Reviews

Earlier this month, Mophie unveiled its new wireless charging case and accessories line for iPhone 7/Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8/Plus. At the heart of the new system is the charge force case which allows your iPhone/Android device to connect with a series of add-on accessories for wireless charging and more. This is the first time the company has removed the battery from the actual case to provide fully wireless charging via a simple magnet system. Head below for some quick hands-on impressions of the iPhone version of the charge force case and the charge force powerstation mini…
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Spending the right amount of money on a decent speaker isn’t always the easiest thing to do. If you know exactly what you are looking for in a speaker, that definitely helps. For example, some people prefer bass like in Archeer’s A320, but others would rather their music be more balanced. Otherwise, you may want to consider looking into which specs are suitable to your needs before you go ahead and make your purchase.

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A few months back V-Moda rolled out its new Remix Bluetooth Speaker littered with intriguing features in hopes that it would stand out from the competition. Aside from the 3D-printed designs that V-Moda has been hawking lately, there is also a built-in headphone amp and a few other goodies here.

I’ve been playing around with the Remix for the last while as the weather has gotten warmer. It has been a trustworthy companion by the water or while gardening outside. And while the features list is nice, I’m a big fan of its design…despite the hefty price tag.

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Dell’s XPS lineup has always appealed to me from a pure power perspective. The company continues to stuff its laptop line with power-user features like Thunderbolt 3, 4K displays, and the like.

Prior to the 2016 MacBook Pro refresh, I was considering the purchase of a 15-inch XPS machine for my video needs. That would mean switching over to DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro, and as a die-hard Final Cut Pro X fan, that was something I was honestly dreading.

Thankfully, Apple has reversed its course and is now strongly considering the needs of its professional users again. It’s almost like its done a 180-degree turnaround with products like an 18-core iMac Pro on the horizon.

Although I’m no longer outright forced to consider switching to a Windows machine thanks to Apple’s change of gears, that doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate what companies like Dell are doing. The 2017 XPS 15 (9560) is a beast of a machine with a built-in 4K display that’s perfect for editing UHD video. Have a look at my brief hands-on walkthrough as I discuss 10 things that I appreciate about the XPS 15.
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I’ve used a fair share of Lightning cables over the past few years, from Apple’s official Lightning cable, to some lower cost options. So when I saw a Syncwire’s new UNBREAKcable, a new accessory which very evidently proclaims its own indestructibility, I was very intrigued to say the least. After spending a month putting the cables to test, I’ve finally reached my verdict of if they truly are unbreakable.

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Less than a month ago, Logitech unveiled its latest addition to the company’s computer peripherals lineup, the K840 Mechanical Keyboard. Fast forward a few weeks and the keyboard is now available for purchase, meaning we got our hands on one for an in-depth review.

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One of the first things that any new Panasonic GH5 owner should invest in is a set of extra batteries. The GH-series of cameras have always had good battery life with the included stock battery, but as we noted in our hands-on overview of the camera, the GH5 is a tad more power-hungry than its predecessors.

In my experience, some of the third-party battery options that I’ve tried haven’t been nearly as good as official stock batteries, but Newmowa’s battery doesn’t fit this mold. I find that it actually performs just as well as the official stock Panasonic battery included with my Lumix GH5.
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For the last few weeks I’ve been testing out the VAUX Speaker by Ninety7, which features a place to dock the Echo Dot that provides portable power and an audio upgrade in one package.

Whether you already have a Dot you’re looking to enhance or are debating between the various Echo speakers, keep reading after the break for our full review of this affordable accessory.

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Logitech has today announced the latest generation of its popular MX Master mice alongside an intriguing software feature called Flow. The MX Master and Anywhere 2S introduce a handful of hardware upgrades in a familiar package.

I was a huge fan of the previous generation models, so I was anxious to go hands-on with the latest rendition. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been able to spend some time using both new models and the Flow feature as a part of my daily routine. Full details on both devices as well as my thoughts on each can be found below.

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Following the release of Nintendo Switch this spring, Amazon and other retailers were flooded with accessories for the new hybrid console. We’ve already told you the best way to protect the screen from unnecessary scratches. Today I’ll be checking out a new $20 Nintendo-licensed Switch case from RDS that’s perfect for taking your gaming on the road. Because, after all, that’s what Switch is all about!

