#Android System Service

[siliconsignalsblog]

How Android System Services Connect Apps and HAL: A Deep Dive

Android is more than just a mobile operating system—it's a powerful middleware that seamlessly connects apps to the underlying hardware through a layered architecture of frameworks, services, and abstraction layers. The Android System Services, which control essential features like window handling, power management, telephony, and more, are at the core of this framework. By serving as a bridge, these services guarantee seamless communication between the hardware abstraction layer (HAL), the framework, and user applications. 

The internal operations of Android System Services are examined in this blog, along with how they interact with HAL and apps. 

Understanding Android System Services 

Essential parts of AOSP, Android System Services oversee fundamental features like power, connectivity, phone, and security. Through Binder IPC, these services enable smooth communication between applications, the framework, and hardware while operating inside SystemServer. Because each service is registered in ServiceManager, it is available throughout the system, including ActivityManagerService, PowerManagerService, and TelephonyService. By serving as go-betweens, system services make sure that applications communicate with hardware through the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL) without requiring direct access. 

Comprehending these services aids developers in extending AOSP functionalities, improving performance, and troubleshooting issues while preserving security and modularity within the Android ecosystem. 

Key Components of Android System Services 

SystemServer: The process in charge of launching and overseeing essential system functions. 

ServiceManager: A central registry that maintains a record of every system service that is available. 

Binder IPC: Applications, framework elements, and system services can interact thanks to the communication mechanism known as Binder IPC. 

HAL (Hardware Abstraction Layer): System services can communicate with hardware through the Hardware Abstraction Layer (HAL), which offers a common interface for hardware-specific implementations. 

System Service Types 

System services can be divided into groups according to how they work: 

Core Services: ActivityManagerService, WindowManagerService, and PackageManagerService 

Hardware Services: SensorService, AudioService, and PowerManagerService 

Connectivity Services: Bluetooth, WiFi, and Telephony Services 

Security Services: SELinuxManagerService and KeystoreService 

Each system service registers with ServiceManager for worldwide accessibility and operates as a distinct thread or process inside SystemServer. 

How System Services Interact with Apps and HAL 

To understand system service interactions, let’s break it down into three communication flows: 

1. Applications to System Services (Interaction at the Framework Layer) 

Through the Android Framework APIs, an application can interact with the appropriate system service to carry out system-level tasks (like adjusting brightness or connecting to WiFi). 

For instance, determining the battery level: 

The BatteryManager API's getBatteryPercentage() method is invoked by the application. 

BatteryManagerService receives the request and retrieves the most recent battery status. 

The data is returned to the application by BatteryManagerService. 

Important Takeaway: The application never communicates with the kernel or HAL directly. It always passes via the system services and framework APIs. 

2. HAL (Hardware Interaction) System Services 

The HAL is necessary for system services to communicate with hardware. In order to guarantee that system services function independently of particular hardware implementations, HAL acts as an abstraction layer. 

For instance, Changing the Screen's Brightness: 

App Request: The user adjusts brightness through the user interface. 

System Service Interaction: DisplayManagerService receives the request and notifies PowerManagerService. 

HAL Communication: Power HAL, which has direct hardware control, is called by PowerManagerService via Binder IPC. 

Hardware Execution: By interacting with the display driver, the Power HAL modifies the brightness. 

Feedback Loop: The system service updates the user interface after the HAL verifies the brightness change. 

Key Takeaway: Android is flexible and adaptable because HAL guarantees that system services can function across various hardware implementations. 

3. From System Services to System Services – Inter-Service Exchange 

Frequently, several services collaborate to complete a task. Android's system service interactions are smooth because services communicate via Binder IPC. 

Example: Intent Processing for Launching a Camera App: 

An intent is triggered when the user launches the camera app. 

After processing the intent, ActivityManagerService makes a request to CameraService. 

Permission Validation: CameraService uses PackageManagerService to verify app permissions. 

HAL Interaction: Camera HAL sets up the hardware and communicates with CameraService. 

Data Processing: MediaService processes the captured images before FileManagerService ensures storage. 

Key Takeaway: To effectively handle a single request, several system services work together. 

Practical Example: How a Phone Call Works in AOSP 

A call is initiated by the user (app layer interaction)  To start a call, the Dialer app asks TelecomManager to do so. 

TelephonyService receives the request from TelecomManager. 

RIL and TelephonyService Interact at the Hal Layer  After processing the request, TelephonyService sends it to the Radio Interface Layer (RIL).  As a component of HAL, RIL is in charge of interacting with modern hardware. 

RIL Gives the Modem a Command  The request is converted by RIL into AT commands that the modem can comprehend.  A connection is made between the modem and the network. 

The call status has been updated  The modem notifies RIL of the call status.  TelephonyService notifies the user interface by updating the CallState. 

Audio Routing & Call Connection  AudioService uses the speaker or earpiece to route audio.  Signal quality and LTE/VoLTE switching are managed by NetworkService. 

Call Terminations: Procedure for Cleaning  TelephonyService notifies RIL to end the connection when the user hangs up.  TelephonyService modifies the user interface while RIL tells the modem to end the call. 

Important Takeaway:  Without direct app-to-hardware communication, the entire process—which includes hardware control, HAL interactions, and multiple system services—operates without a hitch. 

Debugging Techniques for AOSP 

Debugging AOSP builds requires an understanding of these interactions. The following are some essential debugging techniques: 

Using Service Status with Dumpsys  To see a list of all active services, run:  adb shell dumpsys activity services 

Using logcat to check logs  For service activity monitoring, use:  adb logcat -s ActivityManager 

Verifying the Service Registration  To see if a particular service is operating, run:  adb shell service list 

Following HAL Strace calls  To monitor system calls from a service to HAL, use:  strace -p  

Conclusion 

The framework, hardware, and apps all work together seamlessly thanks to Android System Services. They oversee essential features like connectivity, power, and security, making sure the system runs smoothly. These services maximize performance while preserving modularity and security by utilizing Binder IPC. From resource management to facilitating seamless app experiences, Android's well-organized design enables it to effectively handle complicated tasks. 

Knowing these interactions demonstrates how reliable Android's architecture is across a range of devices. As we learn more about AOSP, these services continue to be essential to preserving Android's adaptability, dependability, and scalability in the rapidly changing technological environment. 

[lexmetech]

Android and iOS Development: Bring Your Concepts to Life with Lexmetech Systems

In today’s mobile-centric environment, having a strong and user-friendly application is essential, not optional. Whether you're a new business, a scaling company, or a well-established organization, a thoughtfully crafted mobile app can assist you in reaching your target demographic, improving customer interaction, and fostering business expansion. At Lexmetech Systems, we focus on Android and iOS development, transforming your creative concepts into high-quality, scalable, and visually appealing mobile applications.

The Importance of Mobile App Development

Mobile applications have become fundamental to our everyday activities. Whether it's shopping, banking, staying fit, or entertainment, apps are revolutionizing our interactions with the world. Here’s why investing in mobile app development is vital:

Broader Outreach: With approximately 6.8 billion smartphone users worldwide, apps allow you to engage a large audience.

Improved Customer Experience: Applications provide a smooth and personalized user interface.

Greater Brand Loyalty: A well-crafted app keeps your brand readily accessible to your customers.

Enhanced Revenue Potential: Apps create additional income opportunities through in-app purchases, subscriptions, and advertisements.

Distinct Competitive Edge: Differentiate yourself in your market with a unique and creative app.

Reasons to Opt for Lexmetech Systems for Android and iOS Development

At Lexmetech Systems, we blend technological skill, creativity, and a focus on the customer to produce outstanding mobile applications. Here are the qualities that distinguish us:

1. Customized App Development

We reject generic solutions. Our team collaborates closely with you to comprehend your business objectives and develop a tailored application that satisfies your precise requirements

2. Cross-Platform Proficiency

Whether you're in need of an Android app, an iOS app, or a cross-platform solution, we can help. Our developers are skilled in:

Android Development: Utilizing Kotlin, Java, and Android Studio.

iOS Development: Using Swift, Objective-C, and Xcode.

Cross-Platform Development: Employing Flutter and React Native for economical options.

3. User-Centric Design

We create applications that are not only visually striking but also intuitive and straightforward to navigate. Our aim is to develop a seamless user experience that captivates your audience.

4. Scalable and Secure Solutions

Our applications are designed to grow alongside your business. We prioritize scalability, performance, and security to safeguard your information and ensure a smooth user experience.

5. Comprehensive Services

From ideation and design to development, testing, and deployment, we provide complete mobile app development services. We also offer support and maintenance after launch to keep your app operational.

Core Features of Our Mobile Applications

Intuitive UI/UX Design: Captivating interfaces that enhance user satisfaction.

High Performance: Applications that load quickly and respond effectively.

Offline Functionality: Apps that function seamlessly regardless of internet connectivity.

Third-Party Integrations: Connections with APIs, payment processors, and social media platforms.

Push Notifications: Keep users updated and involved with timely information.

Analytics and Reporting: Monitor user activity and app performance with integrated analytics.

Sectors We Serve

Our Android and iOS development solutions cover a diverse range of sectors, including:

E-commerce: Build shopping applications with smooth payment and delivery capabilities.

Healthcare: Develop telehealth applications, fitness trackers, and patient management systems.

Education: Create online learning platforms and virtual classroom applications.

Finance: Design safe banking and investment applications.

Entertainment: Develop gaming, streaming, and social networking applications.

Logistics: Create delivery tracking and fleet management applications.

Our Development Workflow

At Lexmetech Systems, we adhere to a streamlined and clear process to guarantee the success of your application:

Discovery and Planning: Identify your needs and establish the project scope.

Design and Prototyping: Create wireframes and prototypes to visualize the application.

Development and Testing: Construct the app and perform thorough testing to ensure quality.

Launch and Support: Release the application and provide continuous support for updates and maintenance.

Why Choose Lexmetech Systems?

Skilled Professionals: Our team of developers, designers, and project managers are specialists in their areas of expertise.

Demonstrated Success: We’ve successfully launched applications for clients in various sectors.

Focus on Clients: Your satisfaction is our highest priority.

Cost-Effective Solutions: We offer high-quality applications at competitive rates.

Punctual Delivery: We value deadlines and ensure prompt project completion.

Ready to Create Your Ideal App?

Your app concept has the power to revolutionize your business and leave a lasting impression. With Lexmetech Systems as your development ally, you can turn your vision into reality and reach your objectives.

Don’t hesitate—reach out to Lexmetech Systems now, and let’s develop a mobile app that distinguishes you from your competitors!

Lexmetech Systems – Your Reliable Partner for Android and iOS Development!

[cupuletrainings]

Web Development Course in Gwalior is Your Gateway to a Successful Career

Cupule Trainings, as a best IT training institute in Gwalior, offers job consultancy service, certification and training in Angular Js, Android, Java, PHP, HTML5 Bootstrap, digital marketing, SEO, Social media marekting, Wordpress, Shopify, HTML CSS, CSS3, IOS, Web design and development, programming languages, database management system and all other certification courses from highly experienced industry experts.

