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Is IMAX available in Nepal? And, what actually is IMAX after all?

Raizel Tandukar
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Is IMAX available in Nepal? And, what actually is IMAX after all?

“Barbenheimer” has been an international sensation and has been trending over the internet for the past few weeks, even earning over a Billion USD worldwide. We often hear phrases like “IMAX,” “shot with 15/70 mm IMAX cameras”, and “the first film to be shot in IMAX black and white” attached to Barbenheimer’s darker half — Oppenheimer. We see a common word here — IMAX. But what does it all mean? Why so much hype? And most importantly, is there IMAX in Nepal?

IMAX: An Introduction

For starters, IMAX is a system developed between the late 1960s and early 1970s. It comprises multiple aspects such as cameras, film formats, projectors, sound systems, and even theatres. Given that IMAX is an entire system and means a lot of different things, it gets very complicated very fast. For example: Filmed for IMAX and Shot with IMAX film cameras may sound similar, but they mean very different things. Confusing? We know! That is exactly why we are here. In this article, we will attempt to explain various nuances of IMAX to you.

IMAX Film Format

Whenever anyone mentions IMAX, our brains automatically think of a high-quality video and very large screens. And rightfully so. This high-quality video is all thanks to the IMAX film format. In order to understand the true scale of the IMAX film format, we need to understand what a normal film format is. Even before getting into that, here, a film refers to a thin, flexible strip of plastic or other material coated with light-sensitive material stored inside a reel used to capture images. Yes, the old–school stuff.

Film format comparision

So there are various film formats available in the market, among which the 35mm film with 4 perforations is the standard. This film format is also referred to as the Academy Format. Now, there is another format which is a 70mm film with 5 perforations. This format is significantly wider and stores much more details than the standard 35 mm film frame. And now, if we stack 3 of these 70mm films side by side, we get 1 IMAX film with 15 perforations. The area of an IMAX film is about 830% larger than the standard film format. As a result of the massive size of the film, we get about 50% more images in every frame and a video quality that would be equivalent to…. drumroll please… a staggering 18K resolution!

IMAX Cameras

Now that we have explained to you the massive size of an IMAX film. You can guess what an IMAX camera must be like. The camera is massive, super loud, and very hard to work with. The camera weighs a minimum of 20 kilos by itself. It can go over 100 kilos, depending on the add–on and varying technology of the camera. An IMAX Film Camera is said to be insured for $5,00,000 each.

Given such a hefty amount of insurance, we can imagine how much the company values its camera such that you cannot actually buy the camera. You can only rent it, that too for upward of $16,000 per week. After spending the big bucks for the big equipment, you produce an 18K resolution movie with a 1.43:1 aspect ratio. Along with that, you get to market your movie as “Shot with IMAX Film Cameras.”

An IMAX Film Camera that uses films to capture images and shooting from these gives you "Shot with IMAX Film Cameras" title

Digital Cameras

The number of movies shot with IMAX film cameras is very low as are only 12 of them in the entire world. Even when movies are shot with them, it’s mostly limited to select sequences. Even then, it is one of the major highlights of the movie. Given the limited number of IMAX film cameras, IMAX Corporation expanded its wings into digital cameras as well in 2020. Here, IMAX Corporation certified certain high–end digital cameras that could shoot in resolutions of up to 8K and a 1.90:1 aspect ratio.

As you can see, the resolution and aspect ratio are not on par with the OG IMAX film cameras. Due to this, movies shot with IMAX-certified digital cameras market themselves as “Filmed for IMAX.”

A set of digital cameras from various companies certified by IMAX, using these cameras grants you "Filmed for IMAX" title

Even when a movie has used IMAX film cameras and film format, it doesn’t mean you’re getting the full IMAX experience. That’s because you’ll still need an IMAX theatre with IMAX projectors and a sound system to be able to get the full experience. Let’s start with IMAX Projectors.

Projectors

There are three different types of IMAX projectors: IMAX 15/70 mm film projector, IMAX with Laser, and IMAX Xenon. IMAX 15/70 mm film projector is the real deal here. This is the old school projector where the film is running through a light source in order to project it onto the screen. IMAX 15/70 mm film projector runs the film at a speed of over 1.5 metres per second through a light source. The said light source is a Short Arc Lamp with 15,000 Watts of power. This projector allows you to project movies with 18K resolution onto massive screens that can be up to 38 X 22m in size.

IMAX Projectors
IMAX Digital Projector on the left and IMAX Film Projector on the right

IMAX With Laser

The second-best thing is the IMAX with Laser projectors that can project onto massive IMAX screens, albeit not on 18K. IMAX with Laser uses dual 4K projectors, where both the projectors project images superimposed on one another. The images from these projectors only have a half-pixel offset. IMAX with Laser can project movies in a 1.43:1 ratio using this clever technology.

IMAX Digital

Finally, IMAX Xenon is the weakest projector among the bunch. Also known as IMAX Digital, it uses a dual projector system similar to IMAX with Laser. But the projectors used are only of 2K resolution, which offers the same quality as a normal theatre. This projector can only achieve an aspect ratio of 1.90:1, which again isn’t drastically different from the normal aspect ratio of 2.40:1. Only offering 1/8th the resolution and not offering the real IMAX aspect ratio at all, critics refer to IMAX Xenon as “LieMAX.”

Theatres

IMAX theatre with audienceMoving onto theatres, there are two types of IMAX theatres. First of which is a purpose-built theatre with signature IMAX seating. The seating of these theatres can be rather steep and curved around the screen. These types of theatres are gigantic, with multiple–storied screens. Some of them even have curved screens. These theatres may have both IMAX Film Projectors and IMAX with Laser. There are only 55 theatres worldwide that have IMAX 15/70 Film Projectors. The other ones are much smaller retrofitted auditoriums. These auditoriums are more likely to feature IMAX Xenon. Some of them may have IMAX with Laser at best.

