#Extended Reality Technology

[simulanissolutions]

Revolutionize Your Enterprise with Simulanis VR & AR

The future of business is immersive, interactive, and driven by technology. Enterprises that embrace Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are unlocking new levels of efficiency, engagement, and innovation. At Simulanis, we are revolutionizing industries with cutting-edge VR and AR solutions that transform workforce training, customer experiences, and operational workflows.

Why VR & AR Are Essential for Enterprise Growth?

🔹 Next-Generation Employee Training Traditional training methods are no longer enough. Simulanis VR training solutions create realistic, hands-on virtual simulations, allowing employees to practice in a risk-free environment. AR-assisted learning further enhances training by providing real-time digital overlays and interactive guidance.

🔹 Enhanced Customer Engagement & Product Visualization Enterprises can showcase products and services in 3D, offering customers an immersive and interactive buying experience. VR-powered virtual showrooms and AR product visualization tools help businesses boost sales and brand loyalty.

🔹 Operational Efficiency & Safety Improvements From industrial safety training to real-time AR-powered remote assistance, immersive technologies help enterprises reduce risks, improve accuracy, and enhance productivity. AR smart glasses and VR simulations empower teams to perform complex tasks with greater precision.

🔹 Immersive Collaboration & Remote Work Solutions With VR-powered virtual workspaces, businesses can conduct meetings, training sessions, and brainstorming workshops in a realistic, collaborative digital environment. This is the future of hybrid work models and global enterprise connectivity.

🔹 Seamless Integration with the Metaverse The Metaverse is redefining business interaction, allowing enterprises to build virtual spaces, host digital events, and create next-level customer experiences. Simulanis provides tailored Metaverse solutions that help businesses stand out in the digital landscape.

Industries Benefiting from Simulanis VR & AR Solutions

✅ Manufacturing & Industrial Training – VR-based process training, equipment simulations, and AR maintenance guides. ✅ Healthcare & Medical Training – Surgical simulations, medical procedures training, and AR-assisted diagnostics. ✅ Retail & E-Commerce – Virtual try-ons, 3D product showcases, and interactive shopping experiences. ✅ Education & Corporate Learning – Engaging VR classrooms, AR-based learning modules, and enterprise e-learning solutions. ✅ Real Estate & Architecture – Immersive virtual property tours, 3D architectural visualizations, and interactive design planning. ✅ Automotive & Engineering – VR for vehicle prototyping, driver training, and AR-powered repair assistance.

Why Choose Simulanis?

At Simulanis, we are pioneers in VR, AR, and Metaverse technology, helping businesses unlock the full potential of immersive solutions. Our expertise in Extended Reality (XR) solutions ensures that enterprises can streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and train employees more effectively.

🚀 The future of enterprise innovation starts now! 🚀

📩 Get in touch with Simulanis today and explore how VR & AR can transform your business!

Visit Website: simulanis.com

[techwiki24]

10 Cutting-Edge Technology Trends Shaping 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead means embracing transformative innovations that redefine every aspect of our lives. As we approach 2025, industries across the board are being revolutionized by a wave of advancements. The future is being molded by 10 Cutting-Edge Technology that not only streamline processes but also inspire creativity, enhance connectivity, and drive…

[tagbintech]

What is Immersive Technology? A Comprehensive Guide to Immersive Technology 2025

Immersive technology refers to the suite of technologies that create a simulated or enhanced reality by engaging one or more of the human senses. These technologies enable users to interact with digital environments in ways that feel natural and intuitive, often blurring the line between the physical and virtual worlds. As we approach 2025, immersive technology is poised to revolutionize industries such as education, healthcare, entertainment, retail, and more.

The Core Components of Immersive Technology

Virtual Reality (VR): VR immerses users in entirely digital environments, often requiring specialized headsets like the Oculus Quest or HTC Vive. It’s widely used in gaming, training simulations, and virtual tours.

Augmented Reality (AR): AR overlays digital elements onto the physical world. Think of applications like Pokémon GO or AR filters on social media. Devices such as smartphones, tablets, and AR glasses enable AR experiences.

Mixed Reality (MR): Combining elements of VR and AR, MR allows real and virtual objects to interact seamlessly. For example, Microsoft’s HoloLens is a popular MR device.

Extended Reality (XR): XR is an umbrella term that encompasses VR, AR, and MR, signifying any form of immersive technology that extends or modifies reality.

360-Degree Content: This involves panoramic images or videos that allow users to explore a scene from all angles. Commonly used in virtual tours and real estate.

Why Immersive Technology Matters in 2025

The year 2025 is expected to mark a significant milestone for immersive technology, driven by advancements in hardware, software, and connectivity. Here’s why it’s gaining momentum:

Enhanced Hardware: Lightweight, affordable headsets and AR glasses are making immersive experiences more accessible.

5G Connectivity: Faster internet speeds and lower latency enable seamless streaming of high-quality immersive content.

AI Integration: Artificial intelligence enhances the realism of simulations, making them more responsive and interactive.

Increased Adoption: Businesses and educational institutions are increasingly leveraging immersive technology for training, marketing, and engagement.

Applications of Immersive Technology in 2025

Education: Immersive classrooms powered by VR and AR offer students engaging ways to learn complex subjects, from history to medical procedures.

Healthcare: Surgeons can practice in VR environments, while AR aids in diagnostics and minimally invasive procedures.

Entertainment: The gaming and film industries are adopting VR and AR to deliver highly engaging experiences.

Retail: Virtual try-ons and immersive shopping experiences are transforming the way consumers interact with brands.

Remote Work: Virtual offices and AR collaboration tools are bridging the gap for distributed teams.

Benefits of Immersive Technology

Enhanced User Engagement: Immersive experiences capture attention and improve memory retention.

Cost-Effective Solutions: Training and prototyping in virtual environments reduce expenses and risks.

Accessibility: Immersive tools make specialized knowledge and experiences more widely available.

Challenges of Immersive Technology

While the future looks promising, several hurdles must be overcome:

High Development Costs: Creating immersive experiences can be expensive.

Privacy Concerns: The data collected by immersive devices raises security issues.

User Fatigue: Prolonged use of immersive technologies may lead to discomfort.

Immersive Technology 2025: What’s Next?

The immersive technology landscape is evolving rapidly. By 2025, we can expect:

Better Accessibility: Affordable devices will make these technologies more mainstream.

