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Reuters
a day ago
- Business
- Reuters
Trump's trade war with China in 2025
BEIJING, Aug 12 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has targeted top economic rival China with a cascade of tariff orders on billions of dollars of imported goods aimed at narrowing a wide trade deficit, bringing back lost manufacturing and crippling the fentanyl trade. The timeline below shows the development of the U.S.-China trade war this year: January 21 - A day after taking office, Trump threatens 10% punitive duty on Chinese imports, citing fentanyl flowing from China. February 1 - Trump imposes 10% on goods from China along with 25% on Mexico and Canada, demanding they curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the U.S. February 4 - China responds with a wide range of measures targeting U.S. businesses including Google, farm equipment makers and the owner of fashion brand Calvin Klein. Beijing also slaps levies of 15% on imports of U.S. coal and LNG and 10% for crude oil and some autos, beginning February 10. It also restricted exports of five metals used in defence, clean energy and other industries. March 3 - The U.S. doubles fentanyl-related tariffs on all Chinese imports, increasing levies to 20%, effective March 4. March 4 - China hits back with 10-15% retaliatory levies on U.S. agriculture exports, affecting about $21 billion in U.S. exports. Beijing also imposed export and investment curbs on 25 U.S. firms, on grounds of national security and banned imports of genetic sequencers from U.S. medical equipment maker Illumina. April 2 - Trump escalates global trade friction with sweeping "liberation day" tariffs, announcing a baseline 10% across all imports and significantly higher duties on some countries. Trump levies 34% on all Chinese goods, to take effect on April 9. The Trump administration also decides to end duty-free access for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, known as "de minimis" exemptions, from May 2. April 4 - China announces retaliatory tariffs of 34% on all U.S. imports from April 10 and export curbs on some rare earths. It imposed restrictions on about 30 U.S. organisations, mostly in defence-related industries. Beijing also suspends sorghum, poultry and bone meal shipments from some U.S. firms. April 8 - The U.S. raises tariff on all Chinese imports to 84% from 34%. April 9 - China raises its levies on U.S. imports to 84% too, and added 12 U.S. companies to a control list that prohibits exports of dual-use items and another six to its "unreliable entities" list, which allows Beijing to take punitive actions against foreign entities. The U.S. further hikes tariffs on Chinese imports to 125% from 84%. China later on the day issued risk warnings to its citizens against travelling to the U.S. April 10 - China announces it would immediately restrict imports of Hollywood films. April 11 - China also raises levies on imports of U.S. goods to 125%, dismissing the Trump tariff strategy as "a joke" and indicated it will ignore any further U.S. "numbers game with tariffs". April 15 - U.S. chipmaker Nvidia discloses that U.S. officials had informed it that its H20 chip would require an export license for sales to China. May 10-12 - Beijing and Washington hold high-stakes trade talks over the weekend in Geneva. Both sides released a joint statement agreeing to a 90-day pause on their steep tariffs. The temporary truce meant U.S. tariffs on China will fall to 30% from 145%, while China tariffs on the U.S. drop to 10% from 125%. China also committed to removing non-tariff countermeasures imposed against the United States since April 2. May 28-29 - U.S. says will start "aggressively" revoking visas of Chinese students. It also orders a broad swathe of companies to stop shipping goods covering semiconductors, design software and aviation equipment to China. May 31 - Trump says China violated the agreement reached in Geneva to mutually roll back tariffs and ease Chinese curbs on critical minerals exports. China rejects the accusation, saying U.S. had introduced multiple "discriminatory restrictive" measures against China. June 5 - Chinese President Xi Jinping and Trump hold an hour-long phone call. June 9-10 - U.S. and China hold a new round of trade talks in London and reach a framework agreement. June 11-12 - Some Chinese rare earths magnet producers begin to receive export licences. Trump says trade truce is back on track. June 27 - Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says U.S. and China have resolved issues around rare earth minerals and magnets shipments to U.S. July 6 - Trump threatens an additional 10% tariff on countries he said were aligning themselves with the "Anti-American policies" of BRICS, which includes China. July 15 - U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says Nvidia plans to resume sales of its advanced AI H20 chips to China is part of U.S. negotiations on rare earths, reversing a U.S. export ban in April. July 28-29 - U.S. and Chinese officials agree to seek an extension of their 90-day tariff truce after two days of talks in Stockholm. Both sides described the talks as constructive, but no major breakthroughs were announced. August 1 - Bessent says believed that Washington has the makings of a deal with China and that he is "optimistic" about the path forward. August 8 - U.S. starts issuing licenses to Nvidia to export its H20 chips to China. August 10 - Trump urges China to quadruple its soybean purchases from the U.S. as the expiration of the trade truce looms on August 12. August 11 - U.S. and China extend their tariff truce for another 90 days.