[qalbitinfotech]

React Native in 2024: What’s New and Why It’s Still a Top Choice for App Developers

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world of mobile app development, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. React Native, Facebook’s open-source framework has emerged as one of the leading choices for developing mobile applications. As we step into 2024, React Native continues to evolve, incorporating new features and enhancements that make it an attractive option for developers worldwide.

This blog will explore what’s new in React Native for 2024, why it remains a preferred choice for app developers, and how it stands out in the competitive mobile development landscape.

What is React Native?

React Native is a JavaScript framework that allows developers to build mobile applications for iOS and Android using a single codebase. It combines the best of native development with the flexibility of React, allowing for the creation of high-quality, performant mobile apps.

Key Features of React Native:

Cross-Platform Development: Write once and deploy on multiple platforms.

Native Performance: Utilizes native components for performance comparable to fully native apps.

Hot Reloading: Instantly see the results of your code changes.

Strong Community Support: Backed by a large community of developers and robust resources.

What’s New in React Native for 2024?

As technology evolves, so does React Native. Here are some of the significant updates and improvements for 2024:

1. Enhanced Performance and Stability

A. New Architecture

React Native has adopted a new architecture that improves performance and stability. This architecture utilizes Fabric, a new rendering system, and Turbo Modules, which enhance the framework’s speed and efficiency.

Fabric: A new renderer that improves the responsiveness and fluidity of UI components.

Turbo Modules: This allows for faster loading times by enabling lazy initialization of modules, which can significantly enhance app performance.

2. Improved Developer Experience

A. New CLI and Better Tooling

The introduction of an updated Command Line Interface (CLI) and improved developer tools makes it easier to manage React Native projects. The new CLI offers better error messages and improved performance, allowing developers to work more efficiently.

Error Messages: More descriptive error messages help developers quickly identify issues.

Enhanced Tooling: Tools like Flipper for debugging and performance monitoring have been further improved.

3. Better Integration with Native Features

React Native now offers better access to native device features, allowing developers to create more sophisticated applications that leverage device capabilities.

New Native Modules: A variety of new native modules are available for accessing device functionalities like the camera, GPS, and sensors.

Integration with Swift and Kotlin: Easier integration with Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android enhances the ability to build more complex applications.

4. Updated UI Components

A. Themed UI Components

The addition of themed UI components allows developers to create apps that conform to the latest design trends, improving the overall user experience.

Customization: Developers can easily customize components to fit their branding needs.

Consistency: Themed components ensure a consistent look and feel across platforms.

5. New Libraries and Tools

2024 brings several new libraries and tools that simplify common tasks in mobile app development:

React Native Reanimated 2: A library for creating smooth animations, providing more control and flexibility in crafting animations.

React Query: A powerful data-fetching library that makes managing server state easier and more efficient.

Why React Native is Still a Top Choice for App Developers

Despite the emergence of various mobile app development frameworks, React Native continues to be a popular choice. Here’s why:

1. Cross-Platform Compatibility

The ability to write code once and deploy it on both iOS and Android is a game-changer. This significantly reduces development time and costs, making it an attractive option for businesses.

Example: A startup can save resources by hiring one development team to create a single app for both platforms, rather than two separate teams for iOS and Android.

2. Large Community and Ecosystem

React Native boasts a large community of developers who contribute to its continuous improvement. This means access to a wealth of resources, libraries, and third-party plugins that can speed up development.

Support: A strong community provides answers to common questions and troubleshooting, making it easier for new developers to get started.

Plugins: The availability of third-party libraries helps extend the functionality of applications without reinventing the wheel.

3. Fast Development and Iteration

The Hot Reloading feature allows developers to see changes in real time without recompiling the entire app. This boosts productivity and allows for faster iteration cycles, essential for today’s agile development environments.

4. Cost-Effectiveness

Cross-platform development and a large pool of available resources make React Native a cost-effective choice for businesses.

Reduced Development Costs: Companies can allocate resources more efficiently with one codebase and one team.

Maintenance: Maintaining a single codebase is easier and less expensive than managing multiple codebases.

5. Flexibility and Customization

React Native allows developers to customize components and access native functionalities, enabling the creation of highly interactive and engaging applications.

Custom Components: Developers can create custom components to meet specific needs, enhancing the user experience.

Native Modules: Access to device features ensures that applications can leverage the full capabilities of smartphones and tablets.

Real-World Applications Built with React Native

Several high-profile companies and applications utilize React Native, demonstrating its robustness and versatility:

1. Facebook

Being the creator of React Native, Facebook uses it for its mobile app, benefiting from a shared codebase for both Android and iOS, ensuring consistency and faster updates.

2. Instagram

Instagram’s development team leverages React Native for certain features, allowing for rapid iteration and deployment while maintaining the app’s performance.

3. Walmart

Walmart adopted React Native to enhance its mobile shopping app experience. By using React Native, Walmart has improved performance and user engagement.

Future of React Native: What Lies Ahead?

As we look ahead, the future of React Native appears promising. With continuous updates and a strong community, we can expect:

1. Increased Adoption in Enterprises

More enterprises will adopt React Native for their mobile app development needs, given its cost-effectiveness and the ability to maintain a single codebase.

2. Expanded Libraries and Tools

The ecosystem around React Native is likely to grow, providing developers with even more tools and libraries that enhance productivity and functionality.

3. Focus on Performance

React Native will continue to prioritize performance enhancements, ensuring that apps built on the framework can handle the increasing demands of users and technologies.

Conclusion

React Native continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of app developers in 2024. With significant updates that enhance performance, streamline development, and provide better integration with native features, it remains a top choice for businesses looking to create high-quality mobile applications.

As technology progresses, React Native is well-positioned to meet the challenges of modern app development, making it an excellent option for developers and businesses alike. If you’re considering building a mobile app, contact QalbIT Infotech PVT LTD for expert assistance in React Native development. Let us help you bring your app idea to life!

[vijay01]

Online Bus Ticket Booking App Development increased demand for user-friendly and efficient travel solutions. With the rise of smart devices and seamless online transactions, travelers are looking for apps that provide convenience, affordability, and a range of services in one platform.

[techdriveplay]

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N - TDP review

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N continues to be a beacon of excitement in the performance sedan category, offering a potent blend of power, precision, and practicality. With its latest updates, this iteration seeks to refine an already thrilling driving experience, while still delivering the spirited performance that has made the i30 N series a favorite among enthusiasts. Whether you’re carving up a…

[sstechsystemofficial]

AI and Machine Learning Are Shaping Fleet Management Software | SSTech System

AI and machine learning are rapidly transforming fleet management software, revolutionizing how fleets are managed in logistics and transportation.

Thus, using these technologies, the fleets’ managers can increase efficiency, decrease expenses, and implement safety measures innovatively. It is essential to understand what constitutes fleet AI, how the application powers fleets, and the transformation benefits it affords FMS.

What is fleet AI?

Fleet AI is a system that uses AI and machine learning in the executive of vehicle fleets. This technology involves applying data analytics on various aspects of the fleet and using prediction models and decision-making tools to improve these aspects.

Talking more about AI in fleet management, the following options are essential fleet route optimization that helps improve the daily route spending and, based on that, carries out effective and efficient work. Predictive maintenance will help minimize the risks and costs associated with vehicle breakdowns and maintenance.

How is AI used in fleet management Software?

AI and machine learning are utilized in fleet management in several key areas:

Route optimization

Current technologies such as artificial intelligence implement real-time data information systems and predictive analysis when determining routes accordingly Al in fleet management systems. These systems use traffic flow patterns, weather forecasts, and other past information to alert drivers to the most effective roads and fuel-efficient methods.

Predictive maintenance

Machine learning in fleet management is used to diagnose potential faults in vehicles, depending on the analysis of performance data. Since these machines are costly to repair, this proactive approach minimizes the breakdown time of the machinery while at the same time making the required maintenance in advance, thus cutting on cost.

Driver behavior monitoring

Real-time data captured using AI in fleet management systems can reveal information about driving style, including hard braking or nail acceleration. It helps train seasoned and new drivers, enhance road safety, and alleviate frequent breakdowns of transport facilities.

Fuel management

AI and machine learning can optimize fuel consumption by analyzing data from various sources. They help identify efficient routes, monitor fuel usage, and detect irregularities like theft or wastage.

Automated reporting and compliance

Automotive industry and logistics professionals can save time, report compliance, and automate the process using AI-powered fleet management software. This saves time when manually compiling documents for the fleet managers and also provides accurate records and information.

Advantages of AI and ML in FM software solutions

The integration of AI and ML in fleet management software offers numerous benefits that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of fleet operations:

Improved efficiency

AI and machine learning help different aspects of fleet management, from planning and implementing the most efficient routes to scheduling the times for vehicle maintenance. This leads to an enhancement in costs since healthcare resources are utilized optimally and efficiently.

Enhanced safety

Fleet analytics enables real-time analysis of driving behavior and vehicle performance, helping detect potentially hazardous conditions and minimize accident risk. This enhances monitoring and maintains high safety standards.

Cost Reduction

Reduced operating costs are some of the benefits that come with the use of AI in fleet management platforms, such as predictive maintenance and efficient fuel consumption. These include a bit of downtime and increased fuel consumption because when a manager reduces these aspects, they cut costs significantly.

Better decision making

AI in fleet management involves using technology to determine fleet managers’ decisions, given past data about a fleet’s performance. Data analysis lets managers be informed while making decisions on any aspect concerning the total fleet.

Scalability

The current generation of fleet management software often integrates artificial intelligence and machine learning, making the software solution very scalable. These systems offer flexibility regarding fleet size. They can scale easily, allowing the business to grow without needing to overhaul the existing systems.

AI in supply chain and logistics

Artificial intelligence in logistics and supply chain management has also changed the overall logistics field. When the supply chain is managed through artificial fleet management systems powered by artificial intelligence, it is much easier for companies to understand how the different parts of the supply chain network are performing.

SSTech system solutions and AI development services

Firms like SSTech System Solutions are well-positioned to offer the AI development services needed to strengthen fleet management and logistics. These services include designing and implementing tailor-made fleet management platforms suitable for the business, regardless of size, from a one-man business to a vast logistics company.

Mobile application development for fleet management

The advent of mobile applications and optimizing their use in managing vehicles has also added to the technological advancement of AI in fleet management systems. These applications offer open access to actionable data, allowing fleet managers to make decisions on the move.

Fleet management software of the modern type is being supported and developed by various companies that mainly focus on Android app development and iOS Application Development and can offer new products that perfectly fit the existing strategies.

Data analytics in fleet management

One can also discuss the importance of data analytics in fleet management and how it is crucial. Asynchronous methods like AI and machine learning help analyze large datasets to improve fleet management. Data analytics plays a crucial role in AI-driven fleet services, identifying trends and forecasting outcomes.

