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  • Best VPN for iPhone

    Best VPN for iPhone

    While it might sound weird that you’d want a VPN for a phone, it’s not a bad idea to have one. While iOS is great at protecting user security, it’s not able to help you when you’re surfing the web. The real reason you’ll want one of these is if you use public Wi-Fi often. Public networks are often unsecure, and any data sent to and from your phone while on them could be intercepted by hackers. If you want to keep your encrypted info safe from prying eyes, try these VPNs! They offer great protection for your mobile browsing.  

    Golden Frog VyprVPN 

    Golden Frog is a clean, well laid-out VPN with a lot to offer. While it doesn’t offer as many licenses per subscription as some of the competition, it’s a solid pick. It’s ten dollars to start and five bucks a month. Sadly, it doesn’t offer any ad-blocking. What it does offer, though, is a free trial and a ton of servers. Your server speeds on this one will be blisteringly fast! If speed is your bag, try Golden Frog. 

    Cyber Ghost VPN 

    Offering seven licenses per $2.75 a month subscription, Cyber Ghost is a good choice. The interface is unique and weird in a good way. Privacy is a major concern of this one, and it does a good job logging very little user data. You can’t location spoof while streaming, though, so if you’re trying to appear as though you’re somewhere else, this isn’t the right VPN. That said, this is still a fine VPN, and it costs $12 to get started. The $2.75 per month deal is limited time, though, so check it out soon! 

    Nord VPN for iPhone 

    If you’ve ever looked into VPNs, you’ve definitely seen the name Nord. They’re well-renowned for a reason, and it’s because they’re good. Their VPN for iPhone offers a ton of servers and great features. Just like Cyber Ghost, it’s $12 to get started and $2.75 per month. Also, like Cyber Ghost, that’s a limited time price. That said, if you’re looking for a strong iPhone VPN, this is a great pick. Offering six simultaneous connections and blocking ads is a pretty mean feat on an iPhone. The app and layout are both friendly and welcoming, too! Great for first-time VPN users. 

    Our Favorite VPN for iPhone: KeepSolid VPN Unlimited 

    Starting a $8.99 per month, this is a fantastic VPN for the money. It supports Open VPN and sports great speeds. KeepSolid boasts servers specifically tooled for streaming, which is awesome. It also offers a personal VPN server for users! That said, it has no free trial, which is a bummer. Compared to Nord it has a small number of servers, too. That said, the interface is excellent, and the user experience is top-notch. If you’re looking for a fantastic VPN for iPhone, this is the one for you! 

  • Smartphone Spotlight: Galaxy Note 9

    Smartphone Spotlight: Galaxy Note 9

    The 128GB Galaxy Note 9 can be purchased through carriers including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Xfinity, along with Best Buy, Costco, Sam’s Club, Straight Talk Wireless, Target, Walmart, Samsung.com and the ShopSamsung app.

    The Great

    • Slamtastic Screen
    • Instalike worthy camera
    • Adequate long battery
    • Interesting new S-Pen tricks
    • All the Specs needed

    The Not

    • Way, way too pricey
    • Possibilities of Violent Explosions

    The Conclusion

    The Galaxy Note 9 is Samsung’s Ultimate cry for tech geek attention. It has all the specs, a gigantic, magnificent, Fortnite worthy screen, a Bluetooth-powered S Pen, and a headphone jack… you know just all the essentials on the checklist for the kind of Android user that Samsung is targeting with a Note update. It’s a Phablets lover’s dream come true, if it doesn’t kill you

    Who still remembers the terror Samsung bestowed amongst the world two years ago? Who remembers when the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 launched to much fanfare with ravastious acclimates from all. Shouting from the heavens this is sciences gift to man. A short while after the device made it into the worlds hands the batteries violently exploded it was seemed like a coordinated terrorist attack.

    Y’all remember when that happened? At the time, Samsung had initially responded with assurances that it was an isolated problem that it would handle on a case-by-case basis, but eventually realized the issue was beyond control. Eventually, it issued a full recall for all Note 7 devices around the world. That was two years ago, this is the Note 9 we are talking about today.

