Tag: Source: 9to5mac.com

New MagSafe Hub: A Multitalented Tool for iPhone and Mac Enthusiasts

### A Thorough Examination of Satechi’s MagSafe 7-in-1 Hub

There has consistently been a dilemma with Apple’s products regarding port availability. Some users favor an uncluttered aesthetic with minimal ports, while others seek numerous connectivity options. The trend, however, is distinctly leaning towards a reduction in ports. Satechi’s latest MagSafe 7-in-1 hub successfully tackles this concern, delivering functionality without chaos, and acting as a portable hub for both iPhone and Mac users.

#### A Hub That Truly Makes Sense

The idea of a hub that magnetically attaches to the rear of an iPhone feels natural when experienced. Conventional hubs are mainly intended for laptops, which renders them less effective for on-the-go scenarios, such as in hotel rooms or during travel. Satechi has customized this hub particularly for the iPhone user experience. Its compact design facilitates tidy cable organization, and the magnetic connection guarantees stability, avoiding any swinging or hanging. This hub resembles a Swiss Army knife for the iPhone, providing various ports within a compact size.

**Key Features:**
– **HDMI Port:** Accommodates 4K output.
– **Two USB-A Ports:** For linking different devices.
– **SD and microSD Card Readers:** Support up to 2TB, enabling effortless file transfers.
– **Gigabit Ethernet:** Ensures a dependable wired connection when Wi-Fi is not accessible.
– **USB-C Power Pass-Through:** Delivers up to 100-watt input and 80-watt output, permitting charging while utilizing the hub.

This hub amplifies the iPhone’s functionalities without complicating the setup, making it particularly advantageous for mobile content creators who need diverse options for editing and file transfers.

#### Practical Uses

The Satechi hub resolves multiple practical issues without the need for a laptop. It enables users to transfer images and videos straight from an SD card to external storage, creating additional space on the iPhone. Users can link to a hotel television for larger screens or use wired Ethernet for a consistent internet connection. With both USB-A and USB-C ports available, it streamlines data transfer and backup without requiring a Mac. This capability turns the iPhone into a more robust mobile computer, making it a vital travel accessory.

Additionally, the hub is not exclusive to iPhone usage; it also operates effectively with Macs. Users can take advantage of the same connectivity features on their Mac, and it comes with an adhesive ring for secure attachment to the back of the device.

#### Conclusion

For those in search of a hub crafted to address real-world challenges, the Satechi 7-in-1 MagSafe Multiport Adapter is an attractive option. It upholds a tidy setup, conveniently fits in a coat pocket, and boosts the iPhone’s functionalities to align with those generally associated with a Mac. Whether for travel or mobile content creation, it remains one of the most practical accessories available this year.

The Satechi 7-in-1 MagSafe Multiport Adapter can be purchased on

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MKBHD Declares Shutdown of His iPhone Wallpaper Application

### Panels App Set to Close on December 31, Refunds Being Processed

YouTuber Marques Brownlee, better known as MKBHD, introduced the Panels app last year as a wallpaper application for iPhone users. Nevertheless, the app encountered immediate backlash due to its $50/year pricing and quality concerns, leading to a challenging debut. Recently, Brownlee announced that the app will be discontinued as it failed to align with his vision.

#### Next Steps for Users

As per the Panels website, here are some important points related to the closure:

– **Closure Date**: Panels will halt operations on December 31, 2025.
– **Wallpaper Retention**: Users may retain any wallpapers they have downloaded or purchased forever.
– **Open Source Availability**: Users are invited to develop their own wallpaper applications utilizing the open-source code made available by Panels.
– **User Data Removal**: All user information will be irrevocably deleted following the shutdown.

#### Refund Process

Regarding refunds, the following information has been provided:

– Once the app is taken down from the app stores, all active subscriptions will be automatically terminated.
– After the shutdown on December 31, 2025, the team will start proactively processing refunds for all active subscriptions, enabling users to continue accessing and downloading wallpapers until the closure date without any required actions on their end.
– A method for requesting a refund earlier is also accessible on the Panels website.

