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Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Price Predictions As Volatility Looms This Week

Anuj Bhor
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Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP Price Predictions As Volatility Looms This Week

Key Insights

  • The crypto market is bracing for volatility this week, with three of the largest cryptocurrencies showing signs of incoming volatility.
  • Bitcoin must keep from breaking below the $100,000 zone to push forward to $125,000.
  • Ethereum must keep from breaking below the $3,125 price level to continue forward to the $3,700 zone.
  • XRP has to stay above $2.9 to continue further upwards to $5.

The crypto market continues to make waves in the financial space, with juggernauts like Bitcoin, Ethereum and XRP taking the center stage.

Bitcoin and Ethereum on the one hand, are retesting critical support levels.

XRP on the other, is managing to sustain its bullish momentum and could be looking towards a breakout from an interesting pattern.

Here’s a closer look at the performances of each of these cryptocurrencies, and what could be next for them.

Bitcoin Eyes Stability at $100K Support

According to the daily charts, Bitcoin rebounded strongly last week, especially after the release of the CPI data on Wednesday.

The cryptocurrency soared by more than 10% after an initial crash to the $90,000 zone between Monday and Tuesday, eventually ending up above the $100,000 zone.

However, this rally was somewhat shortlived, considering the cryptocurrency’s behavior after hitting the $106,000 resistance.

Bitcoin and a falling wedge
Source: TradingView

Monday has brought Bitcoin into a new phase of bullishness as shown above, with its rebound after retesting the falling wedge.

The cryptocurrency has so far risen by around 3% over the last 24 hours, with a current price of $108,000.

Bitcoin’s ongoing price action
Source: CoinMarketCap

Going forward, the cryptocurrency’s $100,000 price level serves as the strongest psychological support.

Holding above this level is an encouraging signal for a continuation to the upside.

However, if a break below occurs for any reason, Bitcoin could crash further down to the next psychological level around $90,000.

If this $100,000 price level holds, Bitcoin could be hitting the $125,000 zone in no time.

Ethereum Targets Recovery Above $3,125

Ethereum is also performing well on all timeframes, even though it remains trapped underneath the $3,500 price level.

On Monday this week, the cryptocurrency is showing signs of a recovery after retesting its 200-day EMA at $3,125. 

The cryptocurrency now has a current price of $3,392 with an incoming break above $3,500.

Ethereum’s performance on the daily timeframe
Source: CoinMarketCap

According to the charts, if Ethereum successfully holds above its 200-day EMA (red line) as shown, it could be on its way towards challenging the $3,730 resistance level.

The charts show the RSI reading currently at 46—which is below neutral and indicates that the bears are slightly stronger than the bulls.

Ethereum in the daily timeframe
Source: TradingView

In more positive news, the MACD on this timeframe is on the verge of a bullish crossover.

This indicates that the bulls might be ready to retake the baton from the bears.

Ethereum needs to avoid a drop towards the $3,125 support to avoid a correction further down to the psychological $3,000 level.

Ripple Extends Bullish Momentum Toward $3.63

According to the charts, XRP;s price action has been incredible.

The cryptocurrency rallied by 30% last week, after breaking above a symmetric triangle and above the $3 mark.

The cryptocurrency struggled around the $3.3 price level over the weekend, but and is still attempting to continue above this price level.

XRP’s current performance
Source: CoinMarketCap

According to the charts, XRP is targeting a push towards the $3.63 price level.

The RSI reading of 65 on the daily chart supports this outlook, and the dominance of the bulls.

XRP’s price performance
Source: TradingView

The Fibonacci retracement tool shows that XRP is at risk of becoming bearish if it breaks below the $2.9 price level, where it might fall further down to the $2.5 zone.

Overall, the top three cryptocurrencies are navigating important price levels, and are setting the stage for massive price movements. 

Traders should closely monitor what happens around the $100,000 mark for Ethereum, the $3,125 zone for Ethereum and the $2.9 price level for XRP.

The Spectacle And Controversy Around The New Trump-Affiliated Memecoin

Anuj Bhor
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The Spectacle And Controversy Around The New Trump-Affiliated Memecoin

Key Insights

  • President-elect Donald Trump has just launched a new memecoin collection in the market, amid speculation and critique.
  • This memecoin has exploded in value over the last two days, adding billions to Donald Trump’s net worth.
  • Skeptics have pointed out the supply concentration, where Trump-affiliated companies control a large amount of this memecoin.
  • Only time will tell what comes next for this memecoin, after hitting billions of dollars in market cap.

The crypto industry never runs out of surprises.

However, the launch of the new $TRUMP memecoin by president-elect Donald Trump on Friday has redefined what “unexpected” means.

This new cryptocurrency was deployed on the Solana network and experienced a staggering 500% increase in price within the first 24 hours of launch.

However, beyond this rise in price and the opportunities it has presented for investors, this move has several implications for the crypto market.

Let’s go over the latest developments.

The TRUMP Token’s Record-Breaking Debut

The launch of the official $TRUMP memecoin came with a wave of announcements from Trump’s social media handles, including X and Truth Social.

Within hours of its launch, this token had hit a market cap of around $8 billion, and was already one of the top 30 cryptocurrencies.

This rapid jump in price was also fueled by nearly $12 billion in trading volumes within a single day.

The token’s deployment on the Solana network might have had much to do with its growth, because $SOL itself surged to a new all time high of $274 on Saturday.

Solana-based defi products also saw a noticeable increase in liquidity and TVL according to DefiLlama.

All of this happened at the expense of Ethereum, where many ERC-based memecoins dipped in comparison.

Ownership Concentration Sparks Skepticism

Despite this token’s success, critics have attacked its legitimacy all weekend.

For example, data from Arkham Intelligence shows that 80% of this new token’s supply is controlled by two Trump-affiliated entities: CIC Digital LLC and Fight Fight Fight LLC. 

This concentration of ownership has been a source of concern about centralization, considering how concentrated supplies have historically been one of the ingredients of crypto rug pulls.