Tom's Guide
3 days ago
- Tom's Guide
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 vs. Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Which will be the better foldable?
We could have told you right at the start of the year that it would come down to the Galaxy Z Fold 7 against the Pixel 10 Pro for the best foldable phone of 2025. And while we've yet to see the Pixel in the proverbial flesh, the new folding Samsung has shown it has a high bar to clear. Since it arrived a few weeks ago, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 has dazzled the tech world by showing Samsung is capable of making a foldable phone on a par with the exciting models made by Chinese companies who don't sell in the U.S. directly. The Google Pixel 10 Pro Fold is still not fully confirmed, but from what Google has shown us, and from what leakers from around the internet have said, it appears it could stand a chance even against the mighty Z Fold 7. Things will of course get shaken up by the time the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launches, and we will update this face-off once things are confirmed. But for now, here's what we know about the Pixel 10 Pro Fold compared to the official specs for the Galaxy Z Fold 7. We know that Pixel 10 series, including the Pro Fold, will be arriving as part of August 20th's Made by Google event. While the price was not confirmed by Google as part of its pre-announcement, there are rumors suggesting that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could be cheaper than the Pixel 9 Pro Fold it will replace, dropping to $1,600 rather maintaining the current $1,800 pricing. Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 made its debut in July, and is the company's most expensive foldable ever, starting at $1,999 / £1,799 / AU$2,899. If Google does drop the price of its foldable, any performance difference between it and the Z Fold could be easily forgiven by users wanting a good deal. Samsung astonished the tech world with just how big a leap it made over the Galaxy Z Fold 6 with the Galaxy Z Fold 7. The displays are larger (8 inches within, and 6.5 inches on the outside), while the device as a whole is thinner and lighter. It's likely that it'll be lighter than the new Google foldable too, already weighing over 15% lighter than the current Pixel 9 Pro Fold. To counter the Z Fold 7's giant leap, Google could improve the size of the new Pixel foldable's outer display from 6.3 inches to 6.4 inches by decreasing the borders around it rather than up-sizing the whole phone, meaning more screen space without enlarging the phone's body. The inner (8-inch) and outer screens could be even brighter too thanks to an upgrade to Google's already super-bright Super Actua display technology, taking the phone to 3,000 nits at peak brightness. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Perhaps more notably, Google could manage to give the Pixel 10 Pro Fold an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, something we've not yet seen a foldable phone manage. The Galaxy Z Fold 7's IP48 rating is pretty good, but provides less protection against dust intrusion than an IP68 rating, achieved by the vast majority of regular premium smartphones, signifies. Google may only sell the Pixel 10 Pro in two color options once again, this year going for Moonstone blue/grey and Jade green according to the rumors. Samsung offers double that number of colors, with a base selection of Blue Shadow, Silver Shadow and Jet Black, plus a Samsung Store-exclusive Mint color. Samsung made two major upgrades to the Galaxy Z Fold 7's photography abilities: a new 200MP main camera, and a new punch-hole 10MP camera in the main display, replacing the old under-display sensor of previous Z Folds. This has resulted in the most capable camera array on any Samsung foldable so far. That's bad news for Google, as there are no camera changes predicted for the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. This would land users with 48MP main camera, 10.8MP ultrawide, and 10.5MP 5x telephoto cameras on the back, and 10MP front-facing cameras inside and out, which is still a strong collection of sensor options. This makes the chance of the Z Fold 7 outperforming the new Pixel Fold with its camera a more likely possibility. Google's rumored Tensor G5 chips will power all its Pixel 10 devices, including the Pro Fold. We're hoping this chip has noticeably improved performance over the Tensor G4 in the current Pixels, thanks to it adopting the same 3-nanometer manufacturing process as the latest Qualcomm and Apple-designed chips. Joining the Tensor G5 will be 16GB RAM according to the rumors, which also allege that the Pixel 10 Pro Fold will be the first Google foldable to offer 1TB of storage alongside the default 256GB and 512GB options, matching the three available storage capacities of the Galaxy Z Fold 7. Samsung used a custom edition of the latest Snapdragon flagship chip, the 8 Elite For Galaxy, in the Galaxy Z Fold 7. It's a mighty chip that the Tensor G5 could struggle to beat on raw power. Samsung is a little stingier with RAM than Google is thought to be though, with the Z Fold 7 coming with 12GB RAM in the 256GB and 512GB versions, only offering 16GB with the range-topping 1TB edition. Frustratingly, for all the upgrades that Samsung made to the Galaxy Z Fold 7, no changes were made to the battery or charging specs. It still has 4,400 mAh of capacity, a maximum of 25W wired charging or 15W wireless charging, and a battery life of under 11 hours on the TG custom battery test. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold is tipped to get a battery size increase from 4,650 mAh to 5,015 mAh, and could receive Qi2 wireless charging and related accessories. Both of these are welcome changes that could help Google make up ground against Samsung. Samsung introduced One UI 8 with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, enabling features like a side-by-side view for features like AI editing, and improved AI capabilities for Bixby and Gemini. Sadly, at the same time, Samsung pulled stylus support for the Z Fold 7's inner display, taking away one of the most unique abilities of Samsung foldables. Google won our recent AI phone face-off, but from what we've heard, it won't be standing still with features for the Pixel 10 series. This will include a rumored camera assistant to help you line up better shots, but likely much more besides. Samsung still offers seven years of full updates for the Galaxy Z Fold 7, as it has for flagship devices for the past few years. We'd expect Google to do the same, since all Pixels launched since the Pixel 8 series have offered seven years of Android and security updates. We already know that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is excellent, so it's going to be hard for Google to take the spotlight with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. But there are a few openings that Google might be able to exploit, going by the leaks we've seen to date. While the Galaxy Z Fold 7 may have superior cameras, displays and a slicker overall design, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold could undercut Samsung on price, while also beating it on battery capacity and AI capabilities. It's going to be a great fight, whichever phone ends up winning, and we can't wait to put these two phones against each other for real once the Pixel 10 Pro Fold launches.
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Business Standard
05-06-2025
- Business Standard
WWDC25: Apple may announce new head gestures, camera controls for AirPods
Apple may bring sleep-aware playback, stem-based camera triggers, and new head gesture controls to AirPods at WWDC 2025 At this year's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), Apple is expected to unveil several new accessibility and control features for its AirPods line-up. According to a report from 9To5Mac, the company may introduce updates like sleep auto-pause, camera control, enhanced head gestures, and more. While WWDC traditionally focuses on software and platform updates, Apple has a precedent for debuting new AirPods features via firmware updates. Last year, Apple introduced head gestures for select AirPods models, allowing users to nod up or down to answer or decline calls and notifications, enabling hands-free interaction. Here are all the new features that might be coming to AirPods this year: Apple WWDC 2025: New features for AirPods Sleep auto-pause: Apple is reportedly working on a feature that can detect when a user falls asleep while wearing AirPods, and automatically pause audio playback. Currently, users must rely on sleep timers within apps—something not universally supported. It's unclear whether this will function independently or work in tandem with the Apple Watch, which already offers sleep tracking. Camera Control: Apple may also enable AirPods to act as a remote trigger for the iPhone or iPad camera. According to the report, users will be able to activate the camera shutter with a click on the AirPods stem, possibly even when the AirPods are not worn. New head gestures: Apple is also reportedly working on new head gestures for controlling Conversation Awareness mode on the AirPods. Currently, this mode—which lowers media volume and boosts nearby voices when the wearer begins speaking—can be dismissed by tapping or swiping on the AirPods stem. Soon, head gestures might provide an alternative way to exit the mode. Audio Mix: Apple is also said to be working on bringing iPhone 16's Audio Mix feature to AirPods. The feature, introduced with the iPhone 16 series, uses AI to isolate voices from background noise and offers three voice modes: In-frame, Studio, and Cinematic. Its expansion to AirPods could provide