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By Samsung Newsroom
“The Odyssey OLED G8 was incredibly helpful for discussions with the art team, allowing us to discuss colors and expressions in greater detail”
– Hwang Junha, Dungeon Lead, ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’
In the world of game production, transforming a popular story into an immersive, interactive experience is both a challenge and an art. Solo Leveling:ARISE,1 the first game adaptation of the Solo Leveling franchise—which has captivated millions with over 14.3 billion views globally—is a prime example of this transformation. As the gaming industry pushes the boundaries of visual storytelling, the technology behind the screen plays a crucial role in bringing these dynamic universes to life.
To explore this fusion of creativity and technology, Samsung Newsroom spoke with the developers behind Solo Leveling:ARISE. They shared insights into how they captured the webtoon’s intense action and stylish visuals in the game, and how the Odyssey OLED G8 has been instrumental in this process.
Founded in 2000, Netmarble has become a leader in Korea’s gaming industry, fueled by innovative strategies and strong partnerships with third-party studios. Since 2012, the company has made its mark in mobile gaming with popular titles like Modoo Marble, Seven Knights, and Solo Leveling:ARISE. Building on its success at home, Netmarble is now expanding its global reach, delivering engaging gaming experiences to players around the world.
“[With the Odyssey OLED G8,] I could see attack animations more clearly, which helped me dodge more precisely. I also noticed effects and background details that I’d missed before.”
Kim JaeSeong, Combat Balance Part, ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’
▲ (From left) Hwang Junha, Dungeon Lead, and Kim JaeSeong, Combat Balance Part, at Netmarble Neo, the developer of Netmarble’s ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’
Q. What are your roles in developing Solo Leveling:ARISE?
Junha: I’m responsible for creating the dungeons and monsters in Solo Leveling:ARISE. This includes designing the environments where battles take place and developing the monsters-players encounter. Essentially, I establish the game’s META to ensure players have a rewarding and engaging combat experience.
* META: An acronym for “Most Effective Tactics Available,” representing the optimal strategies or approaches used by players in a game.
JaeSeong: I’m in charge of combat balance. My role is to allow players to craft their own combat styles by combining various elements like weapons, skills, hunters, and shadows. Players will enjoy the combination-dependent controls and actions, as well as the variety of buffs and debuffs that grant characters and enemies, which further enhance their attacks to clear dungeons and tricky bosses.
▲ With the Odyssey OLED G8, JaeSeong reviews the dynamic environments and monster designs, ensuring that each battle scene delivers a visually stunning and immersive experience.
Q. Can you give us an overview of Solo Leveling:ARISE? What was your main focus in developing the game?
Junha: Solo Leveling:ARISE is an action RPG based on Solo Leveling, the popular webtoon. We strived to stay true to the original work while at the same time leveraging our expertise to enhance the experience with high-quality action scenes and cinematic cut scenes, immersing players in a way that only a game can.
JaeSeong: Given the popularity of the original work, our goal was to faithfully capture each character’s unique combat style as depicted in the webtoon. In the game, we allow players to experiment with different skills and weapons. Additionally, we wanted to offer something special, so we included new, original content and behind-the-scenes stories that weren’t in the webtoon. This adds a fresh dimension to the game, enhancing the overall experience.
▲ (From left) Shadow Igris, hunters Cha Hae-In, Sung Jinwoo, Choi Jong-In and shadow Tusk in ‘Solo Leveling:ARISE’ (Image courtesy of Netmarble)
Junha: For Solo Leveling:ARISE, we wanted fast-paced combat and the freedom to pursue a variety of fighting styles. The goal was to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach and enable players to adapt their strategies based on the boss or challenge they’re facing.
JaeSeong: Our focus was on balancing the different characters, monsters, and dungeons to offer diverse combat experiences. For each character, we added specific skills and combos in addition to their unique abilities from the original series. The challenge was to maintain balance by tweaking attack ranges, damage rates, and speed to make combat more engaging, especially when playing as a team.
Q. As a game developer, what do you think are the most important elements of the gaming environment for players? Did the Odyssey OLED G8 sufficiently deliver during development and playtesting?
