 | | Cool Kinda like Free_Phone IP I will dl and test it out too yeah! | |
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 | | | Re: Cool I have been using it off and on for a month.
It works thru nat-routers WITHOUT having to create a DMZ or to open all ports. | |
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|  mario55
join:2002-02-12
Pompano Beach, FL | this is very cool, i have been useing it abnout a month now too, and a friedn of mines uses it to talk to her mom in isreal | |
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 RobIn Deo speramus, God Bless the USAPremium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
kudos:2 | So the only good thing.. So the only good thing about Skype is that it's encrypted? I use Yahoo! messenger to speak to friends, broadband users as well as dialup users can talk to me using Yahoo! Voice. And it's free. | |
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|  justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 | Re: So the only good thing.. No the other good thing is the voice quality is much better than Yahoo messenger. | |
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| | RobIn Deo speramus, God Bless the USAPremium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
kudos:2 | Re: So the only good thing.. said by justin:
No the other good thing is the voice quality is much better than Yahoo messenger.
Different PCS, different connections, different equipment will make the quality appear better/worse. For me, the quality on yahoo is very good. For others, it isn't. Same goes for the CEO of Vonage who felt the quality of Skype was bad.. you had different opinons.
None the less, excellent review! And excellent website Justin! Keep up the great work! | |
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| | | justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 Host:
IPv6
Business Connectiv..
Console/Handheld g..
Console Tech
Home/Office setup ..
| Re: So the only good thing.. no that isn't quite right. All these voice over IP products pick a certain codec and the bitrate of that codec determines how good the quality is. No VOIP products have yet gone to 128kbit, as far as I know. They all have maximum rates less than that.
The vonage guy who said skype sounds bad probably had a bad connection. If you have a good connection, 128k is easy to hit, but only if the software is there to go that high. | |
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| | | |  MxxCon
join:1999-11-19
Brooklyn, NY
2 edits | not exactly 128kbit Justin i believe you are mistaken that it is using 128kbit codec.
i used bandwidth monitor to see how much traffic Skype was using..tried to compare it to Vonage's (supposedly) 9-11k/s..
to my somewhat surprise during 1-on-1 call Skype was using a constant bidirectional stream of data at 5k/s(even when both parties were silent..)
so from my experience it can not possibly be using 128kbit.
I'm not saying Skype sounds bad(it's defiantly not), just saying that it doesn't look like 128kbit...
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| | | | | justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 Host:
IPv6
Business Connectiv..
Console/Handheld g..
Console Tech
Home/Office setup ..
1 edit | Re: not exactly 128kbit From their FAQ
quote:
Skype automatically selects the best codec depending on the connection between yourself and the person you are calling. On average, Skype uses between 3-16 kilobytes/sec – depending on bandwidth available for other party, network conditions in between, callers CPUs, etc.
Maybe for your connection it decided not to be so hi-IQ
16 kb/sec is 128kbit, near enough. | |
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| | | | | | MxxCon
join:1999-11-19
Brooklyn, NY | Re: not exactly 128kbit well, sound quality was as good as i ever heard at home or at work..however i measured bandwidth only from home.
but i haven't found any mention of 128kbit or any other bitrate it uses..
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[Sig removed by Administrator: Signature can not exceed 20GB] | |
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| | | |  rchandraStargate Universe fanPremium
join:2000-11-09
14225-2105 | Re: So the only good thing.. said by justin:
No VOIP products have yet gone to 128kbit, as far as I know. They all have maximum rates less than that.
...and to me, there is a very pragmatic reason for that: there are just a boatload of people like me who only have 128K up...that'd be most of the rest of residential VZ people. And this rate sucks too, because I can't make usable 3-way calls; it seems I would need at least 256K up.
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English is a difficult enough language to interpret correctly when its rules are followed, let alone when a writer chooses not to follow those rules. Blog is here | |
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| | | | | justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 | Re: So the only good thing.. complain to verizon.
