Mobile World

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) November 24, 2011

A news report broadcast by NBC San Diego recognized local company, Totem, as a trusted source in the industry where consumers can sell mobile phones in used or damaged condition for cash.

According to the NBC report, on average, consumers upgrade their phones every 13 months. Yet the majority of mobile service providers lock customers into two-year contracts. Totem offers a fair market value on iPhone, Blackberry, HTC and Motorola devices, as well as on iPads, so that customers have the funds to upgrade to the latest available technology.

Most of the recycled devices are sent to countries where the phones are still in wide demand, including China, Vietnam, Singapore, Mexico and other parts of South America. As a result, even severely damaged phones are valuable to Totems team of expert recyclers and repair technicians.

As dead or as new as it is, there is a market for the devices we buy, Totem CEO Nicholas Fiorentino told the NBC reporter. We borrow some parts from devices to fix other devices. We try to use as much of the product as we can.

The NBC clip features an iPhone with a shattered display screen that appears to have been run over by a car. The customer was still given $ 125 for their popular phone. A local competitor, as the new report shows, offered one customer only $ 31 for her old iPhone.

Customers contact Totem through its website, quickly enter the model and condition of their phone, and then they are immediately offered a quote. Since launching its website in 2009, Totem has honored 99.5 percent of every estimate provided. In some cases, customers are pleased to find extra money add to their payout.

About HelloTotem.com

Totem is committed to providing the highest quality buyback program in the industry, while remaining true to its values of social responsibility. The companys expert team of resellers, refurbishers and recyclers work diligently to ensure that consumers have an easy, efficient method to dispose of their old technology in a financially lucrative, yet environmentally friendly manner.

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Montclair, New Jersey (PRWEB) October 05, 2011

Steve Jobs has transformed the lives of consumers and businesses – especially small businesses, writes Ramon Ray, Editor & Technology Evangelist of Smallbiztechnology.com.

He writes that Steve’s legacy, is in two parts, the creation of Apple as a competitor to the PC industry and the revolution of the mobile marketplace in the creation of the iPhone.

With his death the stimulation of innovative competitiveness could be stifled.

In the blog post ( http://smallbiztechnology.com/?p=18209 ) Ramon writes that Apple computer was always the scrappy competitor and alternative to Microsoft and PC vendors.

When Steve Jobs launched the i series of products iPod, iPhone, iTouch, and iPad Steve ushered in a drastic transformation of the stagnant mobile computing market.

Apples entry into the mobile market was the catalyst of Google launching Android, Black Berrys dominance on the corporate mobile market being seriously challenged and Microsoft Windows Mobile franchise being critically challenged, thus stimulating Microsoft to rethink its entire mobile strategy.

Steve Jobs will be missed for showing his peers and competitors that technology needs to be feature rich, fun, well designed and not necessarily cheap. Steve, thanks for enabling more powerful mobile technology for consumers and businesses and especially small businesses.

Smallbiztechnology.com hopes that technology vendors will continue to aggressively innovate and think outside of the “status quo” when designing technology products.

About Smallbiztechnology.com – Smallbiztechnology.com is a media company producing evnets and content helping small business owners and entrepreneurs use technology as a tool to further grow their businesses.

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Stockholm, Sweden & San Francisco, USA (PRWEB) October 13, 2011

Rebtel, the worlds second largest mobile VoIP company after Skype, today announced the launch of Rebtel 2.0, a new generation of intelligent applications designed for desktop and smartphones, which facilitates platform independent free high-quality calls. The free iPhone application, available today from iTunes, allows users to make and receive free international calls using WiFi/3G as well as local minutes. Texts and calls can also be done to any non-Rebtel users on any phone for rates up to 90% cheaper than the standard international calling rate of an average carrier. The app also introduces a new proprietary Rebtel technology called KeepTalking, which by the push of a button allows users to seamlessly transition mid-call from WiFi/3G to local minutes. The iPhone and desktop applications will add to the Rebtel free call network already including Android and Blackberry applications and facilitate free calls between all existing platforms.