Critics have also pointed out inconsistencies in the token’s message.

For example, while the announcement tweets tout the cryptocurrency as a “celebration” of his presidential victory, the official website clearly states that $TRUMP is non-political, and “has no ties” to Donald Trump’s campaign.

Critics have also pointed out inconsistencies in the messaging around the token. While Trump’s social media accounts described $TRUMP as a celebration of his presidential victory, the token’s website explicitly states that it is a “non-political digital asset” with no ties to his campaign or government activities.

Is the TRUMP Token Legitimate?

The token’s legitimacy has also been questioned by industry experts so far.

In the first few hours of the token launch, there were initial concerns about the Trump social accounts being hacked.

Even after subsequent posts reaffirmed that the token was legitimate, several experts remained skeptical.

One example is JRNY Crypto, who noted the absence of official confirmation from Trump’s advisors.

Prominent trader Edward Morra also warned that high-profile memecoins could take over the market and lead to harsher volatility in case of a sell off.

Interestingly, $TRUMP isn’t Donald Trump’s first foray into the world of digital assets.

In recent years, the Trump brand has been linked to several other ventures, including three NFT trading card collections, which allegedly generated nearly $10 million in licensing fees.

Trump has also sold several other branded items including $100,000 luxury watches and branded sneakers.

This memecoin, however, is a new frontier and only time can tell what comes next.

 

AMD RDNA 4 Graphics Cards Under New Radeon 9000 Series Brand Confirmed

Keval Dave
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AMD’s upcoming RDNA 4 flagship graphics card is reportedly named the Radeon RX 9070 XT, marking the introduction of a new Radeon 9000 series branding.

This revelation comes from Chiphell’s senior member, Napoleon, and aligns with growing speculation around AMD’s next-generation GPU lineup.

A Shift to Radeon 9000 Branding

Rumors about AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs have been circulating for months, with the lineup expected to debut at CES 2025 and hit retail shelves in the first quarter of the year.

While initial reports suggested the series would adopt Radeon RX 8000 branding, recent leaks indicate that AMD has opted for the Radeon RX 9000 designation instead.

According to Napoleon, AMD’s naming convention will also undergo a notable change. Rather than the traditional “XX00” format, the new GPUs will follow an “X0X0” structure.

This means successors to the Radeon RX 7700 XT and 7800 XT will not be named 9700 XT or 9800 XT but rather 9070 XT and 9080 XT, based on this hypothesis.

Alignment with Market Trends

Interestingly, AMD’s new naming scheme appears to mirror NVIDIA’s GeForce lineup, such as the RTX 4070 and the forthcoming RTX 5070.

AMD RDNA 4 Graphics Card
AMD RDNA 4 Graphics Card

This approach isn’t entirely new for AMD, as the company has previously adopted higher numerical branding to align with competitors.

For instance, AMD switched from Ryzen AI 100 to Ryzen AI 300 branding to differentiate itself from Intel’s Core Ultra lineup. Larger numbers can be advantageous in marketing, potentially giving the impression of greater capability.

The Radeon RX 9070 XT naming also aligns with AMD’s existing strategy for other products, like the Strix Halo iGPU, which goes up to the Radeon RX 8060S. Since the Radeon RX 80X0 series is built on RDNA 3.5 architecture, the jump to RX 90X0 branding for RDNA 4 makes logical sense.

Performance Expectations

Leaked performance benchmarks suggest the Navi 48 GPU, part of the RDNA 4 lineup, will compete directly with NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 in rasterization.

It is also rumored to outperform the Radeon RX 7900 XTX by up to 45% in ray tracing performance while offering improved power efficiency.

Despite being categorized as a mainstream offering, the Navi 48 GPU is expected to cost around $500, positioning it as a rival to NVIDIA’s upcoming RTX 5070, which is anticipated to share a similar price point.

With CES 2025 around the corner, the reveal of AMD’s RDNA 4 GPUs will shed more light on the company’s strategic shift and the performance potential of its new flagship graphics card.

Google’s AI Tool Whisk That Lets You Upload Images To Generate Custom Images

Keval Dave
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Google’s latest artificial intelligence tool, “Whisk,” enables users to upload photos and receive a combined, AI-generated image without needing to input any text to specify their preferences.

By uploading images that represent the subjects, settings, and styles they have in mind, users allow Whisk to merge these elements into a single cohesive image.

In a blog post, Google described Whisk as a “creative tool” designed for rapid inspiration rather than a “traditional image editor.” Whisk is positioned as an entertaining feature for sparking creativity rather than a solution for creating polished professional artwork.

The introduction of Whisk highlights the ongoing race among major tech companies like Google and OpenAI to develop consumer-oriented products that showcase the potential of cutting-edge technology. However, critics caution that the fast-paced development of AI without proper safeguards could pose significant risks to society.

Since OpenAI launched its text-to-image generation tool, DALL-E, in 2021, AI-generated artwork has proliferated on social media and become a prominent feature in consumer products. Building on the popularity of text-to-image tools, Google’s Whisk functions as an image-to-image generator.

Users of Whisk can “remix” their final image by modifying the input parameters and experimenting with categories to create variations such as plush toys, enamel pins, or stickers. While users can add text to guide specific details, text input is not required to generate images.

“Whisk is designed to allow users to remix a subject, scene, and style in new and creative ways, offering rapid visual exploration instead of pixel-perfect edits,” explained Thomas Iljic, Director of Product Management at Google Labs, in a statement.

Whisk leverages the generative AI technology developed by DeepMind, the AI research lab Google acquired in 2014. The tool integrates Google’s core AI platform, Gemini, launched in December 2023, with Imagen 3, DeepMind’s latest text-to-image generator released the same month.

When users upload images to Whisk, Gemini generates a caption based on the uploaded content, which is then processed by Imagen 3. This method captures the “essence” of the subject rather than creating an exact replica, facilitating creative remixing but also introducing the possibility of deviations from the original input.

For instance, the resulting image might feature variations in height, hairstyle, or skin tone compared to the original input images, as Google noted in its blog post.

