User Panel
What's the spec for thermal sensitivity (mK)?
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The Second Amendment: Preserving our right to petition the government - with malice.
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'." Virginia Is For Loners (TM) |
Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
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Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: The official NETD is <40mK for all ArmaCORE thermals. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: Originally Posted By Lexington: What's the spec for thermal sensitivity (mK)? The official NETD is <40mK for all ArmaCORE thermals. Thank you. |
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The Second Amendment: Preserving our right to petition the government - with malice.
"I guess it comes down to a simple choice, really. Get busy livin' or get busy dyin'." Virginia Is For Loners (TM) |
Is the Raven bridge the only one that will work with the Sidekick?
Also, is it articulating(able to rotate the PVS14 and Sidekick up out of eye line)? |
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"Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you're entitled to!"
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Originally Posted By Loonytik: Is the Raven bridge the only one that will work with the Sidekick? Also, is it articulating(able to rotate the PVS14 and Sidekick up out of eye line)? View Quote There are more bridges than just the Rayvn that are compatible with the Sidekick such as the Noisefighters Panobridge, Wilcox bridge, Mod Armory D14, etc. The Sidekick uses the same mini-rail interface as the FLIR Breach so any bridge or mounting solution that works for the Breach will also work with the Sidekick. The Rayvn Rail is an articulating bridge. Due to the design the thermal arm does not have the same range of articulation as the PVS-14 arm but it’s more than sufficient and both devices can be moved up out of your eye line. The Rayvn was made specifically as a dual band bridge. It is very affordable, comes with everything you need out of the box (minus the helmet mount and devices), has great IPD adjustment, is all metal, and Made in the USA. |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Speaking as a rayvn rail owner using the sidekick and pvs14 together. It's awesome! I can fully rotate both out of sight line.
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Some more software update news.
The Armasight team are also working on an update for the 320 and will let is know when it is available. As with the 640 update, it is not ready as of right now, but should be soon. Sidekick 320 models will not need to go back to Armasight for the update. 320 updates will be able to be installed remotely for 320 models. I don't have any other details to share but will as soon as I can. Please know that there may be delays in comms due to SHOT. |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: Some more software update news. The Armasight team are also working on an update for the 320 and will let is know when it is available. As with the 640 update, it is not ready as of right now, but should be soon. Sidekick 320 models will not need to go back to Armasight for the update. 320 updates will be able to be installed remotely for 320 models. I don't have any other details to share but will as soon as I can. Please know that there may be delays in comms due to SHOT. View Quote |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Worth mentioning that we just received some Sidekick 320s so they are currently in stock
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Probably a stupid question but is the 640 worth the extra 1k to the casual/occasional user?
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Originally Posted By Gatorvet: Probably a stupid question but is the 640 worth the extra 1k to the casual/occasional user? View Quote I haven't had time yet to shake out the 320 but first impression is the 320 will be perfectly fine if your primary use is at shorter distances say under 100 yards. If that sounds like you then you should be good to go. @-KentuckyWindage- should have good info since he has a 320 ETA: @Gatorvet I should add that I only have about 100 yards max before i can’t see past the trees. I’m sure it’ll do further but that’s as far as I can evaluate so far |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Originally Posted By Gatorvet: Probably a stupid question but is the 640 worth the extra 1k to the casual/occasional user? View Quote The extra cost is up to you. I knew going in that I wanted a helmet mount thermal to complement my pvs14 that was similar or better than the breach. I wasn’t seeking long distance identification unit, my farm only has clearings just under 250 yards around my home then solid woods. The extra resolution would be nice to see more at my max range but this unit gets by fine for my usage. I couldn’t be happier honestly with this unit and Rayvn bridge. |
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From my experience if you're going to want to hunt with your setup I'd spring for the 640 core. Especially if you have allot of land to cover. Target ID capabilities alone allow you to determine if what you first spotted is worth a stalk outside through that muddy field, or whether to even get out of the vehicle or sxs in the first place...