JaeSeong: In the RPG action game Solo Leveling:ARISE, players rely heavily on visual information like character movements and the detailed environments during combat. Therefore, having a display that can clearly present this information is crucial. A large monitor, in particular, enhances the visibility of character motions and provides a broader field of view, helping you catch every detail during intense battles.
The Odyssey OLED G8’s wide screen and high resolution made it easy to catch even the smallest details in the game. This helps gamers play better, too. For instance, I could see attack animations more clearly, which helped me dodge more precisely. I also noticed effects and background details that I’d missed before.
▲ The monitor’s 4K OLED screen provides clear, vibrant visuals, allowing developers and the art team to fine-tune colors and expressions for smoother gameplay.
Junha: An outstanding monitor like the Odyssey OLED G8 that has great contrast and vibrant colors can really bring out the game’s unique art style, whether you’re exploring gates or summoning shadows. The Odyssey OLED G8 proved its value in the game development process. The 4K OLED’s clear images and wide color gamut were incredibly helpful for discussions with the art team on character effects, allowing us to discuss colors and expressions in greater detail.
Q. What other aspects are important for action-based RPGs?
JaeSeong: A high refresh rate is key for smooth gameplay. It ensures that the screen transitions are seamless, without tearing or stuttering, which reduces eye strain and makes for a more fluid and enjoyable gaming experience.
▲ JaeSeong uses the Odyssey OLED G8 to monitor gameplay performance and fine-tunes combat mechanics, ensuring smooth and immersive action sequence.
Junha: To fully experience the intense combat and character animations in Solo Leveling:ARISE, you need a monitor with fast response time and high resolution. The high refresh rate of the Odyssey OLED G8 made combat in Solo Leveling:ARISE feel seamless and smooth.
Q. What features of the Odyssey OLED G8 would you recommend to Solo Leveling:ARISE players?
Junha: The Odyssey OLED G8 has a lot going for it, but what really stood out to me was the OLED Glare-free feature. Other monitors that use anti-reflection films usually end up dulling colors. This monitor, on the other hand, reduces glare while keeping the image vibrant and clear.
▲ Junha gives an overview of how the game allows players to choose their own playstyle, enabling them to adapt strategies to different bosses and challenges. The OLED Glare-free feature reduces glare while maintaining vibrant and clear colors, ensuring an optimal experience without compromising image quality.
Also, the Dynamic Black Equalizer feature really helps in dark dungeons, making hidden details easier to spot and enhancing the overall gaming experience. I highly recommend players take advantage of this feature to elevate their gaming experience and enjoy every detail.
* OLED Glare-free: A UL-verified technology that reduces glare from external light sources and provides a screen that is 54% less glossy than conventional Anti-Reflection film.2
* Dynamic Black Equalizer: A feature that analyzes the brightness of game scenes and adjusts sharpness, saturation, and black details automatically, while improving visibility in dark areas, allowing for more detailed black levels.
▲ The Dynamic Black Equalizer enhances visibility in dark areas by automatically adjusting sharpness, saturation and black details for a more immersive gaming experience.
JaeSeong: One feature I think players will find super useful is the Game Bar. By selecting the genre you’re playing, the Game Bar automatically optimizes picture quality and sound for that specific genre. According to the selected genre, the display’s brightness is adjusted for better visibility and it delivers richer sound, which really pulls you deeper into the game.
▲ The Game Bar optimizes picture quality and sound based on the selected genre, adjusting brightness and enhancing sound to create a more immersive gaming experience.
Q. Any final thoughts for players enjoying Solo Leveling:ARISE?
Junha: I hope you get to fully immerse yourself in the amazing art and combat of Solo Leveling:ARISE with a gaming monitor that supports a high refresh rate and resolution. The Odyssey OLED G8, with its 4K 240Hz display and fast response time, is an excellent choice for this game.3
JaeSeong: The Odyssey OLED G8’s gaming features make it a great pick for smooth, immersive gameplay. My advice is to experiment with different strategies and combat styles in Solo Leveling:ARISE, to find your own playstyle and really get the most out of the experience.
1 ⓒ DUBU (REDICE STUDIO), Chugong, h-goon 2018 / D&C MEDIA ⓒ Netmarble Corp. & Netmarble Neo Inc. All Rights Reserved.
