Digital fraud of all kinds across the UK and Europe is on the rise, with forced verification and deepfakes taking up a greater proportion of cases than before, new research has claimed.
With regards to the deepfakes, its proportion in the UK rose from 1.2% during the whole of 2022 to 5.9% in Q1 of this year alone. In Germany its proportion increased from 1.5% to 7.6% over the same period, and from 0.5% to 5% in Italy.
This is no doubt due to the rise and proliferation of AI, ignited by the launch of the now-infamous AI writer ChatGPT in November 2022. Since then, the industry has exploded, with all manner of criminals making use of the new technology.
Forced verification
Meanwhile, printed forgeries, which accounted for 16-23% of all fraud last year, dropped to 0.1% and less in Q1 2023.
Forced verification has also seen a worrying increase over the same period. According to Pavel Goldman-Kalaydin, Head of AI & ML at verification platform Sumsub (who discovered these findings based on anonymized data collected from clients), this is when "it is visible that a person whose photo is taken or who’s passing the liveness check is doing so involuntarily while being held by others’ force."
He adds that, "sometimes the person being verified is obviously unconscious—maybe sleeping, perhaps not feeling well, or potentially even under the influence of substances." In cases such as these, using the best identity theft protection may be your only recourse.
In Germany, these cases grew by a staggering 1500% as a proportion of all fraud cases, from 0.3% in the full year 2022 to 5% of all fraud in Q1 2023.
In terms of industry, consulting appeared to be particularly badly hit, with the proportion of fraud cases tripling in the UK from 1% to 3%. The situation was reversed in the fintech sector, however, as it saw a decrease from 3% to 1%. Fraud in crypto services doubled, though.
Despite this, identity document forgery is still the most popular type of fraud in the UK and EU, accounting for 40% of all cases in the UK and Italy, and over 25% in Germany and Spain. Liveness bypass followed with 13-16% across the regions, as did edited ID cards with 14-16% in the UK, France and Germany.
Devolver Digital’s latest product showcase is set to hit our screens early next month.
The new showcase will be part of Summer Game Fest and is set to stream on June 8 at 6pm EST, 3pm PDT, and 11pm BST. Australian viewers will have to wait until 8am AEST on June 9th.
This year it’s likely that we’ll see previews for Gunbrella, Pepper Grinder, and The Talos Principle 2. However, as is often the case with Devolver Digital, it’s almost certain that the publishers will throw more than a few curveballs our way, too.
Enter, Volvy, Devolver’s unsettling new mascot rife with aggressive 1990s energy. During the trailer for their upcoming showcase, Devolver took the opportunity to take some punches at nostalgic cash grabs, laying on a thick sense of irony with their trailer for a supposedly beloved character who never actually existed. Like a bootleg version of Sonic the Hedgehog, Volvy is a perplexing, yet strangely fascinating beast.
Devolver is no stranger to tongue-in-cheek marketing techniques. Last year’s 25-minute-long “Marketing Countdown to Marketing” was a surreal experience combining comedy and game previews with a delightful irreverence. During the event, Devolver showcased Cult of the Lamb, Card Shark, Anger Foot, The Plucky Squire, and Skate Story between bouts of bizarre comedy.
We can anticipate that the publishers will be going down a similar route this year, too. Fans of comedy and indie games are likely to be satisfied in equal measure by Devolver’s offering. Devolver’s playful tone often makes for a nice break from the more straight-laced marketing techniques used by larger publishers. If you enjoy indie games or just weird comedy, Devolver Digital’s June showcase may well give you exactly what you’re looking for.
Serial Apple tipster Ross Young has previously claimed that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Ultra will boast 6.3-inch and 6.9-inch screens, respectively, and he’s followed up on those predictions with new details about the revised aspect ratio both devices will use.
In a new tweet, Young reports that the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Ultra will have an aspect ratio of 19.6:9, making them the tallest and narrowest iPhones ever. For reference, every iPhone 14 model has an aspect ratio of 19.5:9, which Apple is expected to maintain with its upcoming iPhone 15 line.
The below mock-ups, created by 9to5Mac, illustrate just how much taller and narrower the iPhone 16 Ultra (or iPhone 16 Pro Max, as it may be called) will appear versus the equivalent model in the iPhone 15 series.
The iPhone 16 Pro Max/Ultra will reportedly be taller and narrower than its iPhone 15 equivalent(Image credit: 9to5Mac)
Don’t expect that aforementioned 19.6:9 aspect ratio to remain exclusive to Apple’s Pro-level iPhones indefinitely, either. As Young notes, while the standard iPhone 16 will apparently sport the same 19.5:9 aspect ratio as today’s best iPhones, these dimension changes will trickle down to the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Plus in 2025.
Apple's iPhone 14 Pro Max is out-selling the standard iPhone 14(Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
As for why, exactly, Apple may be preparing to supersize future versions of its Pro-level iPhones, the answer could lie in consumer demand.
Over the last 12 months, sales of the beefier iPhone 14 Plus were up 59% over sales of the iPhone 13 mini during the same period a year prior. But even more significantly, Pro models have so far accounted for 64% of all iPhone 14 sales.
In other words, iPhone fans prefer bigger iPhones to smaller ones, and premium iPhones to standard ones, so it figures that Apple might be looking to make its premium iPhones bigger.
Before the larger iPhone 16 line releases, though, there’s the small matter of the iPhone 15 line to consider. Apple is expected to debut its newest smartphone range in September, and for the latest on those devices, read up on our guides to the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Ultra.
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Despite heightened economic pressure, new research claims almost half (44%) of UK SMBs hope to increase their IT spend this year likely in ...
SMBs are keen to boost IT investment, even as costs rise
Despite heightened economic pressure, new research claims almost half (44%) of UK SMBs hope to increase their IT spend this year likely in a bid to maintain high levels of productivity and to explore new and emerging technologies, like generative AI.
A survey from Sharp of 5,770 European small and medium businesses, including 502 UK-based SMBs, looked at the technology challenges and investment priorities the firms expect to have to deal with over the next 12 months.
