470°

Microsoft Alienates A Third Of 360 Owners With Xbox One Policies

GR:

We're not going to beat a dead horse. We, along with the entire game industry before and during E3 heard you loud and clear—you aren't a fan of Microsoft's used game and DRM stance they're taking with the Xbox One. But we have to wonder, why Microsoft would simply pass on over 33% of their current Xbox 360 install base users who currently only play games offline.

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gamerevolution.com
TrendyGamers3974d ago

Not to mention the countries that won't even support it.

liorishot3974d ago

lol most of the countries cant even buy it because it wont even work fail

NewMonday3974d ago

the funny thing is a very big share of Xbox fans in my country are big fanboys who want the XB1 despite the problems..but it's not supported!

LOL!

dcbronco3974d ago (Edited 3974d ago )

Couple of brilliant observations. The funny thing about those countries that don't have much broadband also have major problems providing electricity. So unless Sony has some magic power source, and I know you believe they do, the PS4 will have issues there also.

Funny thing is that many of those country have smartphone service. And since that can be used to check in, Sony doesn't necessarily have any advantage.

And do you geniuses think Xbox will never come to those other countries. It will probably make it there around the time the PS4 gets sold in those markets.

Oh, lol.

InTheLab3974d ago

@dcbronco

Your logic is flawed. The 360 is available in quite a few countries not supported by Xbox One. Power is not an issue there. To this day, there's still a few countries where PS3's are sold where 360s are not.

Blakhaze9993974d ago

@dcbronco

What? Honestly you sound like you are from one of those countries without internet. Your talking about using cell phones as hotspots in areas that you say may not even have electricity. Are you ok? And then you are saying that sony does not have the advantage because xbox users can just use their cell phones to check in. Uhhh I would call that a huge advantage to sony. Either you get a xbox one, use your data plan from your cell phone so your able to play your video game console.. OR get a ps4 and have no worries at all. Your right theres no advantage there. SMH! And 2. where did you hear that most countries which dont have internet also do not have electricity? Im pretty sure your wrong about that. Electricity is more common then internet. And those without electricity are not worrying about a video game console at all i assure you.

ShinMaster3974d ago

You make Xbox gamers look bad. How could you be so deluded.

http://i.imgur.com/vfRwPu7....
The PS3 was supported in more countries than the 360 no problem. And just like the PS3, the PS4 can go completely offline. No internet connection required.
Even the 360 was supported in a lot more countries than the Xbox One will be. All because of Microsoft's policies.

pixelsword3973d ago

Both Sony and Microsoft have people who feel Alienated...

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 3973d ago
Christopher3974d ago

You know, that whole "one third" figure is way out of line. Just because a person doesn't have an XBL Gold Membership doesn't mean they can't have a console that's connected all the time. Just means they don't use online features on their 360.

Just wanted to put that out there after seeing it used so often.

Anon19743974d ago

I agree this isn't necessarily the case, but it is in line with high speed internet usage in the US. A third, or about 100 million people in the US don't have high speed internet for a variety of reasons. Given this was the 360's biggest market, even if the "one third" figure is off, it's probably not off by much.

And we're not talking about just gold memberships here, that one third figure is all Xbox Live members. It certainly correlates to high speed internet usage figures that we see in general. Regardless, when you're looking at the US market as a whole, that's one third who simply can't use your product. That's not insignificant.

Perjoss3974d ago

true, but you can also argue that if those people didnt pay for Live before why on earth would they pay for Live on the One when it has far more restriction in place. They would be paying for an inferior service compared to current Live which has none of the new restrictions.

loulou3974d ago

agreed darkride. 33% if true is too high a percentage to ignore.

they still have 5 months or a bit less to get their stuff in order before launch.

i cant believe that they are not looking at the pre-order numbers with dread. to carry on regardless will relegate them to xbox original type sales over the next generation..

surely they most know this?? change that firmware m$, and announce it ffs. oh and drop a bit off of the price as well

Christopher3974d ago

***true, but you can also argue that if those people didnt pay for Live before why on earth would they pay for Live on the One***

You don't need a Live subscription to use an Xbox One the same way you would an Xbox 360.

dedicatedtogamers3974d ago

The numbers break down like this (roughly)

1/3rd of 360 owners are not online (whether they CAN be online is another story)

1/3rd of 360 owners are Silver

1/3rd are Gold.

