The phenomenon where the sound level during telephone conversations on devices utilizing the Android operating system is inadequate for clear communication presents a notable challenge. This can manifest as difficulty hearing the other party despite the volume being set to the maximum level, often resulting in frustration and miscommunication. Possible causes include software glitches, hardware malfunctions affecting the speaker or microphone, incorrect audio settings, or interference from third-party applications.
Addressing inadequate sound during calls on Android devices is crucial for maintaining effective and professional communication. Clear audio is essential for understanding instructions, conveying information accurately, and fostering positive relationships. Historically, this problem has been tackled through a variety of methods, ranging from basic troubleshooting steps like adjusting volume controls to more complex solutions such as updating software or replacing hardware components.
The remainder of this discussion will address common causes of this audio deficiency, provide practical troubleshooting steps to attempt resolution, and outline potential long-term solutions if the initial efforts prove insufficient. Further topics will include examining the role of various audio settings, identifying potential software conflicts, and considering when professional repair or replacement becomes necessary.
1. Speaker obstruction
Speaker obstruction is a significant factor contributing to reduced audio levels during telephone conversations on Android devices. Physical blockage impedes the transmission of sound waves, resulting in a diminished perceived volume for the user. This directly impacts the ability to clearly hear and understand the other party during calls.
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Dust and Debris Accumulation
Over time, dust, lint, and other small particles can accumulate in the speaker grille of an Android device. This buildup acts as a physical barrier, dampening the sound waves emitted from the speaker. The reduction in sound intensity directly leads to a perceived lower volume during calls. Regular cleaning is essential to mitigate this issue.
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Protective Case Interference
Certain protective cases, particularly those with thick or poorly designed speaker cutouts, can partially or fully obstruct the speaker. This blockage hinders sound propagation, leading to a noticeable decrease in call volume. Removing or adjusting the case may improve audibility. The cases design is critical in ensuring unobstructed sound output.
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Pocket Lint and Residue
Frequent carrying of the device in pockets or bags can result in the accumulation of lint, fibers, and other debris in the speaker grille. This material can compact over time, forming a dense obstruction that significantly reduces sound output. Regular maintenance and cleaning are crucial to prevent this accumulation.
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Liquid Damage Residue
Even minor exposure to liquids, such as sweat or moisture, can leave residue that dries and hardens within the speaker grille. This residue acts as a barrier to sound waves, diminishing the perceived volume during calls. Cleaning with appropriate, non-conductive solutions is necessary to remove this residue and restore optimal speaker function.
The cumulative effect of these forms of speaker obstruction is a noticeable decrease in the clarity and intensity of sound during telephone conversations. Regular inspection and cleaning of the speaker grille are essential to prevent and mitigate the impact of these obstructions on audio performance, thereby ensuring adequate sound levels for effective communication. Neglecting these preventative measures exacerbates the problem, potentially necessitating more extensive repairs or device replacement.
2. Software glitches
Software anomalies represent a significant potential source of reduced audio levels during telephone conversations on Android devices. These aberrations in the operating system or installed applications can disrupt audio processing pathways, leading to diminished sound output despite the device’s volume settings being appropriately configured. Their unpredictable nature necessitates careful investigation to differentiate them from hardware malfunctions or user configuration errors.
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Operating System Bugs
Errors within the Android operating system itself can directly affect audio management. These bugs may manifest as incorrect volume scaling, muted audio streams, or failure to properly initialize audio output devices. System updates intended to fix these issues can sometimes introduce new problems, further complicating diagnosis. For example, an update may inadvertently alter the audio codec settings, resulting in lower call volumes.
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Driver Incompatibilities
Android devices rely on specific software drivers to interface with their audio hardware. If these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with the current operating system version, audio output may be compromised. A driver designed for a previous Android version might not properly manage audio signals in a newer version, leading to reduced volume or distorted sound during calls. This is especially prevalent after major OS upgrades.