    Galaxy Note 9 puts powerful technology in the hands of the tech geeks and gamers who demand more powerful and more screen from their smartphones. It certainly boast Innovative features and design make it the only phone to keep up with the next generation of users. Yes the rumors we have been telling you are true. Packed with a huge battery, a massive screen, and a powerful stylus, the Note 9 has more of everything than any other phone on the US market.

    How does it look and feel

    It’s large, I mean this phone is obscenely large. And when you put it in a case, it will become a liability. This is not a one-handed phone for any but the largest hands. Samsung moved the fingerprint sensor so no longer will the Note 9 fit into Note 8 case. On the bright side no more inadvertently smudging the camera lens.

    The Galaxy Note 9 has a 6.4-inch quad HD Super AMOLED curved screen, and USB-C and standard headphone jacks, it is IP68 Waterproof. We have been through this, the checklist of required wants and needs are covered. Not only that but it is stunning, think Charlene Theron on the red carpet elegant.

    No 5g on The Galaxy Note 9

    We have talked about 5G coming next year, Don’t get hung up on that; it will be another year before 5G is widespread and before chipset makers work out the power-management kinks that come with new wireless data systems. Yes write that down you are hearing it here first. Next year’s Note 10 will be 5G. Wanna wait that long? Anyways, The existing X20 modem get speeds up to 700Mbps with the right carrier setup, showing there’s still plenty of room in 4G. That’ll do, That’ll do just fine.

    Sounds and Stuff

    The Note 9 brings the S9+’s dual speakers to the Note line. The two speakers are by the earpiece, and along the bottom. Compared to the previous Note 8’s single bottom speaker, the speakers here aren’t much louder but clarity and treble are off the charts. Outside of the iPhone X I don’t think I have heard a better device speaker.

    The Biggest Difference

    The Galaxy Note 9’s biggest upgrade is its enhanced and gargantuan 4,000mAh battery hit it with a 10-hour battery test video. Yes you know the one where I leave it on the10 hour loop of He-Man singing 4 non blondes “what’s going on”. Results, 13% left, astounding. This leads me into projecting screen-on battery life out to 12 and half hours. That Destroys all other flagship smartphone on the market. The battery is significantly larger than the one in the Galaxy S9+ (3,500mAh, 10+ hours), the Galaxy Note 8 (3,300mAh, 6 hours), or the Galaxy Note 5 (3,020mAh, 8 hours and 30 minutes).

    Quick Speck Look

    • Graphics Mali-G72 MP18
    • Processor Octa core (2.7 GHz, Quad core, M3 Mongoose + 1.7 GHz, Quad core, Cortex A55)
    • Architecture 64 bit
    • Ram 6 GB
    • Audio Features Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus
    • Display Type Super AMOLED
    • Aspect Ratio 18.5:9
    • Screen Size 6.4 inches (16.26 cm)
    • Screen Resolution 1440 x 2960 pixel

    The Final Thought

    If this thing doesn’t explode in our face we have a monster here. The screen alone will improve your Fortnite results instantly giving you an unfair advantage over any other player on a regular smartphone. It’s the battery though, it’s just too good to be true. Add in their shaky past and it’s something to be weary off.


  • Which Outdoor Speaker Packs the Most Punch?

    Which Outdoor Speaker Packs the Most Punch?

    Summer time is the time to enjoy the outdoors with friends! Whether you’re camping, at the pool, at the beach or at a cookout, you’re going to want your tunes! But which speakers are the best? You’ll want one with tons of power and durability! It helps if they’re water-proof, too. To help you narrow it down, we’ve got some of our favorite outdoor speaker picks for you! Party on! 

    UE Wonderboom 

    The Wonderboom is a compact, loud, waterproof speaker that’s sure to impress. If you want something you can toss in a bag and bust out at the pool, this little wonder is it. The folks at UE outdid themselves with this one! It can bob about in the water, no problem, kicking out huge sound and keeping the party going. If you’re the type that drops electronics in the pool, check out the Wonderboom! You can usually find them for around $70, although they’re often on sale for less. Between the stellar battery life, great Bluetooth connection and loud speaker, the Wonderboom is your best bet for compact speaker. 