Upstream should be 512k at least by now. I am on 768 and it is very nice indeed. I can upload pictures to forums or websites without timing out, for one example. | |
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| | | | | | rchandraStargate Universe fanPremium
join:2000-11-09
14225-2105 | Re: So the only good thing.. I guess the question is, if they did increase upstream, at what price? I would have hoped for more upstream at $60/mo. as it was before their current plan of $35/mo., but it looks like if I want the next offered tier, 384K, it's going to be biz-class and $90/mo. If you think about it, VZ have a vested interest in not providing enough bandwidth for VoIP. sigh....
Power Stink? maybe. Experience in this area varies widely, from not so many problems, to the typical cable modem nightly slowdowns and packet loss.
It just stinks, especially compared to other areas of the world.
--
English is a difficult enough language to interpret correctly when its rules are followed, let alone when a writer chooses not to follow those rules. Blog is here | |
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| | | | Thanks for the review.
I have got a couple of friends to try this. it sounds great. We currently use ventrilo (»www.ventrilo.com) which is similar to Team-speak but only a lot better in terms of sound quality. Skype's sound quality is just as good as Ventrilo.
As for using Skype as a tool for online-gamers to communicate. I would wonder how much bandwidth is used, more so upstream bandwidth. I would guess if it's 'near' 128bit mp3 quality then the bandwidth it uses would be quite high, Even more so during a conference call? Unless you're all connected to some Skype server and using some of their bandwidth to transmit.
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BBR Gaming Server Admin.
gaming.broadbandreports.com | |
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 CorvusFlaming Tards Since 2003Premium,VIP
join:2003-11-26 |  Ok for voice...
| |
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| | | Re: Ok for voice... iChat (»www.apple.com/ichat/) does that. You can do video and voice all for free and it works amazingly good!
You would need a Mac though. I would think there would be something like that for the PC?? | |
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 graysonfPremium,MVM
join:1999-07-16
Fort Lauderdale, FL | Nothing really new Maybe this is just the next one of these things to come along but nothing really new.
Speak-Freely predates it by years, and PGP-Phone by almost a decade, although neither of these really caught on. But the same thing can also be said for dozens of other, albeit non-encrypted soft phones that have come and gone over the years.
In fact, the one that started it all, and also fell by the wayside was IPhone by Volcaltec that used to employ none other than the current VoIP guru Jeff Pulver. | |
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| mario55
join:2002-02-12
Pompano Beach, FL | Re: Nothing really new not new, but this is very catchy ,... at least i think it is | |
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 MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | Great This is nice and all, but I'm not really paranoid enough to need my calls encrypted.
Aside from the fact I don't use my HOME phone very often, much less talk to people online via voice.
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Edwards in 2004 | |
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| | | Re: Great I'm not sure why they say it requires a broadband connection. I use it and talk to people all over the world on my 56k and it works and sounds great. Just don't go downloading and surfing the net while doing it. | |
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| | oldframePipe DreamsPremium
join:2003-07-26
Houston, TX Reviews:
 ·TvMax
| Re: Great ok, let's see...
56k modem, 56kilobits... we'll say you connect at 49,333, or 49kb/s. Now, the review says that the codec runs at 128kilobit. The quality has to be VERY degraded.
--
Gotta love SBC's 6000/608 plan for $44.99! | |
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| | | | | Re: Great said by oldframe:
ok, let's see...
56k modem, 56kilobits... we'll say you connect at 49,333, or 49kb/s. Now, the review says that the codec runs at 128kilobit. The quality has to be VERY degraded.
The website (www.skype.com) states:
quote:
How much bandwidth does Skype use while I’m in a call?
Skype automatically selects the best codec depending on the connection between yourself and the person you are calling. On average, Skype uses between 3-16 kilobytes/sec – depending on bandwidth available for other party, network conditions in between, callers CPUs, etc.