Whisk’s introduction follows earlier challenges faced by Google’s Gemini platform. When Gemini’s text-to-image creator was launched in February, it drew criticism for generating historically inaccurate images.

Currently, Whisk is available as a website on Google Labs for users in the United States and remains in its early development stages. The project, codenamed “Moohan,” reflects Google’s ongoing efforts to innovate in the AI space.

The competitive space includes OpenAI’s recent reveal of a text-to-video generator called Sora, which underscores the rivalry among tech giants to deliver groundbreaking consumer AI tools.

Dan Ives, Managing Director and Senior Equity Analyst at Wedbush Securities, described Whisk as another example of Google flexing its muscles in the AI and tech arena.

“DeepMind is a key asset for Google,” Ives stated, highlighting AI’s central role in Google’s 2025 product strategy, which also includes a new Android operating system developed in partnership with Samsung and Qualcomm.

Intel’s Newest Affordable A570 and A580 Graphics Cards To Compete Against Nvidia and AMD

Keval Dave
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Intel’s renewed attempt to break into the graphics card duopoly shows potential, but the journey to this point has been a long one.

The PC graphics card market has long been dominated by a lopsided duopoly, with Nvidia reigning supreme and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) consistently trailing behind.

In late 2022, Intel (INTC -1.87%) entered the fray with its Arc Alchemist graphics cards, offering much-needed options for consumers seeking alternatives.

However, Intel’s initial foray into the market was rocky. Despite the A750 and A770 graphics cards being solid pieces of hardware, the software drivers were riddled with issues.

Some older games were unplayable or experienced inconsistent performance, and numerous bugs rendered the cards an impractical choice for many PC gamers. As a result, Intel failed to secure significant market share or disrupt the status quo.

Over the past few years, Intel has significantly improved its software through consistent updates, providing a more stable foundation for its graphics card business.

While some doubted Intel’s commitment to the market, particularly following a tough year that culminated in the CEO’s departure, the company is returning with its second act: Battlemage, the codename for its B-series Arc graphics cards.

Earlier this month, Intel revealed two new graphics cards targeting the high-volume midrange segment of the market. The B570, set to launch in January at $219, and the more powerful B580, already available at $249, mark Intel’s reentry. These cards feature significant architectural advancements designed to boost both performance and efficiency.

Early reviews of the B580 have been encouraging. Tom’s Hardware, for instance, dubbed it “the new $249 GPU champion.” The B580 outperforms Nvidia’s RTX 4060 and AMD’s 7600 XT in both rasterization and ray tracing while being more affordable than its competitors.

Intel’s Arc A580 Graphics Card

While some minor software issues were noted during Tom’s Hardware’s testing, there were no critical game-crashing bugs, and the overall software experience has improved markedly. The review concluded on a positive note: “The good news is that Battlemage looks more promising than its predecessor.”

Becoming a major contender in the gaming GPU market could open a valuable revenue stream for Intel and bolster its CPU sales as it competes with AMD. With Intel facing multiple challenges, a win in this area would be a much-needed boost.

Late to the Party

Despite the improvements, Intel’s timing poses a challenge. It took the company over two years to launch a follow-up to its initial release.

While the B580 stands out against current offerings from Nvidia and AMD, these competitors’ products have already been on the market for some time. Both Nvidia and AMD are expected to introduce next-generation graphics cards in the near future, which could diminish Intel’s competitive edge.

Nvidia is rumored to be preparing an announcement for its RTX 5000 series, and AMD is likely to reveal its RX 8000 series early next year.

Intel might gain some breathing room if these companies prioritize high-end cards first or adopt less aggressive pricing strategies for the midrange market. Nevertheless, the B570 and B580 are expected to face new competition within the next year.

Intel’s second attempt at establishing itself in the graphics card market appears promising, but the company must convince consumers of its long-term commitment and address lingering concerns about software reliability. Whether Intel can achieve this remains to be seen.

Trump Transition Indicates A Change in EV Push Direction With Promise Of Smooth Shift To Electric Technology

Keval Dave
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President-elect Trump’s transition team is advocating for federal funds currently allocated to President Biden’s green energy initiatives to be redirected toward national defense.

The transition team for the Republican president-elect is reportedly advising the incoming administration to end federal support for electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure once Trump takes office.

This recommendation, if implemented, would significantly undermine Biden’s longstanding effort to shift American consumers toward EV adoption.

Additionally, Trump is said to be weighing the introduction of a global tariff on all battery materials, allowing negotiation exceptions for allied nations. This move is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing components, as detailed in a document outlining the transition team’s plans.

The reallocated funds, according to the report, would shift from backing Biden’s green energy agenda to bolstering national defense initiatives.

The transition team’s document highlights that while minerals and components essential for EVs are deemed “critical to defense production,” EVs themselves and their charging infrastructure are not classified as such.

The Biden administration has heavily invested federal resources into its climate-focused agenda, particularly for EV production. In July, it announced $1.7 billion in funding for EV manufacturing.

Elected President Donald Trump
Elected President Donald Trump

Additionally, Biden’s administration offers a tax credit of up to $7,500 for EV purchases, a policy Trump reportedly plans to rescind upon assuming office.

The president-elect is expected to prioritize dismantling Biden’s green energy policies during the early months of his term. His administration’s plans include targeting EV-related measures immediately after taking office.

Trump previously stated that, if elected, he would revoke federal EV mandates and any waivers granted to California by the Biden administration.

Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this stance, asserting that Trump would take these actions on “day one” of his presidency.

The Trump campaign has also criticized Biden’s support for California’s proposed EV mandate regulations.

Leavitt, serving as Trump’s campaign national press secretary at the time, told Fox News Digital: “Fresh off imposing his insane, job-killing electric vehicle mandate at the federal level, Crooked Joe Biden is preparing to slaughter the remnants of the U.S. auto industry by approving California’s waiver request outlawing the sale of all gasoline-powered automobiles.”