We're not necessarily lazy hunters, but we do utilize trucks and sxs's in order to cover our ranch efficiently. In some of our more open areas and pastures having a 640 core allows me spot and ID faster, and to kill the engine faster and not spook animals at a further distance than our older handheld scanners... Just my xp here from hunting a large ranch, if you're just watching over 40 acres im sure the 320 would be more than adequate. ETA: I do not have one of these newer units I'm using a 640 core iRay MH25 paired with a PVS14 in a Wilcox bridge |
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Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: Some more software update news. The Armasight team are also working on an update for the 320 and will let is know when it is available. As with the 640 update, it is not ready as of right now, but should be soon. Sidekick 320 models will not need to go back to Armasight for the update. 320 updates will be able to be installed remotely for 320 models. I don't have any other details to share but will as soon as I can. Please know that there may be delays in comms due to SHOT. View Quote Glad this thread was started. Have had a 640 since mid December with a 14 on the raven Bridge. I have a particular issue that the lines do not fully go away after being NuC'd and my image quality is very lack lister compared to others online videos. Guess it's going back regardless when this update is finally rolled out. |
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Originally Posted By 556hollowtip: Glad this thread was started. Have had a 640 since mid December with a 14 on the raven Bridge. I have a particular issue that the lines do not fully go away after being NuC'd and my image quality is very lack lister compared to others online videos. Guess it's going back regardless when this update is finally rolled out. View Quote Some thermals including this one may show what can look like faint lines in the image. They can be more obvious with changes to the settings and also with certain palettes even after a NUC but won't affect use. Now if you have very distinct lines that significantly stand out and especially do not go away when switching palettes then I would get an RMA. **ETA: If you changed the settings then I would restore default first to see if it fixes it** As for the image you are seeing versus online videos..... I chose to show the default settings how it looks straight out of the box which I feel is most important because that's how 95% of people are going to use it. With the default settings, the image I saw with my own two eyes looking through the eyepiece is close to my YT video (the through the eyepiece shots) and my videos on page 1 of this thread which are also through the eyepiece. If yours looks the same or very close to it then that's normal for the unit with the current firmware. The onboard recorded video looks worse than actual. I made changes to the settings and I'll be perfectly blunt that I wasn't able to drastically change the image. It's possible I just didn't find the right combo. If you want to play with the settings I would start by changing all of the settings to their half value. So for example, if something is 0-20 change it to 10. ETA: Please don't take that the wrong way. I am personally satisfied with the performance of the unit respective to it's category and price point. |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Originally Posted By Hodgi_: Speaking as a rayvn rail owner using the sidekick and pvs14 together. It's awesome! I can fully rotate both out of sight line. View Quote According to the NITEWALKER video, the more IPD you have, the more upswing is available for the thermal. So you guys with eyes on the sides of your head can probably get full articulation. |
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Originally Posted By Rokchukrslave: According to the NIGHTWALKER video, the more IPD you have, the more upswing is available for the thermal. So you guys with eyes on the sides of your head can probably get full articulation. View Quote yes you can cheat it a little and adjust the pid to get more throw out of it. I like to think i am an average sized person and i have no problem getting them out of eyeline |
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Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: Some thermals including this one may show what can look like faint lines in the image. They can be more obvious with changes to the settings and also with certain palettes even after a NUC but won't affect use. Now if you have very distinct lines that significantly stand out and especially do not go away when switching palettes then I would get an RMA. **ETA: If you changed the settings then I would restore default first to see if it fixes it** As for the image you are seeing versus online videos..... I chose to show the default settings how it looks straight out of the box which I feel is most important because that's how 95% of people are going to use it. With the default settings, the image I saw with my own two eyes looking through the eyepiece is close to my YT video (the through the eyepiece shots) and my videos on page 1 of this thread which are also through the eyepiece. If yours looks the same or very close to it then that's normal for the unit with the current firmware. The onboard recorded video looks worse than actual. I made changes to the settings and I'll be perfectly blunt that I wasn't able to drastically change the image. It's possible I just didn't find the right combo. If you want to play with the settings I would start by changing all of the settings to their half value. So for example, if something is 0-20 change it to 10. ETA: Please don't take that the wrong way. I am personally satisfied with the performance of the unit respective to it's category and price point. View Quote View All Quotes View All Quotes Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: Originally Posted By 556hollowtip: Glad this thread was started. Have had a 640 since mid December with a 14 on the raven Bridge. I have a particular issue that the lines do not fully go away after being NuC'd and my image quality is very lack lister compared to others online videos. Guess it's going back regardless when this update is finally rolled out. Some thermals including this one may show what can look like faint lines in the image. They can be more obvious with changes to the settings and also with certain palettes even after a NUC but won't affect use. Now if you have very distinct lines that significantly stand out and especially do not go away when switching palettes then I would get an RMA. **ETA: If you changed the settings then I would restore default first to see if it fixes it** As for the image you are seeing versus online videos..... I chose to show the default settings how it looks straight out of the box which I feel is most important because that's how 95% of people are going to use it. With the default settings, the image I saw with my own two eyes looking