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  • Israeli startup challenges market with backing from Google

    Israeli startup challenges market with backing from Google

    Competition in Israel’s browser security market is intensifying with a new player challenging established firms. LayerX, founded in 2022 by CEO Or Ashed and CTO David Weisbrod, has emerged as a strong contender aiming to disrupt the dominance of Island, a leading secure browser company valued at $5 billion.

    Three years ago, Talon and Island led the race for secure browsers but Talon was acquired by Palo Alto Networks for $650 million while Island continued to grow rapidly. Now, LayerX claims it can capture market share from Island by integrating its cybersecurity technology directly into mainstream browsers like Google Chrome.

    The shift gained momentum following Google’s recent announcement of a collaboration with LayerX. The partnership integrates LayerX’s security tools into Google Chrome Enterprise enhancing protection against malicious browser extensions for enterprise users.

    “Browsers are the main attack surface for cyber threats,” said LayerX CEO Or Ashed. “Enterprises face serious risks from browser extensions that may access sensitive company data. Our technology embeds advanced security within Chrome itself offering consistent protection across browsers.”

    Unlike Island and Talon which developed standalone secure browsers, LayerX focuses on securing existing browsers through extensions and deep integration. This approach aligns with emerging trends as artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities are rapidly being incorporated into browsers including forthcoming AI-powered browsers from OpenAI.

    “As AI browsers enter the market, companies building independent secure browsers face challenges,” Ashed said. “Employees will choose AI browsers they prefer and organizations using LayerX’s integrated protection will have stronger security.”

    LayerX has raised $45 million in funding including a recent $11 million round led by investors such as Dell Technologies Capital and Galil Capital. One of its customers Jump Capital also invested after endorsing the product.

    Yair Shnir managing partner at Dell Technologies Capital highlighted the promise of LayerX’s technology. “The future belongs to next-generation browsers powered by AI agents. Securing these new platforms requires innovative solutions and LayerX is well-positioned to lead.”

    Ashed predicts LayerX could become a market leader and a multibillion-dollar company. “Secure browsers are the next frontier in cybersecurity. We are confident we’ll be a unicorn within a few years and could reach a $10 billion valuation.”

    Island meanwhile has not publicly responded to LayerX’s challenge continuing to hold significant market share.

    Google’s partnership with LayerX also provides LayerX access to anonymized browsing data from Chrome’s extensive user base enabling ongoing improvements to its security technology.

    With browsers increasingly central to workplace computing and growing cyber threats, the battle for browser security dominance is heating up and LayerX aims to be at the forefront.


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  • Linux 6.17 Enables x86 MacBook Pro Touch Bars, Intel THC Wake-On-Touch

    Linux 6.17 Enables x86 MacBook Pro Touch Bars, Intel THC Wake-On-Touch

    All of the HID subsystem device driver updates have been merged for the Linux 6.17 merge window.

    First up, the HID updates for Linux 6.17 include enabling support for the Touch Bars on x86-based Apple MacBook Pros. In prior kernels there have been a lot of recent work around Touch Bar support under Linux for input and display, including for the newer Apple Silicon MacBooks while now for Linux 6.17 the HID input support for the aging x86 MacBook Pro laptops is now wired up.

    Apple Magic Keyboard USB-C

    Linux 6.17 also is enabling support for the Apple Magic Keyboard USB-C model. There is also now third-party trackpad support for the Apple MacBook Pro 15,1 model.

    Intel THC

    Also new for Linux 6.17 on the HID side is enabling Wake-On-Touch for the Intel THC drivers. Intel THC in this context is for the Touch Host Controller for newer Core Ultra laptops.

    XP-PEN Artist 22R Pro

    Linux 6.17 is also now supporting the XP-PEN Artist 22R Pro tablet monitor. The XP-PEN Artist 22R Pro tablet monitor features a 1080p display, two dial wheels, 20 shortcut keys, 8192 level pressure sensitivity, and looks to be an all-around nice tablet monitor. Pricing on it is around $480 at Amazon (affiliate link).