Seamless Integration: Immersive tools will become a natural part of daily life and work.

Advanced Applications: From smart cities to personalized healthcare, the possibilities are limitless.

How to Prepare for Immersive Technology 2025

Stay Updated: Follow industry trends and updates to understand the latest advancements.

Upskill: Learn skills like 3D modeling, AR development, or immersive content creation.

Adopt Early: Businesses should consider pilot projects to test the feasibility of immersive solutions.

Conclusion

Immersive technology is reshaping the way we interact with the world, offering endless possibilities across industries. As we move toward 2025, the integration of VR, AR, and MR into daily life will become increasingly seamless. By staying informed, upskilling, and adopting these technologies early, individuals and organizations can unlock their full potential. The future of immersive technology is bright, and it’s time to embrace the transformation.

Content Source - https://medium.com/@priyankapandey08/what-is-immersive-technology-a-comprehensive-guide-to-immersive-technology-2025-eefa55b8f22a

[creativeera]

Extended Reality Market is estimated to Witness High Growth Owing to Increasing Adoption Across Industries

Extended reality (XR) refers to all real-and-virtual combined environments and human-machine interactions generated by computer technology and wearables. It includes augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and mixed reality (MR) and allows the users to interact with digital content and the physical world. XR delivers disruptive experiences by seamlessly merging the digital and physical worlds, offering an immersive viewer experience. Major application areas of XR technologies include gaming, entertainment, retail, education, healthcare, design and engineering, and more. The seamless blending of the physical and digital worlds enhances immersion, presence and experience for the users. The global extended reality market is valued to grow from US$ 46.3 Billion in 2023 to US$ 197.3 Billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 23% during the forecast period (2023-2030). 

Key Takeaways Key players operating in the Extended Reality are Meta Inc., HTC Corporation, Unity Technologies, Microsoft Corporation, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Magic Leap, Sony Corporation, Vuzix Corporation, Apple Inc, Niantic Inc., Northern Digital Inc., Snap Inc., SoftServe, and Accenture. The key opportunities in the extended reality market include increased investments from technology giants, evolving consumer preferences and capabilities, growing demand across vertical industries and development of 5G networks. Rapid technological advancements, growing focus on collaboration and shared experiences are driving the adoption of VR and MR solutions globally. The adoption of XR technologies is growing across regions. North America currently dominates the Extended Reality Market Size  owing to large technology companies and early adoption. However, Asia Pacific is expected to witness the highest growth aided by government initiatives for digital transformation and increasing investments in emerging technologies from China, Japan, South Korea and others. Market Drivers The increasing adoption across industries is driving the growth of the extended reality market. Major industries like gaming, entertainment, healthcare, education and manufacturing are leveraging XR solutions to enhance customer experiences, create immersive training environments and drive productivity. Growing investments from technology giants are focusing on developing innovative XR applications and solutions. This is further fueled by the increasing processing power of devices and developments in 5G that are able to deliver low latency remote experiences.

PEST Analysis Political: The extended reality market sees increasing government support and funding for research and development projects. Regulations regarding data privacy and security are also evolving as the technology advances. Economic: Extended reality technologies promise to significantly boost productivity across various sectors like manufacturing, education, healthcare, etc. This would positively impact the broader economy over time. Social: Younger generations are more receptive to immersive technologies. More users are adopting recreational and social virtual experiences on consumer-focused extended reality platforms. Technological: Integration of 5G, artificial intelligence and computer vision are expected to radically improve the user experiences offered by extended reality. Graphics capabilities are also advancing to generate photo-realistic virtual worlds. The APAC region accounts for the largest share of the global extended reality market in terms of value. China, Japan and South Korea are major countries driving the rapid adoption of augmented and virtual reality solutions in industrial, commercial and consumer segments across APAC. As the economywide digital transformation gains momentum, extended reality technologies find increasing application across industries like manufacturing, healthcare and education. North America represents the fastest growing regional market for extended reality globally. Presence of leading technology companies as well as significant venture capital funding are supporting R&D and innovation. Growing entrepreneurship in the fields of gaming, retail and entertainment is supporting the deployment of extended reality platforms and services. The region exhibits early adoption of new immersive technologies among both enterprise and individual users.

Get more insights on Extended Reality Market

About Author:

Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)

[technestblog]

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, the realm of innovation never ceases to amaze us. Among the many groundbreaking developments that have taken center stage, one technology stands out as particularly immersive and transformative – Virtual Reality, or simply VR. If you're reading this, you're about to embark on a journey into the VR world, where we'll explore this captivating technology, its evolution, trends, and the impact it has on the tech-savvy crowd. Read more.

[overwritexr]

Title: Meta Quest 3 Specs Leaked, ahead of Connect 2023 - XR Today News YouTube URL: https://youtu.be/VwtB7YzOBqA

[algoworks]

Step into the future with XR app development! 🚀

From augmented reality to virtual reality, unleash the power of immersive technology and enhance your user experience like never before.

[simulanissolutions]

Future-Proof Your Business with Simulanis Immersive Tech

The business landscape is evolving rapidly, and staying ahead requires cutting-edge technology. Companies that adopt immersive solutions like Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), and the Metaverse are leading the way in innovation, efficiency, and engagement. At Simulanis, we specialize in providing immersive tech solutions that transform industries, enhance workforce training, and revolutionize customer interactions.

Why Immersive Technology is the Future of Business?

Traditional methods of training, collaboration, and marketing are becoming obsolete. Immersive technology offers realistic, interactive, and data-driven experiences that drive business growth and operational excellence. Here’s how:

✅ Revolutionize Employee Training

Outdated training methods can’t match the efficiency of VR and AR-powered simulations. With Simulanis immersive training solutions, employees can learn faster, practice safely, and enhance skill retention through realistic, hands-on virtual experiences.

✅ Enhanced Product Demonstrations & Marketing

Customers today demand interactive and engaging experiences. AR and VR allow businesses to showcase products in 3D environments, enabling virtual try-ons, 360-degree product views, and immersive storytelling—driving higher conversions and customer satisfaction.

✅ Boost Operational Efficiency & Safety

Industries like manufacturing, logistics, and construction rely on precision and safety. VR-based training and AR-powered assistance help workers understand machinery, follow safety protocols, and reduce operational risks—leading to higher productivity and fewer errors.

