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Deepfakes, AI-generated videos and images that can convincingly portray someone saying or doing something they never did, are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making them a powerful tool for scammers. Once easily detectable, these manipulated media are now often difficult to distinguish from genuine content, unless you know what to look for. Scammers exploit this improved realism by sending deepfake videos to potential victims, often impersonating someone the target trusts, such as a friend, family member, or even a celebrity. The goal is to establish a connection and manipulate the victim into acting without careful consideration. For example, a scammer might create a deepfake video of a well-known figure endorsing a particular investment scheme or product, hoping to lure unsuspecting individuals into parting with their money. Once trust is established through these deceptive videos, the scammer typically makes a request, such as asking for money, personal information, or login credentials. The victim, believing they are interacting with someone they know or admire, is more likely to comply. How to Spot a Deepfake: While deepfakes are becoming more realistic, there are still telltale signs to watch for:
Protecting Yourself: If you encounter a video that raises suspicion, it's best to err on the side of caution. Avoid engaging with the content or sharing any personal information. Verify the information through other trusted sources, such as contacting the person directly through a known phone number or email address. Ep291 Video Credit: Monkeypaw Productions & Buzzfeed
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Genmoji is Apple's new generative AI feature that lets you create custom emojis. It was introduced as part of Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.2. How does it work? You access it from your keyboard emoji button and tap on the Genmoji icon.
 Key features and aspects of Genmoji:
What makes Genmoji interesting:
Genmoji is still a relatively new feature, but it has the potential to change the way we use emojis and communicate online. Ep291 Image Source:
https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/iphone/iph4e76f5667/ios Microsoft has announced price increases for its Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscription plans. The reason? The inclusion of Copilot AI features, which were previously a separate add-on.  Copilot brings AI-powered assistance to various Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and OneNote. These features include summarizing text, generating written content, creating outlines, and answering questions about your documents. While these AI tools have been gradually rolled out over the past year, they previously required a separate Copilot Pro subscription or a business account. Now, Copilot is bundled directly into the standard Microsoft 365 plans, meaning everyone subscribing will have access. However, this comes at a cost. Price Changes and New Plan Options:
For existing subscribers on recurring billing who don't want the AI features, Microsoft is offering "Classic" plans that retain the old pricing. There's also the cheaper Microsoft 365 Basic plan, which includes 100GB of cloud storage but doesn't include the desktop Office apps, for $2 per month or $20 per year. Limited AI Usage: Adding insult to injury, Microsoft isn't even offering unlimited AI usage with the price hike. The AI features use "AI Credits," a monthly allowance shared across all apps on your Microsoft account, including Windows apps like Notepad and Paint. Microsoft claims this will be enough for most users, but those needing more will have to pay for the separate Copilot Pro subscription. The "Bundle and Hike" Strategy: This move by Microsoft resembles strategies used by other companies like Amazon, which bundles various services into its Prime membership and periodically raises the price. The idea is to make users feel like they're getting more for their money, even if they don't use all the bundled features. What Are Your Alternatives? If you're unhappy with the price increase, you have options:
While price increases are never welcome, Microsoft's move to bundle Copilot with its core subscription plans is a clear indication of the growing importance of AI in its product strategy. Ep291 Image Source: https://www.microsoft365.com/
How It Works in Practice When a chicken walks, you'll notice a characteristic head-bobbing motion. This isn't random; it's the chicken's way of stabilizing its vision. It moves its body forward, then pauses its head momentarily to keep its gaze fixed on a point, before quickly moving its head forward again to catch up with its body. This natural stabilization ability has led to the idea of using chickens as makeshift camera stabilizers. By attaching a small camera to a chicken's head, the camera can remain relatively stable even when the chicken is moving. Examples and Applications
Limitations While the concept is intriguing, there are practical limitations:
Ep290 Image created by AI
The process is alarmingly simple. Scammers gather samples of a person's voice, often from publicly available sources like social media posts, videos, or voicemails. Using readily available voice cloning software, they can then create a convincing replica of that person's voice. With this cloned voice in hand, scammers can craft elaborate scenarios designed to elicit emotional responses and a quick reaction. A common tactic involves the scammer calling a victim, using the cloned voice of their child or grandchild, claiming they've been in an accident, arrested, or otherwise facing a dire emergency requiring immediate financial assistance. The urgency of the situation is emphasized to pressure the victim into acting without thinking. These scams can be incredibly effective because they exploit the deep emotional bonds between family and friends. Hearing a familiar voice in distress can override a person's critical thinking, making them more susceptible to manipulation. Protecting Yourself from Voice Cloning Scams: Experts recommend several precautions to avoid becoming a victim of this type of fraud:
Ep290 Image created by AI
Tired of a Bright Screen at Night? Use Extra Dim! Even at the lowest brightness setting, your phone or tablet screen can sometimes be too bright, especially in dark environments. This can cause eye strain and make it difficult to fall asleep. Thankfully, many devices have a built-in feature called "Extra dim" that can help. This setting lowers the screen brightness below the usual minimum, making it much more comfortable to view in low-light conditions.  Access it through Accessibility Settings (Add to Quick Settings and long press for More Control)
Adjusting the Intensity and Other Options: The Extra dim settings page usually offers additional controls:
Why Use Extra Dim?