2 Based on internal test results.
3 Refresh rate may vary based on the performance of the input source.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics today announced that seven models1 in its 2024 Neo QLED and QLED lineup are the first in the industry to receive both the True Cinema Black and HDR Brightness Accuracy certifications from Verband Deutscher Elektrotechniker (VDE), a leading German electrical engineering certification institute.
“Technology continues to advance, enabling us to deliver an unmatched cinematic experience right in our customers’ homes,” said Yongjae Kim, Executive Vice President and Deputy Head of R&D Team, Visual Display Business. “We are committed to setting the highest standards for picture quality in both high-resolution and big-screen TVs, and we are proud that our Neo QLED TVs have earned these industry-first certifications from VDE.”
Bringing Film Colors to Life
Six of Samsung’s 2024 Neo QLED 8K and 4K models, as well as one QLED 4K model, obtain industry’s first HDR Brightness Accuracy certification. This certification assures that these models accurately reproduce the brightness levels of HDR content, staying true to HDR standards and delivering picture quality that closely matches what the human eye perceives.2
HDR technology enhances both the bright and dark areas of an image, providing detailed and realistic visuals that bring films to life. Whether in a living room, bedroom, office or kitchen, Samsung’s Neo QLED and QLED TVs offer customers the opportunity to enjoy exceptional cinematic quality in any environment.
Elevating the Home Viewing Experience
These seven models in Samsung’s 2024 Neo QLED and QLED lineup have also set a new benchmark in home entertainment by becoming the first to earn the True Cinema Black certification,3 which highlights the exceptional local dimming performance. The TVs are capable of transforming wide aspect ratio films into a 4:3 format, fitting the screen precisely without any light blooming, thus preserving the cinematic integrity.
The certification is based on strict evaluations of black levels in the Letterbox area of the screen, ensuring that these areas remain deep and immersive when viewing official footage from the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) — within the guidelines of the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA®). The superior local dimming performance eliminates unwanted light interference, allowing viewers to experience movies as they were intended, with deep blacks and vivid details, akin to a theater experience.
Samsung’s commitment to innovation and quality has led to the development of TVs that meet the highest standards in the industry. With the True Cinema Black and HDR Brightness Accuracy certifications, the 2024 Neo QLED lineup are poised to deliver an unparalleled home viewing experience so users can enjoy world-class picture quality in any setting.
1 Neo QLED 8K (QN900D, QN800D, QN990C), Neo QLED 4K (QN95D, QN90D, QN87D/QN88D, QN85D), QLED(Q80D, Q80C). Applied models may vary by region.
2 HDR Brightness Accuracy is the cumulative change compared to the PQ standard within the range of 0 to 1,000 nits in HDR.
3 True Cinema Black is the average black level of the letterbox area of HDR video using ASC footage.
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By Samsung Newsroom
On September 5, Samsung Electronics highlighted its vision of “AI for All” ahead of IFA 2024 — Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show held from September 6-10 in Berlin, Germany.
The press conference underscored Samsung’s commitment to democratizing AI as well as the transformative power of Galaxy AI with notable figures from Samsung and partner companies outlining how Samsung’s AI advancements are reshaping user experiences and contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive world. Below are visual assets from Samsung Electronics’ press conference at IFA 2024.
AI for All: Like Sprinkling Magic Dust Into Everyday Life
▲Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Europe, opened the event by honoring IFA’s rich 100-year history. As part of the presentation, he showed a simulated video of Albert Einstein’s IFA 1930 keynote would look like using the power of Samsung’s different AI technologies, such as AI Upscaling, AI Active Voice Amplifier and Galaxy AI.
▲ “This year [Samsung] aim to have 200 million AI enabled devices,” said Benjamin Braun, Chief Marketing Officer of Samsung Europe. *separate images available below
AI Meets World: More Inclusive and Sustainable
▲ Citing Samsung’s first Mobile AI Report, Dr. Chris Brauer, Chief Innovation Officer (CIO) at AI strategy, solutions and research firm Symmetry, said that “frequent mobile AI users are about 1.4 times more likely to report a high quality of life compared to those who rarely use it.”