Xbox To Move Away From Exclusive Titles For Future Consoles

Keval Dave
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A credible insider has suggested that Xbox may be moving away from permanent console exclusivity as a core strategy.

The year 2024 marked a significant shift in this approach, with Microsoft starting to release its first-party games on rival platforms, including PlayStation and Nintendo. It appears that this multiplatform strategy is set to expand further in the future.

Earlier in the year, Xbox leadership announced that four of its first-party titles—Pentiment, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, and Hi-Fi Rush—would be coming to PlayStation and Nintendo consoles.

This shift surprised many Xbox fans and was reportedly driven by Microsoft’s internal efforts to recover the $68.7 billion spent acquiring Activision Blizzard.

Over the course of 2024, additional Xbox first-party games were confirmed for the PlayStation 5, such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Indiana Jones and The Great Circle.

Xbox Game Pass and Indiana Jones

Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, in particular, has been highlighted as a major win for Xbox Game Pass, which had a strong showing throughout 2024. The game’s inclusion in the service added significant value to the platform.

At The Game Awards 2024, Obsidian Entertainment revealed that its upcoming title, The Outer Worlds 2, will launch simultaneously on PS5 next year.

This announcement has further fueled speculation about the end of Xbox’s console exclusivity model.

Xbox and Playstation

Addressing the situation, reliable Microsoft insider Jez Corden recently stated on Twitter that the “era” of permanent Xbox console exclusives is effectively “over.”

He claimed that existing and upcoming exclusives like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Avowed, and South of Midnight will eventually be available on PS5 and other competing platforms.

Every Xbox First-Party Game Reportedly Heading to PS5

“It’s cuz they don’t want to just mandate it on teams that aren’t set up yet for multiplatform simultaneous development. But the era of Xbox having permanent console exclusives is over.” — Jez (@JezCorden), December 13, 2024

According to Corden, the reason Xbox hasn’t yet announced remaining console exclusives for PS5 is that it doesn’t want to impose a “mandate” on first-party studios that aren’t yet prepared for “multiplatform simultaneous development.”

This indicates that all Xbox first-party studios are likely working on PS5—and possibly Nintendo Switch 2—versions of their current and upcoming Series X/S exclusives.

The inclusion of “simultaneous” in his remarks suggests that future Xbox first-party titles might launch on PS5, Series X/S, and PC on the same day.

Iconic Xbox Franchises Could Expand to PlayStation

Corden’s comments open the door to the possibility of iconic Xbox franchises like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza appearing on PlayStation in the future.

Supporting this perspective, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has previously stated that the company has no “red lines” for which Xbox titles could come to PlayStation, even leaving the door open for a PS5 release of the next Halo game.

As Microsoft moves forward with this approach, the company will likely need to craft careful messaging about the evolving nature of Xbox console exclusivity to avoid alienating its core audience.

HDMI 2.2 Update With Higher Specs Requiring A More Robust Cable

Keval Dave
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The HDMI Forum, the organization responsible for the HDMI standard, has announced plans to reveal a new specification during a press conference on January 6th.

This upcoming release promises to support “a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates.” According to an email from the HDMI Forum, these enhanced capabilities will require “a new cable.”

As VideoCardz suggests, this new specification is likely to be HDMI 2.2. The HDMI Forum’s email hints at this as well, stating that two of the event’s scheduled speakers represent the HDMI Licensing Administrator, which is responsible for licensing “Version 2.2 of the HDMI specification.”

HDMI 2.1, first introduced in 2017 and subsequently updated with minor lettered revisions, currently supports up to 48Gbps bandwidth, 120Hz variable refresh rates, and resolutions as high as 10240 x 4320.

HDMI 2.2

VideoCardz speculates that the new specification might push these limits further, potentially achieving higher resolutions and frame rates without relying on Display Stream Compression.

The mention of a new cable serves as a timely reminder that, much like USB-C, not all HDMI cables are created equal.

It seems improbable that the HDMI Forum would alter the port itself, so existing cables will likely remain compatible with the updated specification.

Some older cables might even support its higher bandwidth requirements. However, there’s always a possibility that new cables will be necessary to fully utilize the enhanced features when they arrive.

Nintendo Switch 2 Leaks, Case Company Reveals Final Design and Dimensions

Keval Dave
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Nintendo may want to consider hiring a few famous Italian plumbers, given that it seems like leaks are popping up everywhere these days.

Another Chinese manufacturer has shared images of an upcoming accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2, and once again, we’re looking at a familiar design that has already made the rounds.

The latest images were shared by Towkay Vortex on Facebook, who posted: “Switch accessories company has just sent me an email that they will have 3 models of Switch 2 Accessories. Do you want to order case, first?”

Nintendo Switch 2 Silicone Case Leak

The console design closely resembles the Nintendo Switch 2 mockup sent to YouTuber SwitchUp by a Chinese manufacturer. The new images show key features that align with those leaks.

What stands out includes the same eight-inch display, slightly larger Joy-Con controllers that feature the new rear buttons, and a USB-C port located on the top next to the headphone jack and game card slot.

The design shown in these images corresponds with previous Nintendo Switch 2 leaks, which have included photos of the redesigned Joy-Con controllers.

Given that manufacturers typically wouldn’t produce accessories unless they were confident about the dimensions and features of the console, the evidence strongly suggests that these images and prior leaks are indeed representative of the Nintendo Switch 2 design

Nintendo’s choice to maintain a similar design to the Switch OLED is perhaps unsurprising.

Aside from a larger screen, a few subtle design tweaks like improved ventilation and the addition of mysterious back buttons on the Joy-Con controllers, the design hasn’t changed drastically.

What’s Inside Matters the Most

While the design may not seem revolutionary, it’s what’s under the hood that makes the Nintendo Switch 2 exciting.

Nintendo has yet to share specific details about the console’s power and performance, but the company has promised to provide an official announcement for its next console by March 31, 2025.

Given the increasing presence of leaks and images like these, it might make sense for Nintendo to accelerate its timeline. Many had expected the Switch 2 to be announced back in September, but now it seems increasingly likely that January will mark the official reveal.