#### Community Response

The premature termination of the Panels app has ignited conversations among users and followers. Many are intrigued by the factors contributing to the app’s swift exit and what this signifies for Brownlee’s future endeavors.

For additional information, users can check the official [Panels website](https://panels.art/) and view MKBHD’s

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Apple’s Official 2025 Black Friday Sale Event Wraps Up Today

Apple’s yearly Black Friday Shopping Event commenced on Friday, and the clock is ticking to seize the opportunity. The promotions officially conclude tonight at midnight.

You can obtain a gift card worth up to $250 with the purchase of a qualifying product, including select iPhones, Macs, Apple Watches, AirPods, and more.

As always, however, you can save significantly more in cash by shopping at alternative retailers. Our colleagues over at 9to5Toys are diligently compiling all of the top Cyber Monday offers.

After making a qualifying purchase, you’ll receive an Apple Store gift card through email. This gift card can subsequently be used for a future transaction at the Apple Store, in the App Store, or for an Apple service such as Apple Music, Apple TV, or Apple One.

Here is the complete overview of Apple’s Black Friday Shopping Event:

– **iPhone**: Receive an Apple Gift Card up to $75 when purchasing iPhone 16 or iPhone 16e.
– **iPad**: Obtain an Apple Gift Card up to $100 when buying iPad Air, iPad (A16), or iPad mini.
– **Mac**: Earn an Apple Gift Card up to $250 when acquiring MacBook Pro (M4 Pro or M4 Max chip), MacBook Air, iMac, or Mac mini.
– **Apple Watch**: Collect a $50 Apple Gift Card upon purchasing Apple Watch Series 11 or Apple Watch SE 3.
– **AirPods**: Get an Apple Gift Card up to $75 when you buy AirPods Max, AirPods Pro 3, or AirPods 4.
– **TV & Home**: Receive an Apple Gift Card up to $50 with the purchase of HomePod or Apple TV 4K.
– **Beats**: Gain an Apple Gift Card up to $50 when you purchase Beats Studio Pro, Powerbeats Pro 2, Beats Solo 4, Beats Studio Buds +, or Beats Pill.
– **Accessories**: Earn a $25 Apple Gift Card when acquiring Magic Keyboard for iPad Air, Magic Keyboard Folio for iPad (A16), or Apple Pencil Pro.

Ultimately, though, there’s scant justification for purchasing a product from Apple merely to obtain that gift card. You can save a considerable amount more in cash by purchasing your Apple products from retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.

For all the latest Cyber Monday Apple promotions, be sure to bookmark our dedicated guide to the best deals!

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Opera Launches Gemini-Driven AI Capabilities in Neon, One, and GX Browsers

**Opera Broaden AI Functionalities to Over 80 Million Users**

Following the debut of Opera Neon, the firm has declared an extension of its AI functionalities to incorporate Opera GX and Opera One. This initiative seeks to improve the browsing experience for over 80 million individuals by embedding sophisticated AI features fuelled by Google’s most recent Gemini models.

### Updated AI Functionalities

Opera’s alliance with Google has strengthened, permitting the rollout of a Gemini-driven AI side panel in Opera GX and Opera One. This capability offers users a variety of services, including:

– Summaries of online content
– Tab comparisons
– Examination of files, images, and videos based on browsing context

The AI engine has been re-engineered for enhanced performance, featuring a novel architecture that facilitates 20% quicker response times. Moreover, Opera AI incorporates voice input and output, enriching user interaction with the browser.

### Privacy Management

For individuals worried about privacy, Opera underscores that its browsers provide strong controls regarding the data shared with the AI. Users can adjust their privacy settings to define what information is available to the AI functionalities.

### Insights from Opera’s EVP Commercial

Per Wetterdal, Opera’s EVP Commercial, emphasized the importance of AI in revolutionizing web interactions. He remarked, “AI is transforming how individuals engage with the web, and the browser serves as the natural entry point for those experiences.” This collaboration with Google enables Opera to offer appealing native search and AI features directly within its browsers at no cost to users.