Sound System

Sound System

In terms of sound system, IMAX uses DTS:X audio technology with 12 channels of surround sound. We may say it is the second-best thing after something like Dolby Atmos with 64 channels of surround sound. Even though it may not be as good as Dolby Atmos, the IMAX sound system can still pack a punch. These speakers are capable of pushing out so much air that they can blow out candles.

What’s a Real IMAX?

To summarise, Real IMAX is basically any movie that checks all these boxes :

  1. Shot using an IMAX Camera that can be rented for $16,000 per week
  2. Uses IMAX (15/70 mm) film that is 83 times larger than standard film
  3. Played using IMAX Film Projector that uses 15,000 Watt Short Arc lamps as a light source
  4. Projected in a purpose-built theatre that can have a screen stretching multi-stories
  5. Projected in a 1.43:1 aspect ratio with a quality of up to 18K.

Checking all these boxes is extremely rare and difficult. Whenever all these boxes are checked, viewers get a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With off-the-charts picture quality and a screen that occupies the entire field of vision, viewers can feel as if they are inside the movie.

What about IMAX in Nepal?

Sadly, there are no IMAX theatres in Nepal. So, enjoying the epitome of a movie-going experience is not possible in Nepal. The best we have is a handful of theatres using a single 4K projector in one of their Audi. If you wish to watch a 15/70 IMAX movie, the nearest location to do so would be a 5-hour flight to Guangdong, China. Whereas, if you are going to settle for the second–best thing, i.e., IMAX with Laser, you could travel to New Delhi, India. The ticket will cost you upward of Rs. 500 (converted).

Possibility of IMAX in Nepal

Even though there are no IMAX theatres in Nepal at present, could we have one in the future? After all, we are pretty quick in introducing new technology in the country. Realistically speaking, the chances of an IMAX theatre being built in Nepal are next to none.

A quick search suggests that a single IMAX projector costs a minimum of 1,00,000 USD. Since we need a pair of those projectors to complete a setup, that’s 2,00,000 USD for projectors alone! An entire theatre can cost up to 10,00,000 USD or more. Assuming an exchange rate of 130, that would be 13 Crore Rupees or more! This hefty investment means that the tickets for IMAX shows will cost a minimum of Rs. 800 per person. Despite the growing movie culture in Nepal, we don’t think enough moviegoers are willing to pay the price for a single viewing.

On top of that, the only movies that would be available in IMAX format would be Hollywood movies, which isn’t the primary form of media consumed here in Nepal. Considering this, IMAX may not be a very profitable business, which in turn makes investment from a private corporation anytime soon rather unlikely.

Our only hope in introducing the coveted format to Nepal anytime soon would be from a public sector like a Museum. After all, IMAX was primarily used to shoot documentaries that cover larger-than-life spectacles, such as space exploration and summiting Everest. But we all know that such an investment from the public sector is rather unlikely too.

Conclusion

In conclusion, IMAX is the highest form of cinema in the World, and getting to witness it here at home anytime soon is rather unlikely. But, hey, we did not think we would see a day without load shedding in Nepal either. So, you never know!

Bose QuietComfort headphones leak a month ahead of its rumored launch

GadgetByte
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Bose QuietComfort headphones leak a month ahead of its rumored launch

The Bose QuietComfort was the latest pair of headphones to be leaked from the company that is best known for its top-tier noise-canceling. Even so, the leaked official-looking video goes over it by saying “legendary noise canceling” along with showing other features and designs. So, let’s go over what the Bose QuietComfort might feature as the release gets closer.

Bose QuietComfort Rumors:

Alike design 

The video renders a similar design to most of the recent Bose headphones (i.e., QuietComfort 45 and SE). By recent, I mean the headphones are a year or two years old now. These wireless headphones even match, to some extent, the freshly leaked QuietComfort Ultra headphones.

Bose QuietComfort headphones Equalizer Design

In addition to that, the Bose QuietComfort is said to release in three different colors: Black, Cloud White, and Cypress Green.

Connectivity

The footage shows how you can use the audio jack on the left earcup in the QuietComfort wireless headphones for a wired approach to listening to music. The USB-C port is on the other earcup for charging purposes. The leak also reveals a customizable equalizer within the Bose Music App.

Bose QuietComfort headphones Equalizer

Rest of the specs

Nonetheless, the video is only 29 seconds long and goes over just a few functionalities in brief. The most notable one is the noise-canceling, which I mentioned above. Additionally, the rumored video makes mention of an all-day battery, which likely means the headphones might last more than a day.

Bose QuietComfort headphones Battery

Bose QuietComfort Price (Expected):

The recent leaks suggest the Bose QuietComfort headphones could launch at around EUR 399.95 next month. This converts to around NPR 58,225 in Nepalese Rupee.

Headphone Leaked Launch Date Expected Price
Bose QuietComfort September 26 EUR 399.95

Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition goes official with 120Hz curved OLED screen

GadgetByte
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Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition goes official with 120Hz curved OLED screen

Earlier in this year’s new launches, the Y78+ came out first, and now Vivo has introduced the Y78+ (T1) Edition, which looks a lot like the regular model. This new version keeps the familiar 6.78-inch OLED display and uses the same chipset. In the following discussion, we’ll explore the details of the Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition, including its features, technical specifications, availability, and expected price in Nepal.

Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition Overview:

Design and Display

The Vivo Y78+ (T1) maintains the same design as the Vivo Y78+. The phone utilizes the “porcelain texture technology” for that. The available color options for the phone include Warm Sun Gold, Sky Blue, and Moon Shadow Black. It features a 6.78-inch curved OLED panel with a Full HD+ resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels.

Vivo-Y78-T1-Edition-design

The screen’s refresh rate is set at 120Hz, and it’s capable of displaying colors accurately with both a 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and a 105% NTSC color gamut. The front of the phone has a small hole in the center for the selfie camera.

