The question “is android 9 nonetheless supported” addresses the continued availability of software program updates, safety patches, and common operational upkeep for units working the Android 9 working system, also referred to as Android Pie. This help is offered by Google, the unique gear producers (OEMs) of the units, and typically by customized ROM builders.
The supply of help immediately impacts machine safety and performance. Continued help ensures units obtain essential safety updates, defending customers from newly found vulnerabilities. Lack of help implies the machine is now not receiving these crucial updates, making it more and more vulnerable to malware and different safety threats. Moreover, unsupported units could encounter compatibility points with newer purposes and companies, limiting their performance. Traditionally, Google gives a selected help window for every Android model, after which it transitions to supporting newer iterations.
The lifespan of Android 9 help varies considerably relying on the particular machine and producer. Figuring out the exact help standing for a selected machine necessitates analyzing the producer’s help documentation or contacting their customer support immediately. Whereas Google’s help could have ended, some producers or customized ROM communities might supply prolonged, albeit unofficial, help for particular units.
1. Safety vulnerability publicity
Safety vulnerability publicity represents a crucial consequence of the cessation of help for Android 9. When official updates and safety patches stop, units turn out to be vulnerable to newly found exploits. This correlation exists as a result of updates routinely handle vulnerabilities recognized inside the working system. With out these updates, potential attackers can leverage these recognized flaws to compromise machine safety, probably gaining unauthorized entry to non-public knowledge, putting in malware, or disrupting regular machine perform. The absence of ongoing safety upkeep, due to this fact, immediately will increase the chance of profitable assaults on units working Android 9.
For example, a vulnerability found after the official end-of-life (EOL) of Android 9 is not going to be patched by Google. This means that every one units nonetheless working on that model stay completely in danger, except a producer or customized ROM developer independently gives an answer. Such exposures can manifest in varied methods, together with phishing assaults exploiting unpatched browser vulnerabilities or malware focusing on particular Android 9 system weaknesses. The sensible implication is that customers of unsupported Android 9 units face an elevated risk panorama in comparison with customers of units with present safety help.
In abstract, the dearth of continued help for Android 9 immediately ends in elevated safety vulnerability publicity. This heightened threat stems from the absence of important safety updates designed to mitigate newly found threats. Whereas some customers would possibly mitigate this threat via various means, corresponding to customized ROMs, the overwhelming majority of customers are left extra susceptible to assaults. This interconnectedness underscores the significance of understanding the help lifecycle of working methods and the potential penalties of working unsupported software program.
2. OEM help cessation
OEM help cessation represents a pivotal determinant in evaluating whether or not Android 9 stays supported. Authentic Tools Producers (OEMs) play an important position in sustaining the software program on their units. When an OEM ceases help, it indicators a major shift within the machine’s lifecycle. The cessation of help impacts safety updates, bug fixes, and total system upkeep, immediately affecting the machine’s operational reliability and safety posture.
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Finish of Safety Patching
OEMs are liable for issuing common safety patches to deal with newly found vulnerabilities. When help ends, these patches are now not offered. For instance, if a crucial safety flaw is recognized in Android 9 after the OEM’s help ends, units will stay susceptible. This vulnerability can expose units to malware, knowledge breaches, and different safety threats, successfully rendering them unsafe to make use of every day.
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Discontinuation of Bug Fixes
Past safety, OEMs additionally repair bugs and efficiency points via software program updates. The discontinuation of those bug fixes implies that units could undergo from unresolved efficiency issues, utility crashes, or system instability. For instance, a selected {hardware} driver incompatibility would possibly by no means be addressed, resulting in persistent operational points that degrade the person expertise over time.
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Implications for App Compatibility
Software compatibility is maintained via ongoing updates and adherence to present Android requirements. When OEM help ceases, units could progressively lose compatibility with newer purposes designed for later Android variations. As builders prioritize newer APIs and options, older units could now not have the ability to run the most recent variations of in style apps, limiting machine performance and usefulness.
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Guarantee and Restore Issues
OEM help usually extends to guarantee protection and restore companies. The cessation of help can imply that the producer now not gives repairs or substitute components for the machine. This absence of help can go away customers with no recourse if their machine experiences {hardware} failures, successfully shortening the usable lifespan of the machine.