The market for voice is still twice that of all TV operators and three times more than all internet related revenues. Voice calls generated $ 628 billion of carrier operator revenues last year, meaning that two thirds of total revenues and half of total profits still come from voice calls. Mobile messaging generated 19% of total mobile operator revenues 45% of total profits. That means that voice and messaging produced 86% of all mobile operator revenues and 95% of their profits. The mobile VoIP market is expected to reach $ 36 billion in revenues by 2016 and by the end of 2011, there will be around 70 million mobile VoIP users according to a study from Visiongain 2011.

The industry is full of exciting innovations such as GroupMe, Tango and Viber, however these services are limited to those who have downloaded these apps and those who have strong enough data coverage. Rebtel has none of these limitations and addresses them with one single app, said Andreas Bernstrom, CEO of Rebtel. Our app makes smart decisions based on price and data connection quality. The app allows you to call any phone or PC anywhere over WiFi/3G or the cellular network using local minutes, and allows users to seamlessly switch between the two if data coverage deteriorates. Its the best of both worlds and will ensure huge user savings of up to 40% compared to services like Skype.

Rebtel 2.0 offers the following features and benefits:

KeepTalking

For situations when the WiFi/3G connection is not good enough to sustain a call, Rebtel introduces KeepTalking, allowing users to simply press a button on the iPhone call screen during a WiFi/3G call to seamlessly improve the connection from data to local numbers and still be able to make a Free International Call using Rebtels applications and local numbers in 53 countries. The new innovation KeepTalking aims to increase voice quality, reduce phone bills and greatly reduce dropped calls. With the new applications it is now possible to keep calling internationally for free even when you transfer from data to a regular mobile call.

Platform Independent Free Calls Between Rebtel App Users

Calls to friends who are running any Rebtel application on a smartphone or PC can be made for free over WiFi/3G as well as using local minutes. These contacts are labeled Free in the in-app contact list to make it simple to see whos already using Rebtel, and who you should invite. Whenever a friend or business acquaintance in a users contact list downloads Rebtel 2.0, a PUSH message is sent as a notification. Rebtel also offers SMS to any mobile phone number, with an average cost savings of approximately 60% over U.S. carriers.

Contact Integration

Rebtel 2.0 works with each users own contact list wherever it might live. The companys mobile offerings integrate with the phones native address book, while the PC app allows you to connect with third-party services such as Google Contacts and Facebook.

Easy Set-up

With the new Rebtel applications, the sign up process is reduced to one single step where the user simply connects their phone to the Rebtel network. Immediately after signup, the user can see which friends in their contact list they can call for free.

About Rebtel

Rebtel is the worlds second largest mobile VoIP company. Today, Rebtel is growing rapidly with more than 13 million callers and with a run rate of over 1 billion minutes per year. The company is on pace to hit $ 75 million in revenue run rate end of 2011. Rebtel users call through smartphone or desktop applications or any other phone to make free or cheap international calls using either data calls globally or one of the worlds largest local number network for calling from 50 Rebtel countries. For more information, or to start using Rebtel, go to http://www.rebtel.com.

Contact:

Eric Gonzalez

VSCpr for Rebtel

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New York, New York (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

Klobe inc, a local online advertising and lead generation company, today announced the launch of its national growler directory growlersite.com. Available nationwide as a free growler location resource, the comprehensive web directory offers a unique visual guide to growler filling sites while enabling merchants to reach a growing population of growler seekers.

Growlersite.com was designed to offer beer drinkers and craft beer enthusiasts a one-stop portal into all things growler related. The site is designed to allow users the ability to find growler filling locations nearby, allowing them access to take-out draft beer. Currently the site lists 1500 locations around the United States where growlers can be purchased and filled.

Bar and Brewery owners have responded positively to the site as a venue for added marketing of their very Eco-friendly and highly profitable growler filling businesses. Growler site offers a free 10 day listing and a $ 39 featured annual listing for bar and brewery owners looking to sell or promote growlers. Klobe intends to continue broadening its services around growlers in 2012.

Were extremely excited to launch the beta of Growler site nationally following months of planning, development and testing, states Alexander Bartosch, Founder & CEO of Klobe. Growler site delivers a much needed central directory of growler filling locations which we hope will shift more beer drinkers into the Eco-friendly option of filling growlers at local pubs and restaurants as opposed to buying per-packaged bottles or cans. Learn more about growler site at growlersite.com.