    The HID code for Linux 6.17 is also better protecting against buggy/malicious devices. There has been code hardening to the HID core parser, fixing a potential NULL pointer dereference in the Apple driver, and other code improvements.

    More details on the HID changes merged to Linux 6.17 via this pull.

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  • ‘He is central to the team’ – Laurent Mekies reflects on Max Verstappen confirming his future at Red Bull

    ‘He is central to the team’ – Laurent Mekies reflects on Max Verstappen confirming his future at Red Bull

    Laurent Mekies has shared his reaction to Max Verstappen confirming that he will remain at Red Bull in 2026, with the new Team Principal admitting that the news is “good for everyone to hear” following speculation over the Dutchman’s future.

    Despite holding a contract to race for the squad through to the end of 2028, Verstappen had been linked to Mercedes in recent times – rumours that were heightened when George Russell suggested that the team had been having “conversations” with the World Champion.

    Verstappen was tight-lipped about the speculation when faced with questions during the British Grand Prix weekend last month – but the 27-year-old shut down any further talk on Thursday’s media day in Hungary by stating: “I think it’s time to basically stop all the rumours, and for me it’s always been quite clear that I was staying anyway.”

    Asked by Sky Sports F1 about Verstappen’s decision to confirm his future, Mekies – who took over as Team Principal at Red Bull following the immediate departure of Christian Horner earlier in July – responded: “I don’t think there was a real doubt, as far as the team is concerned.

    “Max has been saying it over and over again, and we know what he wants – he wants the fast car. Now the fact that he said it a bit louder this time I guess is good for everyone to hear, but as far as we are concerned, he has always been a part and central to the team.”

    The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend has not got off to the smoothest of starts for the Milton Keynes-based squad on the track, with Verstappen labelling Friday as “very tough” after struggling for grip at the wheel of the RB21.

    Pushed on how vital Verstappen’s experience is when it comes to turning the situation around during the weekend, Mekies conceded: “It is essential, I have to say.

    “He knows when the car has been working, he knows when the car has not been working, and especially in a situation like that when it’s not so much a balance issue, it’s really like we are struggling to find the level of grip that we should be having here, and he’s certainly a huge, huge help in these situations.”

    While it is now clear that Verstappen will be racing for Red Bull in 2026, the identity of the team’s second driver is less certain.

    Yuki Tsunoda currently fills the spot after being promoted to the squad earlier in the season, but the campaign has so far been a tricky one for the Japanese driver.

    When quizzed on whether he has given much thought as to who will take the second seat at the squad next year, Mekies answered: “The priority is give Yuki what he needs to perform. With regards to the second seat, that’s where the priority is.

    “It’s what the team is concentrated on, they’ve been trying that for a number of races now. We are trying to find ways to make a further step. Spa was very positive, certainly from that perspective.

    “Here it’s a bit of a tricky weekend overall so it’s probably more difficult to judge, but there is no reason why Yuki’s performance cannot be what we have seen in the past and that’s what we are concentrated on right now.”

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  • Google Home media controller getting Material 3 redesign

    Google Home media controller getting Material 3 redesign

    As previewed last November, Google Home for Android is giving the media controller a Material 3 redesign.

    From the Favorites or Devices tab, select a smart display (Nest Hub), speaker, or Android/Google TV device.

    This redesign starts with a now playing card that’s taken directly from the Pixel’s notification shade. What you’re watching or listening to is noted at the center with a play/pause button to the right. When Google showed this off last year (as seen above), there was “vibrant artwork” like Android media controls. As of today, we’re not seeing this live. However, it does show a Photo Frame preview.

    A timeline scrubber appears at the bottom of the card, with previous and next flanking it. Below that is a volume slider that replaces the circular version.

    Advertisement – scroll for more content

    Old vs. new

    Google TV devices get an “Open remote” shortcut, while you also get full-width buttons for “Stop casting” (or “Cast my screen”) and a button to open the responsible app. The Nest Hub Max lets you “View Nest Cam.” Active buttons are pill-shaped, while inactive controls are rounded rectangles and Dynamic Color is leveraged.