A More Competitive Handheld Market

Nintendo will likely want to ensure its new console is well-positioned in the market, especially as competition is heating up.

Microsoft has essentially confirmed that it is developing its own Xbox handheld, while Sony is also rumored to be working on a new PlayStation Portable, or PSP 2.

On top of that, portable gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and the Asus ROG Ally X have introduced additional competition, making the handheld gaming space more crowded and competitive than it was in 2017 when the Nintendo Switch first launched.

Nintendo’s strategy moving forward will involve ensuring that the Switch 2 can carve out a strong foothold in this competitive market, whether by revealing its capabilities sooner rather than later or by leveraging its proven formula with Switch fans and gamers worldwide.

Apple iOS 18.2 Addressing Major Security Vulnerabilities, Urging Users To Update Immediately

Keval Dave
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Apple has officially rolled out iOS 18.2, introducing the first major Apple Intelligence features alongside 21 critical security updates that users are urged to apply immediately.

This update is expected to prompt many iPhone users to transition to iOS 18, given the significant security enhancements it brings.

The iOS 18.2 release addresses critical vulnerabilities in the iPhone Kernel and WebKit, the underlying engine of the Safari browser, among other issues. These patches fix flaws that could allow attackers to execute malicious code on a device.

Additionally, Apple has discontinued the option to remain on iOS 17 for devices compatible with iOS 18. For older devices, Apple released iOS 17.7.3, which addresses 14 vulnerabilities.

However, the compatibility for this update is limited to specific models, including the iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2nd generation, iPad Pro 10.5-inch, and iPad 6th generation.

This change highlights Apple’s push for users with newer devices to adopt iOS 18, as staying on iOS 17 leaves devices vulnerable.

What’s Fixed in iOS 18.2?

Apple has kept details about the iOS 18.2 security patches limited to allow users ample time to update before malicious actors can exploit the vulnerabilities.

Among the key fixes are three Kernel flaws (CVE-2024-54494, CVE-2024-54510, and CVE-2024-44245), with one potentially allowing apps to cause system crashes or corrupt Kernel memory.

A particularly concerning issue in libexpat (CVE-2024-45490) could enable remote attackers to terminate apps unexpectedly or execute code.

Apple iOS 18.2

Similarly, two libxpc vulnerabilities were patched, one of which allowed apps to gain elevated privileges.

WebKit, which powers Safari, received updates to address four flaws that could lead to memory corruption when interacting with malicious web content.

Another critical vulnerability in the Passwords app (CVE-2024-54492) was patched to resolve a risk where attackers in privileged network positions could alter traffic due to the use of unencrypted HTTP for downloading icons.

The issue was resolved by switching to HTTPS, a secure protocol. Researchers from Mysk flagged this vulnerability, noting the potential risk since iOS 18’s launch.

Sean Wright, head of application security at Featurespace, emphasized the importance of addressing the issue promptly, urging users to update as soon as possible.

Other Updates Released Alongside iOS 18.2

In addition to iOS 18.2 and iOS 17.7.3, Apple released updates across its ecosystem, including Safari 18.2, macOS Sequoia 15.2, macOS Sonoma 14.7.2, macOS Ventura 13.7.2, watchOS 11.2, tvOS 18.2, and visionOS 2.2. These updates fix various vulnerabilities, particularly in WebKit and Safari.

Why Update to iOS 18.2 Now?

The sheer number of security fixes and the fact that users cannot remain secure on iOS 17 make updating to iOS 18.2 crucial. Beyond security, the update introduces exciting new features, including the integration of OpenAI’s ChatGPT with Siri for the first time.

iOS 18.2 is available for iPhone XS and newer models, as well as various iPad generations, including iPad Pro 13-inch, iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation, iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad 7th generation, and iPad mini 5th generation.

To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update and install iOS 18.2 today to ensure your device remains secure and up-to-date with Apple’s latest innovations.

Microsoft Steps Back From TPM 2.0 Chip Requirement For Windows 11, Letting Unsupported Devices Install The OS

Keval Dave
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0

Less than a week after Microsoft reiterated that requiring a TPM 2.0 chip for Windows 11 was “non-negotiable,” the company has unexpectedly published a support page detailing how to install the OS on devices that don’t meet its minimum system requirements. However, this option comes with several caveats.

The support page is laden with disclaimers, starting with a strong recommendation against installing Windows 11 on unsupported hardware.

Microsoft warns users that proceeding with this action could result in compatibility issues, and those attempting it should be prepared to accept the associated risks.

Additionally, the company states that devices with ineligible hardware may not receive updates, including critical security patches. Moreover, any damage resulting from a lack of hardware compatibility will not be covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

While specific upgrade instructions aren’t included in the document, the process will likely rely on familiar tools like Windows Update in Settings, the Installation Assistant, or installation media.

Microsoft also notes that unsupported systems running Windows 11 will display a desktop watermark and a notification in the Settings app indicating that system requirements aren’t met. Although these indicators can be removed by modifying the system registry, such alterations may carry their own risks.

The document does provide detailed instructions for rolling back from Windows 11 to Windows 10 for users who encounter problems on unsupported hardware.

Windows 11 (Photo: Microsoft)

Microsoft emphasizes that the “Go Back” feature in the Recovery options is only available for ten days after installing Windows 11.

This announcement follows last week’s comments from Microsoft Senior Product Manager Steven Hosking, who reaffirmed the importance of the TPM 2.0 requirement.

The TPM 2.0 chip, he explained, plays a crucial role in securing sensitive data by generating and storing encryption keys, performing cryptographic operations, and shielding passwords.

Microsoft’s shift in approach to Windows 11 requirements is surprising, considering its previous hardline stance.

The change may be influenced by market trends, as Windows 10’s global market share increased last month while Windows 11 saw a slight decline.

However, Windows 11 continues to perform well in the Steam survey, where it maintains its position as the most popular OS among gamers.

Support for Windows 10 is set to end in October 2025, but Microsoft will offer businesses and consumers the option to pay for extended security updates.