Using Extra dim is a simple but effective way to improve your viewing experience and protect your eyes, especially in low-light conditions. Give it a try! Ep290 Image created by AI
Well, the shutdown and restart of TikTok's services in the U.S. thanks to Donald Trump has people thinking of other Bytedance apps that hang off TikTok most notably CapCut. CapCut is a widely used video editing app that offers a range of features, including:
 With CapCut's unavailability due to the ban, content creators in the U.S. face challenges in accessing an alternative free, comprehensive video editing tool. This gap in the market has prompted other tech companies to introduce alternative solutions. Notably, Meta has announced the launch of "Edits," a new video editing app hanging off Instagram, designed to cater to creators seeking robust editing capabilities. "Edits" aims to provide features comparable to CapCut, ensuring that creators can continue producing high-quality content without interruption. So to all you creators out there, it’s time to explore alternative tools to meet your content creation needs. Ep290 Image created by AI
The device, which uses iconic video game sound effects to rouse sleepers, will be available at participating retail stores without requiring a Nintendo Switch Online subscription or a trip to a Nintendo store. Alarmo blends nostalgia with technology. It features sound effects from popular Nintendo titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Pikmin 4. Integrated motion sensors track the user's movements during sleep, offering basic sleep tracking functionality. The alarm itself can escalate in volume based on the user's tossing and turning, only ceasing when they sit up. The Alarmo's is priced at $159 and it’s limited as a sleep tracker as it can only track one person at a time. But you can’t deny the device's appeal, particularly for those with a fondness for Nintendo's classic games or for children who are already fans. If you want one, you will need to register your interest at the Nintendo store and cross your fingers. Ep289 Image Source: store.nintendo.com
Cybersecurity Spotlight: The Power of a Strong Password As technology advances, so do the methods of cybercriminals trying to exploit weak passwords. But did you know the time it takes to brute-force crack your password depends significantly on its length, complexity, and the computing power at a hacker's disposal? Here's why password strength matters and how it can protect your online security.  The Anatomy of Password Strength Length: Longer passwords are exponentially more difficult to crack. Character Set: A mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols adds complexity. Entropy: Randomness in your password increases resistance to guessing. Breaking Down Brute-Force Times Imagine a hacker equipped with a machine capable of 10 billion guesses per second. Here's how password strength stacks up: Weak Passwords (e.g., "123456") Length: 6 characters Character Set: Digits only (10 possibilities per character) Time to Crack: Virtually instant. Moderate Passwords (e.g., "P@ssw0rd") Length: 8 characters Character Set: Alphanumeric + symbols (~70 possibilities per character) Time to Crack: Approximately 10 hours. Strong Passwords (e.g., "F!xk93pQ@&") Length: 10 characters Time to Crack: 9.5 years. Very Strong Passwords (e.g., "F8j@3!Lz#12d") Length: 12 characters Time to Crack: A staggering 15 million years. Real-World Implications While a weak password like "password" or "qwerty" can be cracked in milliseconds, more complex ones like "Gf@73^p!D" are almost impenetrable. Cybercriminals often deploy high-powered tools like botnets or GPUs to speed up attacks. The scenario is even more dangerous during offline attacks, where hackers can guess without limitation. Defending Against Cyberattacks Here's how you can stay ahead: 1. Create passwords at least 12 characters long. 2. Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. 3. Avoid using predictable patterns or dictionary words. 4. Store your passwords securely with a password manager. 5. Enable multi-factor authentication for an extra layer of security By following these steps, even a supercomputer would take thousands to millions of years to breach your accounts. Protect your digital life—strengthen your passwords today. Stay safe and stay secure. Ep289 Image created by AI
Forget about Bluetooth for a minute. New earbuds are coming soon that use Wi-Fi instead, and they promise to be much better.  Qualcomm, a company that makes chips for phones and other devices, announced a new technology called XPAN last year. This technology lets earbuds use your home Wi-Fi network to play sound. Here's why that's a big deal:
These new earbuds won't completely get rid of Bluetooth. They can switch back to Bluetooth when needed, like for phone calls or if you're listening to music from a source that doesn't support the high-quality Wi-Fi sound. To use these new earbuds, you'll need a phone or tablet with a certain type of Qualcomm chip inside, and both your earbuds and your phone/tablet need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. The company says these new Wi-Fi earbuds are coming "very, very soon," so keep an eye out for them! They could change the way we listen to wireless audio. Ep289 Image created by AI
The outage followed the impending enforcement of a law requiring TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to divest the app or face a ban in the US. This law also prohibits US companies from providing support for the app’s distribution, maintenance, and updates. The situation was complicated by the imminent transition to the Trump administration. While officials from the outgoing Biden White House and the Department of Justice indicated they would defer enforcement of the law to the incoming administration, TikTok stressed the need for “definitive” assurances for its crucial service providers to prevent a shutdown. The app subsequently ceased functioning on Saturday night and was removed from the Apple and Google Play app stores. A turning point came with a statement from President-elect Trump indicating an executive order to delay the ban. He also suggested a desire for the app’s swift reinstatement, citing the desire for Americans to view the upcoming inauguration on Monday. His statement included confirmation of “no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.” This announcement provided sufficient reassurance for TikTok and its service providers, leading to the restoration of the app for some users even before the company’s official statement. However, the situation remains fluid. As of early Sunday afternoon, the app had not yet reappeared on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Additionally, some lawmakers expressed continued concerns, with Republican Senator Tom Cotton stating that companies facilitating TikTok could face significant liability. Ep289 Image Source: Pixabay with thanks to Sallman Hayat
The Roam Tag is a pet tag designed to help reunite lost pets with their owners. Unlike traditional pet tags that rely on engraved information, Roam Tags use technology to provide more comprehensive and up-to-date information.  Key Features:
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Google Accounts, the key to Gmail, YouTube, and more, are a treasure trove of personal data. Unfortunately, hackers are constantly looking to exploit them. Here's what you need to know: How Hackers Get In: While Google has security measures, hackers can still gain access through:
 Signs Your Account Might Be Hacked:
What To Do If You're Hacked:
Ep288 Image created by AI
WhatsApp is rolling out a series of updates designed to make messaging faster, more expressive, and more fun. The update focuses on streamlining reactions, enhancing photo and video editing within chats, and expanding sticker options. Here’s a breakdown of the new features and how to use them:  Faster Reactions:
Enhanced Photo and Video Editing:
Expanded Sticker Options:
General Tips for Using the New Features:
These updates aim to make WhatsApp a more dynamic and engaging platform for communication, streamlining everyday actions like reacting to messages and offering new ways to express creativity within chats. Ep288 Image Source: https://blog.whatsapp.com/new-year-new-ways-to-chat-on-whatsapp
BMW has clarified its position on future drivetrain technologies, emphasizing that it is not abandoning electric vehicles but rather pursuing a dual-track strategy by significantly advancing hydrogen fuel cell technology alongside its ongoing EV development. The German automaker believes it has overcome key hurdles in hydrogen engine development, positioning it as a potentially complementary sustainable alternative to battery-electric cars.  BMW’s announcement centers on the advantages that hydrogen fuel cells offer in certain areas compared to large battery packs. Hydrogen vehicles utilize lightweight fuel cells to generate electricity, offering several key benefits: faster refueling times, comparable to filling up a gasoline car, and a potentially greater driving range than many current BEVs. This addresses two of the main consumer concerns surrounding electric vehicles: range anxiety and long charging times. Beyond performance, BMW emphasized the environmental benefits of hydrogen technology. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce only water vapor as emissions, making them a truly zero-emission solution at the tailpipe. This contrasts with BEVs, whose environmental impact is tied to the electricity generation source and the manufacturing and disposal of batteries. BMW highlights that hydrogen produced from renewable sources offers a particularly clean energy pathway. While BMW remains committed to its investment in electric vehicle technology and continues to expand its BEV lineup, this parallel focus on hydrogen suggests a belief that it offers a valuable alternative for specific use cases, such as long-distance travel, heavy-duty vehicles, or regions where electric charging infrastructure is less developed. The company envisions hydrogen fuel cell vehicles playing a significant role in a diversified approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a more sustainable automotive future. It's highly likely that future BMW hydrogen vehicles will incorporate hybrid elements, though perhaps not in the traditional sense of a gasoline-electric hybrid. Fuel Cells and Electric Motors: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) fundamentally operate on electricity. The fuel cell combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, which then powers an electric motor. This means all FCEVs are, in a sense, already electric vehicles. Ep288 Image Source: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/innovation/drive-technologies/hydrogen.html
Remember lava lamps? Those groovy, mesmerizing blobs of wax floating in liquid, a staple of the 70s? Govee has taken that iconic design and given it a 21st-century upgrade with the Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL. This isn't just a lamp; it's a Bluetooth speaker that pulses with color in sync with your music, creating a unique and captivating sensory experience. We talked about the Govee Table lamps before in ep: 274 but now the pro model adds JBL sound! Forget about plain, boxy Bluetooth speakers. The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL offers both high-quality audio and a visually stunning light show. Integrated JBL speakers deliver rich, clear sound, while the lamp's internal lighting system dynamically reacts to the rhythm and intensity of the music. The result is a vibrant display of colors that dance and pulse in time with the beat, creating a truly immersive listening experience.  Unlike traditional lava lamps with their slow, almost hypnotic movement, Govee's creation offers a more dynamic and responsive visual display. The colors shift and change rapidly, creating a more energetic and engaging atmosphere, perfect for parties or simply relaxing at home. The combination of sound and light creates a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond simply listening to music. But this isn't just about flashy effects. The Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL also functions as a regular lamp, offering adjustable brightness and color temperature settings. You can choose from a range of static colors or create custom lighting scenes to suit your mood or the occasion. Whether you want a vibrant party atmosphere or a calming ambient glow, this lamp can adapt to your needs. While pricing and availability details are still forthcoming, the Govee Table Lamp 2 Pro x Sound by JBL represents a fresh take on both lighting and audio technology. It's a fun, stylish, and functional device that combines the nostalgic charm of a lava lamp with the modern convenience of Bluetooth speakers and smart lighting control. It's a great option for those looking to add a unique touch to their home entertainment setup. Ep287 Image Source: https://x.com/GoveeOfficial/status/1878831411227918739
Even if the hacker has changed your password, recovery email, and phone number, you still have a chance to recover your account. Google's recovery process is designed to consider these situations. Answer the questions to the best of your ability. Google's systems analyze various factors to determine account ownership, so even if some information is incorrect, other details can help verify your identity.  After Regaining Access: Once you've regained access to your account, it's crucial to take these steps to secure it:
Prevention is Key: To prevent future account compromises:
By following these steps, you can increase your chances of recovering your Google account and protecting it from future threats. Ep287 Image Source: Screenshot by MITE Radio
Take a photo or choose an existing image:
"Grab image text": Once the image is in your Keep note, tap or click on it to open it full screen. Then, look for an option that says "Grab image text," (it's usually in a menu represented by three dots). Ep287 Image Source: Screenshot by MITE Radio