Performance and Memory

Vivo has equipped the phone with a Snapdragon 695 chip. This chip highlights two powerful Cortex-A78 performance cores running at 2.2GHz, supported by six Cortex-A55 efficiency performance cores clocked at 1.7GHz. To handle graphics, there’s an Adreno 619 GPU.

Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G SoC

This processing power is paired with 8GB of LPDDR4x RAM. Users can opt for either 128 GB or 256 GB of UFS 2.2 storage. The phone operates on the latest Android 13 operating system, following Vivo’s custom OriginOS 3 interface.

Camera 

When it comes to taking pictures, the Vivo Y78+ (T1) has two cameras on the back. There’s a 50MP main camera equipped with OIS. Complementing this, there’s a 2MP camera and LED flash to help with lighting. On the front, there’s an 8MP camera for selfies and video calls.

Rest of the specs

The Y78+ (T1) is equipped with a bigger 5000mAh battery, which is capable of fast charging at 44W, just like the Y78+ base version. It also includes standard features like dual SIM support, 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, a USB-C port, and a 3.5mm audio jack.

Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition Specification:

  • Display: 6.78″ FHD+ Curved AMOLED, 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3, 105% NTSC
  • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 (6nm)
  • Memory: 8/12GB LPDDR4x RAM, 128/256GB UFS 2.2
  • Software & UI: Android 13 with OriginOS 3 on top
  • Rear Camera: Dual (50MP main with OIS, 2MP depth)
  • Front Camera: 8MP (hole-punch cutout)
  • Battery: 5000mAh with 44W charging
  • Connectivity: 5G connectivity, Wi-Fi 802.11ac, Bluetooth 5.1, GPS, USB-C port, 3.5mm audio jack.

Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition Price in Nepal

This smartphone is purchasable from Vivo’s China website, with no information yet about its availability in other markets. The 8GB RAM model with 128GB internal storage of Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition is listed for CNY 1,599, which could translate to a price of Rs. 35,000 if it becomes available in Nepal. On the other hand, the 256GB variant is priced at CNY 1,799, which could potentially be around Rs. 38,000 in Nepal.

Vivo Y78+ (T1) Edition Price in China (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
8/128GB CNY 1,599 Rs. 35,000
8/256GB CNY 1,799 Rs. 38,000
    • Meanwhile, check out our full review of Vivo iQOO Neo 7.

    Nokia G310 5G and C210 goes official with IP52 rating at affordable price

    Sonika Bhandari
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    Nokia G310 5G and C210 goes official with IP52 rating at affordable price

    HMD Global, renowned for its Nokia smartphones, has just taken the wraps off two new budget-friendly devices targeting the US market – the Nokia G310 5G and C210. Now, let’s dive into the features, specs, and prices of the upcoming Nokia smartphones and their price in Nepal.

    Nokia G310 5G Overview:

    The Nokia G310 5G stands out as a considerable option for users to experience the power of 5G connectivity without breaking the bank. The device is fitted with a Snapdragon 480 Plus 5G. Its Nordic design incorporates a combination of a polycarbonate body and aluminum chassis.

    Display and Camera

    It has a 6.56-inch HD LCD screen with 90Hz refresh rate. It features display protection of Gorilla Glass 3.

    In terms of camera, the upcoming device houses an 8MP selfie camera in a waterdrop notch. The rear camera setup boasts a 50MP main camera along with 2MP depth and 2MP macro sensors. Moreover, their cameras are accompanied by AI filters and an LED Flash.

    Nokia G310 price in Nepal

    Battery and Connectivity

    For battery, Nokia G310 boasts a 5,000 mAh non-removable cell. Moreover, 20W fast charging equips the device. For connectivity, it supports the usual USB Type-C cable and Bluetooth 5.1. It also includes a 3.5 mm audio jack and a micro-SD slot.

    Rest of the Features

    The G310 runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G chipset packed by Android 13 for OS. The storage and memory go up to 4/128GB. The device supports IP52 for dust and splash resistance. The device is available only in blue color.

    HMD Global has partnered with iFixit to create a device that can be easily self-repaired using provided guides and genuine spare parts, thanks to the innovative QuickFix design.

    Nokia C210 Overview:

    Nokia C210 boasts a Snapdragon 662 mobile platform for performance. Its sturdy metal chassis supports its durability.

    Display and Camera

    It comes with a large 6.3-inch HD+ display for visual experiences. For the camera, it has a dual-camera setup with a 13MP main camera supported by a 2MP depth sensor. On the front, it comes with a 5MP camera.

    Nokia C210 price in Nepal

    Battery and Connectivity

    For battery, Nokia C210 boasts a 3,000 mAh non-removable cell. For connectivity, it supports the usual USB Type-C cable and Bluetooth 5.0. It also includes a 3.5 mm audio jack and a micro-SD slot.

    Rest of the Features

    The G310 runs on Snapdragon 662 mobile platform packed by Android 13 for OS. The storage and memory go up to 3/32GB. The device supports IP52 for dust and splash resistance. The device is available only in grey color.

    Nokia G310 5G, Nokia C210 Specifications:

    Nokia G310 5G Nokia C210
    Dimension 6.5 x 2.98 x 0.34 inches 6.28 x 2.91 x 0.34 inches
    Weight 0.43 lb 0.37 lb
    Display 6.56-inch HD+, 90Hz 6.3-inch HD+, LCD, V-Notch
    Resolution 720 x 1612, 20:9 720×1560, 20:9
    Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 480+ 5G Qualcomm Snapdragon 662
    RAM 4GB 3GB
    Storage 128GB 32GB
    OS Android 13 Android 13
    Rear Camera 50MP primary + 2MP + 2MP 13MP primary + 2MP
    Selfie 8MP 5MP
    Battery 5000mAh 3000mAh
    Security Side Power key, Face Unlock Face Unlock
    Other USB-Type C, 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth 5.1, IP52 dust and water resistance. USB-Type C, 3.5mm jack, Bluetooth 5.0, IP52 dust and water resistance.