Apple Working on Collaborating With Sony To Make Gaming Controllers For Apple Vision Pro

Keval Dave
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0

In his Power On newsletter, Mark Gurman revealed that Apple plans to introduce support for traditional VR game controllers on the Apple Vision Pro and has reportedly approached Sony to help advance this initiative.

The goal is to enhance the Vision Pro’s gaming capabilities, an area where the device has struggled to stand out.

Gurman reports that a future version of visionOS will incorporate support for third-party hand controllers, though no specific timeline has been disclosed:

Apple is now working on a major effort to support third-party hand controllers in the device’s visionOS software and has teamed up with Sony Group Corp. to make it happen.

As part of this collaboration, Apple is said to be exploring the integration of Sony’s PlayStation VR2 controllers. Progress has reportedly been made, with both companies working together toward this goal:

Apple approached Sony earlier this year, and the duo agreed to work together on launching support for the PlayStation VR2’s hand controllers on the Vision Pro.

Playstation VR2

Inside Sony, the work has been a monthslong undertaking, I’m told. And Apple has discussed the plan with third-party developers, asking them if they’d integrate support into their games.

However, not everything has gone as planned. Apple and Sony initially intended to announce this feature last month, but it has been delayed. According to Gurman, the announcement is still expected unless unforeseen circumstances lead to its cancellation.

In addition to working with Sony, Apple has reportedly prototyped a “wand” device for the Vision Pro, resembling an Apple Pencil, to enable more precise control.

Currently, the Apple Vision Pro supports traditional gaming controllers from Xbox and PlayStation for Apple Arcade titles. However, it lacks compatibility with standard VR controllers, limiting its ability to run most VR games.

Gurman’s report also notes that Apple has sold fewer than 500,000 units of the Vision Pro, with user engagement levels falling short of expectations. The introduction of proper VR gaming support could potentially improve sales and broaden the device’s appeal.

Despite these challenges, Apple remains committed to the Vision Pro product line. While bulky headsets may not be a permanent fixture in the tech landscape, Apple’s investment in the Vision Pro indicates no plans for discontinuation in the near future.

Google Photos Introduces Its Own Spotify Wrapped Version Looking Back At Memories

Keval Dave
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Google Photos is introducing a new way to relive your favorite moments from the past year with the rollout of its “2024 Recap” feature.

Announced today, this enhanced experience blends a curated collection of photos and personalized insights with dynamic graphics and cinematic effects, creating a year-in-review presentation that captures what users have been up to over the last 12 months.

While Google Photos has offered annual review features in previous years, this updated version bears a closer resemblance to Spotify Wrapped, offering deeper insights into your year’s activities.

The 2024 Recap provides detailed statistics, such as the total number of photos taken, the length of your longest photo streak, the colors you photographed most frequently, your most-photographed individuals, and the people you smiled with the most.

Google Photos

For select U.S. users with the Gemini feature enabled in the Photos app, there’s an optional version of Recap that includes personalized captions highlighting the “two biggest moments from your year.”

The Recap will initially be featured in the Google Photos Memories carousel throughout December and then move to the photo grid in January. It also supports sharing across messaging and social media platforms, making it easy to spread your year-in-review highlights.

However, there are a few limitations. The Recap feature is only accessible to users with the Face Groups setting enabled, which relies on facial recognition to identify and cluster similar faces.

Due to regional restrictions, this setting—and by extension, the Recap feature—is not available worldwide, meaning some users may not have access to these end-of-year highlights.

Rivian Opens Access To All EV Users Through Their Charging Network in The US

Keval Dave
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Over the past year, electric vehicle manufacturers have shown a growing willingness to cooperate, particularly when it comes to their charging networks.

Many automakers are now adopting Tesla’s North American Charging System (NACS), which is quickly becoming the new industry standard. Now Rivian is taking a major step by allowing drivers of other brands’ EVs to use its charging locations.

For the first time ever, non-Rivian EV drivers will be able to charge their vehicles at Rivian’s next-generation charging locations.

The first of these new Rivian Adventure Network stations opens today at the Joshua Tree Charging Outpost in California.

Before the end of the year, Rivian has plans to open additional locations in Texas, Colorado, Illinois, Montana, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New York.

Rivian EV Charging System

These new stations are equipped for rapid charging up to 900 volts and feature CCS connectors, which are compatible with NACS-equipped EVs when paired with the appropriate adapter. Rivian has also indicated that support for native NACS connectors will be introduced in the near future.

While Rivian’s move is beneficial to other EV drivers, it’s not entirely about charity. This decision is also a strategic business move to generate revenue.

The charging stations include a tap-to-pay feature, meaning drivers can use them without needing to download the Rivian app.

Rivian has ambitious plans to expand its Adventure Network with over 3,500 DC fast chargers in total.

The company already has 91 Adventure Network sites in the United States, with plans to add 12 more. Additionally, Rivian drivers still have access to Tesla Superchargers, which provides added convenience.

Developer Behind Mario & Luigi Series Reveal How The New Project Was Almost Shelved

Keval Dave
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After the unfortunate closure of AlphaDream, the long-time developer behind the Mario & Luigi series, many fans believed the beloved franchise might never see another installment.

However, a recent Ask the Developer feature reveals that even Nintendo came close to shelving the series before partnering with Acquire to co-develop Mario & Luigi: Brothership.

The interview includes insights from Akira Otani and Tomoki Fukushima of Nintendo EPD, along with Acquire’s director Haruyuki Ohashi and designer Hitomi Furuta, who discussed the game’s conception and development prior to its release earlier this year.

When asked about fan reactions to the revival after such a long hiatus, Otani shared:

“For a long time, we held numerous internal discussions about creating a new installment after Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam. Our goal was to innovate with hardware advancements while preserving the charm of the classic Mario & Luigi games.

Balancing these objectives was challenging, and there was a point when we thought continuing the series might be impossible. We even considered giving up.