    Braven XXL 

    If you want a boombox-style outdoor speaker, look no further. The Braven XXL packs huge sound into its durable frame. This one certainly isn’t small: it’s about the size of your average boombox. The body is shock-proof and water-resistant, so you won’t be worried about rain or dropping it. It also puts out some serious noise. If you’re looking to throw a loud dance party by the pool, this is your best bet. You can even plug in a microphone for a karaoke party! It’s a little pricey, coming in at $300, but it’ll make some serious noise. 

    JBL Charge 3 

    Much like the Wonderboom, the JBL Charge 3 can withstand water like nobody’s business. If you plan on charging up your gadgets by the pool, this is a great option! It boasts a USB port to charge any gadget you care to bring with you. The battery life is also stellar, although charging other gadgets up with it will reduce it. The Charge 3 costs around $150, but you can often find it on sale for less. With loud, punchy sonics and a durable body, this is another great choice! 

    Our Favorite Outdoor Speaker: UE Megaboom 

    We really like UE’s outdoor speakers! The Megaboom, the bigger cousin of the Wonderboom, is a beast. It’s a little expensive at $200, but it really delivers. It sports amazing sound quality and top of the line durability. It’s totally waterproof, of course, so it can survive any dips in the pool. It’s shock-resistant and durable, made for a pool party or camping trip. If you want a great balance of price and quality, the Megaboom is what you’re looking for. 

  • Which Hiking Backpack is the Best for you?

    Which Hiking Backpack is the Best for you?

    It’s time to head outdoors and enjoy the warm weather! If you’re going backpacking, though, you’re going to need a good hiking backpack! When you go backpacking, you have to choose what you carry wisely. You don’t want to be over-encumbered, but you want to make sure you have everything you need. Not to mention, choosing which pack you carry is paramount. Packs that are big, durable, waterproof and comfortable are important! They’re also usually somewhat expensive, so experimenting with different brands isn’t really feasible. With that in mind, we’ve got a roundup of some of our favorite backpacks for your next hike! 

    ARC’TERYX BORA 63 

    The Arc’Teryx Bora 63 is fantastically comfortable. It sports straps and pads that help distribute the weight evenly across your body. The foam pads contour to the body and are quite thick and durable. The pack sports a rock-solid suspension incorporating aluminum stays, so it holds up under pressure. The pack is highly weather-resistant, featuring waterproof zippers and seam seals. While the pack is expensive, running $550, it’s also incredibly high quality. If you’re a serious climber looking for a seriously comfortable backpack, this one is for you. 

    HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR 3400 SOUTHWEST 

    The Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack makes this list for being so darn light. The trend of ultra-light hiking has blown up recently, and with it, demand for ultra-light packs has too. Hyperlite, thankfully, is here to provide! Weighing in at just 2 pounds, the 3400 pack is made of a material called Dyneema. The pack is completely waterproof and unquestionably durable. Great for hiking, kayaking or camping, the 3400 pushes the boundaries of how durable such a light pack can be. It’s $345, but it’s also quite spartan. This bag has few bells or whistles, but what you’re paying for is the weight and durability. If you’re looking to travel very, very light, this is the right hiking backpack for you. 

    Our Favorite Hiking Backpack Overall: OSPREY ATMOS AG 65 

    If you’re looking for a great overall outdoors bag, the Osprey Atmos won’t disappoint. Featuring a fantastic suspension system to evenly distribute weight, the Osprey was designed to make you forget you were even wearing it.  The bag is pretty light, coming in at 5 pounds, and is as durable as they come. Featuring tons of flaps and pockets, you can make sure you stay organized with this hiking backpack. If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-purpose and weather-resistant bag, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 retails for $270, making it the most affordable bag on this list. It also happens to be the best overall! This one is a no-brainer. 

     

  • Amazon Fire TV Cube Review

    Amazon Fire TV Cube Review

    The Amazon Fire TV Cube is here! Amazon has promised a unique blend of connecting traditional cable TV with Alexa voice control. While the company has dipped its toes in this water with the Fire TV Stick, the TV Cube is a pretty big leap. What is everyone saying about the newest cable box? Is it worth all the hype? Does it really revolutionize the living room? Or is it just a goofy gadget with niche appeal? Well, we’ve got a review roundup for you right here! Let’s talk TV! 