So, while 2/3rds are online, only a third are Gold subscribers.

But the numbers don't really matter. Microsoft has a much better idea - internally - who is connected and how often, but the public numbers we have don't tell us how often those Silver and Gold subscriptions go online, how often they go offline, how long they're offline, etc.

thebudgetgamer3974d ago (Edited 3974d ago )

There was an article in 2010 that reported that amount of 360's were never connected to the internet at all.

http://www.ps3blog.net/2010...

lomion53974d ago

While that's a fair point, those people will now have to pay for live to use their new Xbox one. Which they only use offine. Paying for a service you don't use may not be something those buyers want. Alternatively, who knows, maybe some of them will end up using it now that they have to have it. I have to think those people are a small minority though.

rainslacker3974d ago (Edited 3974d ago )

Did MS confirm you have to pay for live to use the Xbox One? I would imagine they would still have a silver tiered membership for those that don't want to pay for Live. This would allow them to still update on their 24-hour check in.

born2live3974d ago

@cgoodno

You forget that, of the 76 M consoles sold, many were bought more than once by the same users, due to the 360 being a defective piece of crap (I had to buy 3, and 2 of them were replaced during the warranty period!). Not enough data and numbers are made to say things that they don't say - pretty bad article overall.

Christopher3973d ago (Edited 3973d ago )

***You forget that, of the 76 M consoles sold, many were bought more than once by the same users, due to the 360 being a defective piece of crap***

Which doesn't matter since the figures being used are based on Xbox accounts, not number of xbox 360s out there.

***Did MS confirm you have to pay for live to use the Xbox One?***

XBL sub is only required for doing what you would normally have to pay on 360. You don't need Live to play all games on a single console. It is undetermined if you will need Live to download and play your games from a friend's house (via your login) or if Family sharing requires XBL sub.

born2live3973d ago (Edited 3973d ago )

@cgoodno

"***You forget that, of the 76 M consoles sold, many were bought more than once by the same users, due to the 360 being a defective piece of crap***

Which doesn't matter since the figures being used are based on Xbox accounts, not number of xbox 360s out there"

The article compares the number of consoles sold worldwide (76 M) vs the number of gold accounts (48 M) and determines very unscientifically that 2/3 of the xbox players have a gold account. Re-buyers - because I assume this time it won't be as defective as the last one - will affect the overall proportion of the number of xbox gamers worldwide vs the ones that have a gold account. They are probably losing about 10%-15% of their userbase.

+ Show (8) more repliesLast reply 3973d ago
sinjonezp3974d ago

Could this console be a complete failure before it is released? Would Microsoft let go of its pride and pull the plug on this catastrophe? Would Microsoft continue to drain billions and billions of dollars to invest in something 3/4 of the consumer base do not want? As a gamer, what do we really want? Do we want them to control our gaming for us? Do we want DRM? Do we want an always on kinect and internet? If the answer is no - majority, why won't Microsoft make adjustments? What do everyone think would be the perfect scenario for Microsoft to be successful? Someone sound off and e-mail it to Microsoft.

Simco8763974d ago

That will get'em!

You make change with your wallet...don't buy the Xbone and you will send a message.

The_KELRaTH3974d ago

I don't think they're listening or they would have asked about Win 8, their phone OS too.
It seems its the "only we KNOW best" and the rest of us are expected to heel into line.

Just fortunate there's a few other choices out there as I really enjoy my gaming periods.

Perjoss3974d ago

I agree with Simco876.

I have a massive collection of 360 games, none of the new restrictions affect me, I never but 2nd hand I never trade in and I'm always online, but I will not be buying a One just on principle, I think it is very anti consumer and I've always liked the idea of building a games collection that is mine forever, not just for the duration that the authentication servers will be online for.

no thank you, there will be more than enough games on PS4, PC and WiiU.