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Third-Party Application Conflicts
Applications installed by the user can sometimes interfere with the device’s audio system. A poorly coded app or one with conflicting audio permissions can seize control of the audio output, suppressing the call volume. For instance, a voice recording application running in the background could inadvertently lower the volume of the phone’s earpiece during a call. Identifying and uninstalling such conflicting applications is crucial in resolving this issue.
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Corrupted System Files
Essential system files responsible for audio processing can become corrupted due to various factors, including interrupted software updates, malware infections, or storage errors. Corrupted files can disrupt the normal audio pathway, leading to decreased call volume or complete audio failure. Recovering or replacing these corrupted files often requires advanced troubleshooting techniques or a factory reset of the device.
The diverse range of software glitches capable of affecting call volume underscores the complexity of diagnosing and resolving such issues. Careful examination of system logs, testing in safe mode, and systematic removal of recently installed applications are necessary steps in isolating the root cause. While hardware failures should not be discounted, the potential impact of software anomalies necessitates a thorough exploration of this domain to restore adequate call audio levels.
3. App interference
Application interference is a significant factor contributing to diminished sound levels during telephone conversations on Android devices. Third-party applications, through various mechanisms, can inadvertently or intentionally disrupt the normal audio pathways, leading to a perceived reduction in call volume. The complex interactions between different applications and the Android operating system create opportunities for conflicts that negatively impact audio performance.
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Audio Focus Hijacking
Many Android applications request “audio focus” to manage audio output. However, some applications may not relinquish this focus properly after their task is complete, effectively muting or reducing the volume of other audio streams, including telephone calls. An application designed for music playback, for example, might inadvertently maintain audio focus even after it has been closed, preventing the call audio from reaching its intended volume. This is especially problematic with applications that have persistent background processes.
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Conflicting Audio Permissions
Android’s permission system governs application access to device resources. When multiple applications request access to audio recording or playback, conflicts can arise. One application may improperly modify the audio stream settings, reducing the overall system volume or prioritizing its own audio output over that of the telephone application. Debugging which application is responsible for altering these settings can be complex, often requiring systematic removal and testing of suspected apps.
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Background Processes and Services
Certain applications operate persistent background services that continuously monitor audio input or output. These services, while intended for legitimate purposes such as voice recognition or audio recording, can unintentionally interfere with telephone call audio. For example, a voice assistant application actively listening for commands may suppress the incoming call volume to prevent misinterpretation of ambient sounds as voice commands. Disabling or restricting the background activity of such applications may resolve the call volume issue.
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Malicious or Poorly Coded Applications
In some instances, malicious or poorly coded applications may intentionally or unintentionally manipulate the device’s audio settings to perform unwanted actions or simply due to programming errors. Such applications may introduce audio distortions, reduce overall volume, or even completely mute the audio stream. Identifying and removing these applications is crucial to restoring normal call volume levels. Thoroughly reviewing application permissions and sources before installation can mitigate the risk of encountering such problematic software.
The multifaceted nature of application interference underscores the importance of a systematic approach to troubleshooting low call volume issues on Android devices. By carefully examining application permissions, background activity, and overall system behavior, users can identify and mitigate the impact of these conflicts, ultimately restoring adequate audio levels during telephone conversations. Understanding the interplay between applications and the Android audio system is essential for effective problem resolution.
4. Network strength
Network strength directly influences call quality, which, in turn, impacts the perceived audio level on Android devices. A weak or unstable network connection can result in packet loss, data corruption, and reduced bandwidth, all of which negatively affect the clarity and audibility of voice communication. The lower the signal strength, the more compromised the audio stream becomes, potentially leading to the misinterpretation that the issue stems from the device’s internal audio components. For example, during peak hours, a cellular network may experience congestion, causing call audio to become fragmented or muffled due to insufficient bandwidth allocation.