Growlers are 64oz or 32oz containers into which draft beer can be filled using counter pressure filling systems or a traditional growler filling attachment. Growlers are the most eco-friendly and economical way to enjoy take home beer. Since growlers can be reused there is very little waste produced; moreover, as growlers can potentially be filled in any bar or restaurant there is a significantly lower carbon footprint from transportation compared to a traditional can or bottle. The average Growler contains the equivalent of 5.33 bottles of beer and costs between $ 6.99 and $ 18.99 depending on the location and beer chosen.

About Klobe inc.

Headquartered in New York City, Klobe inc. is an interactive local advertising and lead generation company. The company creates and markets platforms which connect individuals to establishments that perform exceptionally in their respective areas of service. The aim of Klobe is to transform local businesses into virtual marketplaces. The company was founded in 2009 and currently operates in Europe and North America.

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San Diego, CA (PRWEB) November 29, 2011

Since ramping up its operations in April 2011, Totem turned its first profit in October 2011. The buyback program is rapidly earning a reputation as one of the most trustworthy online sources to sell used mobile devices.

Totem provides a simple, no-risk service that allows consumers to sell gently used and severely damaged devices so that they can fund their technology upgrades. Totem currently pays consumers and businesses cash for all generations of the iPhone, as well as select Blackberry, Motorola and HTC cell phones. In October, Totem began accepting all versions of the iPad and iPad 2, and in August, the company launched its highly successful B2B partnership program, allowing businesses to sell cell phones in volume.

Funded by a private group of Philadelphia-based investors, Totem has set the standards in cellular purchasing websites with an unprecedented 9 percent conversion rate. Projections show continued profitability going forward as consumer volume grows and expansion into the B2B space continues.

It is an honor to discover how quickly and wholeheartedly our customers trust the services we are providing, says Totem CEO Nicholas Fiorentino. Our business motto is to only specialize in what we are good at, which is building a bridge between consumers who want cash for their unwanted, outdated technology and experts who specialize in refurbishing, recycling and reselling those products in an environmentally responsible way.

Totem leads the industry in the services provided, attention to customer satisfaction and commitment to honoring quoted prices. Convenient and secure, Totem offers one of the quickest payment turnaround times in the industry with deposits made to PayPal accounts in less than three days instead of the two-week industry average. Customers regularly report that they receive a 20 percent to 50 percent higher payout from Totem, as well.

About HelloTotem.com

Totem is committed to providing the highest quality buyback program in the industry, while remaining true to its values of social responsibility. The companys expert team of resellers, refurbishers and recyclers work diligently to ensure that consumers have an easy, efficient method to dispose of their old technology in a financially lucrative, yet environmentally friendly manner.

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(PRWEB UK) 30 November 2011

Many of Britains 11 million smartphone users are playing fast and loose with their work and private information, according to new research.

Over 40 per cent of the population never back up their device, risking the permanent loss of photos, videos, texts and work information.

Many are also storing sensitive financial information on their smartphones, with five per cent saving bank details there, four per cent with online banking logins, three per cent with credit card details and three per cent with banking PINs.

Jason Lloyd, from leading online smartphone retailer Dialaphone which commissioned the research, said backing up a Smartphone at least monthly and making sure it is password protected are as vital as locking your front door at night.

He said: People really need to get into good habits with smartphones.

Losing your valuable handset is bad enough, but it can be particularly traumatic if your finances are also suddenly up for grabs and your cherished photos are gone forever.

Backing up and securing the information on your smartphone has never been easier for example those who have bought the new iPhone 4s from Apple, or who have updated their existing iPhone to the new operating system iOS5 only need to activate wireless syncing and their phone does the rest every time it is within wifi range of your computer and plugged into power. So just a few moments taken now can save a lot of anguish in the future.

According to Dial-a-Phones research, six per cent of smartphone users were most concerned about others seeing their racy photos or videos if their phone was lost or stolen.

Londoners were doubly worried, with 12 per cent (or around one in eight) fearing intimate videos or photos being seen by others. This contrasted greatly with those in North West England, where only two per cent had raunchy photos or videos to be worried about.