Similar sentiments were felt across Europe, where IT security, hardware upgrades, and server updates all look to be key areas for investment this year.
IT spend to continue
More than half of the UK-based companies that were surveyed had proclaimed plans to invest more than £20,000 on IT this year, with one in 20 set to part with more than £100,000.
One in five (21%) of UK companies, and almost one-third (31%) of European companies, expect to embark on cloud migration projects to finesse their hybrid working strategies, which Sharp reckons is surprisingly low. The likelihood is that many organizations will be waiting to see what happens about the ongoing EU-US cloud battle, which could see some US providers pull out of the EU in the most drastic of outcomes.
Cybersecurity represented the top priority for precisely one-third (33%) of the participants’ investments, with several others concerned about providing the right hybrid working technology and tools.
Despite plans to invest big in IT, UK businesses are more aware of rising supply costs of the increased cost of living in general than their European counterparts. In comparison, Britain seems less bothered about talent acquisition and retention than European countries.
Sharp UK Managing Director, Stuart Sykes, offers a glint of optimism: “Despite understandable concerns about rising costs in the UK, businesses here are investing strategically in technology and seeing its value, even at a time of uncertainty.”
Day one at Computex 2023 was certainly filled with amazing new products and wacky releases, but I feel like most of it pales in comparison to what Cooler Master has cooked up in its labs. The brand has been showcasing many of its new products at the event in its headquarters in Taipei, and to say that it’s really going for the extraordinary is an understatement.
Not to be biased, but I spent some time exploring the consumer electronics and peripherals area of the conference floor to check out what else is in store, and apart from some funky PC builds (there’s a volcano one, a temple, a futuristic building block one), some first-of-their-kind gaming chairs, and some new stuff from Asus, which I will be reporting on later, I haven’t really seen a lot to be super excited about.
At least compared to what Cooler Master has been showcasing in its headquarters since May 29. This is all part of Cooler Master’s new vision, which it aptly calls “tech lifestyle,” the idea being that tech should seamlessly integrate the different aspects of your life together, and equally importantly, it should be fun.
Its showroom floor is packed to the brim with goodies, big and small, from epic battle and racing stations to insane DIY cooling solutions and modular PC cases to fun peripherals that are truly Instagram-worthy. Cooler Master decided that if it was going to do something, it was going to go all out and just go crazy with it.
Here are nine proofs that it's doing exactly that. And honestly, they make me wonder why there aren’t more brands doing the same thing.
It’s a shark, it’s a PC
Holy Sharknado, this PC is actually insane. Unfortunately, Cooler Master wasn’t able to give me a closer look at it to see how its Shark-shaped chassis opens and how it looks on the inside, but the Shark X is still one of the most impressive and beautifully-designed builds I’ve seen at Computex.
The best part is it’s not just a concept. This cartilaginous predator-inspired gaming PC is a real thing, even though it hasn’t really officially launched yet, and Cooler Master is planning on making it available for purchase sometime this year with the Cooler Master 120 AIO cooler, up to 64GB RAM, and powerful components inside. Not only that but it apparently starts at around $1,400 in the US, which is pretty affordable considering some people would probably pay that much for the chassis alone.
The only thing about this build is that it’s gigantic and won’t fit under your desk – not that you should because this beauty needs to be put on a pedestal and showcased.
Sneaker and bunny PCs
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
The Shark X isn’t the only fun build Cooler Master has in store. My colleague already reported on the JMDF-designed Sneaker X, which launched only a few days before Computex, and I got to see this adorable thing in person. At the showcase, Cooler Master had two on display – the original red colorway and the Lakers' yellow-and-purple Dwight Howard design, which is even prettier.
Cooler Master is also working with another artist who designed an extremely cute Bunny PC build. It’s not in production yet, but the company is hard at work to make that build available to consumers.
Not just any gaming chair
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
As if Cooler Master was going to stop at its Synk X chair, and call it a day. On the contrary, it’s building more not-just-a-chair gaming chairs, starting with the Motion 1, the world’s first haptic engine gaming chair that lets you feel every impact in your game by simulating it with vibrations and motions. It’s obviously not for everyone, especially since it is pretty expensive, but those who are building their own gaming room might actually appreciate this addition.
My favorite gaming chair at the showcase, however, is the Hybrid M. It hasn’t been officially launched, but it’s slated for release later in the year. What exactly is it? It’s a gaming chair that does what any normal gaming chair does, except it has a massager and heater built-in. Sort of what Mavix is doing but for your entire back.
The massager runs for about 50 hours on a portable 20,000mAh charger, and can be adjusted in strength, type of massage (there are four!!), and placement for that full body spa treatment.
This is the chair I want for Christmas.
A pair of speakers that turns into a soundbar
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
Yes, Cooler Master is finally hitting the PC speakers market. Its first entry is not in the final production stage yet, but I got to experience it at the showcase, and it is a doozy. I got to meet Cooler Master’s fun band of audio engineers who are designing this yet-to-be-officially-named 2.1 speaker system, and you can tell they had a lot of fun creating it.
First of all, it has a powerful set of lungs and pipes. Beyond that, the team even created its own surround sound technology, which sounded great during the demo (better than DTS, in fact). And it looks like it's all app-controlled, at least in its current iteration.
The best part though is that the bookshelf speakers… well, put them together, and they automatically turn into a soundbar, giving you center, left, and right audio on top of the sub, which the team claims to be much more powerful than anything Razer has built.
I’m a sucker for a set of speakers, and I cannot wait to test this one out.
A completely modular tool for streaming
(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
I’ve talked somewhat extensively about the Cooler Master MasterHUB, which I got to test out at the showcase. What it is, is a rival to the Corsair Stream Deck, enabling users to streamline their workflow and get quick access to their most used apps and commands. It’s a pretty nifty product, and a modular one at that, unlike the Stream Deck, which means that you can pick and choose from the nine modules available and set up your own kit.
