Alexa just keeps getting worse and worse β€” and not only can I prove it, I can tell you why. If you’ve noticed your Amazon Alexa not listening properly, struggling to hear commands, or just getting slower and dumber over time… you’re not imagining it. In this video, I break down why Alexa has gotten worse, what Amazon has changed, and the two real reasons behind it β€” and yes, both of them are money. This is a full rant on Amazon, Alexa’s declining performance, and why your smart home speaker isn’t as smart as it used to be. Time to move your smart home to Home Assistant UGREEN NAS Official Store (UK): https://nas.uk.ugreen.com/HDBQQO UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro on Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/4tM0A5A UGREEN NAS DXP4800 Pro on Amazon US: https://amzn.to/4dOUywG UGREEN NAS Amazon Store (UK): https://amzn.to/4mvNUgM ============================= πŸ›’ PRODUCTS USED IN MY SMART HOME taplink.cc/paulhibbert ============================= 🍻 Support the Channel! β˜• Buy Me a Beer: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert 🎭 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================= ⏳ Chapters ⏰ 0:00 - Intro ⏰ 2:49 - Echo 3rd Gen to Echo 4th Gen performance decline ⏰ 4:30 - Amazon IS NOT improving ⏰ 6:24 - Why can't Alexa hear me anymore? A rant ⏰ 7:44 - When is Alexa+ coming to the UK? ⏰ 11:15 - Why has Alexa got worse at hearing us? The answer ⏰ 12:55 - Alexa privacy is becoming a joke ⏰ 13:50 - Why is Amazon not working on this? ⏰ 16:23 - When will Alexa be local? ⏰ 17:36 - Conclusions ============================= πŸ“’ TAGS #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #alexa #HomeAssistant #SmartHomeFails #SmartHomeTech #AmazonAlexa #Thread #TechReview #funny
Corporate Greed Killed Alexa
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_UGout9TsUSI
Giving her the keys to my Youtube channel was an enormous mistake, welcome to 15 minutes of my wife berating me. Was she right? In fairness, what started as a β€œsimple” smart home has turned into a ridiculously expensive, occasionally broken, and sometimes genuinely impressive setup full of smart home gadgets, automations, sensors, cameras and lighting. In this video we talk honestly about what it’s actually like living with a smart home β€” the cost, the failures, the frustrations, and the bits that somehow still make it worth it. BUY THE VALERION VISION MASTER MAX As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through these links I will earn commission at no cost to you πŸ›’ UK Amazon: https://amzn.to/41JMg1T πŸ›’ US Amazon: https://amzn.to/3OwqPOz πŸ›’ UK official website: https://bit.ly/4dsCubn πŸ›’ US official website: https://tidd.ly/4c7hqVm From Home Assistant automations randomly breaking, to devices not responding, to the sheer amount of money spent on smart home tech like Zigbee devices, Thread devices, presence sensors, smart lighting and security cameras β€” this is what a real smart home looks like after years of building it. This video is sponsored by Valerion, all opinions are my own. We also get into the reality of convincing someone else to live with all of this β€” because while smart home technology can be powerful, it can also be annoying, unreliable, and occasionally completely ridiculous. If you’ve ever wondered whether a smart home is actually worth it, or what happens when you go too far with home automation, this is probably the most honest answer you’ll get. πŸ›’ PRODUCTS USED IN MY SMART HOME taplink.cc/paulhibbert ============================= 🍻 Support the Channel! β˜• Buy Me a Beer: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert 🎭 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================= ⏳ Chapters ⏰ 0:00 - An intervention ⏰ 2:04 - What would Neesha ban from my Smart Home ⏰ 5:27 - The Unpredictable Smart Home ⏰ 10:41 - The Unfixable Smart Home ⏰ 12:37 - The Unclear Smart Home ⏰ 13:51 - The Ugly Smart Home ⏰ 15:34 - The Unnecessary Smart Home ⏰ 17:02 - Would Neesha keep our Smart Home? βΈ» πŸ“’ TAGS #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #HomeAssistant #SmartHomeFails #SmartHomeTech #AmazonAlexa #GoogleHome #AppleHomeKit #Matter #Thread #Zigbee #TechReview #funny