✅ Immersive Collaboration & Remote Work Solutions

The future of work is digital. Metaverse-powered virtual workspaces allow businesses to host meetings, train employees, and collaborate seamlessly—bridging the gap between remote teams and in-office environments.

✅ Seamless Integration with the Metaverse

The Metaverse is redefining business engagement, creating virtual worlds where brands can interact with customers, conduct training, and host immersive events. Simulanis helps businesses navigate the Metaverse, creating tailored solutions that enhance digital presence.

Industries Benefiting from Simulanis Immersive Tech

🔹 Manufacturing & Industrial Training – VR-based simulations for workforce upskilling, machine operation training, and safety compliance. 🔹 Healthcare & Medical Training – VR-powered surgical training, AR-assisted diagnostics, and medical simulations. 🔹 Education & E-Learning – Immersive VR and AR-based learning experiences for enhanced student engagement. 🔹 Retail & E-Commerce – 3D product visualization, AR-powered virtual try-ons, and interactive shopping experiences. 🔹 Real Estate & Architecture – Virtual property walkthroughs, 3D space planning, and immersive design presentations. 🔹 Automotive & Engineering – VR for vehicle prototyping, testing, and simulation-based driver training.

Why Choose Simulanis?

At Simulanis, we are pioneers in VR, AR, MR, and Metaverse development, helping businesses unlock the full potential of immersive technology. Our solutions are tailored to enhance efficiency, improve learning outcomes, and drive business growth.

🚀 The future is immersive—are you ready to lead the way? 🚀

📩 Contact Simulanis today and explore how VR, AR, and the Metaverse can future-proof your business!

Visit Website: simulanis.com

[2kiran]

“FALLING INTO PIECES”

PAIRING: Spider-Man Noir x Reader Reader is a male. Bottom Noir. KINKTOBER CW: SMUT, physical descriptions of r (taller than o’hara), implied internal homophobia (noir), size kink, anal fingering

Noir was a simple man in an odd place.

According to his own perception of this alternative reality, at least.

Being a newly recruited member of the Spider Society was certainly not for a man who belongs to the twentieth century; mostly due to the existence of advanced technology no one from his time has invented quite yet. He was unaware—traditional, in his respective terms.

It wasn’t that he was judgmental of the future. He was just clueless to how everything currently functioned. Even now so when he learned that most accepted others so easily without so much of an intentional blink of a suspicious eye, he seemed to shift into a demeanor strangely experimental.

You were one of the only Spider-men he was ridiculously able to settle at ease with for an extended period of time, given that you didn’t ask too many questions and you didn’t feel the need to talk his hearing senses off.

And maybe, maybe it was also due to how... inhumanely large you were in stature.

The size difference between the two of you was stark. Hell, he thinks you stand a few inches taller than the Miguel O’hara. It was probably the reason why he appears to be drawn to you, dare he say attracted.

Right, he hasn’t thought about that part. Hasn’t come to the conclusion that he wasn’t a heterosexual man, as it was the only thing that wasn’t considered to be outrageous in his world.

But Heaven forbid, you were something otherworldly. Built like a beast that towers over him entirely, hands big and calloused while being simultaneously calculated and cautious when it came to tending to his wounds, and you didn’t treat him like he was a stray that’s originated from a nameless town.

He liked you in a way he didn’t know how to admit, and that made him fear the intruding feeling.

That realization only dawned on him as you backed him against a wall, his back hitting the bricks, his head now required to tilt up to meet your masked eyes through his goggles.

“What...” Noir begins, as if he wasn’t deliberately rubbing himself against you every chance he gets despite the danger lurking due to the presence of an anomaly you had the enough luck to capture and send back just moments ago. He swallows nervously, the separating barrier between arousal and regret blurring in the face of getting what he wants at last.

“You know what.” You scoff, leaning your forearm up against the brick wall in front of you in favor of bending slightly down to force yourself into his personal space like how he did with yours. You’re fairly certain his eyes are blown wide in excitement, but you needed to hear it from his mouth - that he wanted it.

“Tell me you don’t want me, and I’ll leave and forget about all of this.”

He liked that about you, how you’re so easily considerate unlike the way your personality outwardly appears to be. For a moment, he considers it, but his core suddenly aches for your touch.

His hand tentatively reaches up, curling around your nape to tug you closer to his masked face. “No, I... I want you.” His words drawl out as foreign sin and lust on his tongue, but neither of you care. “Don’t go. This is what I want. Please.”

“Yeah?” You follow-up, your hand manages to slip down the front of his pants and you waste no time with palming his growing bulge through his boxers, “Want me to take care of you?”

Noir shakily nods his head, a choked gasp escaping his lungs when you apply the right amount of pressure around his cockhead to have his mind begin to haze. “Yes.” He manages, his hands frantically clutching onto your forearms to stabilize himself.

-

He thinks about how you haven’t grown downright exhausted with him yet. You keep on giving and giving to him until he can’t decide what to do with himself; his thoughts prominently melting into slick that pools at his slit and cascades down the length of his dick.

You’re knuckle-deep inside of him once more, the glove you’re using mildly dulling the pleasure but makes him brainless nonetheless. Your digit is thick and long enough for you to roughly prod at his sweet spot, with Noir eagerly asking for another one.

He’s acting as if he’s got something to prove to you. That he can take your cock, that he can make it fit inside of his tight hole. Noir gasps as you push in a second finger.

“That’s it. You’re doing good.” You praise lowly into his ear. Your frame against his is the only thing keeping him from sliding off the closed dumpster he was currently sat on - which should’ve turned him off, but he was hyper-focused on getting himself to come undone beneath the work of your hands.

He is doing good, Noir repeats inside of his head. A whimper slips his lips as he rocks his hips to provoke you into sinking in deeper. He relished in the stretch, a burn that molds itself into a peak.

Noir was yours - made for you as he had no protest despite the phantom whispers of overstimulation making themselves known.

[thedilfdiaries]

Lunch Break | 3.6K

Javier Peña x coworker f!reader

Summary: Javi edges you at work

Warnings: unprotected p in v, fingering, oral, reader has hair that's pullable, vibrator, public sex, lots of edging

Notes: This is the only Javier fic I've ever written so sorry if everything is not great to his characterization. I hope you enjoy. A big thank you to the sweetest @sawymredfox for reading this for me and helping me with the Spanish love you so much! Thank you to my love @thundermartini for reading bits and pieces for me love you love you! and @syd-djarin for the mood board love youuuu!