through the eyepiece is close to my YT video (the through the eyepiece shots) and my videos on page 1 of this thread which are also through the eyepiece. If yours looks the same or very close to it then that's normal for the unit with the current firmware. The onboard recorded video looks worse than actual. I made changes to the settings and I'll be perfectly blunt that I wasn't able to drastically change the image. It's possible I just didn't find the right combo. If you want to play with the settings I would start by changing all of the settings to their half value. So for example, if something is 0-20 change it to 10. ETA: Please don't take that the wrong way. I am personally satisfied with the performance of the unit respective to it's category and price point. No offense taken at all. I have played with the settings. Auto and manual NuC. New battery. I am not expecting it to perform against 10k Thermals. I understand where it's at price and quality wise. But with that and seeing your video, thermalboi's and others, the quality is noticeably worse consistently. I'll be contacting them on whether to RMA now or hold till the update. Thanks for the feedback. |
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Originally Posted By 556hollowtip: No offense taken at all. I have played with the settings. Auto and manual NuC. New battery. I am not expecting it to perform against 10k Thermals. I understand where it's at price and quality wise. But with that and seeing your video, thermalboi's and others, the quality is noticeably worse consistently. I'll be contacting them on whether to RMA now or hold till the update. Thanks for the feedback. View Quote What has your humidity been? That will affect the image quality. For reference, my videos were between 30-40% and temps ranging from 25F - 70F. |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
More software update news
Armasight has approved the new firmware for the 640 for release and also as a production release. It is version 5064. Per Armasight: "Today we finally tested and approved Sidekick firmware version 5064 as a next production release. Combined with two-point calibration we are addressing a number of issues including but not limited to image/video lag, improved image quality, improved video recording, low temperature performance, default settings, GUI fixes. As of tomorrow, all Sidekick 640s, new and returns from customers will get two-point calibration and version 5064 firmware." I don't have it yet and won't for at least 1-2 weeks due to SHOT. I'm sure many of you get it first so please share the results! Once I have it I will do the same. |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
While you're at shot Will, any new info on the Jockey 640 would be welcome
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"the science" /duh si-ens/ noun: progressive postmodern religious dogma not based in tested hypothesis or facts used to advance an authoritative political ideology
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
More update info
From Armasight: We’ve released a new version of our Sidekick 640 software. In about two weeks, the firmware will be available on the Armasight website for registered owners to download and add to their device, though some units will need to come back for recalibration in order to properly benefit from the improvements in this version. We encourage customers to reach out to us at [email protected] for more assistance. The next release with improvements and bug fixes is expected later in Q1. I will share release notes on the Sidekick 320 software when it is approved for release. Sidekick 640 v5064 – 1/18/2024 •New image processing algorithms providing improved image quality and reduced “lag” •Updated presets (default settings) for white hot and black hot •Reduced initial start-up time •Reduced frequency of NUC and related slowdown •Fixed a bug that could cause screen tear in some recordings •Fixed a bug preventing operation in extremely low temperatures •Fixed a bug that could cause visual artifacts on splash screen Anyone interested in learning how to update their unit can reach out to [email protected]. |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Received my rma packing slip today. Hope to send it off monday so that when they all come back from SHOT its the first one done! if they're not all out sick from SHOT that is!
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Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: What has your humidity been? That will affect the image quality. For reference, my videos were between 30-40% and temps ranging from 25F - 70F. View Quote Currently temps between 15- 40's between day and night. Humidity is usually around 30's. Right now with snow and rain it's bumped up to 90's. Utah is normally really low. I've understood that with high Humidity it will effect image quality, but even using it when it's been in the 30's it's still bad. I emailed them and got an an RMA, so we'll see how it shapes out. |
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Thanks for this info. I got in touch and my 640 is OTW back to armasight for an upgrade via RMA.
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Received mine back from Armasight yesterday. It was a quick turn around. Booted it up to check function, but wont be able to take it out in the field for a couple weeks.
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Originally Posted By Hodgi_: Received mine back from Armasight yesterday. It was a quick turn around. Booted it up to check function, but wont be able to take it out in the field for a couple weeks. View Quote Got mine back too. Communication was very prompt and timely. Image seems a little better. The smoothness is barely better and still seems lagging. I'm still on the fence with it. |
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Took mine out this last weekend. Granted I didn't have a ton of time on it before sending it off, but I didn't notice anything really change.
The region settings (Forrest, target, inside, etc) or whatever it's called seems to play a big part in picture clarity, and its definately worth it to take the time and tweak those to optimize the pic. |
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Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: RAYVN GROUP Rayvn Rail. We have these in stock for anyone wanting to snag one at the same time as a Sidekick ETA for those not familiar - the Rayvn Rail is articulating bridge with horizontal IPD adjustment. The Sidekick's display remains rectangular. All metal and MADE IN THE USA. https://i.ibb.co/3rRv8Fy/IMG-8160.jpg View Quote Great bridge and MADE IN THE USA! |
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Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC.
http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Dedicated to the men and women in uniform who fight the good fight. |
Got mine back. I notice slight improvement, both in image clarity and detection. I keep mine set in detect mode which is fantastic.