So you're looking at a max of 16 kilobytes per second, or 128 kilobits per second.
--
psychowolfman, webmaster
»www.saskmetal.com | |
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| | | | | | Re: Great yeah 128 kilobits per second, and you're connected at 49 kilobits per second.
With TCP/IP overhead you are probably only able to utilize about 40 - 45 kilobits at the best network conditions.
You'll probably notice that it sounds thrice as good if you upgrade to a better I-net connection.
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Asus A7N8X, Athlon XP 2500+ Unlocked Barton, 768MB Melco PC2700, Win 2K, 3 Case Fans, DD Maze 3, Z-Chip WB, Eheim 1250 pump | |
|
 MoonjoPremium
join:2001-10-29
Aurora, CO | Qualtiy is really superb! The quality of service with Skype is very good if not excellent. Consider this, the current version is still beta and it's free. I've used RogerWilco for playing online and TeamSpeak. Skype's quality out distances both those. The big draw back for Skype with playing online is that it is only a 1-to-1 connection, making it unsuitable for multiplayer voice chats. But multi-user voice chat is coming, or so the makers of Skype say.
The quality of Skype is better than my mobile phone service (I have Verizon) when I call my cousin in Vegas. At the very least it's worth a try.  | |
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| | |  Re: Qualtiy is really superb!
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| justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 | they added 5 way calling this week. | |
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| | MoonjoPremium
join:2001-10-29
Aurora, CO | Re: Qualtiy is really superb! Really?? Cool! I'll download/upgrade tonight and check it out. | |
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 heels_fan1.20.09 The start of SocialismPremium
join:2003-02-07
Columbia, TN
kudos:1 | XP only PLEASE skype will only work for WinXP correct?
Minimum System Requirements:
PC running Windows 2000 or XP
400 MHz processor
128 MB RAM
10 MB free disk space on your hard drive
Sound Card, speakers and microphone
Internet Connection (either dial-up: minimum 36.6 Kbps modem, or any broadband: cable, DSL, etc.)
Recommended System Requirements:
PC running Windows 2000 or XP
1 GHz processor
256 MB RAM
30 MB free space on your hard drive
Full duplex sound card (most sound cards made after 1998), headset
Cable, DSL or equivalent broadband connection to Internet
--
This space for sale. Acquire within | |
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| | | Re: XP only PLEASE said by heels_fan:
skype will only work for WinXP correct?
According to the website FAQ, it's not supported under 98 or ME but it may work without problems. You have to remember that this is still beta software. So if you do try on 98/ME and come across a bug, let them know so that they can fix it.
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psychowolfman, webmaster
»www.saskmetal.com | |
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| |  georgequPremium
join:2003-05-10
Painesville, OH | Re: XP only PLEASE said by m3t4lw01f:
said by heels_fan:
skype will only work for WinXP correct?
According to the website FAQ, it's not supported under 98 or ME but it may work without problems. You have to remember that this is still beta software. So if you do try on 98/ME and come across a bug, let them know so that they can fix it.
I am running ME and have used Skype for several months now to talk to my family in the Netherlands.
The voice quality is some of the best I have seen. And in this day and age, the encryption is a definite plus in my opinion.
Only problem is that once every so often there is an "echo" for lack of another word.
I would say for example: How are you doing today" and as soon as I finish, I hear myself say "doing today"
Whenever that happens we just stick to very short sentences.
--
Dutch
Click here to participate in something wonderful | |
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| | | macmousePremium
join:2002-05-30
Saratoga, CA | Re: XP only PLEASE Ah, that's because you are using an standalone microphone and an pair of speakers. On one end or the other.
The problem is, when you talk, your voice comes out her speakers and is then picked up by her microphone, and then transmitted back to you.
This is not an software problem.
The "best" solution, is to get an headset with integrated microphone. Impossible to get an echo with those.