more nuanced control of how audio is recorded and played back, especially during video recordings. Apple WWDC 2025: What to expect Apple is expected to announce sweeping visual updates across its operating systems, including iOS, macOS, and visionOS. A unified design language with translucent menus, dynamic motion effects, and a more cohesive interface experience is reportedly in the works. Apple may also introduce a new naming convention across its software line-up—switching from iOS 19 to iOS 26, for example—to bring consistency in versioning across devices. On the AI front, Apple could unveil a new developer software toolkit (SDK) for deeper integration of Apple Intelligence tools like Writing Tools into third-party apps. Additionally, the company is exploring partnerships with external AI providers, including Google and Anthropic, to complement its existing collaboration with OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Time of India
Xiaomi X Pro QLED TV review: Premium cinema magic at a budget price
The smart TV space is crowded, but Xiaomi's X Pro QLED TV manages to cut through the noise by offering a compelling mix of premium features at a competitive price. After spending time with the 65-inch variant — a perfect fit for most living rooms — we walked away impressed not just with what it delivers, but how consistently it does so. Price & Availability The X Pro QLED TV is available in 3 sizes and can be bought from Xiaomi's store & online vendors as well. Screen Size (in inches) Pricing 43' INR 31,999 55' INR 44,999 65' INR 64,999 Design & Connectivity The X Pro Series adopts a minimal, bezel-less design that's clearly intended to blend into various home environments — from compact bedrooms to open-plan living spaces. While the aesthetic feels a bit too safe, it remains elegant and unintrusive. On the hardware front, it includes 32GB of internal storage, which is more than most in its class. Connectivity is generous too: 3 HDMI ports (including one with eARC), 2 USB ports, Ethernet, AV input, and Bluetooth — covering all your external device needs. We tested the 65-inch variant, which is ideally suited for living rooms and large entertainment spaces. The immersion is excellent at this size. However, if you're working with a smaller area or secondary room, Xiaomi also offers a 55-inch version — packing the same performance in a more compact footprint. AV Quality At the heart of the experience is the 4K QLED panel, which delivers vivid colors, deep contrasts, and crisp detail. From animated adventures to cinematic thrillers, it holds its own admirably. One standout is the Filmmaker Mode — a feature usually seen in higher-end TVs. It strips away unnecessary post-processing, giving you a more faithful, director-intended experience. Not everyone will love it — some may miss the glossy enhancements — but for purists, it's gold. However, you do get more modes here like gaming all of which utilises the TVs prowess efficiently. Visuals aside, Xiaomi's taken audio seriously too. The X Pro Series features integrated Xiaomi Sound paired with 34W box speakers, bolstered by DTS:X, DTS Virtual:X, and Dolby Audio. The result? Whether you're watching a high-octane chase or a quiet documentary, dialogues remain clear, and the spatial sound adds real atmosphere. Software Xiaomi continues to differentiate itself with its content-first ecosystem. The X Pro supports PatchWall and Xiaomi TV+, offering live TV channels, curated recommendations, and easy content discovery. Kids Mode brings parental controls and age-appropriate filters, while Google Assistant integration makes it easy to control the TV with your voice. For content streaming, it includes Google Cast, Miracast, and Apple AirPlay 2, making it versatile across Android and Apple ecosystems. All the features work smoothly across the smart TV. The new Xiaomi remote deserves credit for its thoughtful upgrades. It includes dedicated buttons for popular streaming apps, a mute button, and quick access to Google TV and PatchWall. Voice commands via Google Assistant are smooth, and the remote also features DVB-T2 buttons — currently inactive in India but included for future compatibility with free-to-air standards. And here's where it gets interesting — Xiaomi has integrated a chip that lets users access free-to-air channels in compliance with the Indian government's DTH mandate, making it one of the first to future-proof on this front. Verdict The Xiaomi X Pro QLED TV is more than just a budget pick — it's a smart, feature-rich product that respects the user experience. From vibrant QLED visuals and immersive sound, to forward-thinking software and smart regulatory compliance, it's one of the most well-rounded TVs in its price bracket. While the design could use a bit more flair, the core package is strong, refined, and smartly aligned with how modern Indian households consume content today.