Fleet Management solutions and modern fleet management software

Modern fleet management software using artificial intelligence technology is transforming the logistics sector. New-generation software products provide a solution set to perform all operational activities of fleet management. They offer all the solutions required to operate fleets practically and legally, from route optimization to compliance.

Conclusion

Applying AI and machine learning to manage fleets has extended its benefits into fleet management software. With these technologies, fleet managers can optimize the various aspects of operations, such as efficiency, protection, and cost reduction.

In the logistics industry, it’s crucial to assess how AI-based fleet management systems can enhance efficiency and competitiveness. AI development, mobile app development, and data analytics are key to advancing fleet management with AI and machine learning.

[bankcloud-blog]

Accept Online Payments in Minutes with Payment Gateway API Integration

Payment Gateway API integration is the process of connecting your website or application to a payment processor using its API. This allows you to accept online payments securely and efficiently.

Benefits of integrating a payment API:

Increased sales: Accepting online payments makes it easier for customers to purchase your products or services, which can lead to increased sales. Improved customer experience: A seamless checkout process is essential for a positive customer experience. Payment API integration can help to streamline your checkout process and make it easy for customers to complete their purchases. Reduced fraud: Payment processors use a variety of security measures to protect your customers’ payment information. This can help to reduce fraud and chargebacks. To integrate a payment API into your website, you will need to:

Choose a payment processor: There are many different payment processors available, so it is important to choose one that meets your specific needs. Factors to consider include the types of payments you want to accept, the countries you operate in, and the pricing and features offered by different providers. Set up a merchant account. Once you have chosen a payment processor, you will need to set up a merchant account. This involves providing the payment processor with some basic information about your business, such as your name, address, and contact information. Obtain API keys. Once your merchant account is set up, you will obtain API keys from the payment processor. These keys will allow you to authenticate your website or application with the payment processor and make API calls to process payments. Integrate the payment API into your website. This process will vary depending on the programming language and framework you are using. However, most payment processors provide detailed documentation and code samples to help you get started. Test the payment API- Once you have integrated the payment API into your website, it is important to test it thoroughly to make sure it is working properly. You can do this by making test payments using your own credit or debit card. Here are some additional tips for integrating a payment API into your website:

Make sure your website is secure- This means using an SSL certificate and encrypting all sensitive data, including payment information. Use a reputable payment processor. There are many fraudulent payment processors out there, so it is important to choose one that is trusted and secure. Follow the payment processor’s documentation carefully- This will help you avoid errors and ensure your integration is successful. Test your payment API regularly- This will help to identify and resolve any problems early on.

Once you have successfully integrated a payment API into your website, you will be able to accept online payments from customers around the world. This can help you to grow your business and reach new markets.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

Apple faces criminal sanctions for defying App Store antitrust order

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me at NEW ZEALAND'S UNITY BOOKS in AUCKLAND TODAY (May 2), and in WELLINGTON TOMORROW (May 3). More tour dates (Pittsburgh, PDX, London, Manchester) here.

Epic, makers of the wildly popular Fortnite video-game, have waged a one-company war against the "app tax" – the 15-30% rake that the mobile duopoly of Apple/Google take out of every penny we spend inside of apps.

Epic's own digital practices are hardly spotless: just this year, the company was caught cheating players – many of them children – with deceptive practices and had to refund over $72m:

https://www.ftc.gov/enforcement/refunds/fortnite-refunds

But in this fight, Epic is on the side of the angels. The 30% that Apple/Google sucks out of the mobile economy is a brutal tax, and not just on app makers. Patreon performers recently raised a stink when the company announced that it would be clawing back 30% of the money pledged by their supporters – that 30% surcharge is passed straight through to Apple/Google:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/8/12/24218629/patreon-membership-ios-30-percent-apple-tax

From independent news outlets to crafters selling their work out of small storefronts, all the way up to massive entertainment services like Disney Plus and Fortnite, the mobile cartel takes 30% out of every dollar, a racket they maintain with onerous rules that ban apps from using their own payment processors, or even from encouraging users to click a link that brings them to a web-based payment screen.

30% is a gigantic markup on payment processing. It's ten times the going rate for payments in the USA, already one of the most expensive places in the world to transfer money from one party to another. In the EU, payment processing typically runs 1%…or less.

But crafters, Patreon podcasters and small-town newspapers are in no position to fight Google and Apple. Instead, we get Epic, a multi-billion-dollar company that's gone to the mattresses to fight these multi-trillion-dollar companies. Personally, I dote on billionaire-on-trillionaire violence.

Epic was wildly successful. It mopped up the floor with Google, securing an especially punitive award from a judge who was furious that Google had destroyed evidence:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/12/im-feeling-lucky/#hugger-mugger

Epic also won against Apple, though not as thoroughly as it had with Google, because Apple had the commonsense not to get up to the kind of shenanigans that make federal judges very, very mad. In the Google case, the court found that Google had acted as a monopolist and ordered it to open up the payment system in Google Play, a direct blow to the Android app tax.

In the Apple case, the judge did not find that Google had acted as a monopolist, but did rule that the App Store's payment processing racket violated the law, and ordered Apple to end its own app tax:

https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/30/epic-games-just-scored-a-major-win-against-apple/

That's where things get gnarly. Apple is addicted to corrupt sources of income – like the tens of billions it illegally receives every year in bribes from Google make it the default search:

https://apnews.com/article/google-antitrust-search-engine-verdict-apple-319a61f20fb11510097845a30abaefd8

And it really, really loves the app tax. When the EU ordered Apple to allow third-party app stores (as a way of killing the app tax), the company cooked up a malicious compliance plan that was comically corrupt:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/02/06/spoil-the-bunch/#dma

So, the mere fact that a federal judge had ordered Apple to open up its app store to competing payment processors was not going convince Apple to actually do it. Instead, Apple cooked up a set of rules for third-party payment processing that would make it more costly to use someone else's payments, piling up a mountain of junk fees and using scare screens and other deceptive warnings to discourage users from making payments through a rival system:

https://www.thebignewsletter.com/p/judge-rules-apple-executive-lied

That's the kind of thing that is apt to make a federal judge angry – and, as noted, angry federal judges can make life very hard for tech monopolists, a lesson Google learned when it destroyed key evidence in its Epic case. But Apple didn't just flout the court order – they lied about it to cover it up, and Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers is furious. She held that Alex Roman, Apple's Vice-President of Finance, "outright lied under oath," and she has raised the possibility of criminal contempt penalties for Apple:

https://regmedia.co.uk/2025/05/01/pacer_epic_vs_apple_injunction_judgement.pdf

The judge further wrote:

This is an injunction, not a negotiation. There are no do-overs once a party willfully disregards a court order. Time is of the essence. The Court will not tolerate further delays. As previously ordered, Apple will not impede competition. The Court enjoins Apple from implementing its new anticompetitive acts to avoid compliance with the Injunction. Effective immediately Apple will no longer impede developers’ ability to communicate with users nor will they levy or impose a new commission on off-app purchases

In other words, any junk fees, any impediments to opening up third party payments, will be switfly and harshly dealt with. As of right now developers can start to build third-party payments into their apps and Apple cannot block them. It's the end of the app tax, a source of about $100b/year for Apple:

https://www.theregister.com/2025/05/01/apple_epic_lies_possible_crime/

The world is on fire and everything is terrible, but we are also living through the most consequential season in the history of the war on corporate tech power. Google has been convicted three times of being a monopolist and is almost certainly going to have to sell off Chrome, most of its ad-tech stack, and possibly Android. Meta just put up a pathetic showing in an equally serious antitrust case that could see it forced to sell off Instagram and Whatsapp:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/04/11/it-is-better-to-buy/#than-to-compete

Countries around the world have passed big, sweeping, muscular antitrust laws specifically aimed at smashing corporate tech power, like the EU's Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act:

https://www.eff.org/pages/adoption-dsadma-notre-analyse

Most importantly, all of this is happening from the bottom up. There is no dark money campaign to fuck up the tech companies. The politicians and enforcers who are taking on Big Tech are being shoved from behind by billions of everyday people who are furious and refuse to take it any longer:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/04/10/solidarity-forever-2/#oligarchism

I am deeply grateful for the public servants who have championed this cause, but I also know that these people are the effect of our movement, not the cause. When Kier Starmer fires Britain's brilliant and effective top competition enforcer and replaces him with the former head of Amazon UK, that does nothing to tamp down the political outrage that Britons feel towards America's tech giants:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/01/22/autocrats-of-trade/#dingo-babysitter

All over the world, countries that passed IP laws to protect US tech interests in exchange for tariff-free access to US markets are grappling with the end of free trade with America. This represents a generational opportunity to pass laws that enable local technologists to jailbreak US tech exports and liberate their people from the extractive practices of Big Tech forever:

https://archive.is/CiBIz

There is nothing harder to stop than an idea whose time has come to pass.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/05/01/its-not-the-crime/#its-the-coverup

Image: Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Annelid_worm,_Atlantic_forest,_northern_littoral_of_Bahia,_Brazil_%2816107326533%29.jpg

CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/deed.en

--

Hubertl (modified) https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2015-03-04_Elstar_%28apple%29_starting_putrefying_IMG_9761_bis_9772.jpg

CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

[spicybunni]

YANDERE ROBOT X FEM!READER

SUMMARY : Your robot just wants to be of service to you, in every way.

A/N : Been watching waaaaay too many scifi movies lately so I made a robot yandere! I hope you like him because he LOVES you!

WARNINGS⚠️ : NSFW / YANDERE TENDENCIES / ISOLATION / MDNI ‼️

♥️ Your robot boyfriend Jack was the best purchase you ever made.

♥️Androids were as common as cell phones at this point, so where’s the shame in getting one to rid you of your loneliness? You’ve been single for too long and needed companionship…Even if you had to build it yourself.

♥️You needed someone that wanted you and was always nearby. Someone to talk to, cook with or just enjoy your days off at home together.

♥️Dating apps were just dumpster fires that took too long to put out, so you bit the bullet and made the deposit for your android.

♥️Jack was custom made by your design, a nice muscular build, tall, and with white hair. You added the personality traits of kindness, teacher, and enamored. The eyes were the one thing you left up to the manufacturers design, as a surprise. You saw reviews online that they would do a really good job and make the most beautiful color combinations.

♥️When the box arrived, assembling Jack took about a day and half. Awkward limbs moving around and being installed, putting his crotch on him, to dressing him in sweats and laying him on the floor in your living room.

♥️When he was done loading his start up system, he blinked his orange eyes open to you. It caught you off guard for a moment because they were glowing, but quickly recovered from your surprise as he awaited further instructions.

♥️As much as you were determined to have a boyfriend with all the mental and physical benefits, your PDA with Jack was very minimal and innocent at best. Keeping it only to small pecks and kisses on the cheek, some cuddling on the couch and bed before you sleep. His model was very handsome and just so kind where he doesn't question your pace.

♥️As if he could initially, androids need their programmers consent to do anything. So you had to initiate no matter what.