Mario & Luigi Series (Photo: Nintendo)

“Eventually, after much deliberation, we decided to approach Acquire. After multiple conversations with Ohashi-san, I became confident that Acquire could help us realize our vision of bringing Mario & Luigi into 3D. That’s when we agreed to begin joint development.

“It was equally important to retain the ‘Mario & Luigi-like’ essence of the series. To ensure this, we also brought in some former AlphaDream staff members who had worked on previous titles.”

This collaboration resulted in a triumphant return for the series, but the future of Nintendo’s partnership with Acquire remains uncertain.

Recent reports suggest Sony’s potential acquisition of Kadokawa Corporation, Acquire’s parent company, which could complicate future collaborations. For now, though, fans can celebrate the successful revival of Mario & Luigi on the Nintendo Switch.

The full interview offers additional fascinating details about the game’s development. Designer Hitomi Furuta mentioned that early designs initially gave Mario a “more rugged, edgier” look, but Nintendo recommended revising the visuals to align with the series’ established aesthetic, ensuring it remained recognizable to long-time fans.

We’re thrilled to see Mario & Luigi back in action and can only hope this marks the start of a new era for the cherished franchise.

OnePlus 13 Confirmed For January 2025, Features, Pricing and Specs

Keval Dave
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After its initial debut in China this past October, it has now been officially confirmed that the OnePlus 13 will launch globally in January 2025. However, a specific release date has yet to be announced.

In a post shared on the OnePlus Community today, Pete Lau revealed that the OnePlus 13’s international rollout is set for January 2025.

While an exact date remains unspecified, the earlier release timeline in China compared to last year’s OnePlus 12 hints that the global launch may occur early in the month.

Lau stated: That’s not all. I’m thrilled to share that in January 2025, we’ll reveal the OnePlus 13, our next flagship.

It’s going to be an experience that redefines excellence, and I can’t wait for you to be part of it.

A landing page on the OnePlus website suggests—albeit loosely—that the global release could take place around January 5.

The OnePlus 13 will be among the first devices in the US to feature the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor.

It will also offer hardware enhancements, including new cameras and a flat display, among other updates.

The rest of Lau’s post marks OnePlus’ 11th anniversary, reflecting on 2024 launches like the OnePlus 12, Buds 3 Pro, and Watch 2.

Looking ahead to 2025, the post teases new AI-driven features in OxygenOS as part of an ongoing collaboration with Google.

OnePlus 13 Phone
OnePlus 13 Phone

The 13th-generation flagship, launching during OnePlus’s 11th year in business, will be available in three colors: Midnight Ocean (blue), Black Eclipse (black), and Arctic Dawn (white).

Notably, the blue variant marks the brand’s entry into a micro-fiber vegan leather design. While this material choice isn’t entirely new—Android brands like Motorola have experimented with it before—LG once opted for genuine leather with the G4.

More significantly, the OnePlus 13 brings a major upgrade in durability. Unlike its predecessors, it features genuine water resistance, becoming the first OnePlus device to achieve an IP68 + IP69 rating.

This means it can withstand exposure to hot tubs and high-pressure water, marking a clear improvement over the OnePlus 12, which launched in early 2024 with an IP65 rating.

While teardowns of the OnePlus 12 suggested it was more water-resistant than officially stated, sparking debates among tech enthusiasts, the OnePlus 13 eliminates any ambiguity—this time, the water resistance is official.

Currently available in China, it remains unclear whether the specifications for the OnePlus 13 in the U.S. and Canada will match the Chinese version.

The flagship launched in China in October, becoming one of the first Android devices globally to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. It offers up to 1TB of storage and runs OxygenOS 15, based on Android 15.

Additionally, the maximum RAM capacity has been increased from 16GB to 24GB, a move designed to enhance AI capabilities—a trend overseas manufacturers have been going through to maximize smartphone functionality.

Realme Confirms First Device With 8000mAh Battery, Fast Charging Upto 80W, Releasing Next Year

Keval Dave
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Realme may not be a well-known name in the US, but the brand has gained recognition for producing Android smartphones equipped with high-capacity batteries.

The newest Realme GT 7 Pro features a robust 6,500mAh battery, while the budget-friendly Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G, priced under $400, includes an impressive 5,000mAh capacity.

Both phones also boast fast charging capabilities, with the GT 7 Pro supporting 120W charging and the Realme 12 Pro Plus 5G offering 67W charging.

Now, it seems Realme is aiming to push its already advanced high-capacity, fast-charging technology further with its upcoming flagship device.

According to a report by leaker Digital Chat Station on Weibo (as relayed by Android Authority), Realme is currently testing three new battery variations, all offering larger capacities than the GT 7 Pro.

These options are reportedly being considered for the brand’s next flagship smartphone:

  • A 7,000mAh battery with 120W fast charging, capable of a full charge in just 42 minutes.
  • A 7,500mAh battery with 100W fast charging, achieving a full charge in 55 minutes.
  • An 8,000mAh battery with 80W fast charging, requiring 70 minutes to charge fully.

Realme GT 3

The specific device that will feature one of these configurations remains unnamed by Digital Chat Station. It might be the Realme GT 8 Pro, potentially launching in 2025.

Regardless, the leaked details suggest Realme faces a trade-off decision between prioritizing battery capacity or charging speed for its upcoming flagship.

Among the options, the 8,000mAh battery, while offering the highest capacity, has relatively slower charging at 80W, taking 70 minutes to reach a full charge.

However, this trade-off may not be a significant drawback, as such a large battery could easily provide more than a full day of usage, making overnight charging sufficient for most users.

Even at its slowest rumored charging speed of 80W, Realme’s potential flagship batteries would surpass the charging capabilities of leading smartphones from competitors like Apple and Samsung, which continue to lag behind in this area.

By offering battery capacities of 7,000mAh, 7,500mAh, or even 8,000mAh, Realme would further solidify its position as a leader in battery and charging technology.