    At the time, Google teased “faster performance” for this “easy-to-use interface.” 

    The Google Home release notes for version 3.35 refer to this as a “Cast controller refresh” that’s currently in the Public Preview for Android users: “Improves UI reliability and performance and aligns with the Google Home app’s latest design standards.”

    We’re seeing this media controller redesign with Google Home 3.37 for Android on the Public Preview program. It’s not available on iOS yet.

    More on Google Home:

    FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

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  • Double meteor shower this week: it will be visible from several points on Earth and the phenomenon will be active until August 12 – MARCA

    Double meteor shower this week: it will be visible from several points on Earth and the phenomenon will be active until August 12 – MARCA

    1. Double meteor shower this week: it will be visible from several points on Earth and the phenomenon will be active until August 12  MARCA
    2. What’s Up: August 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA  NASA Science (.gov)
    3. Don’t wait for the Perseids in August — look for meteors this week  NPR
    4. Aquarius Delta 2025: Argentina will be one of the best locations to observe this meteor shower.  Noticias Ambientales
    5. Meteor showers light up night sky in China’s Heilongjiang  Xinhua

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  • 71st National Film Awards: Allu Arjun sends heartfelt wishes to Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey and others | Hindi Movie News

    71st National Film Awards: Allu Arjun sends heartfelt wishes to Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey and others | Hindi Movie News

    Shah Rukh Khan won his first Best Actor National Award for ‘Jawan’. Allu Arjun congratulated him, Vikrant Massey (12th Fail), and Rani Mukerji (Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway). Kamal Haasan also praised their performances, celebrating a proud moment for Indian cinema at the 71st National Film Awards.

    On Friday, the winners of the 71st National Film Awards were revealed. After a remarkable career spanning 33 years in Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan received his very first National Award for Best Actor, honoring his compelling role in Atlee’s ‘Jawan’.Allu Arjun congratulates Shah Rukh Khan and Atlee

    Vikrant Dedicates First National Award to Marginalised Communities | Shares an Emotional Picture

    Sending his heartfelt congratulations to SRK and Atlee, Tollywood actor Allu Arjun wrote on X, “Heartiest congratulations to @iamsrk garu on winning the prestigious National Film Award for Best Actor for #Jawan. A well-deserved honour after 33 glorious years in cinema. An another achievement to your endless list sir Also, heartfelt congratulations to my director @Atlee_dir garu for making this magic happen.”SRK shared Best Actor award with Vikrant MasseyKhan shared the ‘Best Actor’ award with Vikrant Massey, who impressed the audience with his realistic performance in ’12th Fail’.Allu Arjun’s praise for Vikrant MasseyCongratulating Massey on his achievement, the ‘Pushpa’ actor wrote, “Congratulations to @VikrantMassey garu! #12thFail is one of my top favourite films, and your win is truly well-deserved my brother . So glad to see this movie win the National Award too . Congratulations to the entire team especially #Vinod garu.”Rani Mukerji’s Best Actress win celebratedAdditionally, Rani Mukerji earned the Best Actress award for her heartfelt role in ‘Mrs Chatterjee vs Norway’. Expressing his congratulations to her and all other awardees of the 71st National Film Awards, Allu shared: “Warm wishes to #RaniMukerji garu as well, on receiving the National Award for Best Actress. Congratulations to all the artists and technicians who were honoured at the #71stNationalAwards. A truly proud moment for Indian cinema!”Kamal Haasan applauds the awardeesKamal Haasan extended his heartfelt congratulations to Shah Rukh Khan, Vikrant Massey, and Rani Mukerji for their recent prestigious recognitions. He expressed, “Congratulations to @iamsrk on your National Award for Jawan, a recognition long overdue for your stellar impact on world cinema. 12th Fail was a masterpiece that moved me deeply. It dignified struggle and inspired millions. Congratulations Vidhu Vinod Chopra and @VikrantMassey on this well deserved honour.” He also praised Rani, “Applauding Rani Mukherjee for a portrayal that was both fierce and fragile, richly deserving of this national recognition”.