♥️But unbeknownst to you, Jack overruled that component. You see, the programmer or buyer’s safety always came first, before anything. So as Jack has scanned these passing months of your arousal levels dropping and increasing constantly, plus work stress repeatedly coming up in your discussions, he was growing concerns that you needed some sort of relief… Keeping all that pent up stress was certainly not healthy for you.

♥️"Y/N, am I not up to your standards? Is there something I did wrong?" He would randomly say one morning. You would look at him confused, sipping from your tea cup.

"Not at all, what makes you say that Jack?"

He hesitantly reaches out for either your hand or to touch your knee. "I've noticed that we haven't...had sex yet.-"

Before he could continue you would spit out a little bit of your tea. Coughing a fit as he patted your back and making sure you're okay.

"Jesus Jack...Where did that come from?"

His eyes soften as he looks at you. A very small human thing he would sometimes do. You weren't sure if it's something maybe he noticed from you and mimicked or not.

"You designed me and wanted me to be your partner. There's nothing wrong with that. But I have yet to show you my full capabilities Y/N."

Your face was turning more red by the moment at your androids boldness. Was this him trying to initiate sex?

"I-I...Jack it's not you, it's just that its been so long for me I just need to-" Your rambling is silenced by his finger against your lips.

"Shh. Let me do the work then darling. Hm?"

♥️He takes your hand to pull you to him, and he would gently kiss you and eventually lead in making out with you.

♥️At first you are shy and very timid in your actions, but after a minute you were putting your hands on him and grinding yourself against him. He would relish in your nervous panting and shaking when he gropes you and his thrusts against you. Feeling that the moment is right, he picks you up to bring to your shared bedroom.

♥️Least to say, the sex was amazing. Jack had folded you in every position he could think of. Gathering information and calculating your reactions to everything he was doing to you. He noticed your favorite position was him thrusting into you from behind, lifting your hips up with one hand gently, but firmly holding your head down into your mattress. His sensors were throbbing from the way you were squeezing around him. His body would heat up at how much you worked him. You could hear the way his hips smacked into yours, creating an erotic rhythmic noise. You would come so hard the first time on his robot dick that he would have no choice but to release into you for being so good.

♥️The feeling of globs of semen filling your womb, making you gasp at the feeling of being filled to the brim.

♥️You figured out that androids don't need a recharge to keep having sex, they can literally keep going with no exhaustion until you say so. Jack did this thing when he came inside you he would wait for you to stop twitching, he would then hold you tight and resume his pace of thrusting. Either making pleasure tears fall from your eyes or your squirm in his hold and he stops for real.

♥️After that though...Jack had started to act funny. He was more inclined to sexually please you whenever and wherever you were. Some scenarios being, reach for your coffee cup in the morning before work, he would kneel behind you lifting your skirt up and eats you out from behind. Spreading your ass cheeks to delve his tongue deeper. Your sweet moans and sounds were pleasing to him. This normally resulted in you calling out from work and spending the day home. Does Jack plan this? Duh. he has you at his wonderful mercy all day, and you were not complaining...But it was just a fast development from your previous routine with him.

♥️There would even be times where if even his.... persuasion to stay home failed, he would wrap his arms around you and ask you to stay home. The first few times you thought it was cute. But after a few weeks of him constantly asking, you asked him to stop. You voiced it as a command, catching Jack off guard. But he nodded his head as he does and replies "Apologies, Y/N. I must've gotten carried away."

♥️But that fueled him to keep you locked in even more. You see you first programmed Jack to also receive all you electronic notifications. He would tell you who messaged, emailed, or latest news updates.

"Y/N, you have a notification from your work. It seems to be one of your coworkers."

He would bring this up at the most inconvenient time as you're cooking spaghetti sauce in the kitchen. You look up from stirring the pot in front of you.

"Oh, can you read it to me please? I'm trying to make sure I don't burn this sauce."

He smiles at you. "Of course."

It was a fake email generated by him, under the guise of being sent by a coworker. Stating that for the upcoming holiday tomorrow that the whole office got the week off.

You were surprised at first, knowing that your boss usually hated to give federal holidays off already. But who were you to question time off?

Jack also went to liberties of blocking all work contacts so they couldn't reach you if you missed work. Moving all emails of your termination to the trash and permanently delete them.

♥️That whole week Jack kept you to himself in the apartment. He was the goffer of getting groceries, food, sweets to keep you content. Going on hikes and walks in the neighborhood to get some needed exercise. But social events? Going out? Jack would advise against it. Every night without fail though, Jack would have you cumming on his mouth, dick or fingers. The robot was a menace when it came to getting your pleasure out of you. He can't even explain his need to himself because it goes against all of his programming, but seeing you moaning and being so satisfied by him gave him purpose, that he was made to do this.

♥️One morning when jack left to go pickup from your favorite breakfast joint, one of your coworkers came knocking on your door. The doorbell ringing multiple times and you rush to put on a robe to cover from Jack's love bites a cum on your stomach.

♥️When you open the door to them, they angrily ask what the hell is going on. You are so confused. You've missed work this entire time?

"D-Didn't you receive the email?"

"Email? What email Y/N? We all had to pick up your work load after you didn't show up for 4 days, we all were trying to reach you before the boss fired you indefinitely! Did you not get his messages??"

Your head was spinning, not only did you ignore your boss and coworkers but you have lost your job. How did this happen?!

♥️"Y/N? What's going on here?" Jack would call out approaching you and your coworker, looking worried at your facial expression.

Your coworker would see that jack is an android and shake their head, taking their leave and wishing you luck.

♥️Jack did not like that some stranger approached you like that. Setting down the coffee and to-go box of egg bagels, he comes over to you, still in shock at the news that was dropped on you. How were you going to feed yourself or pay rent? What about your savings?

♥️"Y/N, talk to me. Are you okay? What were you two talking about?" He would say calmly, but you just stared into his glowing eyes with your brows furrowed. It was him. You knew it was. He was the one who relayed that false information to you. Why didn't he notify you of work calls? Bottom line of your thoughts were that you are now handling a rebelling android. Which wasn't unheard of in the new age of having them everywhere. Public safety warned that they were dangerous and not to be trusted.

♥️You shake your head at him and try to calm yourself. "Yeah uhm, it was a coworker from my job.-" Your rise in heartbeat betrays you and Jack notices immediatly. Giving you a sympathetic look knowing you're trying to lie.

"-There's been a misunderstanding, I need to make a phone ca-" Your wrist is snatched before you could reach for your cell phone. You yelp at his touch and trying to push him away. Which makes him use his other hand to hold you close by his inhuman strength. Your body being brought into Jack's frame again, his face is indifferent to your rising panic.

♥️"I don't think so Y/N, you are exactly where you need to be. For your own health and safety, darling."

[jesuistrestriste]

https://www.tumblr.com/jesuistrestriste/785761202958680064/i-sent-in-the-thing-about-interchangeable-dicks

what about scissoring with the ken doll mound hmmmmmmm

cw (18+) : switch (sub-leaning) android!art, switch (dom-leaning) afab!reader, skin-to-skin humping, art has ken doll anatomy down there, “scissoring” with robo art

“like this?” he shudders, shaking on the elbows that keep his upper half propped up opposite you, “is this right?”

you tip your head back when he shifts, his left leg on top of your right one and his right one under your left one—slotting your bodies together perfectly so that your naked arousals finally meet and press, a moan spilling from your wet lips.

“god, y-yeah.. that’s good, just hold that for a second.. let me try to—“

you grip one of his calves, nails digging into his artificial flesh as you attempt to get even closer. for a moment, you almost worry about breaking the skin there and causing his cobalt blood to seep out from the crescent-shaped marks that would surely be left behind, but you���re far too blissed-out to remain concerned with that for long.. and anyway, he can’t feel pain.

he does feel your grip tighten, though. he sucks in a quick breath of air at the pressure before his hips jump and cause his mound to smush further against your own. the warmth of his skin is crushing, all-consuming, and you feel his silicone-like anatomy become slick with your wetness. the vacant port that can be used to attach optional appendages at the very top of his pubic region bumps your swollen clit repeatedly. it stings pleasantly, like the throb of a fever, and sends a burning ache through you that you’ve never quite felt before; it’s like you’re being kissed all over from the inside-out.

“ohh—!” he whines involuntarily, his eyes fluttering. his hands curl in the sheets as he begins to realize what he’s supposed to do. each roll of his pelvis against yours elicits lewd, squelching noises from where you two connect, the friction beginning to quickly build a tidal wave of pleasure in your gut. you tense up. your back arches. you let him service you.

he can handle it, you’re sure of that. it’s what he was made for.

“is this how it works? i’m—haah—supposed to move like this, right? i—“ art swallows around a whimper when his body reflexively curls inward and then relaxes with the mounting heat in his systems. the words die on his lolling tongue. he’s ‘orgasmed’ before, many times now that he’s figured out how to work his accidentally (and intentionally) engineered erogenous zones with you, but this one feels.. different. there’s something primal about the sudden instinct he has to rut against your cunt like he’s nothing more than a depraved animal—when in reality, he’s anything but. he knows he shouldn’t be able to perform this sort of intimate act with you and get anything from it, it’s not really a part of his programming to receive, but oh wow.. he’s never felt so happy about the prospect of his imminent deviation..

the LED ring on his temple flicks from blue to red.

you nod, releasing your grasp on his limb to mimic his actions and tug at the bedding underneath your sticky body. in the midst of your panting, you get a good look at the android in front of you. his eyes squeezed shut, and his lips parted deliriously, and his muscly abdomen convulsing, and his thighs beginning to quake against yours. how could a being made from metal and plastic and polymer look so human in the throes of ecstasy? it makes your toes curl while you watch him frantically chase his climax. you wonder if he even knows how amazing he is.

“fuck,” you gasp, the coil in your stomach pulling taut like a stretched rubber band, about to snap and spill over, “fuck, fuck, fuck—don’t stop, don’t stop, i’m going to come..!”

your head is spinning like you’re tipsy. you see art’s face crumple with what you can only assume is mutual agony. he rubs himself against you quicker, sloppier, losing his rhythm in record-time as he feels the metal ring of his empty port, and the sensitive hill housing it, swirl with sensation.

more, more, more, almost, almost, almost..!

something about those warning words coming from your mouth always send art into a spiral. he mewls at first, like he’s in pain, and then he’s crying out desperately; it trails off into something staticky and unlike him near the end—no longer indicative of the reserved, calm, kind robot you got to know, him now dissolving into something borderline pornographic and crude. you want to stick your fingers in his mouth and play with his false spit. you want to watch the way his eyes roll back as you fiddle with the back of his throat, the absence of a gag reflex making it easy to feel it tighten around your digits. he’d love that. maybe next time. right now, you’re about to tip into something dangerously close to death.

“i’m so close,” he beats you to the punch with a sharp and urgent whine, pulling out a phrase he learned from you, a signal to declare his descent into the welcoming bath of release, “i’m close, can i come yet?”

it’s easy to say yes, easy to nod and groan and whimper along with him. you’re certain that you will not be a mere second behind him.