In abstract, OEM help cessation considerably influences whether or not Android 9 continues to be supported. The lack of safety patches, bug fixes, utility compatibility, and guarantee companies mix to make units working Android 9 more and more susceptible and fewer useful over time. Whereas unofficial choices corresponding to customized ROMs could exist, they don’t seem to be offered or endorsed by the OEM and will not be appropriate for all customers. Due to this fact, the official finish of OEM help represents a crucial turning level within the help lifecycle of any machine working Android 9.
3. Software compatibility degradation
Software compatibility degradation is a major consequence of the termination of help for older working methods corresponding to Android 9. As builders deal with newer Android variations, purposes could progressively turn out to be much less appropriate with older methods, impacting performance and person expertise on units working Android 9.
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API Stage Focusing on
Newer purposes goal greater Android API ranges to leverage superior options and enhancements. As purposes undertake these new APIs, compatibility with older Android variations, together with Android 9, diminishes. For instance, an app utilizing a brand new biometric authentication API launched in Android 10 could not perform accurately, or in any respect, on Android 9 because of the absence of the required API help. This discrepancy necessitates that builders implement workarounds or discontinue help for older methods, resulting in lowered performance or outright incompatibility on Android 9.
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Library and Framework Dependencies
Purposes usually depend on exterior libraries and frameworks which can be frequently up to date. Newer variations of those libraries could drop help for older Android variations, creating compatibility conflicts. For example, an app utilizing a selected model of a UI framework that now not helps Android 9 could exhibit visible glitches, efficiency points, and even fail to launch on these units. These dependencies drive the necessity for frequent updates, which, in flip, enhance the probability of compatibility points with older working methods.
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Safety Patch Necessities
Purposes more and more mandate minimal safety patch ranges to guard in opposition to recognized vulnerabilities. If an Android 9 machine is now not receiving safety updates, newer purposes could refuse to put in or run, citing safety issues. For instance, a banking utility could implement a minimal safety patch degree to mitigate dangers related to older Android variations, successfully blocking its use on unsupported Android 9 units. This requirement underscores the crucial hyperlink between safety help and utility accessibility.
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Google Play Companies Updates
Many Android purposes rely on Google Play Companies for core functionalities corresponding to location companies, push notifications, and account administration. Whereas Google Play Companies makes an attempt to keep up backward compatibility, newer variations usually introduce options and enhancements which can be optimized for later Android releases. Over time, purposes could require Google Play Companies options that aren’t absolutely supported or carry out sub-optimally on Android 9, resulting in a degraded person expertise or restricted performance. This dependence on Google Play Companies highlights the interaction between system-level companies and utility compatibility.
In conclusion, utility compatibility degradation is an inevitable consequence of the cessation of official help for Android 9. The transfer in direction of newer APIs, up to date libraries, safety patch necessities, and evolving Google Play Companies collectively scale back the power of units working Android 9 to run present purposes successfully. This interaction immediately impacts the person expertise, limiting machine performance and underscoring the significance of sustaining a supported working system.
4. Google safety patches ceased
The cessation of Google safety patches immediately and negatively impacts the assertion “is android 9 nonetheless supported.” Google’s provision of safety patches constitutes a crucial part of ongoing Android help. These patches handle newly found vulnerabilities inside the working system, safeguarding units from potential exploitation. When Google ceases offering these patches, it indicators the tip of official safety upkeep, thereby considerably diminishing the declare that Android 9 stays adequately supported. A tool missing these updates turns into more and more vulnerable to malware, knowledge breaches, and different safety threats. For instance, after Google ended its help, vulnerabilities found inside Android 9 had been left unaddressed, exposing tens of millions of units to potential dangers.