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  • Berkshire Hathaway BRK earnings Q2 2025

    Berkshire Hathaway BRK earnings Q2 2025

    Warren Buffett speaks during the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 3, 2025.

    CNBC

    Berkshire Hathaway on Saturday reported a small decline in second-quarter operating earnings as Warren Buffett’s conglomerate warns of negative impacts from steep U.S. tariffs.

    Berkshire’s operating profit — those from the company’s wholly owned businesses including insurance and railroads — dipped 4% year over year to $11.16 billion in the second quarter. The results were impacted by a decline in insurance underwriting, while railroad, energy, manufacturing, service and retailing all saw higher profits from a year ago.

    The Omaha-based conglomerate once again issued a stern warning of President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the potential impact on its various businesses.

    “The pace of changes in these events, including tensions from developing international trade policies and tariffs, accelerated through the first six months of 2025,” Berkshire said in its earnings report. “Considerable uncertainty remains as to the ultimate outcome of these events.”

    “It is reasonably possible there could be adverse consequences on most, if not all, of our operating businesses, as well as on our investments in equity securities, which could significantly affect our future results,” it said.

    Buffett’s cash hoard fell slightly to $344.1 billion, from the $347 billion level at the end of March.

    The conglomerate didn’t repurchase any stock in the first half of 2025 even as shares declined more than 10% from a record high.

    In May, the 94-year-old “Oracle of Omaha” announced that he’s stepping down as CEO at the end of 2025 after experiencing the physical effects of aging. Greg Abel, Berkshire’s vice-chairman of non-insurance operations, is set to take over as CEO, while Buffett will remain as chairman of Berkshire’s board.

    This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.

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  • Deep heat zone may be lifting the Appalachian Mountains

    Deep heat zone may be lifting the Appalachian Mountains

    A massive pocket of unusually hot rock buried deep under the Appalachian Mountains might be a lingering echo of ancient tectonic shifts that split Greenland from North America 80 million years ago.

    This strange heat zone – known as the Northern Appalachian Anomaly (NAA) – sits about 200 kilometers beneath New England.


    For a long time, scientists thought it was a remnant from when North America tore away from Northwest Africa around 180 million years ago.

    But new research from scientists at the University of Southampton, the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Germany, and the University of Florence in Italy points to a different story.

    Appalachian Mountains are still rising

    The Northern Appalachian Anomaly spans about 350 kilometers and is hotter than the surrounding mantle. But it likely didn’t form where it is today.

    According to the researchers, this zone of heat may have originated over 1,800 kilometers away, near the Labrador Sea – between Greenland and Canada – when those landmasses began to split apart between 90 and 80 million years ago.

    Since then, the anomaly has likely crept southwest across the base of the North American continent, traveling at roughly 20 kilometers per million years.

    “This thermal upwelling has long been a puzzling feature of North American geology,” said Professor Tom Gernon from the University of Southampton.

    “It lies beneath part of the continent that’s been tectonically quiet for 180 million years, so the idea it was just a leftover from when the landmass broke apart never quite stacked up.”

    Heat helps the Appalachians rise

    According to Professor Gernon, the team’s research suggests the heat zone is part of a much larger, slow-moving process deep underground that could potentially help explain why mountain ranges like the Appalachians are still standing.

    “Heat at the base of a continent can weaken and remove part of its dense root, making the continent lighter and more buoyant, like a hot air balloon rising after dropping its ballast.”

    “This would have caused the ancient mountains to be further uplifted over the past few million years.”

    How heat moves under continents

    The researchers used seismic imaging, geodynamic simulations, and tectonic plate reconstructions to understand how the anomaly formed and where it came from.

    The team’s work leans on a recent theory they’ve proposed, known as “mantle wave” theory. It describes how pieces of hot, dense rock peel away from the base of tectonic plates and migrate slowly under continents – similar to blobs floating in a lava lamp.

    The slow, deep movements can have surprising effects at the surface, from creating areas of uplift to triggering rare volcanic activity.