My Smart Home Finally Broke Her
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_UeovTYG1g8E
The muts nuts of made to measure Smart Home blinds are actually affordable. The automated Zebra blinds I'm testing today are matter over thread AND more importantly they are POE (power over ethernet), but Smartwings also make Zigbee blinds, and Alexa enabled Wifi blinds too. They also do solar panel versions and USB C powered versions to suit all requirements. Smartwings automated smart window blinds install in minutes, and I’ll show you how I’ve automated my blinds and shades to find the best solution for your smart home without breaking the bank. Because Smartwings are made to measure smart home blinds, you don't need to worry about the DIY nightmare that comes with cheaper options. These smart shades also work with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, AND Home Assistant because they're Matter-enabled! This Smartwings video review is sponsored by Smartwings, all opinions are my own πŸ›’ BUY THE SMARTWINGS RANGE OF BLINDS HERE GLOBAL LINK: https://www.smartwingshome.com/?ref=447 ====================== 🍻 Support the Channel! β˜• Buy Me a Beer: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert 🎭 Become a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ⏳ Chapters: ⏰ 0:00 - Smartwings Automated Blinds Overview ⏰ 4:30 - Smartwings Automated Blinds Matter Setup & Pairing ⏰ 8:41 - My initial thoughts ⏰ 10:14 - Smartwings Remotes & Smartwings Helix Review ⏰ 13:15 - Smart Home Blinds Automations ⏰ 14:26 - What's wrong with it? ⏰ 17:48 - Would I buy them? πŸ“’ Tags: #smartwings #SwitchBot #SmartBlinds #SmartHome #HomeAssistant #Matter #GoogleHome #HomeKit #TechReview #FutureTech #SmartGadgets #HomeAutomation #Renters #TechReview
FINALLY… Smart Home Blinds You Can Afford | Smartwings
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_FFXBDN6xSHs
The new Shelly Wall Display XL is NOT a Tablet, it is a light switch replacement for your Smart Home Dashboard and it has Home Assistant dashboard built in. This is possibly the smartest smart home dashboard money can buy. This hands-on review covers everything you need to know about the Shelly Wall Display XL. This video is sponsored by Shelly, all opinions are my own. This is the first Home Assistant touchscreen I've seen that directly replaces a light switch, and it's mind blowingly cool. We all like to talk to Amazon Alexa, Google home, and Apple HomeKit, but sometimes you just want a button, a camera feed, and a Spotify control panel. Thanks to Home Assistant this is THE smart home dashboard; a single gang Smart Home Light switch that works with Home Assistant meaning you can have all of the above and much more. You can also use it to control Shelly devices and listen to internet radio from its sleek touchscreen panel. Listening to Zimbabwean radio from my light Switch was not on my 2026 bingo card. πŸ›’ BUY THE SHELLY WALL DISPLAY XL As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through these links I will earn commission at no cost to you 15% OFF CODE: Paul15 (limited time: 28.3 – 31.3 (EOD). GLOBAL URL - https://www.shelly.com/discount/PAUL15?redirect=%2Fproducts%2Fshelly-wall-display-xl-gray&utm_campaign=product_video&utm_medium=referral%2B&utm_source=Upfluence UK AMAZON: https://amzn.to/4blkJJD ============================= BUY ME A BEER 🍺 Donate to the channel: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert πŸŽ₯ Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================== ⏳ 0:00 - Shelly Wall Display XL Intro ⏳ 2:10 - Shelly Wall Display XL Spec ⏳ 4:32 - Shelly Wall Display XL install & Home Assistant Setup ⏳ 7:15 - Home Assistant Dashboard ⏳ 10:43 - Shelly Wall Display XL Dashboard ⏳ 12:27 - What's wrong with it? #ShellyWallDisplay #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #SmartHomeDashboard #SmartLightSwitch #HomeAssistant #Matter #Aqara #AqaraS1+ #Alexa #GoogleHome #SmartHomeIdeas #SmartHomeTour #SmartGadgets #FutureTech #Technology #Review
This Is A Light Switch!?
