JVC HA NC250 Review | 93 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$200
  • Form factor: on-ear
  • Connectivity: wired
  • Battery life: N/A hours
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC): yes

JVC HA NC250 review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

7.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the headphones' quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best headphones on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.8

Technical Score

20.0%

8.2

User score

Very good
6.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

4.8

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

4.4

Calls & Controls

Good
8.2

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(767)
amazon
3.7
(172)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(767)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(172)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Excellent
  • 0.2
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    0.0

    Audio latency

    25.0%

    0.0

    Low-latency game mode

    20.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    12.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    8.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

  • 4.2
    Travel

    Score components:

    28.0%

    10

    Active noise cancellation (ANC)

    24.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    18.0%

    6.8

    Weight

    16.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    14.0%

    1.0

    Ambient sound mode

  • 0.2
    Calls

    Score components:

    28.0%

    0.0

    Noise-canceling microphone

    24.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

    18.0%

    0.0

    Multipoint support

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    14.0%

    0.0

    Companion app

  • 5.0
    Workout

    Score components:

    28.0%

    6.8

    Weight

    24.0%

    9.0

    Water resistance

    20.0%

    4.0

    IP rating

    16.0%

    0.0

    Battery life

    12.0%

    1.0

    Can be used as a headset

  • jvc-ha-nc250
jvc-ha-nc250

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The JVC HA-NC250 is a lightweight, on-ear noise-cancelling headphone featuring 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver a wide frequency response of 8Hz to 24,000Hz and a sensitivity of 102dB/mW. Its primary characteristic is an active noise cancellation system providing up to 85% noise reduction, supplemented by a dual-housing structure and memory foam ear pads for enhanced passive isolation. Main pros include a long battery life of approximately 50 hours from a single AAA battery, a foldable design weighing just 150g (5.3 oz) for travel, and a detachable 1.2m (3.94ft) cable that allows use as standard headphones even when the battery is depleted. Cons include a potential for the ears to get hot during extended use, the presence of a slight background hiss during quiet classical music in silent environments, and a battery compartment location that some users find poorly placed.

Technical Specifications of JVC HA NC250

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the headphones' technical performance, covering key areas such as sound quality, noise cancelling, microphone performance, battery life, comfort, connectivity, features, and build quality.

When it matters: When you want to compare headphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

52.0%

8.6

Sound

20.0%

2.2

Features

10.0%

7.4

Design

8.0%

4.8

Connectivity

6.0%

9.0

Battery

4.0%

4.4

Calls & Controls

6.8
JVC HA NC250 has a technical score of 6.77 points, which is higher than that of 80.2% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you want to understand how headphones perform in real listening and how reliable they are in terms of comfort, audio quality, battery life, and long-term use.

Score components:

70.0%

7.4

User reviews

30.0%

10

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(767)
amazon
3.7
(172)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(767)
Amazon_logo.png
3.7
(172)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

8.2
JVC HA NC250 has a user score of 8.18 points, which is higher than that of 67.3% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
10
JVC HA NC250 has a popularity of 10 points, which is higher than 71.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.8
JVC HA NC250 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.8 points, which is higher than 80.7% of products in this category.
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

yes
JVC HA NC250 supports active noise cancellation. 72.6% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
Driver type
What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used
When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic
Driver size
What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit
When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

40 mm
JVC HA NC250 uses a driver size of 40 mm, larger driver size than 28.2% of headphones and equal to 53.6% of headphones.
Number of drivers
What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup
When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

1
JVC HA NC250 uses 1 drivers, equal to 96% of headphones.
Lowest frequency
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

8 Hz
JVC HA NC250 reaches a lowest frequency of 8 Hz, lower lowest frequency than 80.4% of headphones and equal to 2.8% of headphones.
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Noise-canceling microphone
What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls
When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Can be used as a headset
What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JVC HA NC250 is not headset-ready, while 15.3% is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
Number of microphones
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

?
Boom microphone
What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity
When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Microphone SNR
What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone
When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A
Show more
Connectivity
What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)
When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

wired
JVC HA NC250 supports wired connectivity, equal to 52.6% of headphones.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported
When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A
Maximum Bluetooth range
What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device
When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A
Audio latency
What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode
When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A
Multipoint support
What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices
When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Show more
Ambient sound mode
What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness
When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JVC HA NC250 does not offer ambient sound mode. 76.9% of headphones support ambient sound mode.
EQ support
What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer
When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
JVC HA NC250 does not support EQ customization. 23.3% of headphones support EQ.
Companion app
What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates
When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Adjustable ANC levels
What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels
When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A
Voice assistant support
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

no
JVC HA NC250 does not support voice assistants. 60.9% of headphones support voice assistants.
Show more
Battery life
What it is: Playback time on a single charge
When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A
Battery life with ANC
What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