Masterlist

Reality dawns on you while seated on the hard black leather chair in the conference room—everyone filing in—you realize with a sinking heart that in your haste this morning, you neglected to remove your vibrator from its spot in your back pocket ‘Fuck’,  you chide yourself silently, 'you can be so stupid sometimes.'

With an air of nonchalance that belies your inner turmoil—the embarrassment of potentially being caught with such an intimate item—you navigate towards the back corner where solace awaits by way of a coffee pot; 'Just get through this meeting,' you reassure yourself, 'then it's straight to your car.'

As you stand by the coffee machine, the weight of the object in your back pocket feels conspicuous. You can't help but wonder if it's as noticeable to others as it is to you. Before you can even pour that first cup of coffee—a balm for your nerves Javier Peña sidles up next to you, his own cup of black coffee already in hand “Why does it look like there's a giant bullet in your back pocket?” he queries with an infuriating smirk playing on his lips.

"Why are you staring at my ass, Peña?” You lean against the surface of the coffee machine and muster up enough bravado for one last retort before this encounter ends mercifully soon; "Maybe I’m housing the next big thing in bullet technology," you toss back at Peña with feigned nonchalance while internally cursing yourself for not double-checking your pockets this morning like you usually do. You fill up your cup from the pot, hoping he takes the hint and moves away. But instead of leaving, he stays put and reaches into your pocket. Your spin around and your face burns with embarrassment as he holds up what he found - a pink vibrator - between his thumb and forefinger. You stand there, momentarily shocked—but honestly, not really. This kind of childish, middle-school game is typical of Javier. Always stirring the pot, always trying to get a reaction. You glance around the room, noting how everyone else is busy with their own conversations, laughing or small-talking, completely oblivious to the little scene unfolding between you and Javi.

Your eyes snap back to him, your annoyance clear as you extend your hand. “Give it back,” you demand, voice firm.

“Not until you tell me what it is,” he says, holding the item just out of reach with a teasing knowing smirk.

“Oh my god,” you groan, exasperated. “Just give it here, and I’ll show you.” You stand there, arm still outstretched, palm up, waiting for him to cooperate. The irritation bubbling inside you is hard to contain, especially since it seems painfully obvious to you what it is. 

Javi finally relents, placing it into your palm with a grin that suggests he knows he’s gotten under your skin. You curl your fingers around the hard plastic, sighing as your other hand moves to the opposite end of the device. Twisting it, the small pink vibrator quietly buzzes to life.

You lock eyes with him, deadpan. “Happy?”

Without waiting for a response, you switch it off and shove it back into your pocket, hoping to move past this absurd moment.

Javier blinks at you, a mix of surprise and amusement flickering across his face. It’s clear he’s not entirely shocked—like a part of him always suspected you weren’t as straight-laced as you let on.

“So damn gullible. Why the fuck did you bring that to work?” He chuckles, shaking his head.

"That's confidential, Peña—classified. Don’t ever touch my shit again, or I’m reporting you." You spin on your heel and stride away, your shoulders tight with frustration, planting yourself in a chair at the far end of the table. Javier Peña stands frozen for a moment, a smug smile tugging at his lips as he watches you leave.

The meeting drags on endlessly, each passing moment heavier than the last but as soon as it concludes, you bolt from the room, your legs carrying you to the parking lot faster than you thought possible. You yank the car door open, drop into the driver’s seat, and slam it shut, letting your body sink into the cool leather. A hand runs over your face, rubbing away the tension, but it’s futile—every muscle hums with unresolved stress.

Always stressed. That’s your perpetual state. Nothing—not meditation, not the strongest caffeine jolt—seems to dull the edge. You need something real, but since that isn’t an option, you opt for the only relief within reach.

You sit up, retrieving the travel-sized vibrator stashed in your back pocket. Your eyes dart around, ensuring the parking lot is deserted. Once satisfied, you unbutton your dress pants, pushing them down just far enough to slip the device against your throbbing clit. The buzz sends immediate relief coursing through you, a soft whimper escaping your lips.

Your breath quickens; your core tightens. You're so close—on the brink—when the passenger seat suddenly dips. The car shifts as someone slams the door shut.

“I knew you were a slut,” Javier’s voice drawls, dripping with amusement.

You gasp, fumbling to switch off the vibrator, but his hand catches your wrist, halting you mid-motion. You glance up, startled, meeting his dark, mischievous gaze.

“Finish,” he commands, his voice firm, laced with dominance. “I can wait.”

Your lips part, a protest forming, but it dies in your throat as his free hand grips your chin, tilting your face up to meet his. His voice drops lower, “I said finish.”

A shiver races down your spine as goosebumps erupt across your skin. He releases your wrist and chin, giving you control again—or so it seems.

Your hand trembles as you reposition the vibrator, pressing it against your clit once more. The vibrations hit, and your head falls back against the seat, eyes fluttering closed. Javier watches intently, lighting a cigarette as though savoring a fine performance.

“That’s it,” he murmurs, exhaling a cloud of smoke. “Such a good girl. So pretty.”

The buildup to your orgasm is overwhelming, every nerve in your body attuned to Javier's command. You grab his arm, your nails sinking into his skin as a moan tears from your lips—raw, unrestrained, louder than you’ve allowed yourself in so long. His large, tan hand covers your mouth instantly.

“Shhh, baby, you gotta keep it down,” he murmurs, his voice husky and low. He waits until your breathing steadies before easing his hand away, but then he stops everything. The vibrator’s buzz fades as he pulls it away, leaving you teetering painfully on the edge.

Your body jolts when his fingers slide inside you without warning replacing the vibrations. A gasp escapes your lips, your back arching as pleasure spikes through you. His fingers thrust deeper, faster, each stroke precise and maddeningly effective. The rhythm he sets sends waves of pleasure crashing over you, pulling you closer to release. You feel yourself tightening around him, every movement driving you closer and closer. And then, just as you’re about to unravel completely, he stops.

His fingers leave you empty, aching, desperate. Before you can even protest, he brings them to his mouth, his tongue sweeping over his fingers to taste you. His eyes gleam with satisfaction as he licks them clean, savoring every second of your helpless frustration.