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In early April Logitech unveiled its Z537 Bluetooth 2.1-Ch. Speaker System as the latest addition to its audio lineup. Since that time, I’ve been using it as a supplement to my MacBook Pro in hopes of beefing up my music and gaming experience. At $130 it comes in at a higher price tag than other desktop speaker systems you’ll find at Amazon, but it aims to make up for it with more power, and an attractive design…

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If you’re a new GH5 owner and still debating on which lenses to get, then this post is for you. Of course, much will depend on your personal needs and budget, but in many cases it’s hard to go wrong with the Panasonic 12-35mm f/2.8 II.
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Ensuring that all of our devices are charged is a never ending struggle. From your phone, computer, external battery packs, the list goes on. Depending on your home, you probably don’t have as many outlets as you’d like, which is where iClever’s new 12-port Surge Protector enters to lend a helping hand.

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Update: The Gold Box offer has now expired.

Anker’s spin-off brand focused on home goods, Eufy, has been cranking out new products for nearly a year now. Amidst its lineup of LED lights and humidifiers is the RoboVac 11. This automated vacuum brings all of the key features you’d find on a Roomba for a fraction of the cost. And thanks to today’s Amazon Gold Box, you can grab one for even less. Head below for more details and a quick look at its features.

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Have you heard this before? The official bands for Apple Watch are way too expensive. We’ve told you that. A few times. And while there are plenty of options out there, finding the balance between affordable and quality materials can be difficult.

After years of success creating handmade accessories in LA, This is Ground has decided to turn its attention to Apple Watch. It’s playing up this new line of Band Connoisseur for Apple Watch as having the same attention to detail as we’ve come to expect while going abroad for Italian craftsmanship. If you’re a fan of This is Ground’s natural handcrafted looks, you’ll feel right at home with one of its new Apple Watch bands on your wrist.

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With the popularity of consumer drones soaring sky high, we’ve seen an entire secondary industry of accessories and services created just for quadcopters. That’s to be expected with any emerging product category as we all need bags, extra batteries and other add-ons. And while Amazon has you covered with all of those, it’s hard to know what to do when your drone needs serviced.

A few weeks back I found myself in this very situation. Having flown my DJI Phantom into a patch of trees (the shot was epic!), I began scouring the interwebs for a solution to getting my drone back into the sky. Turns out, I didn’t even know where to start. Enter Drone Nerds. One of the few DJI authorized retailers and repair centers in the United States. So, with broken drone in-hand, I made my way to the Post Office in hopes that the kind fellas and gals in Florida could get me back up and running sooner rather than later…

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As we learned in March, LEGO would be expanding its Star Wars Ultimate Collector Series lineup with the T-47 Snowspeeder. Following the set’s release on May 4th, we here at Toys got our hands on the iconic brick-built vehicle. While Star Wars fans know how important the ship was in Empire Strikes Back, we can certainly say that the LEGO model lives up to the iconic Rebel Speeder. Head below for an in depth look…

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Blue is well-known as the company that offers quality microphones for devices like iPhone and Mac. Today you can finally purchase one of its first over-ear headphones. The Blue Satellite Wireless Headphones were released yesterday.

With its retro design and built-in amplifier, it is meant for high resolution audio via wireless Bluetooth connection (up to 10 meters of range). Most traditional noise cancellation removes some of your music, and according to Blue, Satellite is the only wireless, noise-cancelling headphone that eliminates unwanted sound without compromising your music.

Unboxing and Setup

As I opened up the Blue Satellite packaging, I thought the headphone case was pretty sleek. By doing so I unleashed that new car smell, which made it feel like I just acquired something really nice and expensive. Also included were 3.5mm and microUSB cables for charging, which have their own unique mini-case. Looking at the headphones themselves I noticed that it seems pretty big. It feels slightly heavy as well on my head. That aside, it sits comfortably over my ears, and even while my glasses are on.

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While Nintendo has struggled to keep its new Switch gaming console in stock, we’ve seen a steady stream of accessories come to market over the last two months. Trusted brand Anker is one of those companies that has pushed out a couple of add-ons for Nintendo’s latest handheld. Today, I’ll be taking a quick look at its GlassGuard screen protectors that are designed specifically for Switch.