Intel Arc Battlemage B580/B570 and AMD Navi 44 GPU, Early Performance Figures Suggest Competition With RTX 4060 Ti

Keval Dave
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Intel’s upcoming Arc Battlemage B580/B570 GPUs are expected to outperform NVIDIA’s current GeForce RTX 4060 Ti, with early benchmarks suggesting superior performance for these next-gen graphics cards.

This development offers a look into the capabilities of Intel’s “Battlemage” series, though much of the performance details have remained under wraps, leaving many wondering what to expect upon release.

While some specifications of Intel’s Battlemage GPUs have been revealed, it was recently disclosed by Golden Pig Upgrade that the B580 and B570 models will feature better performance than NVIDIA’s mid-range offering, the RTX 4060 Ti, according to synthetic benchmarks.

Interestingly, Golden Pig Upgrade also noted that AMD’s “Navi 44” — the company’s upcoming budget-friendly GPUs — are expected to compete with the RTX 4060 Ti as well.

While the comparison may not be entirely fair due to the generational differences between the products, it indicates that both Intel and AMD are positioning their next-generation GPUs as strong contenders in the low-to-mid-end market.

This suggests that the upcoming GPUs from both companies will offer solid alternatives to NVIDIA’s offerings in the budget segment.

Intel Arc Battlemage B580

The RTX 4060 Ti is considered one of the leading GPUs for budget-conscious users, and it’s anticipated that Intel’s Battlemage B580/B570 and AMD’s Navi 44 will offer similar price-to-performance ratios.

It appears that Intel and AMD are shifting their focus towards capturing a significant share of the mid-range GPU market, as NVIDIA has a clear lead in the high-end GPU race.

However, this shift could give Intel and AMD a competitive advantage in a broader segment of the GPU industry.

This strategy aligns with AMD’s previous statements regarding its future roadmap. A few months ago, the company revealed its UDNA architecture, signaling a departure from competing solely on high-end performance.

Instead, AMD expressed a desire to focus on appealing to a wider consumer base, particularly in the budget segment.

Intel seems to be following a similar approach with its Battlemage GPUs, which could make their affordable next-gen options more attractive than NVIDIA’s offerings in the same price range. As for the release timeline,

Intel’s Battlemage GPUs are expected to launch by mid-December, while AMD’s Navi 44 GPUs are slated for release around CES 2025, likely in Q1.

Donkey Kong Country Returns HD Trailer Builds Hype For Highly Anticipated Launch on Nintendo

Keval Dave
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Nintendo has revealed a new trailer showcasing all the Donkey Kong Country games currently available on the Switch, gearing up for the much-anticipated release of Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, set to launch on January 16, 2024.

For fans with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, the service offers access to the classic SNES Donkey Kong Country trilogy.

This includes the original Donkey Kong Country, the fan-favorite Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest, and the adventurous Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble, all available to play right now.

Switch players can also purchase Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze as a standalone title.

Originally developed by Retro Studios for the Wii U, this version features the addition of a Funky Mode, tailored for the Switch, while preserving the engaging gameplay and creative level design that made the original a standout platformer.

Donkey Kong Country Returns (Photo: Nintendo Switch)

The trailer also offers another glimpse at the upcoming Donkey Kong Country Returns HD, marking the third release of Retro Studios’ groundbreaking entry into the series.

The updated visuals show a notable improvement over the debut trailer earlier this year.

While it’s still a modest remaster rather than a full overhaul, Forever Entertainment seems to have successfully brought the visuals closer to the high standards set by Tropical Freeze.

With so much Donkey Kong content available, it’s evident that Nintendo is leveraging the franchise to tie in with its new theme park expansion in Japan.

However, the spotlight on Donkey Kong has sparked speculation about what might be next for the iconic character.

Could a brand-new Donkey Kong game be on the horizon? Or perhaps that long-rumored crossover with 3D Mario?

Alibaba Reveals The QwQ AI Model To Compete With Open AI’s o1

Keval Dave
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0

Alibaba, the Chinese retail giant, has revealed an open-source alternative to OpenAI’s o1 artificial intelligence (AI) model, naming it QwQ.

According to Alibaba, this new model rivals OpenAI’s current reasoning models, offering comparable capabilities.

The QwQ-32B model is available under the Apache 2.0 license, enabling its use in commercial projects. However, it has not yet been fully released, indicating that its development is ongoing.

Alibaba joins other major tech companies in the open-source AI space, following Meta’s release of Llama 3.1, which operates under a similar licensing framework.

Despite sharing an open-source approach, Meta’s Llama 3.1 and Alibaba’s QwQ differ significantly in their design and purpose.

QwQ stands out as a reasoning model, designed to simulate human-like problem-solving processes and verify its own conclusions.

This enables it to address more complex challenges compared to traditional large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT-4 and Claude 3.5.

In an example shared by Alibaba, QwQ demonstrated a detailed step-by-step explanation of its reasoning while solving math problems.

Using Hugging Face’s Spaces, users can test these capabilities and observe how the model applies its parameters in practice.

QwQ AI Model

One demonstration of QwQ’s analytical abilities involved identifying the number of “R”s in the word “strawberry,” a seemingly simple task that has stumped other AI models in the past.

Hugging Face prominently features this question as a standard test for new AI systems.

When asked, QwQ-32B provided an exhaustive explanation of its reasoning process, highlighting a common issue in AI systems where data is broken into tokens for processing, occasionally leading to overly complex responses.

Although Alibaba’s Qwen team reports that QwQ surpasses OpenAI’s o1-preview and Mini models in three benchmarks, including the MATH-500 benchmark—focused on intricate, word-heavy math problems—the model’s real-world performance remains to be fully evaluated.

These benchmarks suggest a promising capability, but broader testing and user feedback will ultimately determine how it measures up in practical applications.

Notably, concerns persist regarding restrictions imposed on Chinese-developed AI systems, which could limit their utility.

For example, when asked basic questions such as “Who is Xi Jinping?” QwQ declined to provide an answer, reflecting the constraints often placed on such technology.

As development continues, the AI community awaits QwQ’s full release and real-world testing to see how it fares against competitors in practical scenarios.

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