Trekster_Gamer3974d ago

I totally agree!
Another thing is people are saying maybe they will do an about face or there is enough time for them to reverse course. I think every day really counts, I have already given up on them and pre-ordered a PS4 and even if they supposedly try to save face it is too little too late for me. I have paid for gold since 2007 and now I am going to be happy to become a PS+ member.

shinrock3974d ago

PS fanboys make up 3/4? I don't know that.the for informing Mr I see into everyone's soul.

rainslacker3974d ago

I agree with what you say, but just to play devil's advocate here.

MS has plans for the X1. Things we probably know nothing about. When it comes to corporate mentality, a plan is put in place to achieve a certain goal.

If their goal is to be a strong gaming machine then they would reevaluate their plans based on all the things you mentioned. If their goal is to be a all in one media center that plays games that they can control the market on, then what they have planned now is what they feel is the best approach.

They may reevaluate their plans, but probably only in the sense of how to market it to the public. Corporations often don't change their policies until they show without doubt that they aren't working to achieve their desired goal. When money is on the line, they may refocus the product in order to achieve their overall goal.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3974d ago
NextGen24Gamer3974d ago

Okay let's get some facts straight!

46 million xbox live users

76 million xbox 360 consoles sold

of the 30 million xbox 360 owners who don't have xbox live, we have no idea how many don't have internet.

My nephew for example. He lives in Atlanta and his mom, my sister, has internet but won't let him play online. He is only 10 yrs old.

I would bet that many of the xbox 360's that don't subscribe to xbox live have access to internet, but like my sister, doesn't use the xbox live.

For people like my sister, she still wouldn't need to get xbox live to use the xbox one. The console just needs to be connected to her internet via Wi-Fi just like her cell phone & tablet.

People are acting like it's a bigger deal than it actually is.

The only people that MS is leaving behind are the people with absolutely NO ACCESS to internet. Those people wouldn't benefit from the unique features of the next generation of gaming anyway.

It's like people complaining when a new cell phone comes out but the area they live in has no cell phone signal. Well, the cell phone isn't for you buddy.

It's life. I commend MS for pushing forward into the future. Someone has to do it. The benefits far outway the negatives and people will understand sooner than later.

I'm super excited! November can't come fast enough!!!!!!!

NextGen24Gamer3974d ago

Proof that the xbox one is for the future and not the current or past is the fact that you have to have an HD Television in order to use the xbox one. No one is complaining about the small percentage of people in rural countries who don't even have an HD television. LOL...It's the same exact thing.

HD Television and Internet is required to enjoy the future of gaming...XBOX ONE!

If you don't have an HD TV or Internet, buy the Ps4.

Xbox One can do 4K or otherwise called Ultra HD for games and the Ps4 CANNOT!

You pay an extra $100 for a true next gen console that's not looking back but moving forward.

tigertom533974d ago

360 did support many countries and expanded after release...

cannon88003974d ago

I've been a loyal playstation gamer since psone and I was actually interested in purchasing the new xbox, but now there's no way I'll even consider buying it. I'd rather have Pinocchio stick his hose up my butthole and tell me lies then getting an xbox one.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3973d ago
Excalibur3974d ago

Reading comments here,other gaming sites, FB,Twitter and even Yahoo news fro crips sake it seems more like 3/4 of it's 360 users, myself being one of them.

MariaHelFutura3974d ago

Yep. 1/3rd sounds low. It doesn't take long to find disgruntled Xbox fans, anywhere social activities are available.

jmc88883974d ago

The sad thing is that all the places they're bitching that was mentioned above...are just as guilty as spying on you as Microsoft.

Steam just scored a flawless victory on MS, and showed how you don't need system wide DRM check-ins in order to share games.

Microsoft has no clothes.

Walker3974d ago

There is no difference, no innovations ! meh

maniacmayhem3974d ago

I wouldn't say all that. It had just as many great features as the PS4 did.

MariaHelFutura3974d ago

and really bad ones the PS4 doesn't. Namely DRM, A forced camera, having to check in and not working anywhere in the world. All of these things, detract from the "innovation" it does have.

jmc88883974d ago

Not to mention, none of those drawbacks were necessary to implement any of their 'features'.