As our own Ben Schoon noted in his review, Nintendo Switch is prone to scratches as a mobile console that regularly gets tossed into your backpack. As well, the constant removal from its dock can also cause the occasional nick and bump. One of my favorite features of Nintendo Switch is its portable functionality, thus a giant scratch across the display would be heartbreaking. Anker has taken its popular GlassGuard iPhone screen protectors and re-designed it for Switch with a few key features…

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A couple months ago, our Ben Schoon reviewed the 43-inch model LeEco’s Super4 TV powered by Android TV, and while it worked for him, he did give a stern warning to anyone looking to pick up the television for themselves. After taking a look at the 65-inch model for the last few weeks (and my colleague Stephen looking at the 55-incher), we share many of Schoon’s same concerns. While the LeEco Super4 are decent TVs by themselves, there are a still some little problems that make it less-than-amazing in terms of overall value…

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At the end of March, Logitech announced its new MK850 Wireless Multi-Device Keyboard and Mouse. Designed for Apple users at heart (but compatible with PC and Chrome OS, as well), Logitech hoped to strike a chord with those working on a Mac one minute and iPad the next. We’ve long praised its lineup of multi-device keyboards as some of the best options on the market in terms of price and quality. Head below to find out how the MK850 stands up in comparison.

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DODOcase says that its Leather CARDcase for iPhone is its lowest profile iPhone case available. After going hands on with it, it’s clear that this claim is true, but I think it’s also the slimmest iPhone case I’ve ever used from any company that can also stow cards on the back.

The minimal and clean design of the Leather CARDcase allows for an as close to a naked iPhone feel in-hand as possible while providing protection and wallet or business card storage. Read on for our full review.

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It’s often difficult to decide which case we should wrap our coveted smartphones in. When searching for that perfect accessory, many of us look for stylish ones that offer added protection, while still complementing the design of our device. For the past two weeks, I’ve been using the Yesgo iPhone 7 case, and can already say that it checks off all three of these points.

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Anker is responsible for some of our favorite smartphone accessories on the market today. And while you may think of its portable batteries or Lightning cables first, it also has a massive backup power supply in tow as well. The Anker PowerHouse delivers 120,000mAh of juice in a portable design that weighs less than ten-pounds.

In day-to-day use, you likely won’t find yourself reaching for the PowerHouse to charge your iPhone or iPad. But as a backup generator or energy source while camping, it brings more than enough power to survive a weekend away. I’ve been tinkering with the PowerHouse over the last month, taking it on trips and using it outside and around my house. At $499, it’s a hefty investment but the peace of mind return is well worth the upfront cost.

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Pad & Quill’s hand-made Apple device accessories are easily among the best in the category. The small company takes great pride in the materials and craftsmanship that goes into everything it makes from wooden iPhone 7 cases, to gorgeous leather MacBook sleeves and more. There is even an interesting full-grain leather Apple Pencil Grip, but the company’s dedication to organic and well-made products extends well beyond items specifically made for Apple gear. We recently detailed the new Pad & Quill men’s leather wallets, but it is the company’s Roll Top Backpack that caught my eye.

Head below for our hands on impressions and a chance to get one for up to 25% off…
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I’ve had the privilege of going hands-on with the new 14-inch LG Gram over the last month, and wanted to share my impressions. The Gram is a very lightweight traditional-style Windows laptop with a touch screen. It doesn’t do any of the fancy 2-in-one stuff that a lot of Windows machines do these days, but for those of you who don’t necessarily want or need such things, it’s a solid laptop.

The Gram’s headlining feature is its weight, or lack thereof. LG says that the 14-inch Gram weighs in at just over two pounds, which is just under 1 kilogram. Dubbed as an ultra-lightweight machine, I can vouch for the fact that this laptop is ridiculously light in the hand. If you’re used to carrying around a 15-inch or even a 13-inch MacBook Pro, you might be taken aback by the feather-like characteristic of the Gram.

But is being lightweight enough to warrant consideration? Have a look at our hands-on video walkthrough as we briefly explore what this machine has to offer.
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Now that AirPods have been on the market for a few months (although they’re amazingly still six weeks out on Apple’s website for new orders), there are a lot of accessories to choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the best products to enhance, protect, and prevent the loss of your AirPods.