▲ “AI Energy Mode in SmartThings Energy can save up to 70% of energy consumption in [Samsung] washing machines by using Ecobubble and AI Wash technologies,” said Katharina Mayer, Head of LifeStyle Lab Europe, Digital Appliances, Samsung Electronics. *separate images available below
AI Meets You: More Productivity, Simplicity and Enjoyment
▲”Intel and Samsung have worked together for over 20 years,” said David Feng from Intel. “By combining the power of the newest Core Ultra processors with Samsung’s mobile leadership and our joint belief in an open ecosystem, the Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 unlocks the next level of cross-device AI experiences.” *separate images available below
▲”[The Galaxy Book4 Edge powered by Snapdragon X Elite] is built for AI, putting the world of intelligence at the heart of your PC,” said Nitin Kumar from Qualcomm *separate images available below
▲ (left) “[Our SmartThings ecosystem] can connect thousands of Samsung and non-Samsung devices and has over 350 million subscribers globally,” said Deborah Honig, VP of One Samsung at Samsung UK. “Now at IFA, we are introducing SmartThings Pro for the first time. A new platform to help businesses easily manage their connected devices and energy usage.” ▲ (right) “The only thing it doesn’t do is prepare the food for you,” Deborah Honig, VP of One Samsung at Samsung UK joked about the Samsung Food app. *separate images available below
▲”Our free Samsung Health app, [is] already used by over 64 million people worldwide,” said Stephanie Chosen, Brand & Product Marketing Manager at Samsung UK.
▲ “Samsung AI TV is set to become the hub of an AI-powered smart home system,” said Stephanie Chosen, Brand & Product Marketing Manager at Samsung UK.
▲ Benjamin Braun, CMO of Samsung Europe, announces the Music Frame WICKED Edition.
▲ Benjamin Braun, CMO of Samsung Europe, took a selfie with the crowd using Galaxy Z Flip6 and the gesture control on Galaxy Ring at the company’s press conference at IFA 2024.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics today announced the launch of the Music Frame WICKED Edition, a customizable wireless speaker designed to seamlessly blend into any environment and enhance the home entertainment experience. This new edition, created in partnership with Universal Pictures’ spectacular film adaptation of the iconic stage musical (in cinemas November 22), brings a unique combination of art and technology to offer consumers a personalized and immersive audio experience.
“We created the Music Frame to give users a way to enjoy great quality music while making a style statement that enables them to truly make the technology their own,” said Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Music Frame WICKED Edition is a unique way to celebrate a landmark cinematic release by combining stunning sound with an engaging backstory.”
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (“Crazy Rich Asians,” “In the Heights”), Wicked is the untold story of the witches of Oz, starring Emmy-, Grammy- and Tony-winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (“Harriet,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
Unlocking the Music Within Homes With “Wicked”
In collaboration with Wicked, the Music Frame WICKED Edition offers a unique combination of functionality and aesthetic appeal. This edition includes a Wicked edition Photo Frame with three photo cards featuring autographs and images of the film’s beloved characters, including one exclusive picture only available with the Samsung Music Frame WICKED Edition.
Further enhancing the experience, the WICKED Edition comes with a specially designed limited edition Wicked-themed bezel and customized Wicked-themed packaging, adding an extra touch of excitement and making the unboxing experience truly enchanting.
The Music Frame also comes fully customizable, allowing users to effortlessly match their home decor with photo frames and optional art panels. The sleek and slim design, combined with a discreet wall-mount bracket and slim power cable, ensures the Music Frame blends seamlessly into any environment.
Elevating Homes With Immersive Sound and Smart Features
With its rich, immersive sound, the Music Frame WICKED Edition enables users to transform their living space into a surround sound haven. Equipped with Dolby Atmos technology, it creates a multidimensional audio experience that brings every note and sound to life. The Music Frame can also work closely with other compatible Samsung screens and soundbars using the Q-Symphony feature, which offers a more immersive, three-dimensional sound experience.