    Nokia G310 5G and Nokia C210: Price and Availability in Nepal

    The Nokia G310 5G is set to launch on August 24 for an affordable price of just $186. This particular phone is designed for individuals seeking an economical smartphone option. It will be available at T-mobile and Metro by T-Mobile outlets and online in the US.

    Furthermore, the price for the new Nokia C210 is USD 109. Starting from September 14, customers can find it at Metro by T-Mobile outlets and online in the US. We will let you know once the devices get launched in Nepal.

    Check out the table to find out the expected price of the Nokia G310 5G and the Nokia C210 in Nepal.

    Nokia Phones Price in the US (Official) Price in Nepal (Expected)
    Nokia G310 5G USD 186 NPR 24,899
    Nokia C210 USD 109 NPR 14,599
    • Meanwhile, check out the unboxing and review video of the Nokia G20 [Nepali].

    HP Victus 15 (2023) Review: Still Going Strong!

    GadgetByte
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    HP Victus 15 (2023) Review: Still Going Strong!

    Hey Guys! I’m back again with yet another gaming laptop review — this time, it’s the 2023 edition of Victus 15 from HP. The Victus series, as you know, is a more affordable gaming lineup. HP has not made any substantial change to Victus 15, having debuted the very first model just last year. The biggest change, however, is the addition of new CPU and GPU options. This new breed of Victus 15 laptops now rock the latest 13th Gen Intel “Raptor Lake” CPUs. On the GPU front, HP has gotten rid of the GTX GPUs, with even the base models now boasting Ray Tracing capabilities.

    HP Victus 15 (2023) Specifications:

    • Display: 15.6-inch IPS LCD, 144Hz refresh rate, Anti-glare, 250 nits, 45% NTSC
    • Resolution: FHD (1920 x 1080 pixels)
    • Keyboard: Full-size keyboard with NumPad
    • Processor: Intel Core i5-13420H CPU, Up to Core i7-13700H
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 “Refresh,” Up to RTX 4050
    • RAM: 16GB DDR4-3200
    • Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen4 NVMe M.2 SSD
    • Audio: Bang & Olufsen tuned dual speakers
    • Battery: 3-cell 70 Wh Li-ion polymer
    • Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E AX211, Bluetooth 5.2
    • I/O Ports: 1x USB Type-A (HP Sleep and Charge), 1x USB Type-A, 1x RJ45, 1x combo audio jack, 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB Type-C (DisplayPort 1.4, HP Sleep and Charge)
    • Price in Nepal: Rs. 120,000
    Buy HP Victus 15 (2023) here

    HP Victus 15 (2023) Pricing:

    In India, the price starts at Rs. 105,000 for Core i5-13500H and RTX 4050 configuration, which I feel is kinda steep. So I suggest waiting for the base variant, which brings Core i5-13420H and the refreshed RTX 3050 graphics. This new RTX 3050 boasts 6GB of GDDR6 VRAM compared to just the original one and a maximum configurable TGP of 75W, which is what you find here with up to 75W TGP, which is what you find here. 

    This exact model costs Rs. 120,000 in Nepal and some 800 dollars in the US for 16GB RAM and 512GB storage option. I know this is not exactly a gaming powerhouse but a modest setup for beginners, which is what Victus is all about.

    HP Victus 15 (2023) Review:

    Performance

    • Intel Core i5-13420H CPU
    • NVIDIA GTX 3050 “Refresh” (discrete GPU)
    • 16GB DDR4 RAM, 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD

    For students watching this, it can handle all of your academic projects along with intermediate C programs if you are getting into programming. You won’t feel missed out if you are a regular office-goer like me. This handled my workload pretty well, which mostly involves brainstorming new content ideas, researching key points, and finally, jotting down the scripts.

    For this, I have tons of Chrome tabs all the time, along with LibreOffice. My work duty also requires adjusting photos and visuals for our website and social media handles which this laptop was able to handle without breaking a sweat.

    Gaming Tests

    HP Victus 15 2023 Review - Control Gameplay

    I know you guys are not really here for this office titbit, so let me quickly move on to gaming. And the Victus didn’t disappoint in this regard either. With a CPU-intensive game like CS: GO, I was getting around 215 fps on average. The 1% and 0.1% low are high as well, resulting in a mostly stutter and lag-free experience.

    Comparatively heavier games like GTA V, the laptop scored a decent 95 fps on medium settings with 1% and 0.1% fps at 56.6 and 48.7, respectively.

    To push the RTX 3050 GPU a bit more, I took on a high-speed journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Forza Horizon 5. Here too, the Victus 15 impressed me with 92.6 average fps on high graphics preset. With a respectable average 65 fps, the game was playable even at ultra settings.

    I was able to play Borderlands 3 at both Medium and high settings with average fps lingering at 66.3 and 94.3, respectively. 

    And since this laptop has dedicated RT cores, I had to test some Ray Tracing-compatible games. Control was the first game that came into my mind, so I fired up the game on Medium settings. And while the visuals were stunning, it came at the expense of stability, with a 0.1% low dropping by almost half. The gameplay was still salvageable as turning on DLSS brought the scores to normal.

    This way, you can even play Cyberpunk 2077 at Medium graphics and Ray Tracing which would not be possible otherwise. 

    Thermals

    And all the time I played these games, the laptop remained relatively cool. The maximum surface temperature that I recorded of this thing was 42 degrees near the number pad, and it, too, was not that frequent. For most of the time, the temperature remained below 40, and the WASD and surrounding regions were even cooler at around 38 degrees.

    So the thermals of the new Victus 15 keep up even with extended gaming sessions. One thing that’s a little annoying is the fan noise. The dual cooling fans remain silent during day-to-day tasks but get into action real quick as you start to game and they are a bit too audible when they do. So I recommend getting good wired headphones for a more immersive experience 

    The 3.5mm headphone jack is on the right, together with a USB port. All other ports are on the left side. This includes another USB-A, a USB-C, an ethernet, and a display output. 