### Summary

The rollout of these AI functionalities across Opera One, Opera GX, and Opera Neon signifies a major leap in browser technology, equipping users with improved tools for a more effective and engaging online experience. For additional information on this announcement, visit Opera’s official news release.

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Cyber Monday Offers: Savings on Apple Watch Series 11, Ultra 3, and Additional Models Beginning at $129

### Apple Watch: The Essential Tech Present This Holiday Season

As the festive season draws near, the Apple Watch emerges as a crucial gadget for fitness buffs and technology aficionados alike. Its capability to monitor fitness data and keep users interconnected while on the move makes the Apple Watch an adaptable companion. This Cyber Monday, considerable discounts on the full Apple Watch range create a prime opportunity for acquisition or upgrade.

#### Current Offers on Apple Watch Models

This year, consumers can discover impressive savings on assorted models, including:

– **Apple Watch SE 3**: The most budget-friendly option in the collection, ideal for those new to the Apple Watch universe.
– **Apple Watch Series 11**: The premium model, featuring enhanced functionalities and design, is now offered at unprecedented low prices.
– **Apple Watch Series 10**: The previous year’s model continues to be a formidable option, providing a blend of features and affordability, making it a superb middle-ground selection.
– **Apple Watch Ultra 3**: Renowned for its durable design and extended battery life, this model is currently enjoying a $100 price cut.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or searching for an upgrade, there is a deal that aligns with your requirements.

#### Key Features of the Apple Watch Series 11

Debuting in September, the Apple Watch Series 11 is set to be among the top-selling models in the current assortment. With attractive pricing across diverse configurations, it presents advanced functionalities that cater to a broad audience. The Series 11 is built to be user-friendly and fashionable, rendering it a sought-after accessory.

#### Comparing the SE 3 and Series 10

Although the Apple Watch SE 3 costs $50 less than the Series 10, both models possess many functional similarities. The Series 10, however, is frequently viewed as a more visually appealing choice, especially with its reduced price during Cyber Monday. This renders it a persuasive option for individuals who value both practicality and design.

#### The Advantage of the Apple Watch SE 2

For those in pursuit of an economical choice, the Apple Watch SE 2 is available for only $129. Despite lacking some of the advanced functionalities found in its newer counterparts, it still offers essential features, making it an excellent option for casual users or kids.

#### Investing in the Apple Watch Ultra 3

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is a high-end selection costing $799. Celebrated for its exquisite design and sophisticated features, it constitutes an investment for serious users. Cyber Monday is an ideal time to acquire this premium model at a reduced price.

#### Conclusion

With a variety of models at different price points, the Apple Watch serves as a perfect gift for anyone looking to elevate their tech collection this holiday season. Make sure to seize the Cyber Monday offers to locate the ideal Apple Watch that satisfies your needs and budget.

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Guide to Making Your Apple Watch Imitate the Ticking Noise of a Quartz Watch

### Grasping the New Clock Icon Functionality in iOS 26.1 and Apple Watch Series 10

In the recent update of iOS 26.1, Apple has made a subtle but important adjustment to the Clock app icon’s seconds hand operation when the device is set to low power mode. Rather than moving continuously, the seconds hand now ticks every second, mimicking the action of a quartz clock. This modification signifies Apple’s continuous commitment to enhancing battery longevity while preserving functionality.

#### Analog Watch Faces and Their Motion

Following the launch of the Apple Watch Series 10, a comparable behavior has been implemented for analog watch faces. When in active mode, the seconds hand glides smoothly, but in always-on mode, it ticks akin to a quartz timepiece. This dual motion may be unsettling for users who favor the predictability of a ticking seconds hand.

The Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, and Ultra 3 variants come with displays that refresh once per second, enabling this new feature. However, the shift between the two modes—automatic and quartz-like—might seem unnatural for certain users.

#### A Solution for Quartz-Like Movement

For those who favor the ticking seconds hand, a workaround exists to make this feature more consistently available. By going into the Settings app, users can turn off the “Wake on Wrist Raise” option located in the Display & Brightness section. This modification causes the watch to stay in always-on mode, showcasing the ticking seconds hand.