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We’ve told you plenty of times before about our favorite Apple Watch bands. Adding one of these third-party accessories can be an excellent way to change up the look of your timepiece. It can also save money in comparison to buying Apple’s official bands.

Another nifty way to add protection and style is with a case. If you’re someone like myself or the other writers here at 9to5 that use Apple Watch as a fitness tracker, a little extra shielding can help provide peace of mind.

Today, I’m taking a look at OULUOQI’s new Apple Watch case that’s designed to match Nike’s popular bands. It’s available in Volt Yellow or Gray and we even have a nice exclusive discount for you as well. Head below for more…

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I for one have never been a big fan of covering up Apple’s gorgeous product designs with cases and sleeves. Unfortunately, these kinds of devices are just too big an investment to leave out in the open to get scratched and scuffed, or even worse, damaged. Choosing which cover-up to suit my needs and tastes isn’t easy to say the least, so I’m generally quite tough on product reviews in this category.

While I’ve personally opted to go with one of Apple’s slim-line leather cases for my iPhone, I decided to take a closer look at the MUJJO MacBook sleeves for protecting my coveted notebooks…
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As soon as I saw FluidStance’s decks with beautiful designs, materials and a goal to bring motion to standing desks and other settings, I knew that I wanted to give them a try. For the last week I’ve been using two of the three models they offer, and without a doubt, I’m totally hooked.

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If you’re anything like me, traveling these days is a mis-matched adventure of cables, chargers and adapters. I’m currently rolling about five deep on the required accessories for powering up all of my devices. While our smartphones and watches have come a long way, the charging situation has not.

Belkin is looking to remedy this with its Valet Charger Power Pack for Apple Watch and iPhone. Designed with weekend warriors in mind, this battery pack is perfect for a two-night stay away from the comforts of your own home. It simplifies your life with a built-in Apple Watch charging puck and a USB port that has access to its 6700mAh battery. How does it stack up? Head below for more.

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Without a doubt the best aspect of the Nintendo Switch is the ability to bring it along with you wherever you go. However, since the entire device is a bit scratch-prone, you’ll probably want to carry it around in a case. If you’re looking for something premium, or just gorgeous, look no further than the CitySlicker case from Waterfield Designs.

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Generally speaking, I don’t play on consoles. I’ve got a PC built with gaming in mind so when I want to have fun for a few hours, it’s spent on the PC. However, the one brand that has always had a spot plugged into a TV in my family’s home is Nintendo. We’ve bought the Wii and Wii U, and never regretted either one bit.

Then, came the Switch. When it first debuted, I was giddy with excitement just from the tech demoed alone. Then, I saw the gameplay. Still, I was somewhat skeptical. The Wii U didn’t quite meet my expectations, and it seemed like Nintendo was promising more than it could deliver with the Switch. Then, I got my hands on one… Long story short, I haven’t done much else since…

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Standing desks have made impressive headway into home and professional offices in recent years as the market has been flooded with different options. One such brand making a mark is Autonomous, who claims to have made the world’s best convertible workspace.

As someone who spends hours at a time slouched in a chair in my home office, I was anxious to finally see what the standing desk phenomenon was all about.

The Autonomous SmartDesk 2 did not disappoint.

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Update: The special pricing at B&H has expired.

SmallHD produces some of the best on-camera monitors in the business, but pricing may be a barrier, as most products in the lineup tend to trend closer to the $1000 mark (and above) than not. The good news is that SmallHD’s most affordable monitor, the 701 Lite, is on sale for only $399 shipped at B&H — that’s a whopping $300 off the regular price for today only.

But why should you consider a monitor from SmallHD? Watch my brief hands-on video with the SmallHD 501, a smaller unit with higher resolution, for a quick look into what makes these monitors so special.
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Most companies wouldn’t market their products to be used as little as possible, but that’s entirely what The Light Phone is all about. The Light Phone is a credit card-sized phone that’s designed to be used only for phone calls, and nothing more than that. That’s right, no pictures, no apps, no games, no texts. Phone calls only.

Deemed as being a phone away from your phone, The Light Phone is designed to operate as distraction free as possible, yet still provide the necessary functionality to make and receive phone calls.