The only problem here: it’s not available yet so I can’t completely nerd out. Cooler Master says it’ll be available this year, but they can’t commit to a date yet. Even the product line itself is still in production. It’s basically finished, but they’re still putting the final finishes.
A DIY cooling solution
The Masterloop is one of Cooler Master’s pride and joy this year, and for good reason. Cooler Master’s team essentially designed a DIY cooling solution that includes fittings, a water pump, tubes, and water blocks that allow you to put your personality in your cooling solution.
Now, I’m not into the whole liquid cooling thing, but if it’s something this fun, I might just learn. The series is slated to hit the shelves this year, but not all products will be out at the same time.
Themed peripherals to fill your house with
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
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(Image credit: Future / Michelle Rae Uy)
I know it feels like rolling out the same peripheral models in different looks and themes seems excessive, especially for a company that’s striving for sustainability, but there is a market for it especially in the enthusiast community. And while I’m not an enthusiast myself, I collect a lot of keyboards and other peripherals, and I’m here for it.
Cooler Master has rolled the Street Fighter line, for example, in anticipation of the release of Street Fighter 6, complete with a PC case, a gaming keyboard, a mouse, a gaming headset, and even a couple of gaming chairs.
Alongside those, it’s also releasing fun colorways for its upcoming products including the CH351 gaming headset, the MM712 Pro gaming mouse, and the MK770 Hybrid keyboard in the Macron colorway, which I’m very sure a lot of collectors will snap right up.
A few more cool things about the MK770 Hybrid keyboard: it’s a 98% keyboard with a TKL footprint, and it’s completely customizable so you can take it apart and replace it with parts, allowing you to really make it your own.
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Alan Wake 2 might not be consigned to a digital-only release after all, as publisher THQ Nordic expressed its interest in providing a phys...
Alan Wake 2 might get a physical release after all
Alan Wake 2 might not be consigned to a digital-only release after all, as publisher THQ Nordic expressed its interest in providing a physical version of the upcoming title.
Releasing October 17, Alan Wake 2 is the long-awaited sequel to Remedy's 2010 cult hit. Sadly, fans were understandably left dismayed when the game's official FAQ page confirmed a digital-only release on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S and Epic Games Store. At least at the time of launch.
It looks like THQ Nordic wants to make sure that isn't the case, however. Replying to Remedy's official Twitter account, the publisher stressed to "give it some thought," in regards to partnering with it for a physical release.
The rapport makes sense, as THQ published the physical PC version of Alan Wake over a decade ago. It's sensible, then, that THQ Nordic would want to rebuild that relationship and ensure physical game collectors are satisfied.
@alanwake @remedygames I mean... we did the disc version of Alan Wake for PC back in the day ICYMI ;) And just because ONE person (or company) does not love physical, there is plenty who still do. Give it some thought. We'd love to go at it again! Full circle and all.May 25, 2023
See more
For me, Alan Wake 2 was the big winner at the recent PlayStation Showcase. The survival horror game is shaping up to be another resplendent feather in Remedy's cap now that we've had snippets of gameplay and a through-the-keyhole look at the tortured writer's next chapter.
The complete lack of a physical release for a game as high-profile as Alan Wake 2 is pretty alarming at first. But, not all that surprising when digital purchases continue to trend upwards.
That doesn't mean a physical release for Alan Wake 2 shouldn't be on the table, though. Digital marketplaces are volatile by nature; if store fronts are offline for whatever reason come launch day, you simply won't be able to buy the game. Physical releases will also outlast online stores when they inevitably reach the end of their shelf life.
For the sake of long term preservation, then, I sincerely hope Remedy and THQ Nordic (or another interested party) can reach an agreement for a physical version of Alan Wake 2 before launch.
Until then, if you're fiending for a survival horror fix, check out the Alone in the Dark prologue demo that's available to download and play right now.
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It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints - now with added Daily Sequence answers! Yes, that's right: the makers of Quordle ...
Quordle today - hints and answers for Tuesday, May 30 (game #491)
It's time for your daily dose of Quordle hints - now with added Daily Sequence answers!
Yes, that's right: the makers of Quordle have a new game, which sees you complete four Wordle puzzles consecutively. The twist is that the letters you've already used on the first game are repeated on the second and so on.
It's good fun, but also difficult - so if you already find yourself searching for Wordle hints, you'll probably need some for Quordle and the Daily Sequence too.
I'm a Quordle and Wordle fanatic who's been playing since December 2021, so I can definitely help you solve Quordle today and improve your game for tomorrow. Read on for my Quordle hints to game #491 and the answers to the Daily Sequence.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
Quordle today (game #491) - hint #1 - Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).
Quordle today (game #491) - hint #2 - total vowels
What is the total number of vowels in Quordle today?
• The total number of vowels across today's Quordle answers is 8.
Quordle today (game #491) - hint #3 - repeated letters
Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?
• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.
Quordle today (game #491) - hint #4 - total letters
How many different letters are used in Quordle today?
• The total number of different letters used in Quordle today is 10.
Quordle today (game #491) - hint #5 - uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.
Where Wordle challenges you to guess a new five-letter word each day, Quordle presents you with four puzzles to solve. And rather than complete them in turn, you do so simultaneously. You get nine guesses, rather than the six for Wordle, but the rules are otherwise very similar.
As with Wordle, the answers are the same for every player each day, meaning that you're competing against the rest of the world. And also as with Wordle, the puzzle resets at midnight so you have a fresh challenge each day.
The website also includes a practice mode - which I definitely recommend using before attempting the game proper! - and there are daily stats including a streak count. You also get Quordle Achievements - specific badges for winning a game in a certain number of turns, playing lots of times, or guessing particularly hard words.
Oh, and it's difficult. Really difficult.
What are the Quordle rules?
The rules of Quordle are almost identical to those of Wordle.