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_H7O__EUgbJc
Switchbot have entirely lost their entire minds and released a local AI smart home hub with Home Assistant pre-installed that does some of the most ridiculous things I've seen so far. This is the Switchbot AI Hub β€” a smart home box with Home Assistant, Frigate NVR and OpenClaw pre-installed and running completely locally. This Switchbot AI Hub review video is sponsored by Switchbot, all opinions are my own. Switchbot's new AI hub comes with Home Assistant built in, Frigate NVR built in, and OpenClaw built in, all pre-installed and ready to go. If you've ever wanted an easy way to install Home Assistant, run a Frigate NVR for RTSP security cameras, or experiment with local AI smart home control, Switchbot have basically put an entire self-hosted smart home server on a shelf. It is also a full Switchbot Matter hub, Bluetooth hub, and standard Switchbot smart home hub for connecting Switchbot devices to Amazon Alexa and Google Home. But with Home Assistant already installed, this is effectively a plug-and-play Home Assistant hub. Thanks to Frigate, it also becomes an NVR for RTSP cameras, meaning you can run Reolink, Aqara, Switchbot and other RTSP security cameras locally without subscriptions. In my testing I connected Reolink, Aqara and Switchbot cameras to Frigate instantly, turning this box into a fully local smart home security system and smart home controller. If you're looking for a Home Assistant box, a local smart home hub, a Frigate NVR server, or a privacy-first smart home system, this might be one of the most interesting smart home devices of the year. πŸ›’ BUY THE SWITCHBOT AI HUB BELOW As a Switchbot Affiliate I will earn commission at no cost to you UK: https://bit.ly/40LrVIO US: https://bit.ly/4rk2Nnw EU: https://bit.ly/4cEo9bz CA: https://bit.ly/4svw53q ============================= BUY ME A BEER 🍺 Donate to the channel: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert πŸŽ₯ Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ⏳ 0:00 - Switchbot AI Hub Overview ⏳ 3:34 - Switchbot AI Hub Private & Local AI ⏳ 6:38 - Frigate NVR Setup ⏳ 8:52 - Home Assistant Setup ⏳ 10:57 - What's wrong with it? - OpenClaw issues ⏳ 14:35 - What's wrong with it? - Frigate issues ⏳ 15:32 - What's wrong with it? - Home Assistant issues ⏳ 19:51 - Switchbot AI Hub Summary #SwitchBot #SwitchBotAIHub #HomeAssistant #FrigateNVR #SmartHome #LocalAI #SelfHosted #HomeAutomation #Matter #RTSP #SmartHomeSecurity #PrivacyFirst #OpenClaw #TechReview
Switchbot Have Gone Utterly Mental
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_XzFCYIgmJpU
Do NOT show this to your Wife. Easily the WORST Smart Home Tour on the Internet 🀣 Is it a smart home tour or a cry for help? Today I’m showing you my Home Assistant smart home setup 2026, featuring a chaotic mix of Amazon Alexa, Aqara, SwitchBot, Govee, and (ugh) Philips Hue. From presence sensors and smart GU10 bulbs to Tado Smart TRVs, I’ve automated every inch of the house. We’re looking at Narwal robovacs, Mammotion robot mowers, and Reolink security cameras. If you've ever wondered how much a "pro" smart home costs or how to build a smart home with Home Assistant, this disaster is for you. BUY MY SMART HOME HERE As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you πŸ™‚ πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Amazon list: https://amzn.to/4p5o6IB πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ US Amazon list: https://amzn.to/3Jxuutb ============================= SUPPORT THE CHAOS 🍺 Donate to the channel: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert πŸŽ₯ Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================= TIMESTAMPS ⏳ 0:00 - Intro ⏳ 1:34 - Smart Home Studio Setup ⏳ 4:34 - Entrance Hall Sensors & Lights ⏳ 5:58 - Dining Room Automation ⏳ 9:53 - Living Room Smart Home Tour ⏳ 11:01 - Utility & Downstairs toilet ⏳ 12:19 - Smart Dressing Room ⏳ 13:57 - Smart Bedroom Tour ⏳ 16:14 - Smart Bathroom ⏳ 17:43 - Reolink Camera Setup ⏳ 18:34 - My Best Home Assistant Automations ⏳ 20:28 - Total Smart Home Cost Breakdown #SmartHomeTour #HomeAssistant #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #PaulHibbert #AmazonAlexa #Aqara #SwitchBot #Govee #Tado #Narwal #Mammotion #Reolink #TechReview #SmartHomeSetup
The Worst Smart Home Tour On The Internet
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_i4EzO7NK-Lw