The correlation between network strength and call volume manifests through several technical mechanisms. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, frequently used on Android devices, require a consistent data stream to maintain a clear audio signal. When network strength is poor, these services may reduce the audio bitrate to compensate for the limited bandwidth, resulting in a lower fidelity audio signal and a subsequently reduced perceived volume. This is evident in areas with limited cellular coverage, where call volume often diminishes significantly due to the device struggling to maintain a stable connection to the network. Furthermore, weak Wi-Fi signals can similarly affect call volume when using Wi-Fi calling features.
Understanding this connection is crucial for effective troubleshooting. Users experiencing low call volume should first assess the network strength indicator on their device. Attempting a call in a location with stronger signal, switching between cellular and Wi-Fi networks, or contacting their service provider to investigate network issues can help determine if the problem lies with the network rather than the Android device itself. Addressing network-related factors can often improve call quality and perceived volume without requiring adjustments to device settings or hardware components, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution.
5. Microphone issues
Microphone malfunctions directly contribute to the phenomenon of diminished audio during telephone conversations on Android devices. While the user perceives inadequate sound as low volume, the root cause may reside in the failure of the device’s microphone to adequately capture and transmit the user’s voice. This results in the recipient experiencing the caller’s voice at a low level, irrespective of the recipient’s own device volume settings. The microphones functionality is paramount; compromised input will invariably lead to perceived output issues. For instance, a partially blocked microphone port, even by a small accumulation of debris, can significantly attenuate the sound, causing the receiving party to request the caller speak louder.
The connection between microphone performance and perceived call volume is further complicated by the varying microphone configurations in Android devices. Some devices employ multiple microphones for noise cancellation. If one of these microphones malfunctions, the noise cancellation algorithm may incorrectly suppress the user’s voice, leading to a significantly reduced transmitted volume. Moreover, physical damage to the microphone diaphragm, such as tears or punctures, can render the microphone incapable of capturing sound at the appropriate level. A practical application of this understanding involves thoroughly inspecting the microphone port for obstructions or damage before assuming software or network-related issues. Cleaning the port with compressed air or a soft brush may restore functionality, consequently improving the transmitted audio.
In summary, microphone issues represent a critical, often overlooked, component of the “call volume low android” problem. Addressing these hardware-related causes is essential for a comprehensive troubleshooting approach. Recognizing the importance of the microphone as the initial point of audio capture highlights the practical significance of regular maintenance and careful handling of Android devices. The accurate diagnosis of microphone malfunctions can prevent unnecessary software resets or network troubleshooting, leading to more efficient and effective solutions.
6. Volume settings
Volume settings are fundamental to addressing the issue of inadequate call audio levels on Android devices. The configuration of system-wide and in-call volume parameters directly determines the audibility of the incoming voice signal. Incorrectly set or misunderstood volume controls constitute a primary cause of the perception of diminished call audio, often overshadowing other potential hardware or software-related problems. For instance, the media volume control, independent of the in-call volume, may be inadvertently set to a minimum, resulting in muted notifications and media, but also influencing call audio when utilizing speakerphone mode. This illustrates the necessity of verifying appropriate settings across all relevant volume channels to resolve the problem of substandard audio during calls.
Effective management of volume configurations necessitates an understanding of the different volume streams within the Android operating system. The “ringer volume” controls the audibility of incoming calls; the “media volume” impacts audio from applications and speakerphone mode during calls; and the “in-call volume,” adjusted during an active phone call, governs the audio level delivered through the earpiece or headset. Furthermore, accessibility settings, such as hearing aid compatibility modes, can inadvertently lower overall volume or introduce audio distortions. Therefore, a systematic review of each volume stream and relevant accessibility options is vital in diagnosing and correcting inadequate sound levels during calls. The practical application involves methodically increasing each volume stream during a test call to isolate the source of the problem.
In conclusion, volume settings are a crucial, and often overlooked, element in the context of the “call volume low android” issue. Appropriate configuration and a clear understanding of each volume stream, coupled with the impact of accessibility features, are essential for effective troubleshooting. Addressing this foundational aspect can frequently resolve perceived deficiencies in call audio without resorting to more complex hardware or software investigations, thereby underscoring the importance of starting with this fundamental check. Prioritizing volume setting verification streamlines the diagnostic process and optimizes the efficiency of problem resolution.