The Department of Justice stated that the Chinese government had paid the Mustang Panda group to develop this specific version of the malware. The FBI acted to neutralize the threat and prevent further compromise of U.S. systems. The FBI identified an estimated 4,258 infected computers and networks within the U.S. and, after obtaining nine separate warrants, remotely deleted the malware. The first warrant was secured in August 2024, with the final one expiring on January 3rd. The FBI emphasized that they rigorously tested the deletion process to ensure it wouldn't disrupt the legitimate functions of the affected computers or collect any personal data. Incidentally, the deletion of the PlugX malware by the FBI was done remotely and generally without directly advising the individual companies or computer users involved beforehand. Yes, the deletion of the PlugX malware by the FBI was done remotely and generally without directly advising the individual companies or computer users involved beforehand. Here's why and how this was possible: Court Authorization: The FBI obtained warrants from a court, which gave them the legal authority to access and modify the infected systems. This legal backing is crucial for such operations. Targeting the Malware's Infrastructure: The operation didn't involve directly hacking into each individual computer. Instead, the FBI, working with French authorities and cybersecurity firm Sekoia.io, gained control of a command-and-control (C2) server used by the Mustang Panda group to communicate with the infected machines. Leveraging Malware's Own Functionality: The FBI then used the PlugX malware's own built-in "self-delete" mechanism. By sending specific commands to the C2 server, they instructed the malware to remove itself from the infected systems. This approach was less intrusive than directly accessing and modifying individual computers. Limited Direct User Contact: Due to the scale of the operation (over 4,000 computers), it would have been impractical to contact each affected user or company individually beforehand. The focus was on neutralizing the threat quickly and efficiently. Security experts have weighed in on the operation. Chris Henderson, senior director of threat operations at Huntress, praised the international collaboration between the FBI and French agencies in disrupting the PlugX infrastructure. He also highlighted the careful planning involved, particularly the assessment of potential impacts before the deletion process, ensuring minimal disruption to the targeted systems. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat state-sponsored cyber threats and protect individuals and organizations from malicious software. Ep287 Image created by AI
This isn't your average hydroponic setup. Plantaform uses "fogponics," a clever combination of fog and nutrients, to nourish up to 15 plants at once. Instead of submerging roots in water, the system mists them with a nutrient-rich fog, providing the perfect balance of moisture and air. This method is said to promote faster growth and healthier plants. The system is also self-cleaning and self-watering, taking much of the guesswork out of indoor gardening. Of course, no modern smart garden would be complete without an app. Plantaform's companion app allows you to monitor your plants' progress, track nutrient and water levels, and receive alerts when it's time to refill or make adjustments. This digital integration makes it easy for even novice gardeners to achieve success. But let's address the elephant in the room: the design. Plantaform's Smart Indoor Garden has a distinct, almost otherworldly aesthetic. The combination of specialized lighting and a gentle fog creates a unique visual effect, which some have likened to a scene from a science fiction film. While this might not be everyone's cup of tea, it certainly makes a statement and adds a touch of futuristic flair to any home. The Plantaform Smart Indoor Garden is available now for $500. While this price point might be higher than some traditional gardening methods, it offers a convenient, high-tech solution for growing fresh produce year-round, regardless of your outdoor space or gardening experience. It's a blend of technology and nature, bringing a bit of the future into your kitchen. Ep286 Image Source: Screenshot from Plantaform Youtube
2. Follow the Prompts: Google will ask you a series of questions to verify your identity. These questions are designed to confirm that you are the legitimate owner of the account. Common Questions You Might Be Asked:
Tips for a Successful Recovery:
Ep286 Image created by AI
Google Lens is an image recognition technology that lets you search using your camera or existing photos. It can identify objects, text, landmarks, and more, providing you with relevant information and actions. 1. Google Lens:
2. "Add to your search" using the microphone:
How they work together: These two features work together to provide a more comprehensive and intuitive search experience. You can start with a visual search using Lens to identify an object and then use your voice to add context or refine your search, making it easier to find exactly what you're looking for. Example: Let's say you see a cool-looking chair in a magazine.