1. Letters that are in the answer and in the right place turn green.
2. Letters that are in the answer but in the wrong place turn yellow.
3. Letters that are not in the answer turn gray…
4. …BUT the word you guess appears in all quadrants of the puzzle at the same time, so an A could turn green in one square, yellow in another and gray in the final two.
5. Answers are never plural.
6. Letters can appear more than once. So if your guess includes two of one letter, they may both turn yellow, both turn green, or one could be yellow and the other green.
7. Each guess must be a valid word in Quordle's dictionary. You can't guess ABCDE, for instance.
8. You do not have to include correct letters in subsequent guesses and there is no equivalent of Wordle's Hard mode.
9. You have nine guesses to find the Quordle answers.
10. You must complete the daily Quordle before midnight in your timezone.
What is a good Quordle strategy?
Quordle needs to be approached in a different way to Wordle. With four puzzles to solve in nine guesses, you can't blindly throw letters at it and expect to win - you'll stand a far better chance if you think strategically.
That's the case in Wordle too, of course, but it's even more important in Quordle.
There are two key things to remember.
1. Use several starting words
Firstly, you won't want just a single starting word, but almost certainly two or three starting words.
The first of these should probably be one of the best Wordle starting words, because the same things that make them work well will apply here too. But after that, you should select another word or possibly two that use up lots more of the most common consonants and that include any remaining vowels.
For instance, I currently use STARE > DOILY > PUNCH. Between them, these three words use 15 of the 26 letters in the alphabet including all five vowels, Y, and nine of the most common consonants (S, T, R, D, L, P, N, C and H). There are plenty of other options - you might want to get an M, B, F or G in there instead of the H, maybe - but something like that should do the trick.
If all goes well, that will give you a good lead on what one or sometimes two of the answers might be. If not, well good luck!
2. Narrow things down
Secondly, if you're faced with a word where the answer might easily be one of several options - for instance -ATCH, where it could be MATCH, BATCH, LATCH, CATCH, WATCH, HATCH or PATCH - you'll definitely want to guess a word that would narrow down those options.
In Wordle, you can instead try several of those in succession and hope one is right, assuming you have enough guesses left. It's risky, but will sometimes work. Plus, it's the only option in Hard mode. But in Quordle, this will almost certainly result in a failure - you simply don't have enough guesses.
In the scenario above, CLAMP would be a great guess, as it could point the way to four of the seven words in one go.
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A complaint has been issued by Executive Director Tricia Judge, on behalf of the International Imaging Technology Council (IITC), calling ...
HP printers could soon lose their official environmental certification following user fury
A complaint has been issued by Executive Director Tricia Judge, on behalf of the International Imaging Technology Council (IITC), calling for around 100 HP printer models to have their official environmental certification revoked, due to the company’s suspect firmware updates.
The IITC - which describes itself as the “trade association of toner and inkjet cartridge remanufacturers, component suppliers and cartridge collectors in North America” - addressed its complaint to the Global Electronics Council (GEC), which is responsible for managing the Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) registry, calling out HP for “greenwashing” and false labeling.
In the letter, Judge wrote: “[HP] has made a mockery of the EPEAT registration process,” citing firmware issues and company morales over manufacturing and production concerns.
HP greenwashing
Judge specifically points at criterion 4.9.2.1 of the EPEAT, which requires “documentation that product does not prevent the use of non-manufacturer cartridges and non-manufacturer containers.”
However, despite its various EPEAT-certified printer models, HP’s Dynamic Security update and HP+ subscription each have been recorded blocking anything other than the company’s own ink, blatantly neglecting the above criterion.
While HP does promise to recycle cartridges in over 60 countries and territories globally (assuming that Instant Ink subscribers stick to returning empties), the fact that tens of other manufacturers recycling their cartridges cannot sell them for use in HP models is of significant environmental importance. Not forgetting the likely price hike that comes with using OEM ink for consumers.
The complaint calls out tens of individual business printer models on pages 8 and 9, including the LaserJet, DesignJet, and OfficeJet families, on the grounds of the Dynamic Security firmware update. It also highlights models like the DeskJet, Envy, LaserJet, and OfficeJet on the grounds of HP+.
HP did not immediately respond to TechRadar Pro’s request for comment on the matter.
As it turns out, the criminals are able to buy ad space on Google Ads, for example, which ensures that their ad will show up at the very top of Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERP).
Fake ads
The scammers would then create a fake ad for a popular company with millions of monthly searches, such as Amazon, for example.
Given that people usually click on whatever link shows up at the top of the SERPs, the researcher claims, having a malicious link appear there is very dangerous.
These ads, which impersonate major brands, are done in a way that bypasses Google’s filtering mechanisms and are even able to display legitimate links. In a screenshot showing one such example, the legitimate Amazon link is clearly visible, even though that’s not the website the victim ends up visiting, should they click the ad.
The victims that end up clicking the ad are usually shown a fake antivirus scan claiming their computer has a virus and needs to be cleaned with the help of a professional. The “professional” would then usually trick the victim into downloading remote desktop solutions, which opens the doors for countless other malware. In other instances, the victims would be shown a landing page mimicking the login prompt for popular services such as Amazon, Microsoft, or Google.
Tackling the issue isn’t that straightforward, the researcher also says, describing malvertising as “a complex issue” that generates billions of daily ad impressions. Still, the best way forward is for businesses to educate their employees and users about malvertising.
Still, “we can't blame them for clicking on paid ads that are supposedly verified as trusted,” he concludes.
The most important Computing conference is officially here, and I cannot wait to see what hundreds of tech companies have in store this year.
Computex 2022 was more of a somber event, its biggest releases centering around components with AMD showcasing its Ryzen 7000 CPUs, the first PCIe 5.0 SSDs debuting, Nvidia revealing its Grace CPU Superchip and liquid-cooled GPUs, and Mediatek rolling out its Wi-Fi 7 chips. And while those were exciting launches, I kind of missed the quirky stuff that Computex has been known to flaunt – even if many of them never really make it to mass production.