Boasting two-channel 120W sound quality, the Music Frame WICKED Edition incorporates clear and powerful sound via SpaceFit Sound Pro for optimized audio based on the acoustics of a given room, as well as Adaptive Sound that adjusts audio settings based on content to deliver premium audio performance. These features ensure that the Music Frame WICKED Edition offers exceptional sound quality and versatility, making it a perfect addition to any home.
The built-in Alexa and Chromecast offer easy smart home integration with supported devices, while Airplay and Tap Sound provide seamless connectivity with Android and iOS devices. Versatile connectivity options — including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and Optical — ensure the device meets all audio needs.
Available in North America starting from the end of October 2024, with a subsequent rollout to other regions, the Music Frame WICKED Edition will be sold through Samsung’s official online store and select retail locations. For more information, visit Samsung.com.
About Universal Pictures’ Wicked
After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.
The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on November 26, 2025.
Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.
Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
About Universal Pictures
Universal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios (www.universalstudios.com). Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics today announced a partnership with Technogym to launch a new fitness app1 on Samsung Daily+ platform,2 expanding the health and wellness services available on Samsung’s 2024 TVs. The app offers personalized fitness routines and accommodates equipment-based and bodyweight exercises for a comprehensive home workout experience.
“In 2024, Samsung TV users can now see the TV as not only a central entertainment hub but also a means to enrich the lifestyle— especially for fitness,” said Demian Hyun, Vice President and Head of the Experience Planning Group of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to bring Technogym to Samsung TVs because the experience fits right in with our drive to provide more immersive and personalized experiences for users.”
“Within our Technogym Ecosystem open platform strategy, the integration with Samsung TVs represents another step toward reaching more consumers within our wellness vision to help people live better lives through regular physical exercise,” said Nerio Alessandri, Technogym President and CEO.
Trainer-Led Sessions and Customized Programs
The Technogym app offers over 130 trainer-led sessions to help users reach their goals, perform better and stay motivated. Everything from high intensity cardio and bodyweight routines, to mindful yoga sessions, Pilates and meditations are led by Technogym’s certified trainers and are specially designed to be done in front of a screen.
Upon signing into the Technogym app on Samsung Daily+, each user is greeted with training programs tailored to their personal goals, whether it is building strength, improving endurance or enhancing overall health. The app not only tracks and logs progress but also offers personalized recommendations, ensuring a workout regimen that adapts to users’ evolving fitness journeys.
But the Technogym app isn’t just about individual workouts. It also curates a selection of popular workout sessions, including “Most Performed Routines” and “Most Loved Session Episodes.” These sessions are not just about getting fit; they are about joining a community, sharing trends and motivating each other through a shared fitness experience.
Comprehensive Workout Options — Anytime, Anywhere
The Technogym app on Samsung TVs elevates at-home workouts by offering ultimate convenience and access. The basic app is free, with the option for a premium subscription that provides access to exclusive, more in-depth workout content. Users can effortlessly track their workout history on any device through their Technogym account, ensuring a continuous and integrated fitness journey.
Additionally, the app combines Samsung’s immersive screen technology with specialized workout programs using Technogym’s cutting-edge equipment for all-encompassing workout sessions.
Users can browse a broad and diverse library with video training sessions, which include strength, yoga, cardio, Pilates, meditation and body weight. They can choose different levels, from beginner to the advanced. New workouts are published regularly so the experience remains fresh and engaging. Moreover, Samsung TV users can download the Technogym mobile app to access their personalized profile with the same credentials anytime and anywhere.
About Technogym
Technogym is a global leading brand in the wellness and fitness industry, is known for its premium equipment and fitness content that elevate the workout experience in both gyms and homes alike. As the official supplier for the last nine Olympic Games, including the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, Technogym’s cutting-edge equipment and extensive library of on-demand videos reach over 85,000 fitness centers and 400,000 homes around the world.
1 Technogym app is available through Samsung Daily+ on all 2024 Samsung TV models: Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED, OLED, UHD (above DU7000) and The Frame worldwide. TV model users can download the Technogym app through the app store. The content is provided primarily in English and supported with subtitles.
2 Samsung Daily+, a hub for lifestyle experiences, provides a wide range of services and features — from personal training and telehealth to video calls and remote PC solutions — in one single interface.
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