The absence of Google safety patches additionally influences the conduct of purposes. Many purposes, particularly these dealing with delicate data (e.g., banking apps), implement minimal safety patch ranges to guard person knowledge. If a tool runs Android 9 with out the required patches, these purposes could refuse to function, limiting machine performance. Furthermore, even primary system elements corresponding to the net browser turn out to be extra susceptible over time, growing the probability of profitable phishing assaults or malware infections via compromised web sites. The interconnectedness of system safety underscores the significance of continued help in sustaining machine integrity. As a sensible consequence, customers of unsupported Android 9 units face heightened dangers and diminished performance in comparison with customers with actively maintained units.
In abstract, the termination of Google safety patches successfully invalidates the notion of ongoing complete help for Android 9. This lack of safety upkeep exposes units to unmitigated vulnerabilities, impacts utility compatibility, and degrades total system integrity. Understanding this relationship is essential for machine homeowners to make knowledgeable selections relating to machine utilization and safety protocols. Customers are compelled to both search various help choices (e.g., customized ROMs, which current their very own set of dangers) or think about upgrading to a safer, supported working system. This case underscores the significance of monitoring the help lifecycle of units and taking applicable motion to keep up a safe computing surroundings.
5. Unofficial customized ROMs exist
The existence of unofficial customized ROMs varieties a posh relationship with the question “is android 9 nonetheless supported.” Whereas official help from Google and OEMs could have ceased, the presence of customized ROMs, developed and maintained by unbiased communities, presents a possible avenue for extending the useful lifespan of units working Android 9. These ROMs can present up to date safety patches, efficiency enhancements, and even options not current within the authentic Android 9 launch. Nonetheless, the help provided by these ROMs is unofficial, carrying distinct implications.
The set up of a customized ROM usually entails unlocking the machine’s bootloader, a course of that may void the producer’s guarantee and probably introduce safety dangers if not carried out accurately. Moreover, the standard and reliability of customized ROMs can fluctuate considerably. Some ROMs could also be well-maintained and totally examined, whereas others could also be much less secure and comprise unresolved bugs or safety vulnerabilities. For instance, LineageOS, a well-liked customized ROM challenge, gives frequently up to date builds for some Android 9-compatible units, providing safety patches and have enhancements past the official end-of-life (EOL) date. Conversely, smaller, less-established ROM tasks could lack constant updates and enough safety audits. Due to this fact, customers contemplating customized ROMs should rigorously consider the popularity and upkeep historical past of the ROM supplier.
In conclusion, the existence of unofficial customized ROMs gives a way to probably lengthen the usability and safety of units working Android 9 after official help has ended. Nonetheless, this method introduces inherent dangers and requires technical experience. Whereas customized ROMs can handle a few of the limitations related to an absence of official help, they don’t symbolize an alternative choice to the safety and stability offered by official updates. In the end, the choice to put in a customized ROM should be weighed in opposition to the potential dangers and the person’s technical capabilities.
6. Characteristic updates discontinued
The discontinuation of characteristic updates represents a core consider figuring out whether or not Android 9 stays supported. Characteristic updates introduce new functionalities, enhancements to present options, and enhancements to the person interface. When these updates stop, units working Android 9 are successfully frozen in time, unable to learn from developments integrated into subsequent Android variations. This absence of recent options immediately impacts the general person expertise and machine capabilities, notably compared to units receiving ongoing characteristic updates. The cause-and-effect relationship is evident: discontinued characteristic updates result in a stagnant working system, diminishing the perceived worth and utility of units working Android 9.
This situation has a number of sensible implications. Purposes designed for newer Android variations could leverage options unavailable in Android 9, probably resulting in compatibility points or lowered performance on older units. For example, options like darkish mode, improved privateness controls, or enhanced digital camera APIs, launched in later Android releases, stay absent on Android 9, limiting person choices and utility capabilities. Moreover, the absence of characteristic updates can not directly have an effect on safety. Whereas safety patches could proceed for a interval, newer options usually incorporate safety enhancements or handle vulnerabilities in ways in which older working methods can not replicate. The convergence of utility evolution and evolving safety landscapes highlights the significance of characteristic updates as an integral part of total machine help.
In abstract, the discontinuation of characteristic updates signifies a decline within the total help standing of Android 9. It ends in a static working system, unable to learn from developments present in newer variations. This case results in lowered performance, potential utility compatibility points, and oblique safety implications. Whereas units working Android 9 should still perform, the absence of characteristic updates contributes considerably to the conclusion that complete help is now not accessible, affecting the general person expertise and long-term viability of those units.