Steam game sharing >>>> Xbox One sharing

Polysix3974d ago (Edited 3974d ago )

It will also have the worst versions of multiplatform games because it's just simply not as powerful as the PS4. A fact time will prove.

FantasyStar3974d ago

Talk about beating a dead horse....

maniacmayhem3974d ago

Yes they are. Introducing too many restrictions all up front was not a good idea.

No one wants to see a new and improved product with a bunch of "can't do's" that didn't appear on the older version.

Very bad on MS's part.

B1663r3974d ago

Not having to have a disk in the drive is a restriction? You've got it backwards buddy.

Having to change disk every time you want to play a different game is the restriction...

maniacmayhem3974d ago

But because of this feature now I can't rent a game from gamefly or Redbox.

This feature would have been great going from whatever disk you currently have in your X1 to any digital game to the TV or app. I would gladly take this if it meant I could still do what I have been doing for the 360.

Why o why3974d ago

That type of attitude makes me think of the well known idiom. One step forward, twos steps back

jmc88883974d ago

You do realize that they could have implemented that feature without the system wide DRM check-in right?

So why did they needlessly restrict you?

Steam just blew Microsoft out of the water. They just said, your secret sauce is crap. THIS is how you share games M$.

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300°

Microsoft Survey Asks About Handheld

A new survey from Microsoft has further hinted at the possibility of an Xbox handheld being in development.

Read Full Story >>
twistedvoxel.com
EasilyTheBest6d ago

This is definitely happening, I just hope they have 2 versions one with a much bigger screen.

GamerRN5d ago

I'll be happy with this, and a PC console hybrid that rivals anything we have power wise

Number1TailzFan5d ago

The problem with bigger devices is playing them on your side in bed, Vita and before that was fine. Since the Switch you gotta have a gooseneck holder & controllers detached so you can lie down holding them, or your arm will quickly get tired.

1Victor5d ago

@thesofware: “A much bigger screen than what?”
A gaming laptop 🤷🏿🤣

Kosic4d ago

Than the screen originally planned...duh... :D

darthv725d ago

it kinda already did... https://www.xbox.com/en-US/...

They are just gauging interest in one of their own.

crazyCoconuts4d ago

A Xbox version of Logitech G-Cloud?
I mean, why bother? Not like the G cloud is flying off shelves and what would Xbox add to make it better?
They're surely not going to create bespoke architecture here and there are already a few Windows handhelds out there. I have little confidence in their ability to put together an attractive UI in the way Steam did. So I doubt anything will come from this.

KicksnSnares6d ago

Day One buy for me if they'll make a dedicated handheld device.

darthv725d ago

i have that logitech g-cloud. Its a sweet little piece of kit. I like that it can also install games from the play store unlike the other android based handheld.

mudakoshaka5d ago

It sure is! Don't understand why you get the down-votes. Whoever does not like the G Cloud must have been dropped down a well, head first, when they were of a younger age.

PassNextquestion5d ago

I wonder if Microsoft will perform better in Japan if they do actually make a handheld since everyone says handheld and mobile are king over there.

TiredGamer5d ago

This looks like the future of the game industry... all three platforms with a handheld option.

I wonder if the Playstation Portal is a technology test-bed/prototype for a future Playstation handheld?

rlow15d ago (Edited 5d ago )

It’s a possibility but I can’t help but think would that be the best way to go about it? Though it would give you data on how much it is used and game type. It’s still not a true portable device and so people approach it differently. I think that data on phones, tablets, and of course the competition would give a better indication.

But I really think if Sony is considering a new PSP that could play ps5 games, now would be the time to dive in. Honestly, if they do this, it would be huge.

Traecy5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Doubt if Sony PS wants to support a new handheld with first party games. Something they lacked with the Vita. What they should do is have a handheld that is like the PS Portal which can play all games but play those games on the go as well as at home. Something like that is a better investment.

TiredGamer5d ago

Agreed that you will probably never see a separate line of games specifically for the handheld (a la PSP or PSVita). The modern economics and expectations of game development make that cost prohibitive. What makes more sense is if the full-fat game on PS5 or PS6 has a special "handheld" profile that is automatically optimized for the lower spec handheld. There would be some significant compromises compared to the bigger console variant, but it would be the same game overall and would only require a single purchase.... somewhat what the Switch does with a lower resolution when playing handheld versus docked.