    What the Fire TV Cube Does 

    The Fire TV Cube is an Alexa-powered entertainment device designed to let you use voice commands to control your TV hands-free. Basic functions, like turning the TV and cable receiver on and changing channels is all handled through voice commands. This is actually quite awesome: walking in from a long day and getting your entertainment with just your voice feels really luxurious. While you’ll still have to use a remote control for more advanced functions, this is a huge step in the right direction!  

    Amazon has been leading the pack in smart home technology since they first launched the Amazon Echo. Their Alexa personal assistant has grown more responsive and intelligent with each update. New technology like the TV Cube are natural extensions of the ongoing smart home revolution. The TV Cube has excellent voice recognition, hearing users over speakers even in loud rooms. The Cube then mutes the sound until the command is completed.  

    The best part, though, is that setting the device up is easy and simple. While some smart home technology has quite a learning curve, this one can be set up in a few minutes. Once you’re hooked up, it’s easy to start channel surfing with just your voice. 

    What’s the Catch? 

    The Fire TV Cube isn’t perfect, though. Some devices are simply beyond the technology and can’t be voice controlled. For instance, game consoles and Roku devices aren’t able to be controlled via voice. In order to use those devices, you’ll need their controllers on hand. This means the TV Cube doesn’t live up to its promise of removing all remotes from your coffee table. 

    Another odd design choice, the remote that comes with the TV Cube has no volume or mute buttons. This is underscored by the remote’s inability to control any other devices. It begs the question of what, exactly, the device has a remote for, given that it’s entirely voice controlled on its own.  

    Is it Worth it? 

    For more complicated set-ups, Amazon’s newest device isn’t a replacement for a standard universal remote. However, for simpler home entertainment set-ups, it’s a great alternative. If you’ve already invested in a smart home suite with Alexa, the TV Cube is a no-brainer.  

    If you’re still on the fence about Alexa, the TV Cube might just be what pushes you to check the technology out. Amazon’s new cable box retails for $120, and it’s a solid purchase. If you’re looking to channel surf with voice controls, this is a great buy. However, if voice commands don’t excite you, skip this one. 

  • Glamping Basics for Those Looking to Camp in Style

    Glamping Basics for Those Looking to Camp in Style

    Everyone loves the great outdoors, right? Well, not everything about the outside world is that awesome. For those who want to enjoy the world of camping but don’t like leaving behind the comforts of everyday life, glamping exists! Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping, and it’s pretty popular right now! If you’re looking to go on a glamourous camping trip of your own, check out these glamping basics to get you started! 

    Handpresso Wild Hybrid Coffee Machine 

    Coffee addicts know one of the roughest aspects of camping is missing out on good coffee. Thankfully, Handpresso is here to alleviate your need for a good espresso. For $80, you get a coffee press that can make espresso with just some hot water and coffee grounds. It’s easy, portable and light, and a real life saver for caffeine addicts. It’s much easier to face the great outdoors when you’ve had your morning coffee! 

    Sea to Summit Ultralight Hammock 

    The problem with most hammocks is that they’re heavy and cumbersome. Sea to Summit has a great solution for prospective glampers: an ultralight hammock that can fit in a purse. If you’re looking to kick back and enjoy the breeze, this is for you. The hammock is durable and can withstand 300 pounds, but it folds down to an impressive 8 inches by 3.5 inches when folded up. It runs for $90, but it’s a great addition to any glamping trip. What’s better than kicking back and enjoying the fresh air in the comfort of a hammock? 

    Craghoppers NosiLife Insect-Repelling Apparel 

    The worst part about the outside world is the bugs. Seriously, if you’ve ever been camping in an area with mosquitoes, you know what I’m talking about. This insect-repelling apparel is exactly what you need to enjoy the outdoors without getting your blood drained by those little monsters. Carghoppers offer a range of different clothes that repel bugs, from jackets to dresses. The best way to camp in style and not spend your time swatting bugs! 

    The Best Glamping Starter: Stout Bell Tent 

    The best way to camp glamorously is in a big, luxurious tent. Stout’s Bell Tent fits that bill perfectly! Coming in at $950, it’s not cheap, but it’s loaded with great features. The tent is covered in bug-resistant mesh vents and made from water-resistant material. It has a huge, spacious interior that can fit a king-sized bed and a very tall ceiling. It comes in 13- and 16-foot diameters and 8- and 10-foot ceiling heights, depending on what you need. Springing for this huge, luxurious tent is perfect for high-level glamping! 