Nevertheless, this mode has its drawbacks. The watch face will significantly dim, and users will lose one-handed gestures, such as double-tapping to navigate through widgets or engage with notifications. Despite these constraints, this mode can deliver a more classic watch experience, reminiscent of a quartz analog timepiece.

#### Engaging with the Watch in Always-On Mode

Even in this subdued condition, users can still engage with their Apple Watch. The display can be activated with a tap, button press, or by rotating the Digital Crown. Notifications can be reached by swiping down, widgets by swiping up, and complications can still be pressed to open apps without waking the watch.

It is crucial to highlight that this workaround is exclusively applicable to the Apple Watch Series 10, Series 11, and Ultra 3. For older models lacking an always-on display, turning off the wake feature simply keeps the screen inactive.

#### Conclusion

This “just a watch” mode provides a distinctive experience for Apple Watch users who value the aesthetic and practical attributes of a quartz watch. While it might not be appropriate for full-time use due to its constraints, it presents an interesting option for those wishing to personalize their watch experience. Users can conveniently return to the default settings by reactivating the “Wake on Wrist Raise” option whenever they choose.

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More than 800 App Discounts Offered for Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Revised List

# Black Friday and Cyber Monday App Promotions 2025

In keeping with tradition, numerous indie (and prominent) app developers utilize Black Friday and Cyber Monday to provide substantial and uncommon discounts for their applications. Here’s an array of fantastic offers you ought to explore.

## PCalc and Dice by PCalc
James Thomson’s renowned scientific calculator PCalc is discounted by 50% until the conclusion of Monday, December 1st, along with his other well-known app, Dice, which features physics-driven simulations of polyhedral dice.

## Things 3
This acclaimed task management application is hosting a rare Black Friday promotion. Things is accessible on Mac, iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Vision Pro, all of which are offered at a 30% discount until Friday, December 1st.

## Adobe Creative Cloud Pro
Adobe is providing a 50% discount on Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, and more. The subscription also encompasses the Adobe Firefly suite of generative AI tools, and the discount expires today, so be sure not to miss it.

## Gentler Streak and The Outsiders
Gentler Stories’ inspiring exercise tracking application is available at a 40% discount on the Yearly Plan (Family Sharing included) until Monday, December 1st. Likewise, The Outsiders, their new app aimed at high-performance athletes, is also 40% off on the Yearly Plan.

## SongCapsule
SorcererHat refers to SongCapsule as “your personal DJ.” The app assists you in rediscovering overlooked favorites from your music library, and it is available at 50% off until Monday, December 1st.

## SongCapsule Quiz
This entertaining and contemporary music trivia game assesses your music knowledge using any Apple Music playlist. You can also craft your own playlists to challenge your Game Center friends. SongCapsule Quiz’s lifetime Deluxe subscription is at a 50% discount until Monday, December 1st.

## MacWhisper
Jordi Bruin’s outstanding AI transcription application is priced at 25% off for the MacWhisper Pro license, ahead of a price increase anticipated early next year. MacWhisper is quite powerful and essential if your workflow depends on transcription of any kind.

## BundleHunt
While we’re discussing Mac, don’t overlook this year’s BundleHunt Black Friday promotion, showcasing well-known applications like iStat Menus with discounts of up to 90%.

## Darkroom
This acclaimed photo and video editing application, a recipient of the Apple Design Award, is available at 50% off for the first year of Darkroom+, and 25% off for the Darkroom+ Forever membership. The sale is active until Wednesday, December 3rd.

## Textsniper
Although macOS comes with a built-in optical character recognition feature, TextSniper enhances the experience with advanced functions like automatic clipboard copying, text-to-speech, and more. TextSniper is discounted by 75% until Monday, December 1st.

## Bartender
Bartender 6 has encountered some issues since the launch of macOS Tahoe 26. However, it remains a beneficial app that allows you to tailor which items you prefer to display, hide, or never see on the menu bar. You can acquire it at a 20% discount this Black Friday using code: BLACKFRIDAY2025.

## CardPointers
CardPointers assists you in saving money and maximizing credit card rewards, from points to miles, across various categories of your everyday spending. You can avail yourself of a 50% discount this Black Friday on their annual or lifetime subscriptions.