50 hours
JVC HA NC250 offers battery life with ANC of 50 hours, higher battery life with ANC than 79.7% of headphones and equal to 7.6% of headphones.
Charging time
What it is: Time required for a full battery charge
When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A
Quick charge
What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period
When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Battery capacity
What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery
When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A
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Brand name
What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.
When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

JVC
Form factor
What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)
When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

on-ear
Weight
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

150 g
JVC HA NC250 weighs 150 g, lighter than 69.4% of headphones and equal to 1.1% of headphones.
Acoustic design
What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)
When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

closed-back
Clamp force
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Show more

JVC HA NC250 vs the average headphone

  • Active noise cancellation
    JVC HA NC250 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
    What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology
    When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

    Importance: HIGH

    JVC HA NC250 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA NC250 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
    What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <=10 Hz

    JVC HA NC250 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.8 Hz vs 18 Hz
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    JVC HA NC250 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
    What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled
    When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

    Importance: HIGH

    Good value: >40 hours

    JVC HA NC250 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.50 hours vs 30 hours
  • On-device controls
    JVC HA NC250 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
    What it is: Physical controls available directly on headphones
    When it matters: When you need playback, volume, or call controls to be easy to reach without pulling out your phone.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA NC250 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 31.2% lower weight
    JVC HA NC250 is lighter than the average headphone (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
    What it is: Total weight of the headphones
    When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: <150 g

    JVC HA NC250 is lighter than the average headphone (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.150 g vs 218 g
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA NC250 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
    What it is: Earcups or headband can fold for compact storage
    When it matters: When you travel often and want easier storage in a bag.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA NC250 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA NC250 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
    What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
    When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Good value: >=24000 Hz

    JVC HA NC250 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.24000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
  • Removable battery
    JVC HA NC250 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
    What it is: Battery can be detached and replaced
    When it matters: When long-term serviceability or battery replacement matters to you.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA NC250 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • 31.2% lower weight
    JVC HA NC250 is lighter than the average headphone (150 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
  • Foldable design
    JVC HA NC250 has a foldable design, the average headphone does not. 61% of headphones are foldable.
  • Active noise cancellation
    JVC HA NC250 supports active noise cancellation, the average headphone does not. 27.4% of headphones support active noise cancellation.
  • 10 Hz lower bass extension
    JVC HA NC250 has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (8 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
  • 4,000 Hz higher treble extension
    JVC HA NC250 has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (24,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
  • 20 hours longer ANC battery life
    JVC HA NC250 has a higher battery life with ANC than the average headphone (50 hours vs 30 hours). The average headphones offer battery life with ANC of 30 hours.
  • Removable battery
    JVC HA NC250 has a removable battery, the average headphone does not. 7.6% of headphones have a removable battery.
  • On-device controls
    JVC HA NC250 includes on-device controls, the average headphone does not. 46.8% of headphones support on-device controls.
  • 27 mm tighter earcup height
    JVC HA NC250 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (33 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
  • 10 mm tighter earcup width
    JVC HA NC250 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (33 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
  • Tangle-prone cable
    JVC HA NC250 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 8 dB lower max SPL
    JVC HA NC250 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
  • Not headset-ready
    JVC HA NC250 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA NC250 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 10 older release date
    JVC HA NC250 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,007 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2007
  • No voice assistant support
    JVC HA NC250 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
    What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
    When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA NC250 does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
  • 27 mm tighter earcup height
    JVC HA NC250 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (33 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.
    What it is: Internal height of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When larger ears need enough space inside the earcups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA NC250 has tighter earcup height than the average headphone (33 mm vs 60 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup height of 60 mm.33 mm vs 60 mm
  • Not headset-ready
    JVC HA NC250 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
    What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.
    When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA NC250 is not headset-ready, while the average headphone is. 84.7% of headphones can be used as headsets.
  • 10 mm tighter earcup width
    JVC HA NC250 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (33 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
    What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
    When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    JVC HA NC250 has tighter earcup width than the average headphone (33 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.33 mm vs 43 mm
  • Tangle-prone cable
    JVC HA NC250 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
    What it is: Cable designed to resist tangling
    When it matters: When you often carry wired headphones in a bag or pocket.