[Okay, maybe if you had it on max, with an amplifier and so on.. but certainly not under normal conditions]
Another is to decrease the volume on her speakers (not perfect) or to go to half duplex (press an key to transmit). | |
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|  SarickIt's Only LogicalPremium
join:2003-06-03
USA | What about a playatartion USB headset. Those you can plug right in..
Do you still need a soundcard? | |
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| | | | Re: XP only PLEASE said by Sarick:
What about a playatartion USB headset. Those you can plug right in..
Do you still need a soundcard?
That will work...did that last night 
--
psychowolfman, webmaster
»www.saskmetal.com | |
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| mario55
join:2002-02-12
Pompano Beach, FL | i used it on win 2K ... its ok for me | |
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 AuthorityObama Biden '12
join:2000-03-29
Woodland Hills, CA | "wireless and bluetooth" > my USB headset (perhaps to one that is wireless and
> bluetooth
Have you seen one?? | |
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| |
| | | | Re: "wireless and bluetooth" Even though I use 56k to use skype now it sounds just fine. I had cable a month ago and moved to a non broadband area. Skype sounded and worked exactly the same on cable as it does on my 56k. So don't be fooled its not only for broadband it works well with whatever you have but they reccomend broadband. | |
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| | AuthorityObama Biden '12
join:2000-03-29
Woodland Hills, CA | said by justin:
If you buy a bluetooth USB dongle, you can use many of the cool bluetooth phone headsets that normally work with nokias and SE phones, drivers willing.
Have yet to see any STEREO bluetooth headsets for music. 
Aussies rule btw! | |
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| | | justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 | Re: "wireless and bluetooth" I think the batteries would go flat too quickly anyway.
battery technology just isn't good enough, who needs yet another device that has to suck off your household power socket every night? | |
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| | | | AuthorityObama Biden '12
join:2000-03-29
Woodland Hills, CA | Re: "wireless and bluetooth" said by justin:
I think the batteries would go flat too quickly anyway.
Well that makes sense but there are OTHER wireless headphone solutions out there.... so why not bluetooth? | |
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 GlobalMindDomino Dude, POWER Systems GuyPremium
join:2001-10-29
Hollywood, FL | In action... A fellow in my office here used Skype to chat with a customer in South America...worked like a charm, little latency and good sound quality.
Pretty nifty really.
K.
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TheGlobalMind.com
"On a clear disk you can seek forever" | |
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MxxCon
join:1999-11-19
Brooklyn, NY | Something in EULA i think you should've mentioned 2 things regarding »www.skype.com/eula.html
1st thing is section 9(c) which i brought up in the thread »Skype EULA says it's spyware/backdoor trojan? trying to figure out it's exact meaning..
and another is section 6 "Payment"
You acknowledge that certain functions in the Skype Software are only available to paid subscribers after a free trial period of the Skype Software and Services (the "Free Trial Period") ends. After the Free Trial Period ends, you will be presented with the option to subscribe to the Subscription Services. If you do not wish to subscribe, you acknowledge that you can not access functions and services only available to paid subscribers. To subscribe to the Subscription Services you must agree to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Services.
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[Sig removed by Administrator: Signature can not exceed 20GB] | |
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| justinAustralian
join:1999-05-28
New York, NY
kudos:7 Host:
IPv6
Business Connectiv..
Console/Handheld g..
Console Tech
Home/Office setup ..
| Re: Something in EULA the "spyware" thing is not that, it is just covering their asses in case you sue them because someone calls you.
the other thing is standard as well - what service in the world would promise unlimited free function forever? they are just reserving the opportunity to start charging. | |
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SarickIt's Only LogicalPremium
join:2003-06-03
USA |  Security Security Security.
I'm aware that the P2P technology that skype uses might leave holes in ones security.
People need to look into that.