Now that the world is back in full swing after the pandemic lull, I want the event to bring back its pre-pandemic era like Taylor Swift is reliving her 1989 era. I want beer-tap custom cases, space-age gaming chairs, fun keyboards, PC cases that moonlight as a standing desk (or is it the other way around), and lots and lots of RGB.
Bearing that in mind and knowing what some brands have under wraps, here are five things we cannot wait to see at Computex 2023.
(Image credit: Cooler Master)
1. Giving a certain cat a run for its money
Though I cannot reveal a lot at this point, Cooler Master has some exciting new products it’s showcasing at Computex 2023. And it’ll give a certain creator products brand, which has up until now remained unchallenged, the rivalry it so needs.
Personally, I’m a massive fan of that feline-esque brand, especially since it has designed some of the best webcams and mounting systems in the world. So, when Cooler Master told me that its new products are going to put it to shame, I demanded (nicely, of course) that they show me before the rest of the world.
I’ll have more deets on that line soon, so keep an eye out.
2. Quirky gaming thrones
Computex 2019 saw the launch of Cooler Master’s I-want-it-but-I-can’t-afford-it Orb X gaming station, which this author personally saw in action in Los Angeles, Acer’s aptly-named Predator Thronos, and many other weird yet wonderful gaming chairs. And I’m hoping to see more of that this year.
Rumor has it that Cooler Master has another gaming throne that will allegedly make you feel like you’ve taken to the skies, and if that’s true, we’ll make sure to test that one out for you (it’s a hard job, but someone’s gotta do it) and tell you all about it.
But I also want to see cool gaming chairs that are more accessible to a typical gamer. A gaming station that will take up a chunk of a one-bedroom city apartment and put you in bankruptcy is definitely a flex, but what about stuff that we can actually afford?
(Image credit: Acer )
3. New funky gaming laptops
Granted, last year, Corsair unveiled its first-ever gaming laptop, the Corsair Voyager a1600. And this year, we already know that Acer has added a new one to its Predator portfolio, the Acer Predator Triton 16. But I also want to see more. I want innovative features, beautiful designs, and fun colors – like the Dell G15 laptop that sports a purple-and-teal colorway.
I think the whole TechRadar Computing team in general is tired of the same black or dark grey color, tapered cuts, and sharp angles on gaming laptops. 10 years later, and they all still sport the same old-school gamer aesthetic. Let’s see something fresh!
4. Keebs, lots of keebs
If you’ve read a chunk of my pieces, you know I’m a little obsessed with mechanical keyboards. I’ve been spending about $150 or more each month buying new keebs to add to my collection, which I know is rash in this economy. But I’m sure many of you spend more on gaming collectibles so I dare you to throw the first stone.
But I digress. What I was trying to say was that I cannot wait to see awesome keyboards on the floor this year. I’ve seen quite a few keyboard brands on this year’s exhibitor list, so there’s a lot of potential for my wish to be granted. And I’ll make sure to test them out for you. Like I said, it’s a hard job.
5. All the crazy PC cases and builds
2019’s Computex was a wild ride for PC builders. There was a steampunk-inspired PC housed in a wooden chest, a bicycle PC build, one that looks something straight out of the Enterprise, another that looks like an ice block, something that looks like it’s going to hatch that would impregnate us all with alien babies, and of course, one that’s just as much a beer keg as it is a gaming PC. Fun times.
I’d like to see all that amazing creative stuff again this year. Obviously, most of them will never see the light of day, but they might inspire more gaming PC manufacturers to be braver in their designs.
Stay in the know on all thingsComputex 2023by bookmarking and following our liveblog. And be sure to check in regularly as we’ll have a lot more coverage during the four-day event including hands-on reviews on all the coolest releases.
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There has been talk that the Pro models of the iPhone 16 will be noticeably bigger than their iPhone 15 equivalents, and that rumor just g...
Bigger iPhone 16 Pro sizes are rumored to be making room for camera upgrades
There has been talk that the Pro models of the iPhone 16 will be noticeably bigger than their iPhone 15 equivalents, and that rumor just got backed up by another source – together with a reason as to why it's happening.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman is one of the best in the business when it comes to Apple predictions, and in his latest Power On newsletter he says that the extra space afforded by the size increase could be used to pack in a larger battery or a better camera system.
It's not clear exactly how much information Gurman has on this, but well known tipsters Digital Chat Station, Revegnus and ShrimpApplePro (via MacRumors) have been chipping in to say that camera upgrades are indeed on the way for the iPhone 16 Pro and the iPhone 16 Pro Max in 2024.
Camera sensors
If you've been following iPhone and camera sensor rumors closely, you'll know that the top-end iPhone 15 models were said to be getting an upgrade to a 48MP Sony IMX903 sensor for one of their main cameras. More recently however, it seems that this particular upgrade isn't happening until the iPhone 16 series.
Crucially the IMX903 is a larger sensor, which means more light can be captured, which means photos come out better – not that the current iPhones are bad at photography at all. We've also had leaks pointing to a periscope zoom camera arriving with the iPhone 16 Pro handsets, which might also require some additional space.
It's still early days for iPhone 16 rumors, but it's already shaping up to be a very interesting phone series, with the Pro models once again offering the biggest upgrades. Before we see those phones, we'll get the iPhone 15 range this September.
Analysis: bigger is better, apparently
You may well like small phones, but you're in a minority. The 5.4-inch iPhone 13 mini was the last of its compact line, and the general assumption was that it wasn't selling in sufficient quantities for it to be worth Apple's while.
That mini phone was replaced by the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Plus, and it would appear that Apple is once again upping screen sizes next year. Other manufacturers have slowly been making their phones bigger over time too, and it's a strategy that seems to work.
From what we've heard, the iPhone 16 Pro will have a 6.3-inch screen (compared with the 6.1-inch iPhone 14 Pro), and the iPhone 16 Pro Max will have a huge 6.9-inch screen (compared with the 6.7-inch iPhone 14 Pro Max). Meanwhile, the bezels around the sides of the display keep getting smaller too.