A consistent one in six people across the nation were most concerned about others reading their intimate texts.

Of those who do back up their smartphone, two in three do so on their computers, while a quarter use a memory card.

A smartphone isnt the best place to permanently keep your racy photos and videos, said Mr Lloyd.

Transferring them to your computer and then deleting them off your smartphone is a wise course of action.

Almost 40 per cent of smartphone users would be bothered about the loss of sentimental photos or videos and a similar number of people would worry about others having access to their contacts.

A quarter of those who do not back up their mobile said they didnt know how to and one in five didnt know they could, while 19 per cent said they never seem to get around to it and 18 per cent cant be bothered.

Mr Lloyd said: Backing up your smartphone is simple and essential, and the latest phones and operating systems have ensured this process is simple, secure and straightforward.

In the time it takes you to imagine exactly what you could lose, start to panic and break into a sweat, you could have backed up your phone.

ENDS

Back-up and security TIPS for Smartphone users:

iPhone users

Backing up:

Connect your iPhone to your computer, download and install the latest operating system (iOS 5*). While the phone is linked to your computer, open itunes and click onto your device to show its settings. On the main summary page, in the options section, check that the boxes for Open iTunes when this iPhone is connected and Sync with this iPhone over wifi are ticked (if not, tick them then click apply). Your iPhone will then sync automatically when it is plugged into power and within wifi range of your computer.

Security:

On your iPhone go to settings, then general. Scroll down to and select passcode lock, then select turn passcode on, enter a passcode, then re-enter it and your phone is now code protected. You can also select whether you have a simple four-digit passcode or a more complicated and potentially more secure code by switching the simple passcode bar on and off. For even more safety you can select the option for the phone to erase all its data if an incorrect passcode is entered 10 times. Similar to Windows phone apple in there update to ios5 offer use of iCloud which gives find my phone and remote wipe features if handset is stolen.

Android users

Backing up:

Go to relevant manufacturers site (Sony/Samsung/HTC etc) Download the Pc companion software. Open the software connect phone through Micro USB lead. Select Back up Handset.

Security:

Press the options toggle on the home screen, Select settings. Scroll to Location and Security and select. Select Set-up Screen lock this will give the user the option to set up a pattern, pin or password. With the New Galaxy Nexus the new OS 4.0 Gives the user the extra unique ability to unlock the phone through face recognition and the forward facing camera.

BlackBerry users

Backing up:

The handset with out issue will be able to save your email accounts you register on the blackberry servers so anytime you need you resign in and email accounts will be pulled through to new phone. BBM contacts can be backed up to an email account or micro SD card in the handset. Contacts are synced through windows contacts or backed up to the sim card. (each of these has to done individually)

Security:

Select Blackberry key and open the Tray. Select Options then security. You are then able to set up a password to access the handset. Input the password wrong ten times and the handset will wipe all data from the phone.

Windows Phone users

Backing up:

Go to the Microsoft website and download the Zune Software. Once installed will give the user the back-up option every time handset is connected.

Security:

Select the right facing arrow on the home screen. Select Lockscreen, you will have option to setup a 4 digit pin number. The Zune software offers a find my phone which will locate the last place your handset had signal on Google maps to you can potentially reclaim the phone. Also offers a remote wipe of the handset if stolen.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

About Dial-a-Phone

Dial-a-Phone is an online-only retailer of mobile phones, especially smart phones, to the public. The company aims to be the UK’s No 1 direct supplier of mobile phones through offering customers the very best in mobile phone deals and value for money.

Dial-a-Phone was established in 1995 and was acquired by the 4u Group in 2008. Due to the fact it is ‘powered by 4u Group’ the company is able to offer customers convenience and great savings along with excellent customer service, both over the phone and through its website.

The company works with all the major networks and phone manufacturers and offer a huge range of the latest contract and pay-as-you-go mobile phones.

Dialaphone’s website, which is found at http://www.dialaphone.co.uk is now one of the most visited mobile phone websites in the country, and the brand has supplied mobile phones on monthly contracts to over three million customers, and since the website launched in 2000, over one million customers have placed their order online.