Try things like: colour, price, ... Ep286 Image Source: MITE Radio screenshot
The emails appear to come from PayPal, with valid sender addresses and URLs. When a victim clicks the link in the email, they are taken to a real PayPal login page displaying a payment request. The "To:" Field Deception: When the email arrives in the victim's inbox, the "To:" field will appear to be addressed to them. This is because email servers automatically expand distribution lists. So, even though the original request was sent to the scammer, each recipient sees their own email address in the "To:" field. This creates the illusion that the email was sent directly to them by PayPal. This subtle difference can easily be overlooked, especially if the victim isn't paying close attention. The requested amount, in some reported cases over $2,000, is large enough to be profitable for the scammers but not so large as to immediately trigger suspicion. Security experts warn that this "phish-free" phishing attack is particularly dangerous because it bypasses many traditional phishing detection methods. Since the emails and links are legitimate, they often slip past spam filters and security software. To protect yourself from this type of scam:
This new scam highlights the evolving nature of cyberattacks and the importance of staying vigilant, even when dealing with seemingly legitimate communications. Ep286 Image created by AI
Ai Mi isn't just a standalone toy; it's designed as a central hub connecting to other TCL smart home devices. The robot itself is an adorable orb with small, expressive arms that resemble penguin flippers. It's equipped with a multitude of cameras and sensors that allow it to interact with its environment and other devices. To get around, Ai Me docks into a small, motorized smart car, allowing it to navigate your home independently.
This unique approach suggests that Ai Me is designed to be more than just a plaything; it aims to be a companion and a facilitator of shared experiences. By connecting to other smart home devices and incorporating recordings from outside the home, Ai Me creates a more holistic and personalized experience. It could potentially control other TCL devices, provide reminders, offer educational content, or even act as a communication hub for family members. While Ai Mi is currently a concept, it offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of home robotics. It raises interesting questions about how robots can become more integrated into our lives and how they can facilitate connection and shared experiences within families. It remains to be seen when or if Ai Me will become a commercial product, but it's certainly one of the more innovative and thought-provoking gadgets seen at this year's CES. Ep285 Image Source: Screenshot from TCL Youtube
We put ChatGPT to the test—and the results were incredible! Here’s how this AI assistant tackled a range of fascinating and tricky topics, proving just how valuable it can be for fact-checking and verification. 1. Hermit Crabs and Their Shell Swapping System  We started with a heartwarming viral story about hermit crabs lining up by size to exchange shells in an orderly fashion. ChatGPT confirmed the truth behind this remarkable behavior, showcasing how nature’s teamwork goes far beyond what we often imagine. 2. Solar-Powered Sea Slug: Real or Science Fiction?  Next, we asked ChatGPT to verify the claim that a sea slug (Elysia chlorotica) could photosynthesize. The verdict? It’s real! ChatGPT explained how the slug “steals” chloroplasts from algae, using them to harness sunlight for energy—essentially becoming a solar-powered animal. 3. Uncovering Scams: Email Investigations We tested ChatGPT’s ability to spot scams in two emails:
What This Means for You ChatGPT is more than just a tool for answering questions—it’s a resource for verification and clarity. Whether it’s fact-checking nature’s wonders or exposing online scams, this AI assistant can help you stay informed and confident in your decisions. Tune In to Learn More Catch all the details on Making IT Easy with Tony and Kay, where we explore how technology like ChatGPT can enhance our understanding of the world and protect us from misinformation. Stay curious, stay informed, and keep questioning the stories that come your way! Ep285 Image Source: Credit Hashem Al-Ghaili and Melody Flowers (Enlightened Consciousness)
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AuthorDelve into the world of MITE Radio through our captivating blogs. From music and tech to community news, our articles offer fresh perspectives and behind-the-scenes glimpses. Stay informed, connect with our community, and explore MITE Radio in a new way today! Archives
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