    I found the ports to be too rigid than usual, making plugging peripherals in and out a bit of exercise. Every time I did it, I had this feeling that I would break something. 

    Ports

    The reason I’m complaining about this seemingly minor issue is that the touchpad on this laptop is just trash. So you will have to resort to using an external mouse not just for gaming but also for normal tasks. So, unless you just leave your laptop at the desk all the time, you will have to bear with rigid ports.

    The touchpad is actually spacious, and the off-center placement does reduce accidental touches, but that’s about it. The tracking is too sloppy, and clicks are too unpredictable for me to like it. 

    Keyboard

    • Full-size Keyboard with number pad
    • White Backlight

    Fortunately, the keyboard is just the opposite of this. It’s a full-size keyboard with decent key travel that makes for a pleasurable typing experience. Even gaming is not a problem. Plus, the inclusion of dedicated function keys and number pad makes it ideal for office productivity. These things are not as rare, but since some gaming laptops do skip them, I felt like mentioning it.

    HP Victus 15 2023 Review - Keyboard and Trackpad

    You don’t get fancy RGB backlighting here, but the white backlight does get the job done. Plus, there are additional indicators for things like Caps lock, mute, and trackpad status. It could be just me but I also find the overall effect the white backlight creates with the blue backdrop quite cool. 

    Design

    I really dig this premium blue shade of my review unit, which blends in well with almost any setting. It won’t raise many eyebrows, even if you take it to the office or college. It is also good at hiding smudges and marks, so it is more practical as well.

    HP Victus 15 2023 Review - Design

    The build quality, I would say,  is just decent. At this price point, you obviously can’t expect a metal chassis. This keyboard deck flexes when you really exert pressure on it, but it is not something you would notice in normal usage. You might think the area of the keyboard is for the speakers, but it’s actually not. They are placed on either side at the bottom. The audio quality is also not something to write home about. It feels flat and has noise at higher volume. 

    Display

    • 15.6″ anti-glare non-touch FHD IPS panel
    • 144Hz refresh rate

    Now let’s talk about the display. HP Victus 15 sports a 15.6-inch display with options for 60Hz and 144Hz panels. Given the overall specs of this machine, it is only logical to go with the latter. With just 48% of NTSC coverage, the laptop is not good for serious content creation, and 290 nits of brightness is also just above average.

    Battery

    • 3-cell 70 Wh Li-ion battery
    • 200W AC power adapter

    Finally, let’s talk about the battery. HP Victus 15 packs a 70Whr battery that lasted me around 4 to 5 hours on a full charge. It is not anything groundbreaking, but still decent for a gaming laptop nonetheless. You get a 200W adapter in the box that can fully charge the laptop in about 2 hours.

    HP Victus 15 2023 Review - Charging

    HP Victus 15 (2023) Review: Conclusion

    To sum it all up, HP Victus 15 is still a good gaming laptop if you are on a budget, the base variant, that is. The latest iteration gets rid of the aging GTX graphics, replacing GTX 1650 with RTX 3050 while embracing the power of the latest-gen Intel CPU, and it’s priced competitively. And at USD 800, there are not a lot of competitors in the market offering the same bit of all-round features, and you can get it for even cheaper during sales (USD 600). Availability can be an issue as the 13th gen models are not widely available yet in which case I recommend getting the last year’s models.

    HP Victus 15 (2023) Review: Pros and Cons

    Pros:

    • Latest 13th Gen CPUs
    • Ray Tracing on budget
    • Good Thermals

    Cons:

    • Passable speakers
    • Sub-par touchpad

    Google might mandate quality standards for upcoming foldables

    GadgetByte
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    2
    Google might mandate quality standards for upcoming foldables

    When it comes to durability of a foldable,  we have to rely on informal assurances from manufacturers and third-party fold tests. For example, a recent test showed that the Motorola Razr 40 Ultra, despite being rated for 400,000 cycles, only survived 126,266 folds. Thus, Google is reportedly considering introducing new quality standards for foldable smartphones to address concerns about their longevity and durability to replace false assurance.

    Google’s approach to addressing informal guarantees

    Longevity of Foldables

    According to information shared by Mishaal Rahman on his Patreon account (available through payment), Google is considering a plan to ensure that upcoming foldable devices have a long lifespan. The idea is that these devices should be able to handle at least 200,000 folds and unfolds. This would translate to roughly five years of use if someone opens their phone 100 times a day. For those who are more careful and only open it 50 times a day, the device might last up to ten years.

    Hinge Durability

    Furthermore, Google might require devices with a “torque hinge” to keep at least 80% of their initial strength after 200,000 uses. This move comes in response to issues highlighted in recent tests, such as the Galaxy Z Flip 5 losing its ability to hold half-closed angles after 223,000 folds. In simpler terms, Google wants free-stop hinges to stay strong and not become loose over time.

    Google’s Software Support Standards for Foldable

    Google might also mandate that original equipment manufacturers provide a minimum of two major OS updates and three years of security patches for foldable devices, aligning with the current industry trend of extended software support. This matches what other companies like Google, Samsung, and Oppo already do, where they provide updates for up to five years.

    Enhancing Reliability and Support for Foldable

    Given the high cost of these phones, experiencing a device breakdown or being left without support from the manufacturer would be undesirable. While Google hasn’t confirmed these changes yet, they are a step towards enhancing the reliability and performance of foldable smartphones. So, even though these guidelines aren’t very surprising, it’s still nice that Google is making sure of them.

    • Meanwhile, check out our review on Galaxy Z Fold 3.

    Xiaomi unveils CyberDog 2, a quadruped robot with lifelike design!

    Raizel Tandukar
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    0
    Xiaomi unveils CyberDog 2, a quadruped robot with lifelike design!