7. Hardware failure
Hardware malfunctions constitute a definitive cause of diminished audio during telephone conversations on Android devices. Physical damage or degradation of internal components directly responsible for audio processing and output can result in a persistent reduction in call volume, often unresponsive to software-based adjustments.
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Speaker Coil Degradation
The speaker within an Android device relies on a coil to generate sound. Over time, this coil can degrade due to thermal stress or physical damage. The speaker’s weakened ability to vibrate the diaphragm results in a diminished output volume, affecting the clarity and audibility of calls. An example would be prolonged exposure to high temperatures, causing the coil’s insulation to break down, subsequently lowering its resistance and reducing the speaker’s efficiency.
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Amplifier Circuit Failure
An amplifier circuit boosts the audio signal before it reaches the speaker. If components within this circuit, such as capacitors or transistors, fail, the signal amplification will be compromised. This leads to a substantial decrease in the maximum achievable call volume, regardless of the device’s software volume settings. A common scenario involves a capacitor drying out or short-circuiting, causing the amplifier to deliver insufficient power to the speaker.
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Damaged Audio Jack/Port
While increasingly less common with the removal of headphone jacks, a damaged audio jack can still affect call volume, particularly if the device incorrectly detects headphones are plugged in. This can divert the audio output away from the primary speaker, resulting in severely reduced sound levels during calls. A bent or corroded pin within the audio jack can trigger this erroneous detection.
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Mainboard Component Failure
Integrated circuits on the device’s mainboard control audio routing and processing. If these components fail, either due to manufacturing defects or physical stress, the entire audio subsystem can be compromised. This can lead to intermittent or consistently low call volume. A surge in voltage or physical impact can damage these sensitive components, resulting in a permanent reduction in audio output.
These distinct hardware failures directly impact the device’s ability to produce adequate call audio. Identifying these issues typically requires professional diagnosis and repair, as software-based troubleshooting is ineffective in addressing such physical malfunctions. The persistent nature of these hardware problems often distinguishes them from software glitches or temporary network connectivity issues.
8. Audio codecs
Audio codecs play a crucial role in transmitting voice data during telephone calls on Android devices. A codec, short for coder-decoder, is responsible for compressing audio data at the transmitting end and decompressing it at the receiving end. The choice and configuration of audio codecs directly impact the perceived audio level. An improperly configured or outdated codec can lead to inefficient data handling, resulting in decreased audio fidelity and a reduction in overall volume. For instance, if an Android device defaults to a low-bitrate codec due to compatibility issues or software errors, the compressed audio signal will lack the necessary detail and amplitude, causing the recipient to experience a diminished call volume, irrespective of the hardware capabilities of either device.
The selection of appropriate audio codecs is often negotiated automatically between devices during call establishment. However, compatibility issues or network limitations can force a fallback to less efficient codecs. This fallback mechanism can be particularly problematic in areas with poor network coverage or when communicating with older devices that support only legacy codecs. For example, using a GSM codec on a modern Android device may result in significantly lower call volume compared to using a more advanced codec like AMR-WB (Adaptive Multi-Rate Wideband), which offers improved audio quality and volume levels. Moreover, software updates or modifications to the Android operating system can inadvertently alter codec priorities or introduce bugs that negatively affect codec performance, thereby contributing to the “call volume low android” issue. The practical significance lies in understanding that while hardware and network conditions are important, the underlying software algorithms encoding and decoding the voice data are equally critical.
In summary, the efficient operation and proper configuration of audio codecs are essential for maintaining adequate call volume levels on Android devices. Codec-related problems can manifest as reduced audio fidelity, lower perceived volume, and difficulties in understanding the other party during a call. While troubleshooting low call volume, examining the codec settings and ensuring compatibility between devices and network conditions represents a critical step. Addressing codec-related issues often involves updating software, verifying network compatibility, and potentially manually adjusting codec settings within advanced device configurations, offering a direct means of resolving challenges associated with suboptimal audio transmission.