  • Fitness Tech Roundup: Get in Shape this Summer!

    Fitness Tech Roundup: Get in Shape this Summer!

    It’s that time again! Hitting the beach, swimming in the pool or going out on the bike? Why not try out some of these great summer fitness tech picks to up your game? Summer is a great time to get in shape and try out some cool new fitness products. We’ve got a round-up of some of our favorite picks for this summer. Let’s get some sun and burn some calories! 

    Okaley Polarized Sunglasses 

    If you’re outdoors running, cycling or swimming, you want to make sure you wear UV-protecting shafes! Not to mention, you gotta look cool when you’re working out. Oakley in particular makes great shades for athletic pursuits, as they’re durable and well-made and won’t break easily. They’re also pretty stylish, so tha’s a big plus. Their various choices come in different price ranges but average about $200, but a good pair will last you for years. These are a solid investment if you plan to work out outdoors a lot! 

    Lumo Running Coach 

    If you find you have trouble staying motivated, this running coach gadget could be for you. On top of helping coach your running technique and style, this coach also helps you keep a good routine. The Lumo app tracks your running and analyzes what you’re doing right and what you can fix. The advanced sensors can even let you run without your phone after you’ve given the app a trial run to base your performance on. While it usually costs around $100, you can often find Lumo on sale for around $80! If you’re looking to seriously up your run this summer, check this nifty gadget out! 

    Our Favorite Piece of Fitness Tech This Summer: Suunto 3 Fitness Tracker 

    If you’re looking for a more all-around fitness tracker than a running coach, the Suunto 3 is a great pick. Retailing for $230, this fitness tracker is sleek and stylish with a watch-like appearance and bright display. It can track your calories burned and miles walked or run, as well as many other metrics. Sleep monitoring, fitness suggestions and more are all available. For those who are so inclined, the tracker even offers personalized fitness routines that fit your lifestyle. If you take your fitness very seriously and want to track your workouts, this is a great option. It helps that it looks great on your wrist while you’re at it! 

  • Bose SleepBuds: Worth the Price?

    Bose SleepBuds: Worth the Price?

    Bose’s newest product are the Bose SleepBuds, designed to help you sleep soundly through the night. Retailing for $249 and releasing today, are they worth the price? Early reports of the new wireless ear buds are in, and we’ve got the review round-up for you right here. 

    No True Sound Cancellation 

    An odd note on these new earbuds, to start, is the lack of Bose’s normal noise canceling technology. Instead, the SleepBuds rely on ten pre-loaded relaxation tracks in the included app to cancel common sleep distrubances. The tracks in question include nature sounds and white noise. They were apparently tailored specifically to block nighttime disturbances from waking the user. According to bose, their typical sound-proofing isn’t as effective at blocking out snoring and noisy neighbors as it is as silencing daytime noise.  

    No Streaming Music Options 

    Even more odd than the lack of true noise cancellation is the lack of a streaming music option. The SleepBuds are only compatible with the ten relaxation tracks included with the app. While this would be understandable if they were stand-alone sleep aids, they connect to smartphones via an app. Why can’t you just send music through them? It’s an odd design decision, to be sure. 

    Bose SleepBud Design and Specs 

    The SleepBuds are lightweight and non-invasive in the ear. It’s easy to lie down with them in, which is good, and necessary for sleep aids. They sport an excellent 16-hour battery life to boot. They actually do an excellent job of blocking common nighttime sounds, and their sound quality is what you would expect from Bose. However, the glaring lack of true music streaming continues to be a head-scratcher. These would be perfect for those who sleep with earbuds in for normal music, yet that option isn’t available. 

    In light of that and the steep MSRP, it’s hard to recommend these. If you really, really want some sleep aids that are comfortable to sleep in and don’t mind the price, these might be for you. However, for most general use, the price precludes them from being a solid option. 