About the Research

Opinium Research surveyed 1,011 Smartphone users from 10 to 12 August 2011

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Tres Cantos, Madrid (PRWEB) November 30, 2011

Internet Business How To, an Internet Marketing company specialized on SEO, SEM, Google+ and Internet Marketing strategies and services, just released their new Quick QR Code Generator software and related video/text training series on QR Codes for Local and Small Businesses. During the pre-launch and beta test phase both products will be available for free.

One of the ways a small business can market itself better both offline and online is by using QR codes. Although, currently quite new to business owners and customers, QR Code usage has been rising and its wise for any small business owner to jump on board now before getting left behind by the competition.

What are QR Codes?

Quick response codes, commonly known as QR Codes are similar to the barcodes we find on physical products and buy at supermarkets, such as a box of cereal or bottle of shampoo. While regular barcodes are scanned by barcode readers at the till, QR Codes can be scanned by mobile phones and most importantly direct the person scanning to an offline or online destination.

For example, a mobile user can scan a QR Code and be directed to a phone number, a SMS, a website, an online video on YouTube, a social media page on Twitter, Facebook or Foursquare, an image on Flickr etc. QR Codes give both business owners and their customers a wide and exciting range of experiences than just a regular bar code.

Business owners are provided with creative and high conversion marketing strategies, while customers get quick and easy interaction with brands and businesses through the convenience of their mobile phone.

The first thing is to decide how QR Codes can fit into the existing marketing strategy and the best ways to integrate QR Codes into the specific of business marketing strategy. For example, a restaurant would have a more entertaining QR Code marketing campaign than a funeral parlor or a lawyer would.

One also needs to decide where to direct QR Code scanners in a manner that is appropriate to the specific business. So while a restaurant could direct customers to a coupon landing page, a lawyer would direct clients to his online resume or profile.

The final part is to place the QR Code in the most appropriate location that current and potential clients are most likely to notice it. This could be on newspapers, magazines, business cards, promotional material, storefront windows etc.

5 Common mistakes business owners make when using QR Codes and how to avoid them

1.

Edinburgh (PRWEB) October 28, 2011

The new version of the Skyscanner Android App, which compares millions of flights in seconds, now brings the most powerful features and flexibility of the Skyscanner website to Android users.

Version two of the app allows customers to browse flights from a specific airport, a city or even a whole country. Those just looking for a cheap trip can get inspired by searching to everywhere and get a list of the cheapest flights from their nearest airports.

Those flexible on when they travel can view the lowest fares across a week, a month or even the whole year with the handy chart view, ensuring they find the best deals.

Filters can be applied to search results allowing customers to view flight options for specific airlines, at specific times or simply by price.

Once a flight is found, customers can email details to themselves to book later, share them with friends, or go ahead and book directly with the relevant airline or travel agent straight away.

Barry Smith, Skyscanner Director of Global Data Services and Mobile commented:

The latest version of the Skyscanner Android app replicates the powerful functionality of the main Skyscanner website, allowing customers to find the best flights in seconds. Its indispensible for savvy travellers keen to search for flights on the go and saves both time and money.

Version two of the Skyscanner app for Andriod will be available in more than 25 languages including Japanese, Russian, French and Spanish, and joins the suite of Skyscanner apps including those for iPhone and the forthcoming iPad app.

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a travel search site providing online comparisons on flight prices for millions of flights on over 600 airlines, as well as car hire, hotels and deals.

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Research Triangle Park, NC (PRWEB) November 08, 2011

republic wireless , the countrys newest wireless provider, today began a revolution in wireless by launching nationwide Hybrid Calling unlimited talk, text, and Web with no contract for $ 19 a month.

republic wireless Hybrid Calling enables its smartphones to use Wi-Fi in the home, office or anywhere else as the primary network for calls. When outside of Wi-Fi coverage, the smartphone seamlessly uses the cellular network. The companys $ 19 per-month rate and low smartphone cost unlocks the value of widely available Wi-Fi networks, reducing costs typically charged by other US-based wireless carriers.