7. Producer’s end-of-life (EOL)
Producer’s end-of-life (EOL) announcement immediately dictates the help standing of Android 9 for particular units. The EOL declaration from a producer signifies the termination of all official software program updates, together with safety patches, bug fixes, and have enhancements. Consequently, an EOL machine working Android 9 ceases to be supported by its producer, no matter Google’s preliminary help timeline for the Android model itself. This cessation introduces a crucial juncture within the machine’s lifecycle, rendering it more and more susceptible to safety threats and potential software program incompatibilities. For instance, when Samsung declared EOL for the Galaxy S9 collection, which launched with Android 8 and later up to date to Android 9, the units now not obtained Samsung’s safety patches, thereby diminishing its sensible help and rendering them more and more uncovered to unaddressed vulnerabilities, even when these vulnerabilities existed particularly within the Android 9 implementation.
The sensible implications of Producer’s EOL are multifaceted. The machine could encounter compatibility points with newer purposes designed for subsequent Android variations, limiting the person’s capability to make the most of the most recent software program. Moreover, system-level efficiency can degrade over time on account of unaddressed bugs or driver incompatibilities. Safety dangers escalate as unpatched vulnerabilities accumulate, probably exposing private knowledge and system integrity. In some cases, machine warranties can also expire concurrently with the EOL declaration, additional limiting choices for {hardware} or software program help. It ought to be famous that customized ROMs exist, and would possibly lengthen the lifetime of the machine, however these choices are sometimes unsupported or actively discouraged.
In conclusion, Producer’s EOL stands as a definitive marker within the help lifecycle of an Android 9 machine. It signifies the whole cessation of official updates and help, making a direct correlation with diminishing safety and performance. Understanding this connection is essential for machine homeowners to make knowledgeable selections relating to machine utilization, safety measures, and potential upgrades. Whereas alternate options corresponding to customized ROMs could supply some degree of prolonged help, they don’t change the safety and stability offered by official producer updates, and ought to be seen as a posh various, slightly than a repair.
8. Particular machine dependency
The query “is android 9 nonetheless supported” is inextricably linked to particular machine dependency. Assist standing for Android 9 varies considerably based mostly on the producer and mannequin of the machine. Google’s help lifecycle for Android variations gives a common guideline, however the final duty for ongoing help rests with the unique gear producer (OEM). This dependency implies that whereas Google could now not present core updates, particular person OEMs decide whether or not their particular units working Android 9 proceed to obtain safety patches, bug fixes, and even characteristic updates. The impact is that two units, each working Android 9, can have drastically totally different help statuses based mostly solely on their producer. For example, a high-end Samsung machine would possibly obtain prolonged safety updates longer than a funds machine from a smaller producer, even when each initially ran the identical model of Android 9.
Understanding particular machine dependency is essential for assessing the general help standing of Android 9. It necessitates analyzing the person OEM’s help insurance policies, launch schedules, and end-of-life bulletins for every machine mannequin. Neglecting this device-specific analysis can result in inaccurate assumptions in regards to the safety and performance of Android 9. A generic assertion indicating that Android 9 is “now not supported” will be deceptive, as some units would possibly nonetheless obtain crucial safety patches. As an instance, Sony gives an end-of-life announcement net web page that lists which of their Android units now not obtain help, whereas Motorola has traditionally been much less clear. With out this particular data, end-users are unable to correctly asses their units’ safety or compatibility.
In abstract, the help standing of Android 9 will not be a monolithic entity however slightly a fragmented panorama dictated by particular machine dependency. The interaction between Google’s preliminary help and the OEM’s subsequent upkeep considerably influences the safety, performance, and total usability of units working Android 9. The absence of constant data from all producers creates a problem for customers, highlighting the necessity for thorough analysis into the particular machine’s help lifecycle. Whereas customized ROMs could lengthen the usability of some units past official EOL dates, they don’t seem to be an alternative choice to official OEM help on account of safety and stability issues.