    Xiaomi just announced the Xiaomi CyberDog 2 in its latest launch event in China, along with various other interesting products and offerings. This quadruped robot is the successor to Xiaomi’s CyberDog, released last year, and boasts enhanced intelligence and lifelike characteristics.

    Xiaomi CyberDog 2 Overview:

    The cutting-edge robot from Xiaomi is compact in design and has a major design upgrade from its predecessor. Furthermore, the 12-limbed robot weighs a mere 8.9 kilos and takes inspiration from the dog breed Dobermann.

    This newest innovation in the field of robotics is equipped with Xiaomi’s proprietary CyberGear Micro–actuator. The technology provides increased torque, rapid responsiveness, and meticulous control to the CyberDog 2. On top of proprietary tech, CyberDog 2 has an impressive array of 19 sensors for vision, touch, and hearing.

    Features and specifications of Xiaomi CyberDog 2

    Binding the bleeding edge hardware is nigh open–source programming. Thus the coding, structural drawings, and even graphical programming for its various sensing capabilities are accessible to developers. This approach was taken by the company to foster collaboration among developers and further progress the field of bio–inspired robots.

    The combination of the hardware and software provides the robot with agile mobility and the ability to perform challenging manoeuvres. For example, running at a speed of 1.6 m/s, performing continuous backflips, and fall recovery.

    Xiaomi CyberDog 2 Specifications:

    • Dimensions:
      • Standing: 562 x 339 x 481mm
      • Resting: 603 x 339 x 300mm
    • Weight: 8.9 ± 0.5kg
    • CPU: 6-core NVIDIA Carmel ARM v8.2 64-bit CPU
    • GPU: 384-core NVIDIA Volta GPU with 48 Tensor Cores
    • RAM: 8GB  LPDDR4x (128-bit)
    • Storage: 16GB eMMC 5.1, 32GB Class 10 SSD
    • Depth camera module: Intel Realsense D430
    • Hearing: 4–mic array with Xiaomi AI voice algorithm
    • Sensors: Touch sensor, LiDAR, Acoustic sensor, TOF
    • Mobility: Dynamic balance, Fall recovery, Fall protection
    • Wireless Connectivity: WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth 5.0
    • Battery: 4500mAh (97.2 Wh) Lithium-ion Polymer
    • Battery Life: 90 minutes
    • Charging Time: 90 minutes

    Xiaomi CyberDog 2 Price and Availability

    Just like any bleeding-edge technology in the world, CyberDog 2 obviously comes with a hefty price tag. The official price is CNY 12,999 and it will go on sale in China pretty soon.

    Robot Price in China (Official)
    Xiaomi CyberDog 2 CNY 12,999
    • Meanwhile, check out our review of Redmi Watch 3 Active.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is now available in Nepal

    Nikhil Shrestha
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    1
    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 is now available in Nepal

    Samsung’s latest foldables are here in Nepal, which includes the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5. And in this article, we’ll be taking an in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5, including its features, complete specs, and official price in Nepal.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Price in Nepal 

    The price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 in Nepal is NPR 226,999 for the 12/256GB and NPR 239,999 for the 12/512GB model. It’s up for pre-order until August 30 through authorized stores like Hukut with exciting offers and freebies. Which includes (but is not limited to) 1-year breakage insurance and 1-time protection film replacement for free.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Price in Nepal (Official)
    12/256GB NPR 226,999
    12/512GB NPR 239,999

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Pre-Booking Offers in Nepal

    As for the offers, if you pre-book the base 256GB variant of the Samsung Galaxy Fold 5, you can opt for free storage upgrade to 512GB and also get a Slim S Pen cover. Moreover, there is also the option to buy a 24″ monitor or a Galaxy Watch 6 Classic at discounted prices as well.

    • Free memory upgrade (to 512GB) and Slim S Pen Cover OR 24″ Essential S3 Monitor at NPR 3,000 OR Galaxy Watch 6 Classic at NPR 40,000.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Overview:

    Design and Build

    Okay, they’ve done it, they’ve finally done it. After four long years in the foldable industry, Samsung has finally figured out a way to design a gapless hinge on the Fold 5. Well, fifth time’s the charm, right? And thanks to the redesigned “Flex Hinge” — as Samsung calls it — it’s also about a millimeter thinner and 10 grams lighter than the Galaxy Z Fold 4 that it replaces. 

    Those are pretty impressive stuff but it still doesn’t compare to something like the Huawei Mate X3, Honor Magic V2, or the new Xiaomi MIX Fold 3 in terms of a sleek and lightweight design. Whereas this new droplet-style hinge also means a less noticeable crease on the main display.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 - Color Options

    As far as durability is concerned, the Fold 5 uses the same “Armor Aluminum” frame as last year. Although Samsung has upgraded to the newer Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 protection at the back and the cover display, which brings improved drop resistance against rough surfaces. While most of the early leaks suggested that the Fold 5 would finally get dust protection as well, it is still only IPX8 certified against water damage. 

    And like its predecessors, Samsung says its newest book-style foldable has been tested to survive at least 200,000 folds. Other than this, the Galaxy Fold 5 gets a couple of fresh color options this time. Including “Icy Blue” and “Cream”, while the classic “Phantom Black” finish carries on. All with a matte finish at the back alongside glossy side rails. 

    Display

    Coming to the display, there’s not much to look forward to here. The one on the front is this 6.2” Dynamic AMOLED panel with an HD+ resolution, a 120Hz refresh rate, and a 23.1:9 aspect ratio yet again. Whereas its main display measures 7.6” tall and gets all the goodies of the cover screen. The only notable bit of upgrade is that the Fold 5’s main display now has a peak brightness of 1,750 nits compared to Fold 4’s 1,000 nits.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 - Display

    And while it’s also S Pen compatible, Samsung still hasn’t managed to fit the stylus inside the phone itself. Instead, the company is offering a new “Slim S Pen Case” which — as the name implies — is pretty slim versus Samsung’s official case for the Fold 4. Oh, and the updated S Pen Fold Edition itself is 41% slimmer too.