9. Permissions errors
The Android operating system employs a permission model to control application access to sensitive device resources. Incorrectly configured or denied permissions can significantly impact the ability of the telephone application to properly access and utilize audio hardware, potentially manifesting as reduced call volume. The link between permission errors and diminished call volume is not always immediately apparent, requiring careful investigation of application settings and system configurations.
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Microphone Access Denial
The telephone application requires explicit permission to access the device’s microphone. If this permission is denied or revoked, the application cannot capture and transmit the user’s voice during calls, resulting in the receiving party experiencing significantly reduced or absent audio. This denial can occur due to user error during initial application setup, system updates that reset permissions, or interference from third-party applications designed to manage privacy settings. A common real-world example is a user inadvertently tapping “deny” when prompted for microphone access and subsequently experiencing low call volume without realizing the connection.
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Call Management Permission Conflicts
Certain applications, particularly those designed for call recording or VoIP services, may request permissions that conflict with the telephone application’s ability to manage audio streams. If these applications are granted overly broad permissions, they can potentially interfere with the system’s audio routing, leading to reduced call volume or other audio anomalies. An illustration of this would be a call recording application improperly seizing audio focus, thus lowering the volume of the active phone call to prioritize its own recording functionality.
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Background Activity Restrictions
Android’s battery optimization features may restrict background activity for applications, including the telephone application. While intended to conserve battery life, these restrictions can sometimes prevent the application from properly maintaining audio connections, resulting in reduced call volume or intermittent audio dropouts. For example, if the system aggressively terminates the telephone application’s background processes, it may fail to properly manage audio streams during an ongoing call, leading to a noticeable decrease in volume. Disabling battery optimization for the telephone application is often required to resolve this issue.
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System-Level Permission Corruption
In rare instances, system-level permission configurations can become corrupted due to software bugs or incomplete updates. This corruption can prevent the telephone application from accessing the necessary audio resources, leading to a persistent issue of low call volume. A potential scenario involves a system update failing to properly migrate permission settings, resulting in the telephone application being unable to access the microphone or speaker despite having been previously granted the necessary permissions. Resolving this type of permission error may require advanced troubleshooting steps or a factory reset of the device.
These permissions-related factors underscore the importance of thoroughly reviewing application permissions and system settings when addressing the issue of diminished call audio on Android devices. Recognizing the interplay between application permissions and system-level audio management is crucial for effective diagnosis and resolution of this multifaceted problem. Systematic verification and adjustment of relevant permission settings can often restore adequate call volume levels and prevent further disruptions to audio communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following section addresses common queries regarding reduced call audio levels on Android devices. Each question is answered with the intent of providing clear and practical information.
Question 1: What are the most frequent causes of diminished call volume on Android devices?
Frequent causes include speaker obstruction by debris, software glitches impacting audio output, third-party application interference, weak network signal strength affecting voice transmission, hardware malfunctions involving the speaker or microphone, incorrect volume settings, and corrupted audio codecs impacting data encoding and decoding.
Question 2: How does speaker obstruction directly impact call volume?
Speaker obstruction, such as dust accumulation or protective case interference, physically impedes the transmission of sound waves, resulting in a diminished perceived volume for the user. This blockage directly reduces the intensity of the audio signal, hindering clear communication.
Question 3: How can software glitches contribute to low call volume?
Errors within the Android operating system or installed applications can disrupt audio processing pathways. These glitches may manifest as incorrect volume scaling, muted audio streams, or failure to properly initialize audio output devices, leading to reduced sound output despite appropriate volume settings.
Question 4: What role do audio codecs play in determining call volume?