It’s an interesting concept that can serve to complement, not replace, an iPhone. It’s a secondary phone that’s built to be an extension of your existing smartphone — a phone that allows you to leave your iPhone at home, yet still maintain some vestige of basic communication.

Normally, I’d use a cheap Android phone, or an old iPhone as a secondary phone, but The Light Phone adds a new twist to the idea of having a second device. Watch our hands-on video walkthrough as I explore The Light Phone and discuss who might be in the market for one when the $150 device officially launches later this year.
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We first introduced you to Audioengine a little over a year ago with our review of its HD6 speakers. At the time, the combination of sound and wireless connectivity made that pair one of our favorites on the market. Fast forward a year later and many of the same features can be found in the smaller HD3 Wireless. The Texas-based Audioengine is responsible for a wide range of powered and passive audio solutions. How does its latest stack up? Hit the jump for more…

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Haiku Home first rolled out its residential line of fans in 2016 as a subsidiary of Big Ass Solutions, the brand behind those huge air-movers you’ve probably seen at a local gym. Designed with maximum efficiency in mind, these fans aim to marry high-end looks with lessons learned from the industrial space.

There are four different models in the Haiku residential line with prices starting at $550 and going up to $1,550. Sure, these are pricier than your standard ceiling mount from Lowe’s, but these aren’t your average fans. A slick blend of design and technology are what make Haiku standout from the competition…

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Since the Apple Watch was first unveiled, accessory makers flooded the market with third-party add-ons. From watch bands to docks, the options are nearly endless, yet Elago has managed to standout from the competition with its W3 Stand that looks like a vintage Macintosh 128K.

By leveraging Nightstand Mode on your Apple Watch, Elago is bringing back memories of the iconic Mac. And at $15, it’s affordable too…

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We first featured the Fabriq Wireless Speaker last fall as one of our New Toys of the Day. What particularly struck us about this product was its wide range of connectivity. We aren’t just talking Bluetooth here. It is also has AirPlay, multi-room connectivity, and support for Amazon’s popular Alexa Service. And at $50, it has big-time value.

The question is, can its compact design hang with the big boys like JBL and UE?

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When Apple unveiled Apple Watch Nike+ last fall, many of us were instantly attracted to the neon band that shipped with this model. We were equally disappointed when Apple announced that this strap would not be available for purchase on its own. Thus, we were left to find alternatives on the third-party market.

Accessory maker OULUOQI has developed a nearly identical version which is now available for purchase on Amazon, alongside a new Metal Stainless Steel band. Over the last month, I’ve been living with both on my wrist throughout the day, including various workouts. Hit the jump for more including an exclusive discount for 9to5Toys readers on both models.

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It was three months ago that DJI first introduced the second generation of its OSMO camera and gimbal. The latest model includes a unique combination optical and digital zoom system. With a promise of delivering professional-grade video, DJI is hoping to turn GoPro-enthusiasts into OSMO believers. But at $649, buttery smooth 4K footage doesn’t come cheap.

Hit the jump for our full video review with comparison footage between the OSMO+ and its competitors.

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Back in September, TiVo introduced the Bolt+ DVR, perhaps the most luxurious set-top box ever created. With a monstrous 3TB hard drive, 4K and six tuners, it staked its claim as the king of the hill. TiVo maintained the sleek design of the previous generation despite upping the price tag to $499. Over the last month, I’ve lived with the Bolt+ as my everyday DVR and now it’s time to share some thoughts. Does TiVo’s high-end feature list justify the price tag? Head below to find out…

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Nomad is known for its unique and handsome Apple accessories made from top-notch materials. This focus extends across the entire lineup of products, from Mac to iPhone and more. Its latest creation is the Silicone Strap, designed specifically for Apple Watch.

After being unveiled earlier this month, we’ve spent some time with this Sport Band alternative. At $40, it’s not only 20% less than Apple’s official options, this Strap packs much more in the area of design too…

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A few weeks back, Twelve South introduced the newest rendition of its popular iPhone dock, the HiRise 2 Deluxe. The focus this time around was on a heavy design that took up less room on your desk or nightstand. In fact, the latest model is 33% smaller than the previous generation. One area of focus was to expand its compatibility with third-party accessories like battery cases. Hit the jump to see how Twelve South’s latest accessory handles the new iPhone and more.

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