## CardioBot
Developer Majid Jabrayilov’s application enables you to explore heart data collected by your Apple Watch in greater detail than what is shown in the Health app. Featuring useful charts, graphs, and analysis, CardioBot simplifies the process of recognizing trends and obtaining a clearer overall view of your heart health. Use code CARDIOBOT15 to receive the annual package at 50% off until December 8th.

## Dark Noise
This popular sound generator app allows you to customize frequencies and sound effects to create the ideal ambient noise for working, sleeping, or simply relaxing. You can obtain Dark Noise Pro at a 50% discount until Monday, December 1st.

## Lumafusion
This award-winning, user-friendly professional video editing platform is offering a 33% discount until Monday, December 1st. If you already own Lumafusion, you can take advantage of a $20 discount for a 1-year subscription to the Creator Pass.

## What about games?
If you’re a gaming enthusiast, make sure to explore 9to5Toys’ compilation of 30+ price reductions on popular and classic titles, featuring Grim Fandango Remastered, Full Throttle Remastered, and Hitman GO.

## Want even more?
Don’t overlook this year’s Indie Apps Sales list, which currently features over 800 iOS, iPadOS, visionOS, macOS, watchOS, Android, and

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Apple Glasses: Expected to be Next Year’s Most Eye-Catching Device

Apple has a range of software and service launches set for December, but any new hardware offerings are expected to debut next year. Among the company’s speculated products for 2026, one is bound to attract significant interest: Apple Glasses.

## Glasses Expected to Be Revealed in 2026 as Apple’s Latest Product Category

It is rare for Apple to introduce products in entirely new categories. Each year, the company rolls out various new hardware, but we typically see updated iPhones, iPads, Macs, and items within other established lines. The most recent “brand new” product category was Apple Vision Pro. However, rumors suggest that another completely new introduction could occur in 2026: Apple Glasses (or possibly ‘Apple Vision’).

While the product may not actually be available until 2027, Bloomberg indicates that Apple Glasses could be showcased this year as an early glimpse. This advanced reveal often occurs with entirely new product categories. For instance, Vision Pro and Apple Watch were both introduced more than six months before they became available.

The launch of a completely new product category will generate considerable excitement. Additionally, Apple Glasses could warrant extra attention for two further reasons:

1. Making smart glasses more widely accepted
2. Apple’s inaugural AI-driven product

## Apple May Make Smart Glasses More Widely Accepted

Smart glasses are gaining traction, yet they still belong to their nascent stage. Ray-Ban Meta currently leads the market, but they still cater to a niche, early-adopter audience. However, Apple’s entry into the smart glasses market could significantly elevate the category’s mainstream appeal.

The company’s history in this domain is impressive. The iPod, iPad, and Apple Watch were not the “first” in their respective categories, but they significantly contributed to the success of those categories. Apple Glasses could follow suit—though success is not guaranteed. The product may mirror the trajectory of Apple Vision Pro, which hasn’t made the anticipated impact on the VR landscape.

With a much lower price point, a user-friendly form factor, and positioning as an iPhone accessory, Apple Glasses are set to make a significant impact. Regardless of its actual performance, the mere presence of Apple Glasses will heighten awareness around the smart glasses market.

## Apple Glasses Will Be the Company’s Initial AI-Driven Product

Another factor contributing to the attention surrounding the product is its status as Apple’s first new AI-driven offering. For the past few years, Apple has claimed that new iPhones, iPads, and Macs are “designed for Apple Intelligence.” However, Glasses will rely heavily on Siri and AI capabilities unlike any preceding product—and it enters a hardware category that didn’t exist before the advent of AI.

The forthcoming AI enhancements to Siri will likely play a significant role in the Apple Glasses experience. Apple Glasses have a lot to offer. As a completely new product category with the potential to mainstream smart glasses, and as Apple’s first AI-focused introduction, they certainly deserve considerable attention.