Audio codecs are responsible for compressing and decompressing audio data during calls. An improperly configured or outdated codec can result in inefficient data handling, leading to decreased audio fidelity and a reduction in overall volume. Compatibility issues or network limitations can force a fallback to less efficient codecs, exacerbating the problem.
Question 5: Why is network strength a factor in call volume perception?
A weak or unstable network connection can result in packet loss, data corruption, and reduced bandwidth, all of which negatively affect the clarity and audibility of voice communication. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services require a consistent data stream, and poor network strength can force a reduction in audio bitrate to compensate for limited bandwidth, reducing perceived volume.
Question 6: What steps should be taken to troubleshoot low call volume before seeking professional repair?
Initial troubleshooting steps should include: cleaning speaker grills, verifying volume settings across all audio streams, checking application permissions, restarting the device, and testing in safe mode. If these measures are ineffective, a review of network connectivity and a systematic removal of recently installed applications may reveal underlying conflicts. If all else fails, hardware repair is the next logical option.
Addressing inadequate audio levels during calls on Android devices requires a systematic approach, encompassing hardware, software, and network considerations. Proper diagnosis is critical to implementing effective solutions.
The next section will explore advanced troubleshooting techniques to further address the issue of low call volume on Android devices.
Call Volume Low Android
The following recommendations provide a structured approach to diagnosing and potentially resolving issues related to inadequate call audio on Android devices. These tips emphasize systematic investigation and problem isolation.
Tip 1: Perform a Baseline Audio Test. Initiate a test call to a known working number (e.g., voicemail) in a quiet environment. This establishes a reference point for assessing volume deficiencies, distinguishing them from environmental noise issues.
Tip 2: Systematically Inspect and Clean All Audio Ports. Utilize compressed air to remove debris from the earpiece, speaker grill, and microphone port. Even microscopic obstructions can significantly attenuate sound transmission.
Tip 3: Verify In-Call Volume Settings. During an active call, repeatedly press the volume up button to ensure the in-call volume is maximized. A common oversight is adjusting the ringer or media volume instead of the in-call volume.
Tip 4: Disable Bluetooth During Calls. Bluetooth connectivity can sometimes interfere with audio routing. Temporarily disabling Bluetooth during calls can isolate potential conflicts with connected devices.
Tip 5: Boot into Safe Mode. Safe mode disables all third-party applications, allowing the user to determine if a recently installed application is causing the audio issue. If the call volume returns to normal in safe mode, systematically uninstall recently added apps.
Tip 6: Update the Android Operating System. Outdated software can contain bugs that negatively impact audio performance. Ensure the device is running the latest available Android version to benefit from potential bug fixes.
Tip 7: Review Application Permissions. Specifically, verify the Phone and Microphone permissions are enabled for the phone application and any other applications involved in call management or recording. Insufficient permissions can lead to muted or reduced call volume.
Tip 8: Reset Application Preferences. Resetting application preferences restores default settings, potentially resolving conflicts caused by user modifications. This action does not erase application data, but it does reset individual application configurations.
Adherence to these recommendations facilitates a comprehensive diagnostic process. By systematically addressing potential causes, the likelihood of resolving the audio deficiency is substantially improved.
The subsequent conclusion will summarize the key findings discussed in this article and offer final considerations regarding “call volume low android” circumstances.
Conclusion
This exploration of “call volume low android” has revealed a multifaceted issue influenced by hardware limitations, software anomalies, network conditions, and user configurations. The persistence of diminished audio during telephone conversations on Android devices demands a comprehensive and systematic diagnostic approach, encompassing physical inspections, software troubleshooting, and network assessments. Resolving this issue frequently requires a combination of these strategies, tailored to the specific circumstances.
The ongoing evolution of Android operating systems and mobile hardware necessitates continued vigilance in addressing audio-related challenges. Proper maintenance, adherence to best practices for software management, and awareness of potential network-related limitations remain crucial in ensuring optimal audio communication. The pursuit of consistently clear call audio demands a commitment to proactive troubleshooting and a willingness to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of mobile technology.