Time Business News
24-05-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Best Gutter Cleaning Service in Auckland: 7-Step Guide to Hire Experts
Gutters are the unsung heroes of your Auckland home, channeling rainwater away to protect your roof, walls, and foundation. But in a city like Auckland, where heavy rainfall (averaging 1,200 mm annually) and coastal winds pile leaves, twigs, and debris into gutters, regular maintenance is non-negotiable. Clogged gutters can lead to costly repairs—think water damage, mold growth, or even foundation issues. Hiring the best gutter cleaning service in Auckland ensures your home stays protected, but with so many options, how do you choose the right one? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, tailored to Auckland's unique needs, so you can find a reliable, professional service with confidence. Auckland's wet and windy climate makes gutter maintenance critical. From the leafy suburbs of Remuera to the coastal homes of Devonport, debris from native trees like pōhutukawa and tōtara, combined with salt-laden air, can clog and corrode gutters fast. Neglected gutters risk: Water overflow : Damaging roofs, walls, and foundations. : Damaging roofs, walls, and foundations. Pest issues : Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes, common in Auckland's humid summers. : Stagnant water attracts mosquitoes, common in Auckland's humid summers. Property devaluation: Poor maintenance can deter buyers in Auckland's competitive housing market (median home price ~$1.1M NZD in 2025). Hiring a professional gutter cleaning service saves time, ensures safety, and protects your investment. Let's dive into the steps to find the best gutter cleaning service in Auckland. Before searching for a service, assess your property's specific requirements: Property type : Is your home a single-story in Papakura or a multi-level villa in Parnell? Taller homes may need specialized equipment. : Is your home a single-story in Papakura or a multi-level villa in Parnell? Taller homes may need specialized equipment. Gutter condition : Are your gutters clogged with debris, rusted from coastal exposure in Takapuna, or fitted with outdated guards? : Are your gutters clogged with debris, rusted from coastal exposure in Takapuna, or fitted with outdated guards? Frequency : Auckland's weather often demands cleaning twice yearly—before winter storms and after autumn leaf fall. : Auckland's weather often demands cleaning twice yearly—before winter storms and after autumn leaf fall. Budget: Typical costs range from $150–$400 NZD, depending on house size and gutter condition. Knowing your needs helps you narrow down services that specialize in your property type and offer tailored solutions. Start by finding companies with a strong local presence. Auckland-based services understand the region's climate and roofing styles, from heritage homes to modern builds in Albany. Here's how to begin: Search online : Use terms like 'hire gutter cleaners Auckland' or 'Auckland gutter cleaning reviews' on Google. : Use terms like 'hire gutter cleaners Auckland' or 'Auckland gutter cleaning reviews' on Google. Check local directories : Platforms like NoCowboys or Yellow Pages list Auckland providers with customer ratings. : Platforms like NoCowboys or Yellow Pages list Auckland providers with customer ratings. Ask for recommendations : Neighbors in suburbs like Ponsonby or Howick often share trusted contacts. : Neighbors in suburbs like Ponsonby or Howick often share trusted contacts. Browse social media: Check X for posts about local gutter cleaning services or community recommendations in Auckland groups. Compile a shortlist of 3–5 companies with positive online visibility and local expertise. Not all gutter cleaning services are equal. To ensure reliability, check the following: Licensing and insurance : Confirm the company is licensed and carries public liability insurance to cover accidents or damage. : Confirm the company is licensed and carries public liability insurance to cover accidents or damage. Experience : Look for providers with at least 3–5 years of experience in Auckland, familiar with local challenges like coastal corrosion. : Look for providers with at least 3–5 years of experience in Auckland, familiar with local challenges like coastal corrosion. Certifications : Some companies hold certifications from industry bodies like the New Zealand Building Industry Federation. : Some companies hold certifications from industry bodies like the New Zealand Building Industry Federation. Specialization: Do they offer extras like gutter guard installation or rust treatment, common needs in Auckland's humid climate? Request proof of credentials via email or the company's website to avoid fly-by-night operators. Customer feedback is a goldmine for assessing service quality. Here's how to evaluate reviews: Check multiple platforms : Look at Google Reviews, NoCowboys, or TradeMe Services for consistent ratings. : Look at Google Reviews, NoCowboys, or TradeMe Services for consistent ratings. Focus on local feedback : Reviews from Auckland homeowners, especially in your suburb (e.g., Henderson or Epsom), are most relevant. : Reviews from Auckland homeowners, especially in your suburb (e.g., Henderson or Epsom), are most relevant. Look for specifics : Positive reviews should mention punctuality, thoroughness, or handling complex jobs like multi-story homes. : Positive reviews should mention punctuality, thoroughness, or handling complex jobs like multi-story homes. Watch for red flags: Complaints about missed appointments or incomplete cleaning signal unreliable services. A company with a 4+ star rating and detailed, positive reviews is a strong contender. Contact your shortlisted companies for quotes. Most Auckland gutter cleaning services offer free estimates. Here's what to do: Provide details : Share your property size, gutter condition, and any specific needs (e.g., rust removal). : Share your property size, gutter condition, and any specific needs (e.g., rust removal). Compare pricing : Expect $150–$250 for a single-story home and $250–$400 for larger or multi-story properties. : Expect $150–$250 for a single-story home and $250–$400 for larger or multi-story properties. Ask about inclusions : Does the quote cover debris removal, gutter inspection, or minor repairs? : Does the quote cover debris removal, gutter inspection, or minor repairs? Beware of lowball offers: Unusually cheap quotes (e.g., under $100) may indicate inexperience or hidden fees. Compare at least three quotes to balance cost and quality. A reliable company communicates clearly and professionally. Test this by: Contacting them : Call or email to gauge responsiveness—do they reply within 24 hours? : Call or email to gauge responsiveness—do they reply within 24 hours? Asking questions : Inquire about their process, safety measures, or eco-friendly options (popular in eco-conscious Auckland). : Inquire about their process, safety measures, or eco-friendly options (popular in eco-conscious Auckland). Assessing professionalism: Polite, transparent communication is a good sign of service quality. Poor communication, like delayed responses or vague answers, suggests a lack of reliability. Once you've narrowed it down, choose the service that best fits your needs, budget, and trust level. Before booking: Confirm details : Verify the cleaning date, scope of work, and payment terms. : Verify the cleaning date, scope of work, and payment terms. Ask about guarantees : Reputable companies offer satisfaction guarantees or follow-up inspections. : Reputable companies offer satisfaction guarantees or follow-up inspections. Schedule strategically: Book before Auckland's rainy season (May–August) to avoid urgent repairs. After booking, keep contact details handy for future maintenance, as regular cleaning prevents costly issues. How often should I clean my gutters in Auckland? Twice a year—before winter and after autumn—is ideal, given Auckland's rainfall and leaf fall. How much does gutter cleaning cost in Auckland? Costs range from $150–$400 NZD, depending on property size, gutter condition, and service extras. Can I clean my gutters myself? DIY is possible but risky on Auckland's steep or wet roofs. Professionals ensure safety and thoroughness. What happens if I don't clean my gutters? Clogged gutters can cause water damage, mold, and pest issues, costing thousands in repairs. Choosing the best gutter cleaning service in Auckland doesn't have to be overwhelming. By following these seven steps—defining your needs, researching local providers, verifying credentials, checking reviews, comparing quotes, evaluating communication, and booking strategically—you'll find a reliable service that keeps your home safe from Auckland's relentless rain and debris. Don't wait for a leak or overflow to act. Invest in professional gutter cleaning today to protect your property and enjoy peace of mind. For trusted Auckland providers, start your search on platforms like NoCowboys or Google, and keep your gutters in top shape year-round! TIME BUSINESS NEWS