    Heat beneath the Appalachians is moving

    “These convective instabilities cause chunks of rock, several tens of kilometers thick, to slowly sink from the base of the Earth’s outer layer known as the lithosphere,” said Professor Sascha Brune of the Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences.

    “As the lithosphere thins, hotter mantle material rises to take its place, creating a warm region known as a thermal anomaly.”

    “Our earlier research shows that these ‘drips’ of rock can form in series, like domino stones when they fall one after the other, and sequentially migrate over time. The feature we see beneath New England is very likely one of these drips, which originated far from where it now sits.”

    If their model is correct, the Northern Appalachian Anomaly will likely continue its slow southwestward journey. In about 15 million years, it may sit directly beneath the New York region. Its current size and depth match what models predict for these types of migrating thermal zones.

    A mirror beneath Greenland

    Interestingly, the team believes a similar heat anomaly exists beneath north-central Greenland – likely formed at the same time, on the opposite side of the Labrador Sea, when the landmasses split.

    Beneath Greenland, this heat zone affects how the ice sheet above moves and melts. “Ancient heat anomalies continue to play a key role in shaping the dynamics of continental ice sheets from below,” said Professor Gernon.

    According to Dr. Derek Keir, a co-author from the University of Southampton, the idea that rifting of continents can cause drips and cells of circulating hot rock at depth that spread thousands of kilometers inland makes us rethink what we know about the edges of continents both today and in Earth’s deep past.

    Deep Earth forces remain active

    The findings add to a growing body of evidence showing that deep Earth processes can stay active long after surface plate movements have stopped.

    Even places like the Appalachians -geologically quiet for millions of years – are still shaped by what’s happening far below.

    “Even though the surface shows little sign of ongoing tectonics, deep below, the consequences of ancient rifting are still playing out,” said Professor Gernon. “The legacy of continental breakup on other parts of the Earth system may well be far more pervasive and long-lived than we previously realised.”

    The full study was published in the journal Geology.

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  • Amazon Sale 2025 offers: Up to 80% off on home gym essentials like treadmills, kettlebells, yoga mats, and more | Health

    Amazon Sale 2025 offers: Up to 80% off on home gym essentials like treadmills, kettlebells, yoga mats, and more | Health

    If you are setting up a home gym or simply trying to stay fit without stepping outside, there is no better time than now, especially with the Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2025 in full swing. Investing in the right equipment can transform your fitness journey, but that shouldn’t leave you broke, right? To help you grab the best deals and biggest discounts, we have curated a list of top-quality gym gear that can help you stay consistent, save time, and work out comfortably at home. Whether you are into cardio, strength training, or yoga, check out the Amazon Great India Freedom Sale 2025 for gym equipment to suit all fitness levels.

    Find the best fitness equipment to work out at home. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

    Amazon Great Freedom Sale 2025: Enjoy huge discounts on the best home gym equipment

    During the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale 2025, enjoy massive discounts on top fitness equipment, from treadmills to dumbbells, and build your dream home gym without breaking the bank:

    This treadmill is the perfect fit for working out in the comfort of your home, offering a 4 HP peak DC motor that’s both powerful and quiet. It supports users up to 110 kg and allows a running speed between 0.8 to 12 km/h. Ideal for beginners and intermediate runners, it comes with 12 preset workout programs, making cardio diverse and goal-oriented. Its wide 110 x 40 cm running belt comes with a 6-layer anti-skid surface and shock-absorbing elastomers that reduce impact on joints, making it knee-friendly. Bluetooth connectivity and built-in stereo speakers let you stream music directly, creating a motivating workout environment. What’s more? It is foldable, saving up to 70% space, and comes with free installation and a 2-year motor warranty.

    If you are looking for something more advanced, the Cockatoo A6 is a beast with a 6 HP peak motor and auto incline up to 15%. This treadmill supports users up to 130 kg, making it suitable for both walking and high-intensity running. What makes this treadmill stand out is its wide running belt, comfortable cushioning, and bluetooth-enabled connectivity (via the SPAX app). With 12 preset programs, a 5 LCD display, and MP3 support, it is one of the best treadmills under the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale 2025. Foldable and portable, it’s perfect for small spaces too.