Another major security camera game-changer just got quietly released. This is a huge jump in smart home security tech. The new Reolink TrackFlex might be one of the most ridiculous security cameras yet β€” and in this video I directly compare it side-by-side with the Google Nest Floodlight Camera. This video review of the Reolink TrackFlex smart home security camera is sponsored by Reolink. All opinions are my own. The Reolink TrackFlex is a mains-powered Wi-Fi floodlight security camera with true 24/7 continuous recording, dual-lens auto-tracking, colour night vision, and no subscription. If you’re searching for a Nest Floodlight Camera alternative, a Google Nest alternative, or wondering whether the Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest Floodlight comparison finally tips the scales β€” this video breaks it down properly. Unlike the Nest Cam with Floodlight, the TrackFlex records locally to microSD or NVR with zero monthly fees. You get a wide-angle overview lens plus a motorised pan-and-tilt zoom camera that automatically tracks people across your property. I compare detection speed, image quality, notification delay, floodlight brightness, ecosystem limitations, and smart home integrations so you can see exactly how Nest vs Reolink stacks up in the real world. It supports Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and full Home Assistant integration via RTSP, making it one of the strongest Nest replacements if you care about local control and not paying a subscription forever. If you’re looking for the best Nest Floodlight Camera replacement in 2026, this might be it. For anyone currently using a Google Nest Floodlight Camera and considering switching ecosystems, this Reolink TrackFlex review should answer whether it’s finally time to move away from Nest. πŸ›’ BUY THE REOLINK TRACKFLEX BELOW As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you πŸ™‚ UK: https://amzn.to/4seD6FA US: https://amzn.to/46AolEK As a Reolink affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you πŸ™‚ Reolink Official Store: https://reolink.com/product/trackflex-floodlight-wifi/?aff=77 ============================= BUY ME A BEER 🍺 Donate to the channel: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert πŸŽ₯ Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================= ⏳ Chapters ⏳ 0:00 - Reolink TrackFlex Overview ⏳ 2:39 - Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest Floodlight camera ⏳ 4:35 - Reolink AI video search ⏳ 6:05 - Reolink Cloud and storage vs Nest Cloud subscription ⏳ 8:54 - Reolink TrackFlex image quality vs Nest ⏳ 11:01 - Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest - Notification speed ⏳ 11:31 - Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest - 2-way talk ⏳ 12:01 - Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest - feed load speed ⏳ 12:10 - Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest - Brightness lumen test ⏳ 12:59 - Reolink TrackFlex vs Nest - Alexa feed load speed ⏳ 13:49 - Nest suck, here's why ⏳ 15:13 - Reolink TrackFlex cons πŸ“’ TAGS Reolink TrackFlex, Reolink TrackFlex review, floodlight security camera, wired security camera, 24/7 recording security camera, no subscription security camera, dual lens security camera, PTZ security camera, smart home security camera, Home Assistant camera, RTSP security camera, Nest Cam alternative, Ring Floodlight alternative, outdoor security camera, colour night vision camera, Reolink vs Nest
They Finally Did It!! 🀯
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_ZmO4REb8BCQ
Amongst other things Ikea just quietly released THE Alexa dial, and literally no one noticed. Am I the only one that knows it can do this??? More importantly though... HOME ASSISTANT!! This review of Ikea's new smart home products is NOT sponsored by Ikea IKEA has just dropped its biggest smart home update yet β€” new Matter-compatible sensors, buttons, smart bulbs and a major push into affordable home automation using Dirigera, but it doesn't HAVE to use the Dirigera Smart Home hub. You can use Ikea Smart Home products directly with Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Home Assistant, and if you hate yourself; Google home. The Ikea Kajplat bulbs work with Home Assistant and Amazon Alexa, sure, but the Bilresa remote control works with Home Assistant and Alexa too, and THIS is what people have been missing. I've seen people using it in Home Assistant via a blueprint, but after a lot of testing I've actually written a really clever hybrid automation that mixes precise stepping with a single turn of the dial with scene setting for multiple turns for maximum dimming efficiency. You can get my instructions and my blueprint here: https://my.home-assistant.io/redirect/blueprint_import/?blueprint_url=https%3A%2F%2Fgist.github.com%2FPaulHibbertMasterOfTheUniverse%2Fd7b28f9a8cdddd41acd42e62264f5a86 I strongly recommend you leave the brightness percentage options as I have selected them unless you are personally finding that the term of the dial doesn't do what you're expecting it to do. πŸ›’ BUY THE IKEA THREAD/MATTER LINEUP HERE: https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/search/?q=Matter&page=2 Check out @ShaneCreates awesome Homekit video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBsDaexJJGE&t=601s&pp=ygUKaWtlYSBzbWFydA%3D%3D ============================= BUY ME A BEER 🍺 Donate to the channel: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert πŸŽ₯ Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================== ⏳ 0:00 - Ikea Bilresa Demo ⏳ 0:49 - Ikea Smart Home Product Lineup ⏳ 5:04 - Ikea Smart Home Features in 2026 ⏳ 6:07 - Ikea Matter Products Setup ⏳ 6:54 - Ikea Matter Product Limitations in Alexa ⏳ 8:33 - Alexa AND statements (workaround) ⏳ 10:27 - Ikea Bilresa Alexa Routine Tutorial ⏳ 12:31 - Ikea Matter Products Pros and Cons ⏳ 15:38 - Ikea Dirigera Smart Home Hub Review #ikeasmarthome #ikeasensors #ikeamotionsensor #ikeasmartsensors #ikeadirigera #ikeakajplats #ikeatimmerflotte #ikeaalpstuga #matteroverthread #mattersmarthome #threadsmarthome