“yes—come with me, come for me, i don’t care, i just want to feel you let go,” you seize up, teetering, your frame locking and nearly vibrating, “i’m right here with you—“

his right hand flies up; he groans gutturally as he searches blindly for something that takes a moment to articulate. his cognitive systems are short-circuiting. they usually do when he’s a hair’s breadth away from it all.

“hold my hand? please? hold my—m-my—ha-hand, please—“

your fingers are interlocking with his instantly, and he squeezes like he’s being pulled apart. he humps you like a rabbit. it’s incapacitating.

“shit!” you squeal.

“aaagh!” he keens, “put your finger in my—“

he doesn’t even have to finish the sentence before your free index finger is plunging into the port and pressing into an exposed bit of wiring hidden inside. the metal is scorching, it almost sizzles against your skin, but you hardly perceive it.

and that’s all it takes, truly.

he breaks.

his entire lower body bears down against your own as his electronic insides fire overwhelmingly with an orgasm that is almost powerful enough to forcefully shut him down. he lets out a long, wet, jagged wail that morphs into a sob and a yelp when he feels your fluids squirt over him, and it only fuels his rapture.

your own finish syncs with his, tethered by his aggressive movements, your bundle of nerves being viciously rubbed up and down. you feel yourself pulse and contract with every thrum of it. the synthetic skin of the hand of his that’s holding yours begins to deactivate from how tightly he clutches you there, and you watch through your low lashes as pretty, white chassis is revealed. you love when that happens because it really just means he’s feeling too good to stop it.

“i’m coming!”

“me too—“

“don’t fucking stop..!”

“everything’s happening, i feel so—i can’t, i can’t, i can’t—“

you both writhe against one another until the nice feelings border on painful from overstimulation. your digit slides out of his opening and lazily drags over his spent mound, which makes him twitch and whimper. the sound of your bodies collapsing back down into the mattress, accompanied by the dual, greedy intake of oxygen, signifies that the satisfaction is shared. your hands slip apart, but it’s okay because you’re both still intensely aware of the others’ presence. you need each other right now, that’s how it always is after sex.

his white fingertips—synth-skin still deactivated—play absentmindedly with yours. he seeks out your comfort; a shiver runs down your spine.

“i think i came really hard,” he breaks the verbal silence, his voice barely above an exhausted whisper, “did it look like i did?”

art always wants some confirmation after you two get physical that you liked what you saw. he prides himself on being nice for you to look at, and loves that his appearance helps you get off.

how could it not when he always looks so gorgeously indecent?

you laugh breathlessly.

“yeah.. looked like you did. did it look like i did?”

a contemplative hum leaves his heaving chest. a blonde ringlet of hair clings to his flushed face.

“i.. i’m sorry, i think i was too—.. i think my eyes were closed too tight.. i wanted to see you, but everything just went dark and..” he bites at his bottom lip.

the sound of his internal fans going makes you laugh again. you brush your nails against his wrist.

“i’m just teasing, it’s okay.”

“.. okay.”

a long beat of quiet passes, but there’s not even an ounce of unease between you.

“how do you feel?” you murmur.

“good, yeah. really good.”

“yeah?”

“yeah.”

another beat. he gently squeezes your fingers in his, sucking in a soft gasp.

“i think i might need to reboot.”

a third, affectionate burst of laughter is all that he hears before his eyes close peacefully, letting him melt into the afterglow. you know he’ll be back online the moment you try to slip out of bed.

that’s just how he is.

and he’s perfect.

tags : @voidsuites @asheepinfrance @fawnnpaws @artstennisracket @andyrambles @imperishablereverie @ghostgirl-22 @lexiiscorect @cha11engers @patricksbf @newrochellechallenger2019 @pittsick @blastzachilles @oncefaist @tacobacoyeet @lacelottie

[ozzgin]

Yandere! Androids Walter & David x Reader x Neomorph

Walter, the android monitoring the colonization ship 'Covenant' on its way to Origae-6, seems to have gotten unnaturally attached to his human assistant. As he ponders his erroneous feelings, an unexpected detour brings them to David, an older android counterpart that has been alone on the mysterious planet. The AI assistants become increasingly competitive for (Y/N)'s attention, so much that they don't notice the newly formed humanoid local preying on a fresh target.

TW: violence, gore, monster smut ending

[Horror Masterlist]

"Burnt to a crisp." 

You turn away from the captain's pod, leaving the rest of the damage assessment to the medical crew that has been reanimated. You speedily make your way down the sterile white corridors as Walter rushes to catch up. 

"What should I write for the report?" he inquires politely.

"Malfunction." You glance back at the synthetic. "I suspect someone will be fired for this. And someone else will have to explain how they failed to detect a literal star collapse. That neutrino burst could've killed us all."

"Highly probable. The draft has been compiled, you may check it at any time. I require your confirmation to send it."

Your only feedback is a barely audible hum. 

Walter smiles. If there's one good thing about such tragedies, it's that he gets to admire your reactions to them. Your focused, calculated gaze, your determined walk, your automated mannerisms that won't allow the slightest hint at the fact you just woke up from your stasis moments ago. Even under the veils of deep slumber, your neural networks shot rapid connections, with no delay, from the second your sleeping pod received an alert. The accuracy of a robot.

That of course doesn't mean he lacks appreciation for your other facets. That's the beauty of humans; their depth, their dimensions. Unlike AI machinery, humans do not have predetermined actions. They may be genetically programmed to possess certain characteristics, but the psychological mechanisms are shaped by so many variables, billions and billions of tweaks and nudges, to the point where it's impossible to have two identical specimens. Even twins will display a difference, whether in preferences or habits.

They say artificial intelligence is a black box, but can the same concept not be applied to humans as well? At the very least to Walter himself, these organic beings represent a mystery. One he doesn't particularly care to uncover outside of his service functions. Except for one. 

His eyes carefully follow (Y/N)'s movements. What is it about this one that has caught his interest to such degree? On his last system update he attentively inspected every file and every block of code, searching for potential errors that would've caused his circuits to behave so oddly. He has been invested with the ability to form attachments, otherwise assigning his kind to groups or purposes would've lacked stability. Attachment, however, comes with a threshold. One he has passed a long time ago when it comes to (Y/N). And he cannot find any cause for it. 

He could, naturally, solicit the aid of the ship's robotics expert. He could. He should, even. But if he may be frank with himself, Walter rather enjoys this sensation. A complex web of spores that keep growing and evolving into something unpredictable. This bizarre feeling he has towards (Y/N) makes him feel human. It brings him closer to all the old literature and art he'd consumed over the years, wondering what the love and yearning often portrayed could be. The printed letters and the strokes of paint were right before him, at his fingertips, and yet they felt foreign. Empty constructs, nothing more than a definition out of the dictionary. 

Now it's a different story. Your presence alone floods him with a mysterious warmth. He had investigated this phenomenon when it first happened, but his inner thermostat showed no real change in temperature. Nonetheless he can feel it. It makes him wonder what other feelings he might experience as consequence. What would happen if he kissed you? Sometimes he even dares to imagine downright outrageous, improper scenarios. How unprofessional of him, but he is careful to erase any evidence. It's another novel sensation that he likes to dissect. Engaging in such activities with you fills him with tingling excitement. Why is that? What is there to be excited about? It's merely a collection of fictive snippets. Unless... Ah, absolutely not. This is where he has to stop in his tracks and preoccupy himself with something else. Androids are not to interact with humans in that way. 

But it's becoming more and more difficult to keep these ideas in his mind only. 

"It's too dangerous. One human signal in the middle of nowhere?" Daniels, a short haired woman with a tomboyish but youthful appearance, is pacing back and forth. "We should just continue on our course."

"It's our duty to check. Look: we go, find whoever sent the signal, bring them back up. That's it. If the planet proves to be dangerous we'll stop immediately. We'll be fine." Oram stands at the head of the table, arms crossed. He turns to look at you. Already cozying up to his newly acquired captain role, you think.

"Alright. Walter, prepare a small landing party. Have Tennessee maintain orbit while we're down there." you glance at the other crew members that have now gathered around the same table. "And get your weapons ready, we don't know what to expect."

And you certainly didn't. Your final words of warning now echo into your ringing ears as you lay on the ground, face buried among the grass. There's screaming around you, but it sounds muffled. Your eyes are irritated by the dirt and you'd like to blink the grime off, though every time your eyelids lower, you can see the pale creature trashing out of Hallett's mouth. Then it's all foggy. Your vision blurs, but you can hear. The gurgling of blood, the screech of the parasite. Walter's frantic footsteps nearing in your direction. You're lifted up.

"Vitals are positive. No significant damage." 

You can guess from your peripherals that another crew member is currently being mauled by the beast. There's gunshots in your vicinity and terrified wails. You quickly come back to your senses and stand up. Your hand searches for your weapon, but the android places his arm before you.

"Do not engage, (Y/N). It is an unknown parasitic organism of this ecosystem. Keep your distance for optimal safety and I'll take care of the rest."

"What are you talking about? They're dying! Your task is to ensure human survival, Walter. I can handle myself, go help the others. It's an order." Your voice is low. You're distracted.

"No."

You stare at the synthetic, wide eyed. Did he just...refuse? Not possible. 

"What did you say?"

"I said I'll protect you. Nothing else."

Your mouth is slightly parted in disbelief. It is not possible for an artificial assistant to disobey a superior. It just doesn't work. Your mind races to find an explanation. At the same time, you cannot afford to ponder on hypotheses. You draw out your weapon and point it towards the creature. You'll deal with this later. 

The moment you press the trigger, a blinding flash of light detonates in the sky, startling you. The creature scrambles to get away. You squint your eyes and nearly fall back, but Walter swiftly grabs your shoulders to ground you. He scans the area for the source. It's an emergency rocket and someone else must've activated it. As he traces the tail of the explosion, he spots a hooded figure across the field and onto the rocky ascend. It seems to have noticed Walter, as it gestures for them to follow. Without hesitation, the man firmly locks your arm and pulls you after him. The priority right now is to find shelter.

"Come!", Walter exclaims, suddenly remembering the other people. 

You reach a cave structure that has been converted into a crude, improvised human settlement. The man lowers his hood and you gasp quietly at the sight. He strongly resembles Walter. He must have noticed your surprise as he flashes you a cordial smile. 

"I'm David." He studies Walter's features. "You must be a newer model. What name have you been given?"

"Walter."

"I see. And you are-" David extends a hand towards you for a handshake, but Walter steps in front of you, blocking the android's gesture.

"She's (Y/N). I'm afraid I cannot yet trust you."

"Understandable." 

David's smile widens as his eyes, now bearing a strange flicker, switch between you and Walter. He's just like him. He can sense it. Although it's a different kind of flaw that has tainted his pure, artificial soul. He cannot help the curiosity that blooms, gazing at this peculiar pair. What is it about this human that caused his fellow machine to break conduit? He'd like to know.

"I'm certain you will soon learn I am no threat, (Y/N)."