    Performance

    On the performance front, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 is powered by the bespoke edition of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor. Like the Galaxy S23 series. Just to jog your memory, this Samsung-exclusive “Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy” chip has roughly 5% faster CPU and GPU than the regular 8 Gen 2. And complementing it all is 12GB of RAM and up to a terabyte of storage. 

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy

    As for software, the phone boots on One UI 5.1.1, on top of Android 13. And it seems that Samsung hasn’t cooked up any new (at least any excitingly new) software tricks to go along with its latest foldable. That PC-like taskbar for quickly launching or switching between apps is still here and it can now hold up to four recent apps on the side. Although this feature should be coming to older Galaxy Z Folds shortly as well. And like Samsung’s other flagship phones, the Fold 5 will also be getting 4 years of OS and 5 years of security updates.

    Cameras

    Unfortunately, things get even worse in the camera department as Samsung has just copy-and-pasted what was there on the Fold 4. That means you’re getting the same 50MP ISOCELL GN3 primary, a 12MP ultrawide, and a 10MP telephoto lens at the back with 3x optical and 30x digital zoom.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 - Cameras

    With the main and telephoto cameras retaining optical image stabilization too. You can also take selfies from either of them, but there’s a dedicated 10MP front-facing camera on the cover display and a 4MP unit hidden underneath the main display.

    Rest of the specs

    Despite its slimmer and lighter build quality, the Galaxy Z Fold 5 retains the same 4400mAh battery as its predecessor. But with that better-optimized Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip, it should deliver relatively better screen time anyway. And when you need to fill it up again, the Fold 5 supports up to 25W fast wired charging. Alongside 10W wireless and 4.5W reverse wireless charging. In terms of security, you get a side-mounted fingerprint sensor here.

    Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 Specifications:

    • Body: 253 grams, IPX8 water-resistant, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2, Armor Aluminum frame
      • Folded: 154.9 x 67.1 x 13.4 mm
      • Unfolded: 154.9 x 129.9 x 6.1 mm
    • Display:
      • Cover: 6.2″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (48 – 120Hz)
      • Main: 7.6″ Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz adaptive refresh rate (LTPO)
    • Resolution:
      • Cover: HD+ (2316 x 904 pixels), 23.1:9 aspect ratio
      • Main: QXGA+ (2176 x 1812 pixels), 21.6:18 aspect ratio
    • Other Properties: Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 (Cover display), HDR10+
    • Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy (4nm Mobile Platform)
    • CPU: Octa-core:
      – 1x Cortex-X3 (3.36 GHz)
      – 2x Cortex-A715 (2.80 GHz)
      – 2x Cortex-A710 (2.80 GHz)
      – 3x Cortex-A510 (2.0 GHz)
    • GPU: Adreno 740
    • Memory: 12GB LPDDR5 RAM, 256/512GB/1TB UFS 3.1 storage (non-expandable)
    • Software & UI: Android 13 with Samsung’s One UI 5.1.1 on top
    • Rear Camera: Triple (with LED flash);
      – Primary: 50MP f/1.8 sensor, DPAF, OIS
      – Ultrawide: 12MP f/2.2 sensor, 123º FOV
      – Telephoto: 10MP f/2.4 sensor, 3x optical zoom, OIS
    • Selfie Camera:
      – Outer: 10MP f/2.2 sensor
      – Inner: 4MP f/1.8, second-gen Under-Display Camera (UDC)
    • Audio: Stereo speaker with Dolby Atmos audio, No headphone jack
    • Security: Side-mounted (capacitive), Face unlock
    • Sensors: Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro, Geomagnetic, Hall, Proximity, Light
    • Connectivity: Dual-SIM (Nano + eSIM), Wi-Fi 6E (dual-band), Bluetooth 5.3, GPS / Galileo / Glonass / BeiDou, NFC, UWB, 4G LTE (VoLTE), 5G
    • Battery: 4400mAh battery with 25W wired charging (no power adapter provided)
    • Wireless Charging: Yes (10W), 4.5W reverse wireless charging
    • Color Options: Icy Blue, Phantom Black, Cream

    Meanwhile, check our OPPO Find N2 review

    Honor 90 Lite 5G with Dimensity 6020 5G SoC is now available for purchase

    Mintu
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    1
    Honor 90 Lite 5G with Dimensity 6020 5G SoC is now available for purchase

    Along with the Honor 90, its Lite version Honor 90 Lite is also here in Nepal. This midrange phone comes with toned-down specs as compared to the Honor 90, including a Dimensity 6020 chip, a 90Hz IPS display, and more. In this article, we’ll walk through the specs, features, and official price of the Honor 90 Lite 5G in Nepal.

    Honor 90 Lite 5G Overview:

    Design and Display

    As for design, the Honor 90 Lite 5G bears flat frames with curved edges. It measures 7.48mm thick while weighing just 179 grams. And looking at the back of the phone, we can see that its camera module forms a Venn diagram of sorts. Honor ships this phone in three color options: Midnight Black, Titanium Silver, and Cyan Lake.

    Honor 90 Lite 5G Design and Display

    Up front, you are greeted with a 6.7-inch LTPS LCD screen with a 90Hz refresh rate. And this FHD+ display has 1080 x 2388 pixels. Honor has  provided quite thin bezels on all three sides with a slightly thicker chin on bottom side.

    Performance

    Running the show is a Dimensity 6020 chipset, fabbed under a 7nm process. This Mediatek SoC supports 5G connectivity and features two Cortex-A76 cores at up to 2.2 GHz and six Cortex-A55 units clocked at up to 2 GHz. While handling the graphics is a Mali-G57 GPU. If all that sounded a little too familiar, it’s because Dimensity 6020 is just a rebranded Dimensity 700 from back in 2021.