It seems strange now, but the original iPhone from 2007 had a screen that measured a mere 3.5 inches, corner to corner. By the end of 2024, we could have a Pro Max model that's very nearly double that in size.
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Apple has announced that it's shutting down its older My Photo Stream service on July 26, and encouraging everyone to move over to iClo...
Apple shuts My Photo Stream on July 26, so make sure you don't lose your photos
Apple has announced that it's shutting down its older My Photo Stream service on July 26, and encouraging everyone to move over to iCloud Photos. If you still use My Photo Stream, your files will remain available in the cloud for 30 days from July 26.
My Photo Stream was the forerunner to iCloud Photos. It was free to use but only covered a maximum of 1,000 pictures and video clips, keeping these files in sync across every Apple device you owned and on the web.
Apple hasn't given a reason for shutting down the service, but iCloud Photos is clearly the newer and more comprehensive option for photo and video backups – while also making some money for Apple in terms of storage fees at the same time.
"Moving forward"
"Moving forward, iCloud Photos is the best way to keep the photos and videos you take up to date across all your devices and safely stored in iCloud," Apple said in an email sent out to anyone who is still making use of My Photo Stream.
While photos and videos won't be deleted from your actual devices, they will be removed from the cloud 30 days from July 26 (so August 25), and syncing will be switched off. No new uploads will be permitted from July 26.
The service launched alongside iCloud in 2011 and is something of a throwback to the time when tech companies were still figuring out how to get photo and video uploads to work in a speedy and seamless way.
Analysis: what you need to do
What Apple is doing here is phasing out the cloud storage and syncing service for your last 1,000 photos and videos. The original files – which in most cases will be on an iPhone, if they were captured with the iPhone camera – won't go anywhere.
Unless you want to risk losing all your precious memories if something happens to your phone, you really need to get your pictures and videos uploaded to the cloud for safekeeping. Apple is pushing its own iCloud Photos service, which works well: once you go past 5GB of files though, you'll need to start paying for storage.
Other similar services that offer paid-for cloud storage include Google Photos and Dropbox. If you don't want to pay or store anything in the cloud, you need to make sure your photos and videos are regularly backed up to a computer or storage drive or two, preferably in a different location to where your iPhone normally lives.
There's more information in the official Apple support document about how the My Photo Stream shutdown is going to work, what you need to do with your photos and videos, and how to get them into iCloud Photos if you want to.
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Hackers have begun abusing a flaw in the WordPad text editor that comes preloaded with the Windows 10 operating system to distribute the Qb...
This new malware hijacks Windows WordPad to avoid detection
Hackers have begun abusing a flaw in the WordPad text editor that comes preloaded with the Windows 10 operating system to distribute the Qbot malware, researchers have claimed.
A cybersecurity researcher and a member of Cryptolaemus, going by the alias ProxyLife discovered a new email campaign in which hackers are distributing the WordPad program together with a malicious .DLL.
When WordPad is launched, it will look for certain .DLL files it needs in order to properly run. First, it will look for the files in the same folder it resides, and if it finds them - it will automatically run them, even if those .DLL files are malicious.
DLL hijacking
The practice is usually called “DLL sideloading” or “DLL hijacking” and it’s a known method. Previously, hackers were seen using the Calculator app to do the same thing.
In this particular instance, when WordPad runs the DLL, the malicious file will use an executable called Curl.exe (found in the System32 folder) to download a DLL pretending to be a PNG. That DLL is actually Qbot, an ancient banking trojan that can steal emails to use in more phishing attacks, and initiate the download of additional malware, such as Cobalt Strike, for example.
By using legitimate programs, such as WordPad, or Calculator, to run the malicious DLL files, threat actors are hoping to bypass any antivirus programs and remain stealthy during the attack.
However, as this method requires Curl.exe to be used, it only works on Windows 10 and newer versions, as previous versions did not have this program preinstalled. That doesn’t do much good as older versions are mostly reaching end of support anyway, and users are moving towards Windows 10 and Windows 11.
Right now, BleepingComputer reports, the QBot operation has moved on to other infection methods in recent weeks.
On Friday (May 26) the creators of the Dolphin emulator, which allows users to play GameCube and Wii games, announced that the planned Steam release for the emulator is now indefinitely postponed.
In the statement, it's claimed that Nintendo filed a DMCA takedown notice with Steam owner Valve against Dolphin's page on the PC gaming storefront, and that page has now been removed.
The statement says: "It is with much disappointment that we have to announce that the Dolphin on Steam release has been indefinitely postponed. We were notified by Valve that Nintendo has issued a cease and desist citing the DMCA against Dolphin's Steam page, and have removed Dolphin from Steam until the matter is settled. We are currently investigating our options and will have a more in-depth response in the near future."
Emulation sits in a legally grey area that is far outside of my media law education, but in this case emulation enthusiasts claim that it's the inclusion of the Wii Common Code in Dolphin's source code that could be the reason behind the takedown.
Tweets from user @LuigiBlood (via VGC) quote the DMCA itself which mentions the inclusion of "cryptographic keys without Nintendo's authorization." This is pointed to as the reason behind the takedown.
Quoting the DMCA: "the Dolphin emulator operates by incorporating these cryptographic keys without Nintendo’s authorization and decrypting the ROMs at or immediately before runtime."...this is objectively true. I just checked, the Wii Common Key is in the emulator source code.May 27, 2023
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So, what's next? The Dolphin team now has two weeks to file a counter-notice with Valve if they believe the emulator doesn't violate the DMCA. Then, Nintendo gets two weeks to decide if they want to sue or not, and if it declines to do so, Dolphin could be re-added to Steam.
I can't claim any expertise in how this could play out legally, but it could have a wide-ranging impact for other emulation and game preservation efforts. Other emulators still exist on the Steam storefront, including RetroArch.
TRG has reached out to Valve for comment, and will update this story if they reply.
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We now know quite a bit about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – but with the official unveiling not due until...
