers the JBL Clip 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker for $59.95 shipped in several styles. Normally fetching $80, you’re looking at 25% in savings alongside the best price since September at $10 below our previous mention. Featuring a compact design, JBL Clip 4 lives up to its name with the ability to clip onto backpacks and much more. The tiny package arrives in plenty of unique colors with IP67 water-resistance backing alongside up to 10 hours of battery life per charge. So if you’re looking for a compact speaker to serenade around the house or while out and about, JBL Clip 4 is certainly up to the task. Head below for more.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 5, 2021 – Save on M1 iMac, iPad mini 6, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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Feast your eyes on Samsung’s glorious new curved 55-inch mini-LED Odyssey Ark monitor

PC gaming is one of the bigger markets to take center stage at CES 2022, and this year’s showcase is going all-out. Taking about as unorthodox of an approach as can be, Samsung is looking to turn some heads by showing its upcoming Odyssey Ark monitor. Delivering a 55-inch mini-LED panel, things get even more interesting thanks to a rotating mount that can turn this UltraWide into a portrait display for productivity or play. Head below for all of the details.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 4, 2022 – Save on M1 Mac mini, 100W USB-C GaN Charger, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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TP-Link’s new Wi-Fi 6E router automatically moves its antenna for better coverage

Launching at CES 2022 today, TP-Link is showcasing its latest stable of networking upgrades. Across both the Archer and Deco mesh lineups, Wi-Fi 6E is stealing the spotlight. But not to be outdone by the latest standard, TP-Link is showing it has plenty of innovation on tap with the announcement of its new AXE200 Omni router with auto-adjusting antennas. Head below for all of the details.

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Arlo’s new smart home security system has versatile six-in-one sensors, joins Matter alliance

Launching for CES 2022, Arlo today is announcing the latest addition to its portfolio of smart home security offerings. Arrving as its very first DIY smart security system, Arlo’s new unveil delivers a unique take on the market with some of the most capable sensors out there. That’s alongside the announcement of Matter support from Arlo going forward.

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9to5Toys Daily: January 3, 2022 – Best Buy Apple Flash Sale, Apple Watch Series 7, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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Here’s our first look at the upcoming near life-size LEGO Ideas Globe

Just after the all-new LEGO Ideas Sonic the Hedgehog set was unveiled and released, today we’re getting a first look at the next fan-inspired creation. Assembling a nearly life-size LEGO Globe, the latest Ideas kit will be launching later this winter with a display base and brick-built recreations of all seven continents. Head below for a first look at the new set.

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LEGO Snowtrooper Battle Pack review: Army building at its finest

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Hoth has been a big focus of the LEGO Star Wars lineup as of late, and now going into 2022 we’re getting a Snowtrooper Battle Pack to complement all of those creations. As the first of these army builders in nearly two years with an increased price tag attached, is it worth picking up even one of these sets, let alone a collection? We take a closer look at the new LEGO Snowtrooper Battle Pack down below to see for ourselves.

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Review: LEGO’s new Hoth AT-ST headlines the Star Wars 2022 lineup with an old school design

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All of the LEGO 2022 action is now underway, with a new collection of sets just hitting store shelves. Here at 9to5Toys, we’re beginning to check out what the new year has to offer, first taking a hands-on look at the just-released LEGO Hoth AT-ST. But is this new variant of a classic Imperial walker worth adding to your Star Wars collection? We take a closer look down below. 

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LEGO January 2022 buyers guide: Check out all of the new Star Wars, Marvel, and other kits

New sets/From $10

A new year is now underway and with it comes an entire collection of LEGO sets. This time around for 2022, you’ll find everything from the latest Star Wars and Marvel recreations to Technic, City, Ninjago, and many other new sets. Head below for the full scoop on all of the new LEGO sets available for January 2022, which are now available for purchase.

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Review: LEGO UCS AT-AT delivers the biggest and best Star Wars set of the year

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While 2021 saw an unprecedented three USC LEGO Star Wars sets released, only one of them earns the title of being the largest creation from a galaxy far, far away this year. That would be the new UCS LEGO AT-AT, which towers over the current lineup with nearly 6,800 pieces. But is the set worth it’s lofty $800 price tag? Let’s take a closer look at this behemoth of a kit to end 2021.