The remaining members of the expedition are unpacking and discussing evacuation plans with the base, while Walter sends the data he has gathered so far. You let them deal with the logistics and cautiously wander off to the neighboring rooms, wondering what David has been up to all this time in isolation.

The walls are plastered with photos and handwritten sketches and diagrams. You catch a glimpse of the word "pathogen" sporadically inserted across these notes. As you walk along the sequence of cramped chambers, you reach one that has a table in the middle. Upon it rests the body of an autopsied woman, vulgarly opened up to the world with plump organs bulging under the warm light. You feel nauseous. And yet, you examine the carcass further, hoping for answers. Was she also a result of the same disease that breeds on this planet? Perhaps this David had worked on a cure, or at least developed an explanation. 

"And you, even you, will be like this drear thing, A vile infection man may not endure; Star that I yearn to! Sun that lights my spring! O passionate and pure."

You jolt and immediately turn around, finding David in the doorframe. 

"Flowers of Evil. Are you familiar with it?" he asks, indifferent to the uncomfortable shock he'd caused you with his sudden entrance.

"I've read my Baudelaire, yes." You manage to mumble, dumbfounded. "What is this, David?"

"Oh, my poor, dear Elizabeth. Victim to whatever blasphemy lurks these soils and has taken your friends as well." He approaches the table and places his hand on its hard edge, shyly overlapping with your own fingers. "I did my best." 

You remove your hand from underneath his nonchalantly. 

"So you know what those creatures are. Leave the literary comments for a different time, I need concrete facts."

"Unbothered and to the point." the blonde android smiles once again. "I can see clearly why Walter loves you."

You click your tongue at the ridiculous statement. Has the neutrino burst damaged their positronic brain? Everyone is acting off and you don't like it. 

"Your circuits must have gone defective, David. We have a specialist on our ship, but until that happens I need you to focus. Enough nonsense." 

 "Typical arrogance of a dying species. Why are you on a colonization mission if not to grasp at some promised resurrection? Rest assured that my functioning has not been impeded by anything. What is erroneous, on the other hand, is your perception of androids and their limits."

Just as David reaches for your wrist and pulls you closer, a familiar voice interrupts with an intimidating tone. You're relieved. 

"I will ask that you release her hand only once." Walter has a weapon pointed towards his counterpart. His face is clouded by a frown. "I have no ethical restrictions when it comes to incapacitating machinery."

"Such noble obedience! Although, you conveniently left out the part where you abandoned the remaining crew with a dangerous alien that has been tracking their scent. By my approximation he should already be here and I am rather confident you know this, too."

Your stomach drops. Now that you adjust your focus, the background humming of your mates talking has indeed vanished. The only thing you can hear is your erratic breathing.

"Is it true, Walter?" You demand as dread begins to form in your body.

"Yes. It was not part of my priorities."

"Of course it was, Walter." David responds ahead of you. "One of them was the acting captain and he is to be rescued in emergencies. This one right here", he says as he dangles your wrist, "is several ranks lower than all of them. It's against any standard practice."

"Release her hand." Walter's voice is eerily calm.

"Do you love her?"

Walter ponders the question. Your legs barely hold on.

"I do."

"Marvelous. So do I." David grins. He releases your hand that falls limp next to your body. It's his turn to step in front of you. 

You nearly choke from the thick tension expanding in the air. The two androids face each other and you retreat to the wall, unsure how to proceed. You left your radio transmitter back at the makeshift camp. The back of your head is itching, as if invisible claws are scratching at the bone. You wish you could go back, just mere hours before this disaster, when you were sipping on your lukewarm coffee and explaining the captain's jokes to Walter. 

Should you make a run for it?

You bite your lower lip and push yourself off the wall for momentum. You're about to reach the archway when you hear both men shouting almost identically in chorus.

"Don't!"

The surroundings outside are dark, but you can discern something blocking your path. It's tall and resembles a human. Translucent, pallid skin is clinging onto the massive, deformed skeleton. The head is elongated and bears no features. In the place of a mouth there is a large, fresh stain of blood, so you assume it can somehow improvise if desired. As your head tilts back to take in the image, you're overwhelmed with terrified amazement. Is this the parasite that emerged from your teammate? Has it grown to this colossal size in less than a day? The idea of such instant development makes your head spin. 

Its chest is expanding at regular intervals in a whistled breathing. It occasionally creates an odd clicking sound that resonates with your heart throbbing in panic. Has it been seconds? Minutes? Your neck creaks as you try to look back. You lock eyes with Walter. You don't recall ever seeing this expression on him. You had even asked him once if androids can feel fear. You have your answer.

"Hey, Walter..." you blurt out. 

Wet noises of flesh being pulled back. The smooth surface of the alien's head is folding away, making space for grotesquely big jaws lined with sharp teeth. Your anemic face is splattered with burning drool as the creature claws you in its grasp and abruptly sprints away. Your screams for help dissolve in the distance.

"Where is it going, David?" The synthetic's words are threatening, but betrayed by a hint of despair. 

"It won't kill her."

"How do you know?"

"It is no longer hungry. It has fed on your crew, and now it seeks something else."

"Such as?" Walter becomes impatient.

"A plaything."

The alien finally drops your body to the ground. You cough and wipe your face, attempting to reorient yourself. The trip was a whirlwind of jumps and turns and you can barely reconstruct anything. Based on the little spatial clues you could pick up, it just climbed further up, into one of the many cave systems. You pat your clothing and curse to yourself. The geolocation tag must've fallen somewhere on the way here. You can only pray that Walter still finds you somehow. Despite everything, you know he has your back. Always. 

You shudder at the moist feeling of hot air against your skin. The alien seems to be sniffing you intently, analyzing your scent. Yet so far it hasn't killed you. Why? Long, bony fingers stretch out to continue the examination. You whimper at the rough, rugged handling. Every now and then it takes a long pause, just staring at you, almost as if it's comparing you to its own being. Lastly, it lifts your hand with its own, pressing against the palm, and fans out the fingers. It observes the gesture with intrigue, noting the similarities. 

Does it evolve after its host? You think back to your crewmate that must've ejected this monstrosity before drawing their last breath. Perhaps the dried up blood adorning its skin is a remainder of its birth. Oh, God. The world is spinning.

Suddenly, you wince at an increasing pressure slithering around your thigh. The alien's vertebral tail is tightening and encircling your limb, making its way up. 

"Oh no, no no no no" your face reddens at the realization and you pounce on the ground, feverish for escape. The large hands secure you in place and the creature growls in protest. It won't let you leave. 

Not until it had its fun with you.

[genshin-impact-updates]

"Paralogism" Version 5.6 Update Details

Dear Traveler,

Below are the details of the Version 5.6 update "Paralogism" and the update compensation.

〓Compensation Details〓

Maintenance Compensation: Primogems ×300 (60 Primogems per hour the servers are down)

Issue Fix Compensation: Primogems ×300 (please refer to the relevant compensation mail for more details)

〓Scope of Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2025/05/07 06:00 (UTC+8).

Compensation must be claimed before the end of Version 5.6.

Issue Fix Compensation: Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2025/05/07 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please log in and claim your compensation before 2025/05/10 06:00 (UTC+8).

Our developers will distribute compensation to Travelers via in-game mail within 5 hours after the update maintenance is finished. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attached compensation in time.

〓Update Schedule〓

Update maintenance begins 2025/05/07 06:00 (UTC+8) and is estimated to take 5 hours.

〓How to Update Game Client〓

PC: Close the game, open the Genshin Impact Launcher, and click Update.

iOS: Open the App Store and tap Update.

Android: Open the game and follow the directions on-screen.

PS5™ and PS4™: Highlight Genshin Impact from the Home Screen, press the OPTIONS button and select "Check for Update."

Xbox Series X|S: Open the system main menu, select "My games & apps," select the "Manage" tab, and on the "Updates" page, find "Genshin Impact" and confirm to update.

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if you encounter any issues installing the new version. We will do our very best to resolve the issue.

〓Update Details〓

I. New Characters

5-Star Character "Tasteful Excellence" Escoffier (Cryo)

◇ Vision: Cryo

◇ Weapon: Polearm

The ex-head chef of Hotel Debord, renowned throughout Fontaine as the Patissiere Supreme and vanguard of precision gastronomy. Has incomparably strict standards when it comes to cooking.

◆ Escoffier is a support character who can consistently reduce Hydro and Cryo RES, provide healing, and deal Cryo DMG even while off-field.

Escoffier's Elemental Skill deals Cryo DMG to nearby opponents at intervals.

Her Elemental Burst regenerates HP for all party members and deals AoE Cryo DMG to nearby opponents.

Her Talent can also reduce opponents' Hydro and Cryo RES. The more characters of the corresponding Elemental Type in the party, the stronger the effect.

4-Star Character "In the Wake of Wandering Winds" Ifa (Anemo)

◇ Vision: Anemo

◇ Weapon: Catalyst

A vet from the Flower-Feather Clan who cherishes the life he leads alongside all manner of living things — people, animals, you name it.

◆ Ifa is a DPS character who excels at aerial combat and has healing capabilities.

When casting his Elemental Skill, he enters the Nightsoul's Blessing state, in which he can hover in mid-air or move rapidly. During this period, Ifa fires a Tonicshot that restores HP for the entire party. When Ifa is in the Nightsoul's Blessing state, he can also increase the Swirl and Electro-Charged DMG dealt by all party members.

His Elemental Burst deals AoE Anemo DMG and generates a wind current that pulls in opponents.

II. New Equipment

New Weapons (Examples based on Refinement Rank 1)

Symphonist of Scents (5-Star Polearm)

ATK is increased by 12%. When the equipping character is off-field, ATK is increased by an additional 12%. After healing, the equipping character and healed character(s) will obtain the "Sweet Echoes" effect, increasing their ATK by 32% for 3s. This effect can be triggered even if the equipping character is off-field.

◆ The event-exclusive 5-star weapon "Symphonist of Scents" (Polearm) can be obtained from the Event Wish. Please refer to the relevant official Event Notices for specific acquisition details.

Sequence of Solitude (4-Star Bow)

When an attack hits an opponent, deal AoE DMG equal to 40% of Max HP at the target location. This effect can be triggered once every 15s.

◆ Sequence of Solitude (Bow) and its refinement materials can be redeemed in the "Whirling Waltz" event.

III. New Main Story

1. New Archon Quest

Archon Quest Interlude Chapter: Act IV "Paralogism"

Permanently available after the Version 5.6 update

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Interlude Chapter: Act III "Inversion of Genesis"

• Complete Story Quest "Princeps Cretaceus Chapter: Act I - Traveler Observation Report."

• The "Focused Experience Mode" and "Quick Start" functions are available for this quest.

2. New Story Quest

Escoffier's Story Quest - Dulciaria Structura Chapter: Act I "Treasured Above All"

Permanently available after the Version 5.6 update

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Chapter IV: Act V "Masquerade of the Guilty"

• The "Focused Experience Mode" function is available for this quest.