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310°

Xbox Games Showcase Followed by [REDACTED] Direct Airs June 9

- Xbox Wire - Mark your calendars! The Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct airs June 9. More info inside.

Read Full Story >>
news.xbox.com
bionicstar6d ago

Will they show Fable 4, Stalker 2, GoW 6 & Perfect Dark?

PhillyDonJawn6d ago

Crossing fingers for Fable and perfect dark. And State of Decay 3

RaidenBlack5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

And maybe Clockwork Revolution, South of Midnight, Contraband, Project 007 & OD? lol
and whatever happened to Everwild ?
+ that rumored Wu Tang RPG

Sonic18815d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Will they have official release dates and gameplay?

anast6d ago

Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming.

6d ago
Lightning776d ago

It's an Xbox showcase that they have every year.

Make smarter comments for once.

anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Tell me what a smarter comment is.

If they don't sell game pass the entire time, then I will be wrong. All of this can be proven once the show gets underway. Let's wait and see.

InUrFoxHole5d ago

@Anast
Anything you didn't type. Good day sir!

6d ago
5d ago
5d ago
5d ago Replies(1)
Lightning775d ago (Edited 5d ago )

Wow too easy.

You went from MS going all streaming to selling gamepass content in which we all know they are.

Which one is it?

Pretty clear you don't know what a smart comment is at least you admit you don't know.

5d ago
anast5d ago (Edited 5d ago )

"Another game pass event with their plans to go all streaming."

It's both. I would worry about your own intelligence at this point. It seems that there is not enough to go around for you to worry about how smart other people are.

Lightning775d ago

It's just a regular event announcing games. Nice one captain obvious they're gonna mention gp stuff like they do every year what else is new.

The all streaming part is just you, being you I guess. They have streaming options but going all streaming again is just you pulling stuff outta thin air.

anast5d ago

You don't know what a smart comment is or isn't. You're welcome for the help.

Lightning775d ago

No you said something dumb then you tried to back track and mention GP.

Again make smart comments for once.

anast5d ago

And we have broken record syndrome.

+ Show (6) more repliesLast reply 5d ago
darthv726d ago

Wonder if they will address the handheld rumors....?

jimb0j0nes6d ago

For a brief moment I thought we might get a whole Direct for Gears 6 - seems like it's COD though!

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290°

Microsoft’s Surface and Xbox hardware revenues take a big hit in Q3

Microsoft just posted the third quarter of its 2024 fiscal financial results. The software maker made $61.9 billion in revenue and a net income of $21.9 billion during Q3. Revenue is up 17 percent, and net income has increased by 20 percent.

Read Full Story >>
theverge.com
darthv7210d ago

Xbox content + services up 62% while hardware down 31%... seems about right with the way they tout you don't need the hardware to play. People can play on their phones or smart tv or other means. I don't hardly play on my consoles directly since getting devices like the logitech g-cloud and ps portal. Which is to also say I have been playing more digital than physical because of these devices.

solideagle10d ago

you should apply in MS PR team buddy, I think you will do a great job in my humble opinion :)

Sonic188110d ago

I thought darthv72 and Obscure_Observer already work for Microsoft 🤔

dveio10d ago

MS: "Xbox services and content without AB up 1%, with AB up 62%. Hardware down 31%. In total a loss of 350 mill."

darthv72: "Seems about right."

MS: "Excuse m ..."

darthv72: "I don't hardly play on my consoles directly."

MS:

Lightning7710d ago

What he said was facts. How he plays games is no concern of you. Don't get too mad about it.

Cacabunga10d ago

I can tell people like you are an absolute minority..