    Feature Image Credit: Bless This Stuff 

  • Best Hiking GPS Roundup

    Best Hiking GPS Roundup

    It’s that time of year again, when the weather is hot and it’s time to head outside! If you’re looking to go on a hike in the wilderness, you’ll want to bring a good hiking GPS with you to make sure you don’t get lost! There’s nothing worse than getting turned around and having no cellphone signal to help navigate your way back. In order to alleviate this problem, carrying a good satellite GPS receiver is a must! Which ones are our favorites? Read on to find out! 

    Spot X Satellite Messenger 

    A great pick for hikers, the Spot X allows users to send messages to people back home via satellite connection. While the subscription for the device is $20 per month, it’s worth it for the SOS feature. The device can send an SOS and real-time location tracking in case you get into a serious problem out in the wild. The device itself is $249, and it’s definitely a good pick at that price. It’s water-proof and drop-resistant and features a ten-day battery life. On the downside, it doesn’t have any maps pre-installed, but that’s a small gripe. All said, this is a great companion for any hiker. 

    Garmin Oregon 700 

    Utilizing both GPS and GLONASS to ensure accurate location tracking, the Oregon 700 is a fantastic GPS. The touch-screen display is small but responsive and designed for viewing in direct sunlight. The screen is Gorilla Glass, which makes it nigh-indestructible and easy to read. It even offers driving directions and directions on water! Hikers will love the compass and altimeter, allowing them to retain their bearing and track altitude. If you want a modern, serious GPS with a great interface, this one is for you. The Garmin Oregon 700 costs around $400 and can often be found on sale for $350 or so. 

    Our Favorite Hiking GPS: Garmin GPSMAP 64S 

    The $300 GPSMAP 64S is a steal for the price, and our favorite hiking GPS. Like the Oregon 700, the 64S uses both American GPS and Russian GLONASS to maintain orientation. It comes pre-loaded with a world map and it has 4GB of internal storage for waypoints and routes. The design is durable and has huge buttons that are easy to press even while wearing gloves. Smartphone connectivity is available to send updates like inclement weather, too! The device even has preloaded geocaches for treasure-hunters to go after! For its price, the GPSMAP 64S is the best GPS you can buy for hiking. Garmin’s products are really quite something, and you won’t be disappointed with this one.  

  • Coolest Electric Skateboard Roundup

    Coolest Electric Skateboard Roundup

    Yeah, you read that right. There are some really awesome electric skateboards out there! And, given that it’s the height of summer, what cooler way to ride around? While you’ve likely never considered shopping for an electric skateboard (that’s just fun to type!) we’ve got a few that are worth your time. If you’re looking to cruise around and enjoy the warm weather, try these awesome skateboards! 

    Acton Blink QU4TRO 

    The $1,700 Acton Blink QU4TRO has a ton of power and can really move. If you’re looking to strap on a helmet and really go for a ride, try this one out. It has a hub motor for each wheel and can go over 20 MPH. One of the most powerful electric skateboards on the market, it can travel over twenty miles on a single charge! The downside to all that power, of course, is that the board is heavy. It weighs somewhere around 25 pounds, so it’s not quite as zippy or light as other boards. The suspension compensates for that when in use, but it’s definitely a lot to lug around. If you’re looking for a powerful electric skateboard, though, this is the one for you! 

    ZBoard 2 Blue 

    This board is unique in that it doesn’t use a remote controller to power the motor. Instead, you lean on the foot pedals to accelerate or slow down, which is super-intuitive. It’s also very wide and somewhat heavy, coming in at 17 pounds. It moves pretty fast, around 20 MPH, and sports a pretty good battery. If you’re looking for a good board for commuting to class or work, try the ZBoard 2 Blue. It’ll set you back about $1,300, but it’s well worth it for the fun and convenience!  

    The Coolest Electric Skateboard, Inboard M1 

    The slick 14-pound Inboard M1 is a skateboard first and electric second. This one is perfect for those who want to enjoy the skatepark but use the motor to cruise home after. Featuring two hub motors and a good bit of power, the Inboard is great for skaters of any skill level, in any environment. The board is quite high-tech, featuring Bluetooth connectivity for controlling the motor and “regenerative breaking.” That unique feature helps put juice back in the battery when breaking, helping extend your rides!  

    The Inboard also has a swappable battery, allowing you to carry an extra to swap on the fly. This lets you ride for longer without worrying about charging up! This one is the best electric skateboard overall, easily worth its $1,400 price tag.