He glances at his watch, the smirk on his lips cutting through your haze. "Oh, look at that—lunch is over. Better get back in there, agent."

Without another word, he opens the car door and steps out, leaving you breathless, trembling, and yearning for more as he strides away like nothing just happened.

The next morning, you arrive at the office earlier than usual, your frustration still simmering from how Peña left you high and dry the day before. Scanning his office from your desk, you note it’s still empty. You settle at your computer, trying to focus on work, but the irritation gnaws at you.

When he finally walks into his office, you pause, considering if confronting him is really a good idea. Then you remember the way he left you wanting yesterday, and resolve steels your spine.

Once you’re sure he’s alone, you stride to his office, closing the door firmly behind you and locking it with a deliberate click. The sound makes him glance up from the papers he’s working on. His eyebrows lift in mild surprise as he sees you. “Can I help you, agent?”

You don’t respond immediately. Instead, you walk up to his desk, fixing him with a stern glare. One hand presses against the clutter of paperwork, steadying you, while the other gestures for him to come closer.

He hesitates but complies, leaning forward just enough for you to grab his tie. You yank him toward you, bringing his face mere inches from yours. In a low, dangerous whisper, you let your irritation bleed through:

“If you ever fucking edge me like that again, I’ll report you for breaking into my vehicle, Agent Peña. Maybe this time, you’ll do better.”

Releasing him, you step back, smoothing your expression to one of cold indifference. Without another word, you place a small black box on his desk, turn on your heel, and leave his office. You return to your desk, seamlessly slipping back into your work as though nothing just happened.

Inside his office, Javier sits back in his chair, adjusting his shirt with an unreadable expression. His gaze lingers on the box you left behind. He picks it up and flips it open, revealing a small, pink, oval-shaped controller with simple directional commands: up, down, left, and right.

At first, he frowns, puzzled. Then he notices the folded piece of white paper tucked inside. Opening it, his eyes scan the words written in your unmistakable handwriting:

This controls the vibrator currently in my pussy. Edge me to your heart’s content, but if you don’t finish me by the end of the day, I’m reporting you for touching my ass in the conference room.

Javier smirks as he places the box and note in his desk drawer, slipping the controller into the right pocket of his DEA jacket. He doesn’t turn it on yet—he’s waiting. This little game the two of you are playing amuses him, and he knows there’s another meeting scheduled today. All he has to do is bide his time.

When everyone gathers in the conference room and takes their seats, the meeting begins. It’s not remotely important—just some pointless presentation from personnel management. Javi positions himself near the back of the room, leaning casually by the coffee pot. You, on the other hand, are seated near the front, far from him.

You try to focus, your pen tapping lightly on the notepad in front of you, but it’s impossible. This is, without a doubt, the most useless meeting you’ve ever attended. Your gaze wanders across the room, scanning faces aimlessly until your eyes land on Javi’s.

He’s already looking at you, his dark eyes filled with mischief. A smirk tugs at his lips, and he winks before raising his brows suggestively. His hand dips into his pocket, and he nods slightly, drawing your attention to the movement.

It takes you a second to piece it together, but when you do, your eyes widen in realization. He’s going to use the controller—here, in the middle of a meeting, surrounded by nearly every colleague you have.

Your heart races as you shoot him a sharp look, pursing your lips in a silent plea. You shake your head subtly, trying to convey, No, what the hell are you thinking?

But before you can finish the thought, your body betrays you. A sudden, uncontrollable jolt runs through you as the vibrations hit, intense and overwhelming. You grip the arms of the black leather chair, your lips parting in a silent gasp as the sensation floods through you, heat pooling low in your stomach.

Javi’s smirk deepens from across the room, his gaze fixed on you as if daring you to keep your composure.

That fucking bastard. That fucking beautiful bastard.

Your gaze locks with his, and he lifts a single finger to his lips, signaling for you to stay silent with a teasing "shhh." Your breath hitches as you try to compose yourself, the relentless vibrations from the hidden toy driving you to the brink. Closing your eyes for a moment, you fight to keep your expression neutral, but your lips part involuntarily as your climax builds.

You’re soaked, your underwear and the chair beneath you bearing the evidence of your struggle. The need to release is overwhelming, the sensation climbing higher and higher. Suddenly, a gasp escapes you, your hands gripping the arms of the chair to ground yourself. The sound draws the attention of everyone in the room, and every pair of eyes turns your way.

“Agent, are you okay? Something you’d like to share?” the coordinator asks, raising an eyebrow at you.

“Maybe you’re coming down with something,” Javi adds, his voice laced with false concern. His lips twitch as he fights back a smirk, his hand slipping subtly into his pocket. He presses the controller, ramping up the intensity.

The sudden surge of vibrations makes you jump in your leather chair, your whole body jolting with adrenaline. “No, I—I’m fine,” you stammer, voice shaky as you desperately try to suppress a moan. “Just… tired. S-sorry.”

The coordinator studies you for a moment, then nods. “Alright. If everyone’s ready, let’s continue.” The room finally shifts its focus back to the presentation.

Your chest heaves as you dig your nails into the chair’s arms, eyes squeezed shut. The vibrations grow impossibly stronger, and you know Javi is enjoying this far too much. He sits there like he owns the room, his posture relaxed, his expression smug. The sight of him only fuels your frustration.

Just as the peak feels inevitable, the vibrations stop.

The silence in your body is deafening, leaving you reeling from the sudden absence. You whip your head toward him, your glare is full of unspoken threats. He meets your gaze, shrugs casually, and smirks—that infuriating, half-cocked smirk that makes you want to both slap him and kiss him senseless.

He’s winning this game, and you hate how much you love it.

The meeting finally wraps up, and you return to your desk, finding it just as empty and uninspiring as before. You try to focus on your laptop screen, willing yourself to concentrate, but it’s a losing battle. All you can think about is Javier—and how badly you want him to touch you, to finish you.

Without a second thought, you stand and head straight for his office. The urgency in your steps gives you no time for decorum; you push the door open without knocking and slam it shut behind you.

Javier looks up, one brow arching in surprise. “What’s wrong?”

You plant your hands on your hips, frustration seeping through your voice. “You did it again.”

His lips curl into a slow, knowing smile. “Did what?”