So IKEA Just Went Absolutely Unhinged
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA_VIDkHyHNV2o
This is a Smart Home light switch replacement that sits over the top of your existing light switch so that you don't have to do any wiring and therefore there's no neutral wire required, that works with Amazon Alexa AND Home Assistant SIMULTANEOUSLY. It works with Zigbee and Bluetooth for BTHome support and has a 2 year battery life This video review of the Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB is sponsored by Shelly, all opinions are my own. Shellys BLU 4 button remote is the best battery powered Zigbee smart remote switch I’ve tested β€” it doesn’t require a neutral wire (obvs), works with Home Assistant using both Zigbee and BTHome through Bluetooth, and Amazon Alexa, but also Hubitat and Smartthings if you have the skills to create a driver. In this video I’ll show you how to install a smart dimmer switch without a neutral wire. You can make your lights smart without changing your bulbs, OR control your smart bulbs directly with a dimmer switch without cutting and introducing power. Although blueprints have been created for Home Assistant for you to import, and although creating an automation from scratch is actually pretty easy (see my guide below) it isn't so easy for Smartthings or Hubitat. This is because although the drivers have been written so that those devices can receive the presses and turns, the software hasn't been written to use those things in an automation. That is something you would need to do yourself. ChatGPT is your friend. In this video I used Shelly BLU products to talk to a Shelly Plus Plug socket so that they can communicate with Amazon Alexa Home Assistant and others without the need of a hub. This makes Shelly's BLU range ridiculously malleable and easy to work with. it's also incredibly afforable! Shelly will have a discount on all of these products from the 25th of February to the 3rd of March Tier-based discount, automatically applicable in the cart. Tier 1 - 10% off on orders above 100 Euros/Pounds/US Dollars Tier 2 - 20% off on orders above 200 Euros/Pounds/US Dollars Tier 3 - 30% off on orders above 300 Euros/Pounds/US Dollars As a Shelly Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you πŸ™‚ πŸ›’ BUY THE NO NEUTRAL SHELLY REMOTE SWITCH BELOW... GLOBAL LINK: https://bit.ly/4awXrPc πŸ›’ BUY THE SHELLY PLUG PLUS (***REQUIRED FOR ALEXA USERS***) UK: https://bit.ly/4cqJXab EU: https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=o/Lk*G5JKYc&mid=53587&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.shelly.com%2Fproducts%2Fshelly-plug-s-gen3-1 US: Unavailable πŸ™ πŸ›’ BUY THE SHELLY VINTAGE BULBS FROM MY BEDROOM GLOBAL: https://bit.ly/4kzUCBr πŸ›’ BUY THE PHILIPS HUE BLANKING PLATE I USED TO HIDE MY LIGHTSWITCH As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you πŸ™‚ UK: https://amzn.to/4reQo4K US: Unavailable πŸ™ πŸ›’ BUY THE BLANKING PLATE I USED TO WIRE MY SWITCH PERMANENTLY LIVE As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. By buying through any of the links below I will earn commission at no extra cost to you πŸ™‚ UK: https://amzn.to/408S8kc US: equivalent: https://amzn.to/4cnt68k πŸ”— And finally here is a tutorial including the Blueprint for exactly how I achieved what I did in Home Assistant in the demo at the beginning of the video: https://chatgpt.com/share/698f16cd-1bbc-8003-8db3-41ea3dd124e7 ============================= BUY ME A BEER 🍺 Donate to the channel: http://paypal.me/PaulHibbert πŸŽ₯ Become a monthly contributor on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/paulhibbert ============================== ⏳ 0:00 - Intro ⏳ 1:01 - Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB Demo ⏳ 2:13 - Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB Alexa and Home Assistant ⏳ 4:00 - Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB Light Switch - No wiring ⏳ 6:50 - Shelly BLU RC Button 4 ZB Light Switch - Wiring ⏳ 8:41 - How to pair Shelly apps & use Alexa skill ⏳ 9:54 - What's wrong with it? #SmartDimmerSwitch #ZigbeeDimmer #HomeAssistant #AmazonAlexa #SmartHome #HomeAutomation #SmartLighting #NoNeutral #SmartBulbs #shelly #SwitchReview #funny
Why Alexa Users Are Switching To Shelly
YouTube Video UCYLnawaM-36HncBBUeWrlGA__NWoHAG-QY4
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