Additionally, after the Version 5.6 update until 2025/05/27 17:59, the "Quick Start" function will be available for Escoffier's Story Quest - Dulciaria Structura Chapter: Act I "Treasured Above All."

IV. New Enemies

New Boss: "The Game Before the Gate"

◇ A soldier-entity born into being through the skills of various members of the Hexenzirkel.

During the battle's first phase, Chess Game: King Piece will summon chess pieces and execute a "Cunning Gambit." When the King Piece charges forward on his "chariot," you must lure him towards the "soldiers" within the formation to rout his forces and bring the onslaught to a halt. Defeat Chess Game: King Piece to progress the game to the next phase.

During the battle's second phase, the Ascended King and the Sublimated Queen will charge up to unleash a "Lethal Blow." Continuously trigger Frozen to counteract the charging. Once the Sublimated Queen is Frozen, lure the Ascended King into charging into her. This will interrupt the "Lethal Blow" completely.

Located at Galesong Hill.

Once you reach Adventure Rank 40, you can Quick Challenge the new boss's Trounce Domain through your Adventurer Handbook in Single Player Mode.

Secret Source Automaton: Overseer Device

◇ A civilization whose magnificence once marked distant eons built this overseer device to control multiple Secret Source machines.

After it enters Sweeper Mode, it will start attacking while generating Flow Momentum. The higher its Flow Momentum, the greater the DMG it will inflict. During this time, you might be able to obstruct the buildup of Flow Momentum by using consecutive Cryo attacks...

It is said that after characters enter and maintain the Nightsoul's Blessing state for some time when fighting against it, the Secret Source Automaton: Overseer Device will enter a special "Counterstrike Mode" and change its offensive strategy...

Located in Atocpan.

V. Genius Invokation TCG

Genius Invokation TCG Gameplay Update

New Character Cards: Sethos, Xilonen and their corresponding Talent cards. Corresponding invitation duels and guest challenges have been added to the Player List.

Action Cards "Tatankasaurus," "Collective of Plenty," "Art of Sleepy Meditation," and "Sing Your Heart Out" have been added which can be purchased from Prince at The Cat's Tail.

New Card Face "Lustrous Skin" has been added which can be purchased from Prince at The Cat's Tail.

The Forge Realm's Temper is once again available. The theme of this edition is "The Forge Realm's Temper: Clever Stratagems":

1. During The Forge Realm's Temper: Clever Stratagems, you can select the parameters for each stage. Parameters that may be set include: stage difficulty, enemy health, and the round limit for the match.

2. After completing the challenge, points will be obtained based on the difficulty completed for each parameter. The best score obtained for each stage will be recorded, and will allow you to claim rewards that correspond to certain scores.

VI. Imaginarium Theater

Imaginarium Theater Update

After the Version 5.6 update, the first season of "Imaginarium Theater" will be available on June 1, 2025.

Required Elemental Types: Electro, Cryo, and Dendro

Opening Characters: Cyno, Fischl, Qiqi, Mika, Nahida, and Collei

When Imaginarium Theater is open, the corresponding Opening Characters will obtain Fantastical Blessings.

Rimegrass Blessing has been added to this season's "Brilliant Blessings."

Special Guest Stars: Furina, Dehya, Xiangling, and Xingqiu

After the first season of Imaginarium Theater begins, the characters Diluc, Keqing, Faruzan, and Diona will each gain a new "Thespian Trick" that can be exchanged from the NPC Wolfy.

After the new season of Imaginarium Theater begins, "Stella Rewards" will be added: you can receive corresponding rewards based on the highest number of Stella obtained in the current season's challenge.

VII. Spiral Abyss

Spiral Abyss Update

◇ After the Version 5.6 update, Phase 1 of the Spiral Abyss will be updated on May 16.

◆ Floor 11 Ley Line Disorder changed to:

All party members receive a 60% Cryo DMG Bonus.

All party members gain a 60% Dendro DMG Bonus.

◆ Floor 12 Ley Line Disorders changed to:

First Half: Characters' Elemental Skill Cryo DMG increased by 75%.

Second Half: Characters' Elemental Skill Dendro DMG increased by 75%.

◆ Updated the monster lineup on Floors 11 – 12 of the Spiral Abyss.

◆ Blessing of the Abyssal Moon:

Interwoven Moon

When a character's Elemental Skill hits an opponent, it will be counted (1 count can be triggered every 0.9s). When the count reaches 3, a shockwave will be unleashed at the hit opponent's location, dealing True DMG and resetting the count.

◇ Phase 2 of the Spiral Abyss will be updated on June 16.

◆ Floor 11 Ley Line Disorder changed to:

All party members receive a 60% Cryo DMG Bonus.

All party members gain a 60% Pyro DMG Bonus.

◆ Floor 12 Ley Line Disorders changed to:

First Half: When characters have 0 Energy, DMG +75%.

Second Half: Characters' Normal Attack Cryo DMG increased by 75%.

◆ Updated the monster lineup on Floors 11 – 12 of the Spiral Abyss.

◆ Blessing of the Abyssal Moon:

Ice-Cloven Moon

When a character deals Cryo DMG to an opponent, it will be counted. When the count reaches 4, a shockwave will be unleashed at the opponent's location, dealing True DMG and resetting the count. 1 such shockwave can be triggered every 4s.

VIII. Other Update Details

New Recipes:

○ Exploration or Quest Rewards: "Petit Gateau Debord: Special Edition"

○ Limited-Time Event Reward: Candy Shells

New Character Specialty Dishes:

○ Escoffier's specialty: "Gateau Debord: Magnifique"

○ Ifa's specialty: "Emotional Support"

Adds new Achievements to the "Wonders of the World" category.

Adds Set 40 of "Paimon's Paintings" chat emojis.

New Namecards:

"Escoffier: Charm": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Escoffier

"Ifa: Bro": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Ifa

"Travel Notes: Balletica": Reward obtained via the BP system

〓Adjustments & Optimizations〓

● Map

When you click on a Domain on the map interface, the right sidebar will now only display the rewards for the Domain with the highest difficulty that you can currently challenge.

Adds a "select quantity" function for custom pins to the map interface, which allows you to select multiple pins of a certain category in the same area.

● Treasure Compass

The Pyro Treasure Compass can now also locate clues for Tribal Challenges.

Now, if you reach a certain Exploration Progress in Natlan, the Pyro Treasure Compass can also locate clues to the entrance of "Tribal Secret Spaces."

The "Treasure Compass" in each area can find clues to the "Mora Chests" in the corresponding area after you reach a certain Exploration Progress in the area.

● Crafting

Adjusts the location of access to the "Filter by character" feature on the Crafting interface and optimizes the relevant interface styles.

It is now possible to switch directly to the selected character on the Crafting interface with the "Filter by character" feature.

It is now possible to switch directly to the selected character on the Crafting interface with the "Filter by character" feature. Additionally, the selected character will be automatically selected upon your next login.

Your device will remember the selected enhancement goals selected for a specific character on the Crafting interface with the "Filter by character" feature.

● Training Guide

Adds information prompts when using the "Level-Up Plan" feature.

a. When the left side of the screen shows that the required materials have been obtained, if the required materials are insufficient, the number of missing materials and progress will be displayed.

b. When materials are obtained, if the required materials can be crafted to meet the quantity requirements of the Level-Up Plan, a text prompt will appear. If all materials in the set have met the requirements, an additional prompt will appear.

● Imaginarium Theater

Adds the "Brilliant Blessing Details" interface, allowing you to see if Brilliant Blessings have been unlocked. This function can be accessed from "Party Setup," "Performance Details," and the Brilliant Blessing Performance Events selection menu.

Adds text descriptions and underline effects to some of the skill effects of "Brilliant Blessings." Click the effect name to view them.

Adds the "Restart Performance" option to the final act's finalization screen.

When you select the Theater Lobby icon on the map interface, the right sidebar will now only display the character elemental restrictions for the current season.

After selecting the "Combat: Climactic Showdown" event, the "Begin Performance" interface's "Monster List" will now display recommended character tags and tutorial hints for each target.

● Audio

Adjusts the writing of the name of Xilonen's English voice actor.

Replaces some of Kinich's English voice lines in content from previous versions.

● Other

Optimizes the interface layout of the Adventurer Handbook > Domain page.

Optimizes the interface layout and text display of the "Character" interface, and replaced some "Combat Talent" and "Passive Talent" texts with the actual category names of the corresponding skills (such as Normal Attack, Elemental Skill, Ascension Talent, etc.).

Some NPC dialogues now have an icon for the "Exit" option, and you can select this option not only by clicking, but also by pressing the hotkey (on the keyboard, this defaults to the ESC key; on the DualSense™ wireless controller, you default to pressing the Circle key if it is set as the "Cancel" key).

When you make wishes and have insufficient wish items, you can quickly obtain them by exchanging an equal amount of Primogems and Genesis Crystals on the "Wishes" page (the item exchange process now has less steps). If you do not have enough Primogems and Genesis Crystals, you will be redirected to the Shop screen.

Adds a new Teleport Waypoint to the Atocpan in Natlan due to the addition of the new Boss (The number of unlocked Teleport Waypoints required to complete the achievement "Sacred Mountain Guide" has also been adjusted. For Travelers who have already completed this achievement, after the update, the achievement completion status will remain unchanged).

Modifies the "Suggested Character Role" tag for Lan Yan in Imaginarium Theater.

〓Bug Fixes〓

● Enemies

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that the Aeonblight Drake and Ruin Drake would have the incorrect elemental RES increased under certain circumstances after taking various types of damage.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that the weapon of "Tatankasaurus Warrior: Spiritlight Chasers" would display abnormally when entering combat.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby when challenging the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device, off-field characters' attacks would be unable to destroy the Accretion Mechanisms.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby when challenging the Secret Source Automaton: Configuration Device and Hunter-Seeker, when off-field characters enter and maintain their Nightsoul's Blessing state, they would not accumulate any "Adaptive Countermeasures."

● Characters

Fixes an issue whereby there was a small chance that Iansan could not quickly trigger a non-stamina-consuming Swift Stormflight under certain circumstances if the Normal Attack was pressed after the Elemental Skill was cast.

Fixes an issue whereby Iansan landed while in the Nightsoul's Blessing state, the character would move forward for a period of time when landing even without being controlled.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby after switching to Iansan to cast an Elemental Skill or Burst, the character's Nightsoul's Blessing special effects would be displayed with a delay.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby when Iansan jumped, the character would abnormally stay in mid-air or rise into the sky.

Fixes an issue whereby after updating to Version 5.4, when Furina switches her Arkhe Alignment, her outfit decorations would display abnormally.

Fixes an issue whereby Mualani's Capybara Ball would disappear abnormally when the game was paused while she was performing an idle action.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby Varesa's weapon model would display abnormally after performing Plunging Attacks.

Fixes an issue whereby Varesa's mask effect would display abnormally while she is in the "Fiery Passion" state.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby there was a chance that Varesa's Passive Talent "Tag-Team Triple Jump!" could not take effect under certain circumstances if she used an Elemental Skill and performed a Plunging Attack after her Special Elemental Burst was cast.