The big question is: will that attention lead to success? Are you intrigued by Apple Glasses? Why or why not? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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Amazon and Google’s Fresh ‘Interconnect’ Seeks to Avert Significant Web Outages

**Outages at Major Web Hosts: The Consequences and an Innovative Remedy**

Outages at prominent web hosts can result in considerable consequences across different industries, as illustrated by events like the recent Cloudflare outage. Such disruptions can influence numerous applications and websites, creating a chain reaction that affects both businesses and consumers. Nevertheless, a new partnership between Amazon and Google could lead to minimizing the repercussions of these outages.

### AWS and Google Cloud Interconnect: A New Era of Robustness

Amazon and Google have revealed a revolutionary cross-cloud undertaking aimed at improving interoperability between AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Google Cloud. This fresh multicloud networking solution employs AWS Interconnect alongside Google Cloud’s Cross-Cloud Interconnect, facilitating private and rapid connectivity between the two services.

Per Google’s announcement, this partnership presents an open specification for network interoperability, allowing clients to create connections with high degrees of automation and speed. This marks a significant advancement in cloud computing, as it enables a more robust architecture capable of enduring various types of failures.

Amazon has also noted that while Google Cloud is the inaugural partner for this venture, there are plans to broaden the interconnect system to include Microsoft Azure in 2026. This extension is anticipated to further bolster the resilience of cloud services.

### The Advantages of Multi-Cloud Solutions

One of the key benefits of implementing multi-cloud hosting solutions is the additional layers of protection they provide against network interruptions. Google highlights that this new architecture offers safeguards against facility, network, and software failures, ensuring that essential applications continue to function even amid outages.

The capability for essential systems to switch to an alternate host when one provider experiences an outage means that end users are less likely to encounter disruptions. This functionality is vital for enterprises that depend on uninterrupted operations.

### Conclusion

The alliance between Amazon and Google signifies a notable progression in cloud technology, with the potential to substantially lessen the impact of outages on users and enterprises. As multi-cloud solutions become more prevalent, they may establish a new norm for ensuring resilience in the face of network failures. The future of cloud computing appears bright, with improved reliability and decreased downtime on the horizon.

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Apple Designates Specific iPhone SE, iPad Pro, and Apple Watch Models as Outdated

Apple has refreshed its catalog of vintage and obsolete products, incorporating five new entries into the ‘obsolete’ category. This includes the original iPhone SE, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (2nd generation), along with various models of the Apple Watch and Beats. Below are the specifics of the newly added items:

### Five New Additions to Apple’s Obsolete Products List

As reported by Aaron Perris on X, Apple has recently revised its list of obsolete products. The items that are now categorized as obsolete are:

– iPhone SE (first generation)
– iPad Pro 12.9-inch (second generation)
– Apple Watch Series 4 Hermes models
– Apple Watch Series 4 Nike models
– Beats Pill 2.0

It’s noteworthy that the standard Apple Watch Series 4 still maintains its vintage classification and has not yet transitioned to obsolete status, as only the Hermes and Nike variants have been included on this list.

### What Does It Mean for a Product to Be Considered Obsolete?

Per Apple, products are considered obsolete when they haven’t been sold for over 7 years. Moreover, Monster-branded Beats items are considered obsolete irrespective of their purchase date. Apple ceases all hardware service for obsolete products, and service providers cannot order parts for these devices. Nonetheless, Mac laptops may be eligible for an extended battery-only repair period of up to 10 years from their last sale date, contingent upon parts availability.

The designation of products as obsolete takes place 7 years after they are no longer sold, opposed to 7 years after their original launch. This can result in certain versions of a product being obsolete while others are still classified as vintage. For example, the standard Apple Watch Series 4 was still available for purchase after the Nike and Hermes models were discontinued.

### Keeping Track of Vintage and Obsolete Products

If you are worried about your devices becoming obsolete and losing their repair eligibility, you can find the complete list of vintage products on Apple’s support page. A product is deemed vintage 5 years after it stops being sold, which means items on this list will convert to obsolete status in two years or less.

For individuals wishing to remain informed about Apple’s product classifications, it is recommended to periodically check the lists provided by Apple to ensure that your devices continue to qualify for service and support.

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