“Don’t play dumb, Peña.” You extend one hand toward him, the other still fixed on your hip. “Give me back the controller. I can’t do this anymore. I can’t fucking concentrate.”

“Oh, this?” he asks, holding up the remote. His smirk deepens as he flicks the device back on. The sudden vibration against your core sends a jolt through you, and your hands dart out to brace yourself against his desk.

“So, you really want me to stop?” he drawls, standing from his chair with deliberate slowness. “Or maybe you’d rather I give you the real thing? You tell me, sweetheart—what do you want?”

His voice is low and teasing as he approaches, his towering frame closing the distance between you. He places his hands on the desk, as you turn around to follow his movements, caging you in. You try to hold his gaze, but the intensity is too much. After a few seconds, your eyes flutter shut.

“Please…” you whisper, your voice trembling.

“Please what?” he murmurs, his breath warm against your ear as he brushes a stray strand of hair from your face.

Your resolve shatters as his lips hover close to yours. “Stop…” you manage to mumble weakly, even as your arms reach up, wrapping around his neck to pull him closer.

Javier’s hands grip you, firm and possessive, as his mouth captures yours in a heated kiss. The vibrator’s hum fades into the background as his tongue slips past your lips, exploring you with unrestrained hunger. Your thoughts dissolve, replaced by the overwhelming sensation of his touch and the euphoria of his kiss.

When he finally pulls away, he gives you a smirk so devastating it leaves you breathless. His hand trails on your thighs, teasing at the hem of your skirt.

“Javi,” you plead.

Instead of replying, his fingers slip beneath your panties, pushing the fabric aside. He pulls the still-buzzing vibrator from you with a deliberate slowness, your slickness coating his fingers. Tossing it carelessly onto some paperwork, he lifts you onto the edge of the desk. His dark eyes meet yours, filled with a hunger that makes your pulse race.

With practised ease, he pushes your skirt up to your hips and hooks his fingers under the waistband of your panties, sliding them down and tossing them aside. The cool air against your bare skin sends a shiver through you.

Before you can truly process what’s happening, Javier helps you down and spins you around, pressing your chest down against the desk. His firm grip pins your wrists behind your back. The sensation makes you moan.

“You just can’t keep that pretty little mouth shut, can you?” he taunts, his voice dripping with mockery. Reaching around, he stuffs your damp panties into your mouth, silencing any reply.

The metallic clink of his belt buckle hitting the floor echoes in the room, followed by the low rasp of his zipper. Your heart pounds as you feel his hands gripping your hips, pulling you back toward him.

Javier leans down, his breath hot against your ear. “Think you can be quiet now? Or do I need to remind you how to behave, mi niña buena?”

His question hangs in the air as your muffled whimper escapes through the gag. Behind you, his cock presses against you, and the anticipation coils tightly in your stomach, ready to snap.

You nod eagerly as the wet fabric is pulled from your mouth. He grabs your arm, helping you up, then points to the ground. “On your knees.”

You obey without hesitation, sinking down as he steps closer. His cock is in your mouth again in an instant, stretching your lips as he thrusts forward, letting out a deep grunt like he hasn’t had release in weeks—whether it’s a pussy, a mouth, or even his own hand. His grip tightens in your hair, holding you steady as he pushes deeper into your throat.

“So pretty when you’re sucking cock, tan hermosa” he rasps, his voice rough and dripping with lust.

The initial sting fades as you adjust to his size, letting him slide deeper with every thrust. His cock twitches in your throat before he suddenly pulls out, leaving you gasping on the floor. You look up at him, wide-eyed and eager, your lips glistening as you catch your breath.

He wastes no time pulling you to your feet, turning you and bending you over the desk. His hands slide down your body, one stopping between your thighs to rub your clit in slow, teasing circles. The sudden stimulation sends shocks through your body, making you shudder.

“Fuck! Please!” you beg, your voice cracking under the tension.

He doesn’t answer, instead slipping your underwear back into your mouth to muffle your cries. “No estàs siendo una niña buena, tienes que estar callada, bebé,” he murmurs, his tone dark but calm.

Without warning, he slams into you, stretching you wide as his cock fills you completely. The muffled sound you make is a mix of pain and pleasure, your body clenching around him as you struggle to adjust to his size. His hips drive forward relentlessly, each thrust pressing deeper until the ache melts into pure bliss.

Your fingers grip the edge of the desk as waves of pleasure roll through you. His cock feels impossibly thick inside you, and every stroke makes your legs tremble beneath his weight. He notices, leaning down close to your ear.

“Come on, baby.” he whispers, his breath hot against your skin. “I know how badly you want to cum all over my cock.”

His words push you over the edge. Your body spasms as your orgasm hits, goosebumps prickling along your skin. A muffled moan escapes you as you tighten around him, trembling uncontrollably as the intensity consumes you.

He doesn’t stop. His thrusts grow harder and faster, driving deep into you as his own climax builds. The desk creaks under the force, and your body feels like it might give out, soaked in your own release. His growls turn guttural, animalistic, as his cock twitches violently inside you.

With one final thrust, he spills into you, hot and thick, his grip bruising as he holds you close. His hips slow, his body shuddering as he rides out his release, his breath ragged against your neck.

After a moment, he drops your arms, letting them fall limply to your sides. You slide down to your knees, your back leaning against the desk as you pant, trying to steady yourself.

He crouches in front of you, his hand cupping your face. Tilting your chin up, he makes you meet his gaze, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

“I’ll see you tomorrow for lunch,” he says, his voice low and teasing.

He presses a chaste kiss to your cheek before standing, adjusting his clothes as if nothing happened. Without another word, he strides out of the office, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving you breathless and spent on the floor.

[tagbintech]

Immersive Technologies in Business Transformation: How AR, VR, and MR Revolutionize Industries

In today's digital-first world, immersive technologies in business transformation are not just a trend—they're a necessity. Innovations such as Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) are reshaping industries by enhancing operations, streamlining workflows, and driving growth. This article explores how businesses leverage these technologies to achieve transformative results.

Understanding Immersive Technologies

Immersive technologies blend the physical and virtual worlds, creating interactive environments. The main types include:

Virtual Reality (VR): Fully simulated environments for training, design, and entertainment.

Augmented Reality (AR): Digital overlays on the real world, enhancing user interaction.