Wi-Fi is ubiquitous and cheap, said Brian Dally, GM of republic. Cellular spectrum, by contrast, is expensive and controlled by the few. So we inverted the status quo, routing everything over Wi-Fi whenever possible and relegating cellular to its proper place when we are outside of the home, office, or hotspots. The result is unparalleled consumer freedom and unbeatable value.

Traditional mobile network operators prevent their smartphones from dialing natively over Wi-Fi, restrict data usage, hike monthly rates, and charge additional fees. republic wireless is taking an exciting new approach. The company does not charge overages or roaming fees. In fact, republic wireless has eliminated contracts and termination fees altogether.

We hold this to be self-evident: that the best, fastest, and highest-value network is the Wi-Fi you already have in your home and office, said David Morken, co-founder and CEO of republic wireless parent company, Bandwidth.com. We believe that most smartphones should be communicating over Wi-Fi natively, and only using cellular spectrum if needed, not all the time, said Morken. The cellular emperor has no clothes smart consumers have been clamoring for someone to unlock the value of our home and office networks for years. republic wireless uniquely delivers what theyve been asking for. Our beta, launched today, ushers in a new era in wireless and is the beginning of our mission to bring customers unprecedented value.

The republic wireless community will leverage available Wi-Fi networks to minimize its cellular footprint. Each member will establish at least one Wi-Fi connection to maintain the communitys fair use policy. To help members keep tabs on how theyre doing, republic wireless provides them with regular feedback and usage data available online. The data includes comparative and trended metrics such as Wi-Fi percentage and cell network utilization for the individual and the community overall.

Membership at republic wireless includes an LG Optimus Android smartphone running Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) without a contract. The service comes complete with Hybrid Calling and unlimited talk, text and Web. When members are outside the range of Wi-Fi, republic wireless smartphones utilize cellular networks with nationwide coverage.

Membership at republic wireless, which costs $ 199 for an initial start up fee plus $ 19 per month thereafter, includes:

Sunnyvale, CA (PRWEB) November 08, 2011

Apple users often experience the if-only scenario: If only the iPod Touch comes with voice/sms features; if only all iPads come with 3G option (but without another 3G contract); if only the iPhone supports dual-SIM, and so on. To answer such dilemma, Skyroam (http://www.skyroam.com), an emerging wireless company, introduces the Skyroam Gmate Transformer as the single solution.

The Gmate Transformer is a small, lightweight device where one can insert any SIM card, and route all voice/sms/Internet to the Apple device via Bluetooth. With Gmate, one can now use iPod Touch as an ultra-thin smartphone, making and receiving calls/sms or surf the net anywhere; Apple users can use the iPad to get on Internet anywhere, anytime without another expensive 3G contract; or enjoy dual-SIM feature on the iPhone, especially needed while traveling from country to country without expensive roaming charges.

Simply put:

1. iPhone + Gmate = Dual SIM iPhone

2. iTouch + Gmate = iPhone

3. iPad + Gmate = iPad with Internet/voice/sms

Since Gmate is a standalone device that communicates with the iOS device via Bluetooth, one can keep it hidden in ones pocket or bag rendering it invisible, while keeping the iOS device free of any physical attachments. In addition, Gmate will soon supports various Android smartphones and pads, therefore covering more than 70% of existing communication devices in the market today worldwide.

Gmate has much more potential than just a fun accessory for the iTouch, says Jing Liu, CEO and Founder of Skyroam, Its also very useful for business travelers, who often switches between SIM cards when travelling internationally. Since launching in early September 2011, initial market reaction is extremely positive; Paul Chang, Vice President of THL Mobile said: “Our customers from major retailers around the world are excited about Gmate and has been very successful at selling to Apple and Android users. As a major distributor of Gmate, we are excited to work with Skyroam to service the smartphone community.”

About Skyroam

Skyroam was founded in 2009 in Silicon Valley backed by leading Venture Capitals and experienced angel investors. As a global provider of wireless technology products and solutions, Skyroam specialize in developing products and services in the following areas: mobile terminals, wireless communication product and services, mobile broadband, mobile internet applications, and mobile back-end systems. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Skyroam have local offices in Beijing, Shenzhen, and Taipei.

If youd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Skyroam, please call 1- or email .

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