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Originally Posted By TNVC_Will: Heads up for Sidekick owners. This is regarding info posted elsewhere that I want to address here. 1. Software Update for Sidekicks I have confirmed with Armasight that they have a software update that is awaiting final testing that will resolve the latency issues. This update requires the Sidekick to be sent back to Armasight. You will have to contact Armasight Customer Support directly. Use the contact form https://armasight.com/contact/ call 888-504-ARMA or email [email protected] 2. Rechargeable 16650 batteries I have personally used Orbtronics 2500mAh batteries. The battery is a tight fit. What I did was unscrew the battery extender, insert battery, and then reinstall the extender over the battery. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions. @chosos I think I can post this link since it's not ours and support related? Let me know if I need to remove it. View Quote @TNVC_Will |
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Blessed be the Lord, my rock, Who trains my hands for war, And my fingers for battle. - Psalm 144:1
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
[Deleted]
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This is not the EE. |
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For those that don’t know, Armasight released a software update within the last day or two for the sidekick.
You must have an account on Armasight’s website and register your device in order to access the update. Once logged in to your account and device successfully registered, you will see a firmware option listed under the tabs on the left hand side of the webpage. Once you click on Firmware Updates it will give you the option to select between the 320 and 640 sidekick models. You will proceed as if you are shopping for a product online, adding the desired software to your cart and proceeding to checkout (don’t worry it’s free). After the $0 purchase they will email you two files, one are PDF instructions and the other is the software update file itself. Follow the directions and eventually you will end up with software version 5082 installed (at least in my case for the 640res unit, not sure if it’s a different version for 320res). If everything updated successfully you should see the new version listed in the “about” portion of the sidekick menu. Attached File If anyone has issues with the update or wants some better step by step directions I will edit this post. This was just a quick PSA. The update seemed to improve the rolling shutter/perceived lag when panning around by roughly 20% if I had to guess, and cleaned the image up slightly. Don’t expect it to change your life, but it’s a step in the right direction and I am sure they will provide more as they continue to improve things. Here is a quick before and after photo: Attached File Attached File Taken through the eyepiece because it’s quick and also seems to be a bit sharper than how the photos show up in the device playback feature. I literally just got the device today otherwise I would provide some more detailed info and perhaps initial impressions. Thanks for Will @ TNVC for helping answer some questions I had about the device before and after purchasing |
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Sales Manager
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
I just got another email about more firmware updates for the sidekick. Unsure if its just for the 640, but the summary of improvements are:
enhanced image processing: reduces NUC frequency improved stability: fixes issue causing freezing during recording restored vertical margin range to 100 higher res snapshots smooth playback: fixed glitches |
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Originally Posted By Kuraki: So the Rayvn looks to be the perfect bridge for someone who has 2 PVS14s and a thermal, and wants the ability to, in the field, toollessly change between NV single eye, NV both eyes, NV/IR, IR single eye. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/125898/Screenshot_2024-07-10_125055-3262730.jpg You can buy the bridge with 2 pods and whatever combinations of arms. Good!! You can buy an additional arm for your third device. Good! The same feature that makes toolless configuration changes possible also allows IPD adjustment. Great! Very competitively priced for the features presented. Fantastic! The pod necessary to make toolless configuration changes with the third device isn't for sale, because fuck you? Why is every bridge maker like this? View Quote Although there isn't a tool-less pod, there is a "hack" to allow you to do so. Remove the screw located at the top of the bridge that serves as the stop so the pod doesn't slide off the bridge. Once removed, you can slide off the pod by loosening the IPD knob. I actually used this quite a bit to take a thermal off the bridge to use handheld. It's easy to remove mounted on the helmet but reinstall is easier off the helmet. @Kuraki Shoot me a PM. I'm sure I can get you squared away with a 3rd pod. |
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Deputy Director of Commercial Sales
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Appreciate it Will, PM sent.
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Originally Posted By javemtr: I'm messing around with a dovetail adapter for the Sidekick. That will allow the use of any bridge with dovetail mounts like KVC/RQE, Wilcox, Noisefighters, ... https://i.imgur.com/PoR05UO.jpeg View Quote Nice. PM sent |
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Deputy Director of Commercial Sales
Tactical Night Vision Corporation - TNVC, INC. http://www.tnvc.com [email protected] (909) 796-7000 Ex. 610 |
Just a heads up for everyone with a sidekick, I have received yet another email about updated firmware. If you have one, you might want to check your email too.
Updates are vague but it says there are more improvements to: Image processing Stability Image quality |
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