New colors are rumored to be coming to the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Z Fold 5
We now know quite a bit about the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 – but with the official unveiling not due until the end of July, there's time for a few more leaks and rumors yet... such as new colors for both foldable phones.
According to the usually reliable industry analyst Ross Young (via Android Central), a number of additional colorway options are going to be appearing on top of the ones that we've already heard about from previous leaks.
Bear in mind that as well as this being an unconfirmed rumor, we might not see all of these colors in every region. Samsung sometimes limits certain shades to certain parts of the world, while making other colors exclusive to its own website.
Some new Z Flip 5 colors:BlueGreenPlatinumYellowalong with the previous higher volume colors of Beige, Gray, Light Green and Light Pink. Also seeing Blue and Platinum on the Fold 5 along with the higher volume colors of Beige, Black and Light Blue.May 26, 2023
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Color us interested
The new colors for the Z Flip 5 are said to be blue, green, yellow and platinum, to go with the beige, gray, light green and light pink ones we're already aware of. If you're interested in this flip phone, it sounds like you'll have a lot of color options to choose from.
As for the Z Fold 5, Young says that the "higher volume" colors will be beige, black and light blue, with a darker blue and platinum also available in smaller quantities. That means some familiar colors and some new colors for both handsets.
While the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4 and Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4 launched in August 2022, the rumor is that the Unpacked showcase is going to get brought forward to the end of July this year – so watch this space for updates.
Analysis: broadening the appeal
Extra colors might not seem as important as, say, processor speed or camera sensor quality – but the different shades that a smartphone is available in can make a difference to how broadly it appeals to different groups of people.
That's perhaps even more the case when it comes to the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and the Galaxy Z Fold 5. A lot of people are going to be buying a foldable phone because of its form factor and its aesthetic, and the colors a phone is available in play into that.
You only need to look at Apple, and the way it's started to introduce a new iPhone color six months after its launch, to see that additional colorways can give sales a kick – even if they don't sell as well as the main colors.
We'll have to wait and see what Samsung does with colors for these foldables, and which markets each color is available in – but it's something to look out for at the grand unveiling, alongside the long list of specs and features.
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We've got some more iPhone 15 leaks to bring you, and the latest spec rumors to hit the web point to two components that aren't ch...
New iPhone 15 Pro Max specs leak hints at what's not changing this year
We've got some more iPhone 15 leaks to bring you, and the latest spec rumors to hit the web point to two components that aren't changing from the iPhone 14 range that launched in 2022, as well as two that are.
These details are via well-known tipster Revegnus on Twitter (via GSMArena), and cover the screen, main camera module, processor and RAM of the iPhone 15 Pro Max – a phone that has also been referred to as the iPhone 15 Ultra in some circles.
Leaving aside the naming issue for now, the phone is apparently keeping the same 48MP IMX803 camera sensor from Sony found in the iPhone 14 Pro Max as its main camera. That contradicts previous reports pointing to the introduction of the Sony IMX903, with the same megapixel count but a larger sensor (to capture more light).
iPhone 15 Pro MaxM12 Panel(Same as 14PM)imx803(Same as 14PM)3nm A17 BionicLPDDR5 8GB😔May 27, 2023
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Panels and processors
Also staying the same, apparently, is the M12 OLED panel technology – although we have heard that the screen will be slightly shorter and slightly narrower this time around, compared with its immediate predecessor. It sounds as though the display bezels are going to be thinner than ever as well.
There will be some actual upgrades too: the source confirms the widely expected jump to the A17 Bionic processor for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, and the RAM is apparently getting bumped up from 6GB to 8GB as well.
We should get the iPhone 15 Pro Max (or the iPhone 15 Ultra) and the three other models in September, if Apple sticks to its usual schedule. Before that there's WWDC 2023 at the start of next month, where we'll hear all about Apple's upcoming software updates.
Analysis: conflicting reports
It's rarely the case that every single rumor around a phone fits in perfectly with all the others, and there have certainly been conflicting reports about the iPhone 15 Pro Max – including the subject of what we should actually be calling it, as we were thinking Apple would introduce a new Ultra brand this time around.
More recently, the Pro Max name has become more popular again in leaks and rumors, so it looks like that's what Apple is going with. Of course, company plans and projects can change, and it may be that there are still ongoing discussions inside Apple when it comes to what this phone should actually be called.
When it comes to the rear cameras on the iPhone 15 models, again there have been discrepancies in terms of the rumors. Some leaks point to a revamped camera system and a larger camera bump on the back, while others suggest that it's going to be more of the same for the 2023 models.
Not every leak and rumor is going to be accurate of course, and it's very possible that misunderstandings about which tidbit of information applies to which version of the iPhone 15 is causing some of the confusion as well. All should be made clear in a few months at the official unveiling.
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Widgets are one of my favorite iPhone tools, and widgets can turn your boring grid of app icons into a pleasant, useful home screen. Some w...
6 cute iPhone widgets that do all the work for my tired brain
Widgets are one of my favorite iPhone tools, and widgets can turn your boring grid of app icons into a pleasant, useful home screen. Some widgets give you quick info at a glance, but I like widgets that can help me out and remind me to do the stuff that I’ll forget to do. When I’m out and about, these are the widgets I use to make sure I’m on top of everything, whether it’s remembering an important event or just a fun show I want to watch later.
What is a widget, anyway? A widget is an app, or a part of an app, that sits on your home screen and does its work whether you open it or not.
You don’t need to open the Weather app to check the weather, you can just add the Weather widget to your home screen. Likewise, you can find widgets that tell you the battery life of your phone and accessories, widgets that show you photos from your gallery, and widgets that track your steps and fitness, just like the best Apple Watch.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
Besides widgets that give you information at a glance, I also like widgets that are a quick shortcut to an app, especially making a list. I don’t need to open my Notes or my To Do list app, I can just tap on a widget instead and it will automatically create a new entry.