--
Sarick's Dungeon Clipart Page
Trouble spelling? www.iespell.com | |
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| | HearMe Anyone remember HearMe ? Up to 50 people could talk[voice] and type text. Quality was excellent. HearMe would eMail you the code and you could place it on your website, it just kicked azz... | |
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| |  Loved it
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| | What people want Well, I wouldn't call Skype "quite a revolution in communication technology ".
I remember we used to talk with a VoIp software long before Napster invented P2P.
It is true, we could call and talk, and understanding was something else.
Skype looks much better if you consider the voice quality, thanks also to the fact that now we have faster connections.
But what people really want?
When they want to call they want a telephone ( mobile), they want to dial a number and they want to talk.
If possible cheap and, why not for free...
The real revolution is what we can give:
www.worldonip.com
1) Access point that reaches up to 15 Kilometers and up to 90 users on one line.
You can have as many as you want...
2) Wireless mobile IP telephone that works in a coverage of 15 Kilometers( 10 miles) costs around 200 dollars, is as easy to use as any other GSM .
3) Any phone can call for free another Ip phone, locally, Nationally, Internationally, Intercontinentally.
Can call any other phone using a termination.
The VoIP Access Point costs around $1400 and you can share it among 90 people.
This is a Technological revolution.
Hard to believe, but it is true.
Marconi invented the Wireless and Antonio Meucci invented the Telephone, it happens that we talk the same language...
Patrizia
patrizia@worldonip.com | |
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| | Great Software What's with the advertising?
Anyway, about Skype. I used it to call Israel today from Canada for the first time. All I can say is WOW! The quality was close to (if not the same as) a normal phone. Now, I have a 128k connection, and the other party has DSL (1.3-.15 Mbs would be my best guess). Everythig works very very well. Now, all I have to try is conference calling.
I am especially impressed with the fact that it doesn't break up. I've used HoneyQ (the ICQ add-on back in 1998), MSN, AIM, RogerWilco, and NetMeeting, and each and every one of those breaks up the voice. This, in 45 minutes of conversation accross the ocea did not break up once. This software made a great impression on me, and I reccommend it to everyone. | |
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zach3ZachPremium
join:2000-05-04
Saint Louis, MO Reviews:
 ·AT&T Yahoo
·AT&T Southwest
| Skype & Dialup Been using Skype for over 2 months and find that it works very well. Even have a friend with a dialup connection and our conversations are not perfect but better than anything I have ever tried before. Our conversations will break-up a little but generally good. | |
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| | | Re: Skype & Dialup This thing rocks! | |
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lareb
join:2002-03-23
philippines | skype on windows 98se It works fine even on dial up connection. The connection is better than yahoo messenger and it now allows calling landlines. | |
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| | PC to Phone
I tested it by calling from London to South Africa (where the telephone network and Internet are pretty bad in general).
I subscribed to a 10 euro call credit. I made a 25 minute call, which cost just over £1 (less than 2 euro's). Had I made the same call from the house phone it would have cost about £13, and from my mobile about £22.
The call was perfectly clear, and I can really recommend this over MSN and Yahoo, which I've never been really happy with making calls to SA.
I've also tried searching for any adware or spyware and have so far found none. | |
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| | Beta Test VOIPail - Skype Voicemail Everyone has been wanting Skype voicemail and now it is finally here through the use of VOIPail.
Become a Beta Tester for VOIPail - Voicemail appication for Skype and VOIP users.
Sign-up at »www.voipail.com | |
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| | Skype has bad quality and very bad support
I have problem using Skype to call real phone recently (It was working ok before). The other side cannot hear my voice but I can hear them. I live chatted with Skype's support (Nadia) regarding this problem. She kept asking me to verify if the other side have installed the right verion of Skype and can record their own sound. I have repeatly told her the other side is a real phone, not a PC. She still wanted me to follow the verification instruction on other side. It's hard to belive Skype's support is so incompetent!!! She then terminated my chat session intentionally. I restarted the live chat again, it's still Nadia to answer the support call. I asked to talk to another support person, she then never chatted back (left me waiting forever).  | |
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