9. Assist timeline variance
Assist timeline variance is a crucial determinant in addressing whether or not Android 9 stays supported. The period of help for Android 9 differs considerably throughout units, producers, and even geographic areas. This inconsistency immediately impacts machine safety, performance, and total usability, making a generalized “sure” or “no” reply to the question troublesome to use universally.
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Producer-Particular Insurance policies
Totally different producers implement various help insurance policies for his or her units. Excessive-end units from main producers usually obtain longer help timelines, whereas budget-friendly or older fashions could have shorter help durations. For example, Samsung’s flagship units historically obtain extra prolonged help in comparison with their lower-tier counterparts. This variation in help timelines creates discrepancies within the safety and performance of units working Android 9. A tool from one producer should still obtain important safety patches, whereas one other machine, working the identical Android model from a distinct producer, is left susceptible.
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Geographic Disparities
Assist timelines also can fluctuate based mostly on geographic location. Sure areas could obtain updates and help for longer intervals than others on account of regulatory necessities, market competitors, or manufacturer-specific selections. For instance, units bought in areas with stringent knowledge privateness legal guidelines could obtain prolonged safety updates to adjust to native laws. This geographic variance implies that two equivalent units working Android 9 could have differing safety statuses based mostly on their location of buy or use.
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Provider Affect
Cell carriers also can affect help timelines, notably for units bought via service channels. Carriers could delay or withhold updates to customise the software program, take a look at compatibility with their community, or prioritize newer units. This affect can result in inconsistencies in help timelines for units working Android 9, with carrier-branded units probably receiving updates later or under no circumstances in comparison with unlocked variations. This variance can negatively impression customers who depend on their service for software program updates.
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Mannequin Variants
Even inside the similar producer, help timelines can differ based mostly on mannequin variants. Gadgets with totally different {hardware} configurations or supposed for particular market segments could obtain various ranges of help. For instance, a “Professional” or “Plus” variant of a tool could obtain longer help in comparison with the usual mannequin. This segmentation creates complexities in figuring out the general help standing of Android 9, as customers should think about the particular mannequin and variant of their machine.
In conclusion, help timeline variance is a crucial consider assessing the query “is android 9 nonetheless supported.” The inconsistencies stemming from producer insurance policies, geographic disparities, service affect, and mannequin variants make a uniform reply unimaginable. Figuring out the particular help standing for a tool working Android 9 requires cautious consideration of those elements. Whereas alternate options corresponding to customized ROMs could present a level of prolonged help, they lack the safety and reliability of official producer updates.
Incessantly Requested Questions
The next questions and solutions handle frequent inquiries relating to the help standing of units working the Android 9 working system (Android Pie).
Query 1: What does “help” imply within the context of Android 9?
“Assist” encompasses the availability of software program updates, together with safety patches to deal with vulnerabilities, bug fixes to enhance system stability, and probably, although unlikely at this level, characteristic enhancements. A tool is taken into account “supported” if it receives these updates from Google or the machine producer (OEM).
Query 2: Has Google formally ended help for Android 9?
Sure, Google has ceased offering core updates and safety patches on to Android 9. This milestone signifies the tip of Google’s official help for the bottom working system.
Query 3: Does the tip of Google’s help robotically imply all Android 9 units are unsupported?
Not essentially. The duty for ongoing help shifts to the machine producer (OEM). Some OEMs could select to supply safety patches or bug fixes for his or her particular units working Android 9, even after Google’s help has ended. This follow varies considerably based mostly on the producer and machine mannequin.
Query 4: How can the help standing of a selected Android 9 machine be decided?
Probably the most dependable technique entails consulting the machine producer’s web site or contacting their buyer help. Producers usually publish lists of units which can be nonetheless receiving updates. Checking for accessible system updates by way of the machine’s settings menu also can point out ongoing help, however this isn’t all the time definitive.
Query 5: What are the dangers of utilizing an unsupported Android 9 machine?
Utilizing an unsupported machine exposes the machine to vital safety dangers. Newly found vulnerabilities is not going to be patched, probably permitting malware or attackers to compromise the machine and entry private knowledge. Moreover, utility compatibility could degrade over time, limiting the performance of the machine.