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Best LEGO sets of 2021: Check out our favorite Star Wars, Marvel, and other builds

Another year of LEGO is now one for the history books. While we’re gearing up to start covering all of the new creations come 2022, beforehand we’re taking a retrospective look at what this year already delivered. Ranging from new creations that take the throne of largest set to authentic recreations of both historic and cinematic marbles, you’ll want to head below for our best LEGO sets of 2021.

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Best true wireless earbuds of 2021: Anker, Marshall, Jaybird, and more

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Throughout 2021, we’ve reviewed a collection of the latest true wireless earbuds. Including a wide range of brands, form-factors, and price points, we’ve settled on five of our favorite alternatives to first-party offerings from Apple, Google, and Samsung. Including Anker’s new Soundcore Liberty 3 Pro and the Marshall Motif ANC, amongst others, you’ll find all of the best earbuds of 2021 outlined below.

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LEGO’s new Sonic Green Hill Zone set finally launching on January 1 with over 1,100 pieces

To close out 2021, today we’re getting a first look at what will likely be the very last LEGO set unveil of the year. And it may very well be the most eagerly awaited showcase of the year, too! Arriving as the most recent LEGO Ideas set, video game fans and builders alike will soon be able to assemble the iconic Sonic level, Green Hill Zone, thanks to the upcoming LEGO set number 21331.

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Today’s best Mac and iOS app deals: Doom and Destiny, Groove Rider, ALTER EGO, more

Reg. $1+/FREE

We’re now diving into all of Tuesday’s best deals on Mac and iOS apps. Pairing nicely with the collection of official iPhone 13 cases that went on sale today, we have a list of apps down below for decking out your new smartphone. Highlights include titles like Doom & Destiny Advanced, myDream Universe, ALTER EGO COMPLEX, Groove Rider GR-16, and more. Head below the fold for a closer look at today’s best deals on Mac and iOS apps. 

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9to5Toys’ Favorite Things of 2021: Poké Ball replica, M1 Mac mini, more

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This year is coming to a close, which has all of the writers here at 9to5Toys getting a bit retrospective on all of the gear we’ve taken a look at in 2021. Alongside all of the tech, toys, and fashion we’ve reviewed since January, there is a selection of things each of us tried that weren’t covered. Ranging from authentic Pokémon collectibles to M1 Macs, ergonomic desktop accessories, and more, you’ll find all of 9to5Toys’ Favorite Things of 2021 down below.

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9to5Toys Daily: December 27, 2021 – Apple Watch Bands from $29, Nomad sale, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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[Update: Day 24] Count down to the holidays with LEGO’s 2021 Advent Calendars

A tradition of the holiday season here around 9to5Toys, each December we dive into what the latest LEGO Advent Calendars have in store. And for 2021, there’s so much to be excited about. With 24 days of different creations on tap, we’ll be taking a day-by-day look to highlight all of the miniature creations, minifigures, and other builds in the countdown to the end of the month. This year, we’re taking a look at what the LEGO Star Wars and City sets have to offer in particular, as well as the all-new Marvel version. So whether you’re following along at home or just checking out the builds to get in on the festivities, be sure to head below the fold to see how the 2021 LEGO Advent Calendars stack up. 

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Anker intros new 4-port PowerPort III 120W, its most powerful USB-C charger yet

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Throughout 2021, we’ve seen the folks at Anker refresh much of its charging lineup with everything from new compact USB-C wall adapters to GaN offerings and more. But all of that pales in comparison to the brand’s latest release. Enter the new Anker PowerPort III 120W USB-C Charging Station, which can refuel your entire Apple kit.