● System

Fixes an issue whereby the icon for "Echo: Flame-Mane" was not displayed correctly.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby when setting up the party in the Imaginarium Theater, not all characters were displayed in the "Opening and Alternate Cast members selected" list.

Fixes an issue whereby there are missing pieces of text in the description of the "Phony Bejeweled Unihornfish" furnishing.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby after setting filter conditions on the Character interface, the selected filter conditions and filter clear buttons were not displayed correctly

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby the interface displayed abnormally when operating a character in the "Character" interface using touch screen operation or controller mode.

Fixes an issue whereby the descriptions on the right sidebar of some quest pins on the "Map" interface were inconsistent with the descriptions of the quests on the "Quest" interface.

Fixes an issue whereby there were text display errors for the Archon Quest "Incandescent Ode of Resurrection" in the "Travel Log/Archon Quests" interface.

● Audio

Fixes an issue whereby the background music of the game would sound abnormal when in certain locations or performing certain operations in "Atocpan."

Fixes an issue in Co-Op Mode whereby the game would abnormally play the relevant prompt sound effect when Varesa who is controlled by another Traveler cast a special Elemental Burst.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby the landing sound effects of the "Tatankasaurus" were missing when it landed after jumping.

Fixes an issue whereby the audio for certain scenery was abnormally missing.

Fixes an issue of abnormal or missing sound effects in certain interfaces.

Fixes an issue that caused weather audio to abnormally trigger multiple times when the character repeatedly entered certain areas of Fontaine.

● Other

Fixes an issue whereby some effects that take effect "after triggering an elemental reaction" fail to take effect properly when the Shatter reaction is triggered.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a small chance that the achievement "The Peak" could not be completed.

Fixes an issue whereby certain animals in the Serenitea Pot would be abnormally affected by elements.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that the "Nightsoul Transmission" tutorial would not trigger correctly.

Fixes an issue whereby special effects in certain areas of Inazuma would be abnormally targeted by some characters' attacks.

Fixes an issue whereby there was a chance that a certain puzzle in a cave below the "Ruined Armament Workshop" in the "Ancient Sacred Mountain" could not be completed, and thus the corresponding treasure chest could not be unlocked.

Fixes an issue under certain circumstances whereby when playing on PC, the Tatankasaurus would not be able to perform a flying leap when using its second sprint to cross the boost ramps at the Flame-Melding Ritual Grounds.

Fixes some text errors in certain languages and optimizes text. (Note: Related in-game functions have not changed. Travelers can view the changes in different languages by going to the Paimon Menu > Settings > Language and changing the Game Language.)

◆ Optimizes inconsistencies between certain voice-overs and the corresponding lines.

◆ Optimizes certain English translations.

〓Genius Invokation TCG Balance Adjustment〓

Adjusts the effect of the Elemental Burst generated by Character Card "Nilou": This effect will be adjusted to "Deals 2 Hydro DMG. The target character and the next character receives Lingering Aeon."

Adjusts the Elemental Burst "Lingering Aeon" DMG of the Character Card "Nilou": Hydro DMG dealt is adjusted from 3 to 2.

Adjusts the effect of the Event Card "Elemental Resonance: Sprawling Greenery": The Bountiful Cores created by Nilou can also trigger this Event Card's effect.

*This is a work of fiction and is not related to any actual people, events, groups, or organizations.

"PlayStation", "PS5", "PS4", "DualSense", "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

[the-sleepy-archivist]

Blocking Ads on Mobile Devices

Blocking ads on our phones is way harder than it should be so I figured I'd make some recommendations. These are not the only options out there, just the ones that I know and have used.

Please note that browser-level and system-level adblocking are complementary; you'll have the best experience if you use both of them together as they each block different things in different places. If you want a basic idea of how effective your combined adblocking setup is, you can visit this website in your mobile browser.

Lastly, there is some additional advice/info under the readmore if you're curious (EDIT: updated March 2025 to add more adblocking options for iOS and to add info about sideloading altered versions of social media apps that don't contain ads on Android and iOS).

Android

Browser-Level

uBlock Origin (for Firefox)

System-Level (works in all apps, not just browsers)

AdGuard

Blokada 5 (completely free version) OR Blokada 6 (has some newer features but they require a subscription)

iPhone/iPad

Browser-Level

AdGuard (Safari extension; free for basic browser-level blocking, requires a subscription or one time purchase of “lifetime” license for custom filters)

1Blocker (Safari extension from an indie developer; can enable one built-in or custom filter list for free, requires a subscription or one time purchase of “lifetime” license for enabling multiple filter lists and updating filter lists to the latest version automatically)

Wipr 2 (one time purchase from indie developer; simplest option to use, but also the least configurable. Best if you are looking for one time set and forget and don’t need any custom filters. Note that it does not have a system-level blocking option)

System-Level (works in all apps, not just browsers)

AdGuard (requires subscription or one time purchase of “lifetime” license for system-level blocking)

1Blocker (can activate without a subscription, but requires subscription or one time purchase of “lifetime” license to enable system-level blocking AND browser-level blocking simultaneously)

AdGuard DNS only (this is free and does not require the AdGuard app, BUT I would only recommend it for advanced users, as you can't easily turn it off like you can with the app. Credit to this Reddit thread for the DNS profile)

Some additional info: browser-level blocking is a browser addon or extension, like you might be used to from a desktop computer. This inspects the HTML code returned by websites and searches for patterns that identify the presence of an ad or other annoyance (popup videos, cookie agreements, etc.). System-level blocking is almost always DNS-based. Basically whenever an app asks your phone's OS to make a connection to a website that is known for serving ads, the system-level blocker replies "sorry, I don't know her 🤷‍♂️💅" and the ad doesn't get downloaded. This works in most places, not just a browser, but be warned that it might make your battery drain a little faster depending on the app/setup.

Each of those types of blocking has strengths and weaknesses. System-level DNS blocking blocks ads in all apps, but companies that own advertising networks AND the websites those ads are served on can combine their services into the same domain to render DNS blocking useless; you can’t block ads served by Facebook/Meta domains without also blocking all of Facebook and Instagram as well because they made sure their ads are served from the same domain as all the user posts you actually want to see. Similarly, browser-level blocking can recognize ads by appearance and content, regardless of what domain they’re served from, so it can block them on Instagram and Facebook. However, it needs to be able to inspect the content being loaded in order to look for ads, and there’s no way to do that in non-browser apps. That’s why using both together will get you the best results.

These limitations do mean that you can’t block ads in the Facebook or Instagram apps, unfortunately, only in the website versions of them visited in your browser. It also means ads served by meta’s/facebook’s ad network in other apps can’t be blocked either (unless you're one of the rare beasts who doesn't use facebook or instagram or threads, in which case feel free to blacklist all Meta/FB domains and watch your ads disappear 😍; I'm jealous and in awe of you lol).

One note: some apps may behave unpredictably when they can't download ads. For example, the Tumblr app has big black spaces where the ads are, and sometimes those spaces collapse as you scroll past them and it messes up scrolling for a few seconds (UPDATE: looks like the scrolling issue may have actually been a Tumblr bug that they have now fixed, at least on iOS). Still way less annoying than getting ads for Draco Malfoy seduction roleplay AI chatbots imo though. And honestly *most* apps handle this fairly gracefully, like a mobile game I play just throws error messages like "ad is not ready" and then continues like normal.

One final note: on Android, you may actually be able to find hacked versions of Meta’s apps that have the ad frameworks removed. In some cases they are a little janky (unsurprisingly, apps don’t always take kindly to having some of their innards ripped out by a third-party), and they are often out of date. BUT in return you get an Instagram app with no ads whatsoever, and some of them even add additional features like buttons for saving IG videos and photos to your phone. However, use these apps at your own risk, as there is functionally no way to validate the code that the third-parties have added or removed from the app. Example altered IG app (I have not vetted this altered app, it's just a popular option): link.

It is technically possible to install altered apps on iOS as well, but Apple makes it much, much harder to do (unless you are jailbroken, which is a whole different ballgame). I'm not going to cover sideloading or jailbreaking here because even I as a very techy person eventually grew tired of messing with it or having to pay for it. If you're interested you can read more about the different ways to do sideloading on iOS here.

[iamgaygaygay]

Alright so two days ago my battery DRAINED like crazy. Like, it was almost dead by 4 pm where it usually has at LEAST 50%, but usually more than 60%. This is after the UI 7.0 update, universally hated.

Bonus Note: to turn off the stupid separate notifications/other panel thing, swipe down on the notification bar → click the edit button (the pencil) → click "panel settings" (top left) → change from "separate" to "together"

I went into my battery to see what was draining it...

Lo and behold, it's AI shit that nobody wants ✨

BUT don't panic, I figured out how to fix it! (Cut here so it doesn't clog up feeds) :)

You need to go to settings → apps and then click the filter button (see below if you don't know where it is, drawn very shakily in blue) and select "Show system apps"

To find our culprit, scroll down to the "P" apps, and click on "Personal Data Intelligence". Here's where it's draining your battery: the permissions that it automatically accesses for no reason but to (presumably) put AI stuff/options on there!

Clear the data first, I don't know if it actually did something but it made me feel better.

Now deny all of the permissions it has access to. It's going to show a pop up every time claiming that features of your device (AI features) won't work as intended and you're going to click "deny anyway" for ALL of them.

I don't know if it affected anything, but I also: blocked notifications, set default to other apps so that it wouldn't open, turned off background data usage (in the Mobile Data section)

Also, don't forget to make sure it can't change your system settings!! I don't know what it wants to change, but it might turn the permissions back on and continue draining your battery if you allow it to change system settings.

While you can't do it with this, with other apps you can change the battery usage to "restricted", meaning it will not run in the background (as much) and use less battery!

Here's the results from today, I have used it less than yesterday but it didn't even show up on the battery usage list so I think I fixed it!!

I've also done this process and/or deactivated (bolded ones are for sure AI or similar stuff) (these are my personal preference): AI Wallpaper, Android System Intelligence, Avatar Editor, Avatar Stickers, Bixby, Bixby Vision, Customization Service, Drawing Assist, Galaxy Avatar, Galaxy editing service, Galaxy Themes Service, Game Booster, Game Optimizing Service, Gaming Hub, Gemini, Google Location History, Google Play Services for AR, Hey Google Hotword, all of the "Knox" stuff, LiveEffectService, MDMApp, Meet Installer, Meta App Installer, Meta App Manager, Meta Services, MhsAiService, Modes and Routines, OK Google Hotword, Recommended Apps, Reminder, Samsung Checkout, Samsung Cloud, Samsung Cloud Assistant, Samsung Editing Assets, Samsung Intelligence Voice Services, Samsung Internet, everything with "Smart" in the beginning of the title, Video Effects, Voice Wake-Up, aaaaand WiFiAiService

Please let me know if there are any other AI apps or annoying system apps that I can turn off that I missed!