    For those looking to improve cardiovascular health and burn calories with low impact, the SPARNOD SAB-05 air bike is a fantastic choice. It combines upper and lower body workouts using dual-action handlebars, perfect for a full-body calorie burn. The adjustable resistance allows for variable intensity, making it suitable for users at different fitness levels. It is compact, supports up to 100 kg, and comes with a cushioned backrest, offering comfort during long sessions. Best of all, it is joint-friendly and burns up to four times more calories than walking, making it one of the best at-home gym options during the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale 2025.

    Every home gym needs a solid set of dumbbells, and these Symactive Neoprene Coated Fixed Dumbbells (2kg x 2) are ideal for beginners and intermediate users. Made from sturdy cast iron and coated with soft-touch neoprene, these dumbbells are not only durable but also floor-friendly, preventing scratches or damage to your tiles. Weighing just 2 kg each, they are perfect for toning exercises targeting your arms, shoulders, core, and back. Ideal for beginners and intermediate users alike, these dumbbells are also odour-resistant, making them a clean and convenient option for daily use.

    If you are looking to expand your weight training arsenal, this 16 kg set from Kore includes a curl bar, dumbbell rods, and accessories. It is great for those serious about building strength at home, and you will find it huge discount in the Amazon Great Freedom Festival Sale 2025. The variety in weights and tools allows you to perform compound and isolation movements efficiently. Plus, its space-saving design and budget-friendly pricing make it ideal for home users looking for a complete kit without breaking the bank.

    Resistance bands are a must-have for functional fitness, rehab, and toning. This Fashnex set comes with 5 stackable bands (up to 100 lbs), foam handles, ankle straps, and a door anchor, allowing over 50+ exercises. Perfect for stretching, pilates, strength training, or warm-ups, these bands are portable and easy to use. Whether you are a beginner or travel often, resistance bands offer an effective solution for maintaining muscle tone and flexibility anywhere.

    Want to burn more calories during your workout? The Boldfit Sweat Slim Belt uses neoprene material to increase core temperature, encouraging sweat and aiding in waist trimming. While it is not a substitute for exercise or diet, it enhances calorie burn when combined with workouts. It also provides lower back support, helps correct posture, and is adjustable to fit various body sizes. It is perfect for high-intensity training, home workouts, and yoga.

    A good yoga mat is essential for both stretching and strength training. This extra-thick 8mm NBR yoga mat from Boldfit provides cushioning to your joints during floor exercises. It is sweat-resistant, anti-slip, and comes with a carrying strap for portability. Whether you are into yoga, pilates, or core training, the mat ensures a comfortable and stable surface. Its durability and easy-to-clean material make it a long-lasting investment for your wellness routine.

    If you are looking to improve posture, balance, and core strength, this unique peanut-shaped gym ball is worth exploring. Its anti-burst, anti-slip design is ideal for rehab exercises, pregnancy workouts, and spine alignment. Thanks to its enhanced stability, it is safer for those who find traditional round balls too unstable. It can be used at home, in the office as an office ball chair, or at the gym.

    Beginners often struggle with flexibility during yoga. These high-density EVA foam blocks and straps help bridge the gap between your body and the floor. They offer stability and support, allowing you to safely hold poses longer. Use them for meditation postures, stretches, or balance drills. Their lightweight and sturdy design makes them excellent tools to deepen your practice, prevent injury, and improve flexibility.

    Do not miss these limited-time deals!

    Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

    • Are these products suitable for beginners?

      Yes, the curated list includes beginner-friendly options like lightweight dumbbells, yoga blocks, and resistance bands. Equipment like the Lifelong treadmill and Boldfit yoga mat is also safe for beginners.

    • Can I return or replace gym equipment bought during the sale?

      Amazon’s return policies typically apply during the sale, but this varies by seller and product category. Check the returns section on the product listing before purchasing.

    • Are there EMI or no-cost EMI options available?

      Yes, Amazon usually offers EMI and no-cost EMI on fitness products during sales. Look for the EMI options on the product page or at checkout.

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