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VIZIO’s new PQ9 4K AirPlay 2 TVs sport 120Hz VRR, HDMI 2.1, more at up to $700 off

$700 off/From $1,000

Amazon is currently offering the VIZIO 75-inch PQ9 4K 120Hz AirPlay 2 TV for $1,299.99 shipped. Normally fetching $2,000, today’s offer is $300 below our previous Black Friday mention and marking a new all-time low in the process at $700 off. You can also score much of the same all-time low status on the 65-inch model, which enters at $999.99 from its usual $1,300 going rate. VIZIO’s latest PQ9 smart TVs arrive with up to 75-inch 4K panels that are backed by 120Hz variable refresh rates and full array dimming. Not to mention, 1,200-nits of brightness to pair with its built-in smart features of AirPlay 2 and onboard streaming service access. Then on the gaming front, its ProGaming Engine pairs with AMD FreeSync as well as an HDMI 2.1 port for taking full advantage of a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S. Head below for more.

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LEGO slated to release 1,200-piece Horizon Zero Dawn Tallneck set in 2022

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After reports of the LEGO Gaming theme were seemingly put on hold following the launch of the Overwatch 2 set earlier this month, it seems there is hope for the lineup yet. Spotted on German toy retailer Wagner’s, it looks like the LEGO Group will be expanding its portfolio to include Horizon Zero Dawn with the launch of a Tallneck build. Head below for everything we know so far about LEGO set number 76989 launching in 2022.

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9to5Toys Daily: December 22, 2021 – Save on iPad Air, Apple Watch Series 7, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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Tested: elago’s new AirPods Pro case packs a built-in AirTag slot with a nifty camera design

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Earlier this fall, Apple rolled out Find My support to AirPods Pro. But if that implementation wasn’t all you expected it to be, elago’s new Snapshot case steps in to deliver full-fledged U1-enabled item finding with room for an AirTag and a camera-inspired design. But is the $13 accessory actually worth your cash? Our latest Tested with 9to5Toys review takes a closer look.

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9to5Toys Daily: December 21, 2021 – AirPods Pro $179, MagSafe Leather Wallet $24, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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Hands-on: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max delivers a flagship home theater upgrade with Wi-Fi 6

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Amazon’s latest streaming media player launched earlier this fall, delivering the new flagship deemed the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. With onboard Wi-Fi 6 and faster performance to deliver Dolby Vision playback and Dolby Atmos audio, we’re taking a hands-on look to see just how worthy of a home theater upgrade Amazon’s latest really is.

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9to5Toys Daily: December 20, 2021 – Woot Apple sale, HomePod mini $80, more

Listen to a recap of the best deals and news from 9to5Toys each day at noon. 9to5Toys Daily is available on iTunes and Apple PodcastsGoogle Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed. New episodes of 9to5Toys Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in iTunes/Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as they are available.

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LEGO slated to release Spider-Man: No Way Home Bridge Battle set in 2022

Update: Very disappointingly, the set has been officially unveiled. Showcased above, the set is actually based on Far From Home rather than being themed around the just-released Spider-Man movie.

Just when we thought that all of the LEGO 2022 sets had been unveiled for the winter wave, today new reports on circulating on what to expect from yet another creation. This time putting Spider-Man in the spotlight, there’s a new LEGO Bridge Battle 30443 set arriving sometime in 2022. Head below for what we know so far.

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9to5Toys Gift Guide: last-minute gifts arriving by Christmas

Over the last few weeks, our team here at 9to5Toys has curated our own gift guides for just about anyone on your holiday shopping gift. But now that the window for actually securing a gift is coming to a close, shoppers hoping to score the perfect gift are still in luck. We’ve all put together a selection of last-minute gifts, all of which are ready to be delivered in time for Christmas. Hit the jump for all of our top picks and easy last-minute gifts.

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Tested: Anker’s new MagGo 2-in-1 Charger sports a detachable MagSafe power bank

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Anker’s new MagGo lineup has been packed with quite a few unique charging solutions, but today we’re taking a look at the most novel and versatile. Arriving with a 2-in-1 design, Anker’s new Convertible MagGo Charger features a detachable MagSafe power bank for iPhone 13 users. But is that added functionality worth the price? OurTested with 9to5Toys review is on the case.

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