Mixed Reality (MR): Integration of real and virtual elements for dynamic interactivity.

Extended Reality (XR): An umbrella term for AR, VR, and MR.

These technologies drive business transformation by offering innovative solutions to complex problems.

Applications of Immersive Technologies in Business

1. Revolutionizing Customer Experiences

Retail: AR-powered apps allow customers to "try before they buy," increasing sales conversions.

Real Estate: Virtual walkthroughs save time and deliver immersive property tours.

Hospitality: Hotels use VR tours to attract guests and showcase unique experiences.

2. Transforming Employee Training

VR Training Modules: Employees in industries like healthcare and manufacturing practice complex procedures in risk-free, realistic simulations.

AR Task Assistance: AR overlays guide employees in real-time, reducing errors and boosting productivity.

3. Boosting Collaboration

Virtual Meeting Rooms: Teams from across the globe collaborate in shared VR spaces, replicating the feel of in-person meetings.

Holographic Communication: Holograms bring a human touch to remote work, increasing engagement and understanding.

4. Streamlining Product Design and Prototyping

3D Visualization: Engineers and designers test prototypes in VR before manufacturing, saving costs and resources.

Iterative Improvements: Immersive tools accelerate the design process by facilitating real-time feedback.

5. Enhancing Marketing Strategies

AR Campaigns: Interactive ads using AR captivate audiences and elevate brand recall.

VR Showcases: Virtual reality offers an immersive way to experience products or services, making campaigns unforgettable.

Industries Transforming with Immersive Technologies

1. Healthcare

VR Therapy: Treat mental health issues like anxiety and PTSD with immersive simulations.

AR in Surgery: Surgeons use AR to visualize internal structures with precision.

2. Manufacturing

Digital Twins: Real-time virtual replicas of equipment enhance monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Safety Training: VR prepares workers for hazardous tasks in a safe, controlled environment.

3. Education

Immersive Learning: AR/VR creates engaging simulations, improving comprehension and retention.

4. Entertainment

From gaming to interactive movies, immersive technologies offer unique user experiences that captivate audiences.

Advantages of Immersive Technologies in Business Transformation

Improved Productivity: Real-time collaboration and automation reduce bottlenecks.

Enhanced Customer Engagement: Immersive experiences boost loyalty and satisfaction.

Cost Efficiency: Virtual environments eliminate the need for expensive physical setups.

Global Scalability: These tools facilitate seamless operations across borders.

Faster Decision-Making: Interactive visualizations provide better insights for informed choices.

Challenges in Adopting Immersive Technologies

High Implementation Costs

While initial costs can be significant, businesses can opt for scalable solutions to minimize investment risks.

Technical Barriers

Organizations need skilled professionals to maximize the benefits of these technologies. Upskilling programs and partnerships with experts can overcome this challenge.

Data Security Concerns

As immersive technologies collect vast amounts of data, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and adopting robust cybersecurity measures is crucial.

Future Trends in Immersive Technologies for Business

The future of immersive technologies in business transformation looks promising:

AI-Driven Immersion: Artificial intelligence will create more personalized, intuitive immersive experiences.

Wider 5G Adoption: Faster networks will enable smoother, real-time AR/VR interactions.

Virtual Commerce (V-Commerce): Immersive shopping experiences will redefine e-commerce.

Cross-Industry Collaboration: Sectors like healthcare, education, and entertainment will integrate immersive tools for holistic solutions.

Businesses that adopt these technologies early will be better positioned to adapt to future market demands.

Conclusion

Immersive technologies are the cornerstone of business transformation. From enhancing customer engagement to optimizing operations, they open up a world of possibilities. By embracing AR, VR, and MR, businesses can innovate, scale, and lead in their industries. As these technologies evolve, their role in shaping a connected, immersive business landscape will only grow. The time to invest in immersive technologies is now—don’t just witness the future, be a part of it.

[fishymom-art]

I genuinely love this AU and the last comic so much and it's actually so good to see

To Corrupt Vanilla. Oh the man is going through a lot. At first everything begin from a good intention a will to genuinely extend an hand to those who are in a need of help but why is everything coming to crashing down upon him ? Oh pure vanilla is no strangers of disaster. Upon all his years of living he had seen it play countless of time and even though him and the other ancient were there to put an end to this dark era it cookiestory but eventually the cycles repeat. Upon the truth of discover who dark enchantress cookie was he lost everything his life and memory but most importantly his kingdom all the cookies who was there. All the friend he has made. The patient he had heal. The young cookie he might had try to learn magic and technology. All of them are gone now. Everything and everyone is gone. You might say that strawberry crepes is the last renmant of this era but they barely have any memories of this time so no one can truly morn with him. He had lost his entire life ! The resolution of dark cacao cookie so admirable yet so dangerous. His resolutions conduct him to close his heart to emprison himself within the darkness and to treat his subject like this. Deprive them of sweets in order to focus on keeping their walls up. And even though he never meant any harm he had drove away all the cookies that used to be close to him. The passion of hollybery so vibrant and beautiful yet it is flawed. Despite all of her energy her passion can break vanish. And it is so painful. Leading her to leave those she had loved so much. Giving up on watching her grand daughters grow feeling unworthy of everything and it hurts. Nobody can see it but she suffers as well and she will never really express it. The abundance of golden cheese is what gave her the opportunity to create a kingdom so peaceful. An idealistic empire but abundance can give you so much until it drains. Before she knows it her kingdom, her entire kingdom was no more. And she could not face this reality. And last but not least the freedom of white lily. A precious thing indeed but is it worth the sacrifice of everything else ? The freedom of white lily had lead to obsession and hurt many in his wake. Her freedom feeds on the many freedoms her action led to destroy. All imperfect. Incomplete. Flawed

Its sadenning and worst he can relate. He is an empathetic cookie and he can feel all of their pain and understand. But he is different. He had the volition that will make all his dreams real, the power to create a change that will offer all cookie Happiness, there will be no more war now that everyone will be loyal to a same entity. And he has the knowledge on how to make it happen and create real and eternal quiet. Looking at the four puppeted ancient that will now stay by his side through thick and thin, isn't it better no more doubt , no more pain or grief, no more tortuous thought. Nothing can hurt them anymore. Isn't it peaceful ? They agree from now on in them there would be nothing but Eternal Peace

DID YOU JUST WRITE A GODDAMN FANFIC???? /POS

that was so fun to read, i love it aeiruhglaeiurhg

[n1pp]

A Guide to Disconnecting With a Digital Detox Challenge

In our hyper-connected world, smartphones and other devices have become extensions of ourselves. Although convenient, there are times when it’s beneficial to disconnect and go on a digital detox challenge

While the internet has revolutionized the way we live, work, and play, it has also led to an increase in digital dependency, distracting us from paying attention, disrupting our sleep patterns, and affecting our mental health. A digital detox challenge offers a structured way to break free from digital dependency, re-evaluate our relationship with technology, and rediscover the joy of living in the present.