Query 6: Are there any alternate options to official help for Android 9 units?
Unofficial customized ROMs, developed and maintained by unbiased communities, can present another technique of updating and securing Android 9 units. Nonetheless, putting in a customized ROM entails technical experience and carries inherent dangers, together with voiding the machine guarantee and probably introducing instability. These ROMs aren’t endorsed or supported by Google or the machine producer.
Key takeaways from this FAQ are that whereas Google now not gives help, some producers could, and the dangers of utilizing an unsupported machine are vital. Evaluating the particular machine and producer’s insurance policies is paramount.
The subsequent part explores the long-term implications of working an unsupported Android working system.
Evaluating Continued Android 9 Machine Utilization
This part gives crucial issues for assessing the dangers and advantages of constant to make use of units working on Android 9, given the cessation of official Google help. These factors are supposed to tell selections relating to safety protocols, utilization patterns, and potential upgrades.
Tip 1: Assess Safety Vulnerability Publicity: Acknowledge the heightened threat of safety breaches. Decide potential vulnerabilities which have emerged since official help ended. Analysis publicly accessible data relating to exploits focusing on Android 9.
Tip 2: Evaluate OEM Assist Insurance policies: Examine whether or not the machine producer provides any prolonged safety updates, even when unofficial. Examine the producer’s web site for particular bulletins relating to help for the machine mannequin. Perceive that even restricted OEM help can mitigate some, however not all, safety dangers.
Tip 3: Consider Software Compatibility Wants: Decide the criticality of purposes used on the machine. Assess whether or not key purposes require newer Android variations or particular safety patches. Take into account the potential impression of utility incompatibility on every day duties and productiveness.
Tip 4: Implement Enhanced Safety Measures: Activate machine encryption, use sturdy passwords, and allow two-factor authentication the place potential. Train warning when putting in purposes from untrusted sources. Recurrently scan the machine for malware utilizing respected anti-virus software program.
Tip 5: Restrict Publicity to Delicate Knowledge: Decrease the storage of delicate private or monetary data on the machine. Keep away from utilizing the machine for high-risk transactions, corresponding to on-line banking or e-commerce, notably on public Wi-Fi networks. Make the most of safe VPN connections when accessing delicate knowledge.
Tip 6: Take into account Customized ROM Options: Discover the feasibility of putting in a customized ROM, acknowledging the inherent dangers and technical necessities. Analysis respected customized ROM tasks and assess their safety replace frequency and neighborhood help. Perceive that putting in a customized ROM voids the machine guarantee and will introduce instability.
Tip 7: Consider Improve Choices: Assess the fee and advantages of upgrading to a more recent machine with a supported Android model. Take into account the long-term safety and performance implications of constant to make use of an unsupported machine versus investing in an improve. Evaluate machine specs and help timelines earlier than making a purchase order.
The following pointers spotlight the significance of understanding the dangers related to utilizing an unsupported Android 9 machine. Taking proactive measures can mitigate a few of these dangers, however finally, upgrading to a supported machine gives probably the most complete answer.
The next part gives a conclusion to the examination of Android 9 help.
Conclusion
The examination of “is android 9 nonetheless supported” reveals a nuanced panorama slightly than a definitive affirmation. Whereas Google’s core help has ceased, the continuing viability of units working this working system hinges on manufacturer-specific insurance policies, safety practices, and particular person person wants. A blanket assertion of continued help is inaccurate because of the variability in OEM updates, potential safety vulnerabilities, and diminishing utility compatibility. Due to this fact, sustained usability requires a crucial evaluation of particular person machine circumstances and proactive mitigation of inherent dangers.
In the end, the long-term efficacy of counting on Android 9 necessitates a realistic method. Understanding the diminished safety panorama compels customers to rigorously consider their choices whether or not via enhanced safety measures, customized ROM exploration, or machine upgrades. The choice to proceed utilizing Android 9 ought to be knowledgeable by a transparent understanding of the related dangers and the potential penalties of working on an unsupported platform, prompting a proactive method towards machine safety and long-term performance.