Finally, I need reminders, and not just a simple alarm or a countdown timer. I like to know how much time I have left in broad terms. How much time until my next vacation, for instance! I also like reminders for some of the habits I’m trying to build. Instead of getting a notification or opening up an app, I can just tap on a widget to keep track of what I’ve accomplished and build upon my streak.
Widgets need to look nice, otherwise I won’t want to use them. This is my iPhone, after all, so my widgets should match my taste and aesthetic, without being too loud or getting in the way. I’ve chosen a selection of the six most useful widgets that I use to help me keep on track, and it doesn’t hurt that they mostly look pretty cute getting the job done, too.
How to make a widget on the iPhone
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
Widgets come bundled with the apps they accompany, so when you download an app, you get its widget as well. For most apps, the widget won't appear as an option until you've opened the app at least once and used it past the welcome screen. Once you've done that, you can search for your widget in Apple's list.
To create a widget, hold your finger on any empty part of your home screen. The icons will start to shake and shimmy and at the top right of the screen a plus "+" sign will appear. Tap on that sign to see the widget list.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
There are three sizes of widgets on iOS 16 and you cannot resize them. You can have the smaller square, a longer bar, or a very large rectangle. I chose the small square because six widgets fits perfectly on one home screen, giving me one useful page with everything I need.
CuteWeather: weather widget
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
Shuffle the color of the widget
Change your location or keep it static
Be very careful about subscription prices
Even though I had a weather widget on my iPhone 14 Pro, I was constantly yelling out to my smart speakers, asking for the temperature. I’d almost forgotten that the forecast, highs and lows were sitting on my screen. That’s because they look boring and blend in. I’d forgotten my weather app exists.
That’s why I downloaded Cute Weather. It looks cute, in the Japanese “kawaii” style, with a modern color scheme and a playful look. I can set the widget to shuffle through colors so that I don’t get bored. It keeps the weather simple, so I know what to wear and whether to bring an umbrella. If I want more than that, I can click through to the app, which has a similarly sweet design and nicely customizable layout.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
You can subscribe to Cute Weather, but be very wary of its predatory trial pricing. After the short free period, it costs $3.99 per week, which adds up to a huge amount to spend on a weather app. The $19.99/year price is more reasonable, if you feel the need to subscribe.
Lots of bears to choose from, including Gaming, Baby, and Self-Help
Mac OS app to synchronize as well
Sometimes I need to know when I have 10 minutes left, but often I just want to know how many days until something happens. How many days do I have until the kiddo leaves for summer camp? How many days until the Broadway show? For a friendly countdown, I like Bears, which you can get for your iPhone and your Mac.
Bears is a simple countdown timer to the day. You cannot set a specific hour, just the day. There are lots of bears to choose from to illustrate your timer, including bears playing video games if you’re counting down to a game launch, or bears engaging in self-kindness, if you’re counting down to your spa day.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
You can make the widget countdown to one event, or if you’re looking forward to a few things, you can cycle through events. There are silly little stories and articles attached to the app, but the widget itself is enough to enjoy. I especially liked being able to set up events on my Mac Mini and have them appear on my iPhone, a rarity these days.
There are plenty of Apple-made widgets that are worth checking out, but I keep the Find My widget on my home screen at all times, and sometimes more than one. The Find My widget can track any devices attached to your iCloud account, including your family account. I keep my kid’s iPhone tracked on a home screen widget, just to make sure nothing strange is going on.
There are separate widget options depending on whether you are tracking a person or an item. You can also track AirTags, so if you have luggage or a vehicle that you need to keep an eye on, the Find My widget can help with that as well. If you have multiple items you need to track, try stacking the widgets on top of each other so you can flip through them quickly.
Todoist: To-Do List & Planner
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
Simple To-Do app that can grow to be more robust
Create a widget shortcut pre-tagged
Organize everything later, or not
There are tons of To-Do list apps available, and I’ve tried many of them - but I keep coming back to Todoist. That could honestly be because it has great name recognition and it's been around forever, so I have a history with the app and it hasn’t let me down.
Todoist can be as simple or complex as you’d like. I use a widget to create new items for my To Do list and send them to my Inbox, then I organize them later if I feel the need. If you want to apply a specific label, the widget can tag your posts automatically as you create them.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
You can also use Todoist to set goals and record streaks, and you can set up commands with Siri that will create precisely the entries you need. I mostly use it as a home screen widget, and since it synchronizes nicely with iCloud, I’ve used it on many different iPhones over the years.
App grabs a title card to make a cool looking widget
It never fails – when I’m out and about I see a poster for a show I need to see. Later, when I’m home, I can’t remember anything good I want to watch. Along comes Sofa, which is a list-making app specifically designed to keep track of the things you mean to watch, listen to, or read.
What makes Sofa great is that it finds a title card for whatever content you’re trying to remember. You don’t just get a list of stuff, you get pictures of book covers and board games, music albums and podcast avatars. Whatever you like, Sofa gives you a more visual approach that also makes it much easier to remember what you’re seeing.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
I wish more list-making apps were like this, but I’m happy to have Sofa to remind me of everything I need to watch across the vast landscape of streaming services. You can fine tune the look and behavior of the device, and there’s a premium tier if you really love your leisurely lists, but I never found the need to subscribe to make Sofa incredibly useful.
Great to remind to take meds, write in journal, drink water
Add notifications for streaks or don’t, your call
It’s one thing to seek self-improvement, but if you really want to get better, you need to change your habits. That begins with tracking your habits and making a streak. To do this, I like Streaks, the very simple tracking app. I keep a few habits listed on the Streaks widget and it reminds me whether I’ve done them today.
This is especially useful if you’re someone who needs to take a daily medication and have trouble remembering if that’s done. I’m also using Streaks to remind myself to start every day by drinking water, and I’m building a bullet journal habit.
(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)
I like Streaks because it doesn’t notify me needlessly, it just reminds me that there are 3-4 things I want to do, and keeps track of whether I’ve done them. For simple habit-building, it’s an effective start. It helps that there are cool color options and stylish graphics that make it a pleasure to use.
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