    Still for those day-to-day chores and little bit of gaming, the processor can handle it. Memory-wise, you get 8GB RAM and 256GB of internal storage. And the phone boots on MagicOS 7.1 built on top of Android 13 out of the box.

    Camera

    Getting to the optics, the Honor 90 Lite 5G sports triple cameras at the back. This is headlined by a 100MP primary sensor, followed by a 5MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro unit. On the front, you get a 16MP shooter for selfies and video calls.

    Honor 90 Lite 5G Camera

    Battery and Others

    Fueling the smartphone is a 4,500mAh battery with 22.5W fast charging support. As for the connectivity options, the phone includes 5G, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, GPS, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. Furthermore, you get a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for biometrics security.

    Honor 90 Lite 5G Specifications:

    • Dimensions: 162.9 × 74.5 × 7.48mm, 179 grams
    • Display: 6.7-inch LTPS LCD (FHD), 90Hz refresh rate, 19.9:9 aspect ratio
    • Chipset: Mediatek Dimensity 6020 5G (7nm)
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM, 256/512GB storage (non-expandable)
    • Software & UI: Honor MagicOS 7.1 on top of Android 13
    • Rear Camera: Triple
      • 100MP primary, f/1.9
      • 5MP ultrawide, f/2.2, 112°
      • 2MP macro, f/2.4
    • Front Camera: 16MP, f/2.45 (hole-punch)
    • Security: Fingerprint sensor (side-mounted)
    • Battery: 4500mAh with 22.5W fast charging
    • Colors: Midnight Black, Titanium Silver, and Cyan Lake

    Honor 90 Lite Price in Nepal and Availability

    The Honor 90 Lite 5G price in Nepal is set at Rs. 31,990 for the sole 8/256GB version. Hukut Store is offering Ultima Atom 192 worth Rs. 2,799 for free.

    Honor 90 Lite 5G Price in Nepal  (Official)
    8/256GB NPR 31,990
    Buy Honor 90 Lite here

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic with beloved rotating bezel now in Nepal

    Sonika Bhandari
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    1
    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic with beloved rotating bezel now in Nepal

    Samsung launched a bunch of new products in the latest “Galaxy Unpacked” event, including the Galaxy Z Fold 5, Z Flip 5, Tab S9 series, and the Watch 6 Series. It includes the vanilla Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic. Here, we’ll be talking about the latter, which brings back the beloved physical rotating bezel. To recall, the company ditched this in favor of a digital one on last year’s Galaxy Watch 5 series. So, let’s get into the specs, features, and official price in Nepal of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in this article.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Overview:

    Design and Display

    While the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic regains a physical rotating bezel, the regular Galaxy Watch 6 has the same digital rotating bezel as its predecessor. The Classic model is available in two dial sizes: 43mm and 47mm, contrary to how the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro came in a single 45mm option only. In terms of colorways, it comes in “Black” and “Silver” options.

    Other than this, Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series has a Super AMOLED display — a 1.3-inch and 1.5-inch panel on the 43mm and 47mm dial versions, respectively — with Sapphire Crystal glass protection on top. It also features an IP68 rating and 5 ATM water resistance.

    Exynos W930 chip

    Samsung has also upgraded to Exynos W930 processor this time, which reportedly brings 18% faster performance. Complementing this 5nm-fabbed chip is 2GB RAM and 16GB of internal storage, while it supports Bluetooth 5.3 and dual-band WiFi. In terms of software, the Galaxy Watch 6 duo is the very first smartwatches to boot on the new Wear OS 4 platform.

    Health and fitness tracking

    Moving on, the Watch 6 Classic brings over 90 workout modes, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, weight lifting, and more. Whereas in terms of health tracking, it includes real-time heart rate, SpO2, women’s health, blood pressure, and skin temperature measurement. To do so, it uses the same-old 3-in-1 BioActive sensor.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic - Design

    But Samsung says it has improved sleep monitoring this time, with more data and better suggestions. Other than this, these new smartwatches can now send you irregular heart rate notifications too. Similarly, fall detection and automatic SOS alert to emergency contacts have gotten better as well.

    Battery and others

    And like the vanilla Galaxy Watch 6, the Classic variant packs a bigger battery: a 300mAh unit on the 43mm and a 425mAh one on the 47mm variant. In terms of charging, it supports 10W fast charging like last year and uses the same ER-OR900 charger as the Watch 5 series. And just like its vanilla sibling, this guy can also double as a remote plus a display monitor for snapping selfies from your Galaxy smartphones. Other than that, it also supports eSIM connectivity.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Specifications:

      Galaxy Watch 6 Classic
    Dimensions and Weight
    • 47mm: 46.35 x 46.5 x 10.9 mm, 59 gm
    • 43mm: 42.5 x 42.5 x 10.9 mm, 52 gm
    Case Material  Aluminum
    Display 
    • 47mm: 1.5″, 450 × 450 pixels
    • 43mm: 1.3″, 396 × 396 pixels
    Display Type  Super AMOLED with AOD, 2,000 nits peak brightness
    Processor  Exynos W930 (5nm), 2x Cortex-A55 cores (1.4GHz)
    RAM  2GB
    Internal Storage  16GB
    Connectivity  LTE, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n 2.4+5GHz, NFC, GPS / Glonass / Beidou / Galileo
    Software  One UI Watch 5 based on Wear OS 4
    Sensors  Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Heart Rate + Electrical Heart Signal + Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor
    Band Size 20mm (M/L)
    Durability Rating  5 ATM + IP68 certified | MIL-STD-810G compliant
    Battery 
    • 47mm: 425mAh
    • 43mm: 300mAh
    Charging  Wireless charging

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Price in Nepal and Availability

    You can now buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic from Hukut and other authorized stores in Nepal. The price is Rs. 64,999 for the sole 47mm variation with Bluetooth connectivity.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic Price in Nepal (Official) Availability
    Watch 6 Classic (47mm) Rs. 64,999 Hukut

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