If service is up means their fans and fanboys accepted this model and subscribed to it. The near future you will see a big decline because the service is saturated.

darthv729d ago

to you it may seem like the minority... but your bubble is shrinking because more and more are following suit. convenience is a hell of a drug and its also why physical sales only amount to 30% of overall game sales. times are changing, you either get with them or you get left behind.

neutralgamer19929d ago

Darth

30% physical sales: yet Phil and xbox division are in a rush go give up on that 30%. they don't have any right to give up any piece of the pie since the control such a little of the pie to begin with

also, the market is clearly speaking that the model Xbox is pushing isn't working right now the keyword being right now. you are right about freedom to play anywhere so i hope they put their games on steam

shinoff218310d ago

But that's been ms for years. When things aren't going their way they try to change the way things are said. For instance console sales are down, they stop telling how many sold instead telling us how many hours spent in halo or headshots. So it makes sense console sales down just say people are playing on more devices then previous. What they won't say is how many xbox players jumped ship to ps5.

Cacabunga10d ago

Hardware sales are so bad that Sony and Nintendo are blowing the sales off the water with their hardware.

If Xbox are losers, others aren’t..
Xbox already tried everything with Xbox live then subscriptions went down so much that they had to find something else. Their fans subscribed then reached saturation rather quickly.

Hardware and exclusive games is where it’s at! Keep gamers excited, announce decent software and people will support you

itsmebryan10d ago

@shin
Well keep it simple Sony 's operating income is down 26% and Microsoft's is up 32%. No MS spin there, just facts. 😉
Cheers

S2Killinit9d ago

MS is after diminishing consoles as a medium. They want to destroy this market because they couldnt win. MS’s vision is to dissolve console gaming.

romulus2310d ago

Odd that a company that touts you dont need the hardware to play is already touting another console in the works.

darthv7210d ago

They are not reliant on the HW but still want to maintain a presence (no matter how small) is a good thing. It shows commitment to the craft. It reminds me of SNK and how they made games for their own hardware (Neo Geo) while also making them for others because they knew there was a market to do so. They knew they would sell more to others but also sell to their own niche fan base.

TheEroica9d ago (Edited 9d ago )

Perfectly reasonable post down voted by insecure corporation friendly folk.... But not gamers. Real gamer want accessibility and ease of acquisition for all.... Company shills are the only ones still telling us that hardware locking people from games is good for us.

Chevalier9d ago

@Darth

You should stop parroting metrics like an idiot without context.

"Xbox content and services revenue grew 62% in Q3 from a year earlier, “driven by 61 points of net impact” from the purchase of the third-party video game giant, Microsoft said."

61 of the 62% was from their merger so net increase is ONLY 1%

https://www.mesaonline.org/...

itsmebryan9d ago

@chevalier

It looks like made a great purchase. Much better then Sony buying Bungie. 😉
Cheers

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 9d ago
purple10110d ago

Xbox hardware revenue tanks to lowest point of Xbox Series generation

Profchaos10d ago

I'm not surprised surface is struggling they aren't relevant anymore

DOMination-9d ago

In the last two years they've started exiting the consumer market altogether. All of the newest Surface products are business models only. They can't seem to work out what they want to do with it.

XBManiac10d ago

Too expensive hardware when others offer the same or more for less? Good work, Green Team.

SimpleDad10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

"Despite some early successes for Xbox games on rival platforms, Xbox hardware is down by a massive 31 percent this quarter."
"Without Activision Blizzard, Microsoft’s overall gaming revenue would have actually declined this quarter."
"Xbox content and services would have only been up a single percent without Activision Blizzard..."
"It looks like next quarter is going to be a similar story for gaming at Microsoft, too."

That is crazy... so A/B/K is carrying the whole Xbox gaming.
Oh and Microsoft will be fine. Windows, Office and Cloud are growing with each pc purchase.

purple10110d ago

Activision: "we gonna need a bigger rucksack/backpack please"

Microsoft: "why's that"

Activision: "to carry yo' weak ass'

Profchaos10d ago (Edited 10d ago )

Top brass have also wanted to start seeing returns on the 100 billion they have put into various Xbox related moves so seeing more multiplatform games is highly likely especially from abk

It's basically saying that PlayStation is the reason Xbox is afloat right now thinks to Ps5 versions of COD

Kornholic10d ago

So basically PS and PC gamers' money is keeping Xbox on life support.

MrDead9d ago

The only growth MS will get out of the console industry is if it supports it's rivals platforms. Xbox is a pointless machine now. I can see them on a big push for live next, and they won't give up on trying to buy Steam.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 9d ago
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