    Importance: LOW

    JVC HA NC250 uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
  • 10 older release date
    JVC HA NC250 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,007 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.
    July 2007
    What it is: Official release or launch date of the model
    When it matters: When you want a newer model for fresher features, longer support life, or simply to avoid buying into an older generation.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=2020

    JVC HA NC250 was released earlier than the average headphone (2,007 vs 2,017). The average headphones were released in 2,017.2007 vs 2017
  • 88.9% more expensive
    JVC HA NC250 is more expensive than the average headphone (£170 vs £90).
    JVC HA NC250 is more expensive than the average headphone (£170 vs £90).£170 vs £90
  • 8 dB lower max SPL
    JVC HA NC250 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.
    What it is: Maximum safe sound pressure level
    When it matters: When high-volume headroom is part of your use case.

    Importance: LOW

    Good value: >=116 dB

    JVC HA NC250 has a lower max SPL than the average headphone (102 dB vs 110 dB). The average headphones reach a max SPL of 110 dB.102 dB vs 110 dB

Graphic comparison of JVC HA NC250 and

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Third-party reviews

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

What customers like about JVC HA NC250?

  • Excellent active noise cancellation for the price, effectively reducing low-frequency hums like airplane engines
  • Lightweight and comfortable design suitable for long travel sessions
  • High sound quality with balanced audio and tight bass response
  • Ability to play audio even when the active noise cancellation is switched off
  • Includes a high-quality, slim hard-shell carrying case and flight adapters
  • Impressive battery life, rated for up to 50 hours on a single AAA battery

What customers dislike about JVC HA NC250?

  • Battery compartment is difficult to access and requires prying off an ear cushion
  • The included 4-foot detachable cable is considered too short for home or non-portable use
  • Active noise cancellation can produce a faint background hiss or cyclical static in quiet environments
  • Design is somewhat bulky for storage as it only folds flat rather than collapsing fully
  • Build quality feels plasticky compared to more premium competitors

Expert reviews

T
techwarelabs.com
27/11/2012

The JVC HA-NC250 noise-cancelling headphones offer effective active noise cancellation for low-frequency sounds alongside a comfortable, lightweight design featuring leatherette ear cups. They deliver high-quality audio with tight bass, 50-hour battery life, and passive functionality, representing a strong value compared to competitors. Conversely, the headphones feature an...Read more

T
techcrunch.com
11/12/2008

The TechCrunch review highlights the JVC HA-NC250 as an impressive, high-value alternative to premium active noise-canceling headphones like the Bose QuietComfort 3. Priced considerably lower at an MSRP of $199—and frequently found online for around $110—the JVCs offer full, undistorted audio quality featuring a prominent yet balanced bass profile. Designed with portability in mind,...Read more

W
wired.com
20/10/2008

The WIRED review highlights the JVC HA-NC250 as an affordable on-ear active noise-canceling option, praising its comfortable, snug design and accessible price point. Awarding a 7/10 rating, the review highlights the headset's capability as a portable, cost-effective, everyday audio solution. WIREDHowever, the analysis notes significant design drawbacks, including a 4-foot audio...Read more

C
cnet.com
15/11/2007

The JVC HA-NC250 noise-cancelling headphones offer strong performance and high comfort at an attractive price point of approximately £70. Reviewer Frank Lewis highlights that the headphones are exceptionally comfortable, featuring soft leatherette, oblong ear cups and a headband with minimal tension that fits snugly without feeling tight. They feature a double housing construction...Read more

C
cnet.com
18/07/2007

The JVC HA-NC250 (Black) noise-canceling headphones are highlighted as a comfortable, travel-friendly alternative to pricier competitors like the Bose QuietComfort 3. Retailing at $199.99, these headphones feature adjustable arms and oblong, leatherette-padded ear cups that swivel flat for compact storage inside an included hard-shell carrying case. The audio performance is highly...Read more

M
ma62.fr
07/10/2009

This issue of Elektor magazine provides a highly technical, hands-on exploration of contemporary electronic designs, uniquely combining deep hardware schematics with modern microcontroller integrations. Notable projects include a barometric altimeter driven by a PIC18F2423 microchip, a dynamic preamplifier using an ATmega8, and a digital proximity detector operating as an...Read more

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