The Pitfalls of Hyper-Connectivity

In the age of digital abundance, hyper-connectivity and the incessant consumption of digital content have become pervasive, shaping behaviors and influencing mental health in profound ways. Although there are many benefits of being connected online, it’s also important to understand the issues and recognize the need for a balanced digital diet.

Hyper-connectivity refers to the state of being constantly connected to devices and the internet, making it virtually impossible to disconnect. While it offers unparalleled access to information and socialization, it also causes many challenges:

Information Overload: Constant exposure to a stream of information can overwhelm the brain, making it difficult to process information effectively and leading to decision fatigue.

Decreased Productivity: The myth of multitasking on digital platforms can actually hamper productivity, as the brain switches between tasks, reducing efficiency and increasing mistakes.

Emotional Exhaustion: The need to be always available and responsive on various communication platforms can lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion.

Overconsumption of Content

The digital world offers an infinite stream of content, from news and entertainment to social media updates. Overconsumption of this content can have several negative impacts

Attention Span: Continuous scrolling and content consumption can reduce the ability to focus on a single task for extended periods, affecting learning and comprehension.

Echo Chambers: Algorithms designed to show users content that aligns with their views can create echo chambers, limiting exposure to diverse perspectives and contributing to social polarization.

Addictive Behaviors: The design of many platforms, aimed at maximizing user engagement, can lead to addictive patterns of behavior, making it difficult for individuals to limit usage.

Influence of Social Media

While social media has transformed the way we connect and share with others, its overuse has been linked to several negative outcomes

Mental Health: Excessive social media use has been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression, and loneliness, particularly among adolescents and young adults.

Distorted Reality: Social media platforms often portray idealized versions of life, leading to unhealthy comparisons and feelings of inadequacy or jealousy.

Sleep Disruption: The use of social media before bedtime can interfere with sleep quality, due to both the stimulating effects of screen light and the emotional engagement with content.

The Benefits of a Digital Detox

A digital detox involves a period during which a person refrains from using tech devices such as smartphones, computers, and social media platforms. The goal is to reduce stress, focus on social interactions in the physical world, and engage more deeply with the immediate environment.

Mental Health: Constant notifications and the pressure to be always "on" can lead to anxiety and stress. Disconnecting helps in reducing these symptoms, enhancing overall emotional well-being.

Enhanced Focus: Without the constant distractions of digital devices, you can focus better on tasks, leading to improved productivity and efficiency in both personal and professional endeavors.

Better Sleep: Screen time, especially before bed, can interfere with sleep quality. A digital detox can help normalize sleep patterns, leading to more restful and restorative sleep.

Improved Relations: Spending less time on devices allows more time for face-to-face interactions, strengthening relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.

Increased Creativity: Stepping away from digital screens provides the mental space to think more deeply and creatively, fostering new ideas and solutions to problems.

Enhanced Wellness: Reducing screen time can encourage self-care and inspire a more healthy lifestyle, especially decreasing the risks associated with sedentary living.

More Gratitude: Disconnecting from the digital world helps in cultivating a greater appreciation for the little things in life, enhancing mindfulness and gratitude for the present moment.

Higher Self-Esteem: Social media can often lead to comparisons that affect self-esteem negatively. A detox can help in breaking this cycle, improving confidence and happiness.

Reduced Dependency: Taking regular breaks from digital devices helps in reducing dependency, making it easier to enjoy downtime without feeling the need to check in online.

Enhanced Privacy: Stepping back from online spaces can also protect personal privacy by reducing the amount of personal information shared on the internet, decreasing exposure to potential data breaches and privacy invasions.

Plan Your Digital Detox Challenge

SET CLEAR GOALS

Begin by defining what you want to achieve with your digital detox. Is it to reduce stress, improve sleep, or spend more time with loved ones? Having clear goals will help guide your process.

START SMALL

If the idea of completely disconnecting feels overwhelming, start small. Designate certain times of the day as tech-free, such as during meals or an hour before bed.

INFORM YOUR CIRCLE

Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your digital detox challenge. This helps set expectations and reduces the anxiety of missing out.

REMOVE TEMPTATIONS

Uninstall social media apps or use tools to limit your screen time. The less accessible your devices are, the easier it will be to resist the temptation.

PLAN ALTERNATIVES

Identify activities to fill the time you would typically spend on devices. Whether it's reading a book or hosting a dinner party, find something that enriches you.

During the Digital Detox Challenge

EMBRACE BOREDOM

Boredom sparks creativity and self-reflection. Allow yourself to feel bored without reaching for your phone as an easy escape.

ENGAGE IN MINDFULNESS

Use this time to engage in activities that require your full attention and presence, such as meditation, cooking, or gardening.

CONNECT WITH NATURE

Spending time in nature can have a profound effect on your mental and physical well-being. Take walks, go for hikes, or simply spend time in a local park.

REFLECT AND JOURNAL

Use this period to reflect on your relationship with technology. Consider keeping a journal to document your experiences, thoughts, and feelings.

After the Digital Detox Challenge

EVALUATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

After completing your digital detox, take time to evaluate the experience. What did you learn? What habits do you want to change moving forward?

SET NEW BOUNDARIES

Based on your detox experience, set new boundaries for your digital device use. This might include designated tech-free times or days, limiting social media use, or turning off notifications.

ENHANCE YOUR ROUTINE

Make digital detoxing a part of your daily routine. Regularly unplugging, even if just for a few hours, can help maintain the benefits of your detox.

The challenges posed by hyper-connectivity, overconsumption of content, and excessive social media use highlight the importance of digital detoxes and mindful engagement with technology. By recognizing these issues and taking proactive steps to manage our digital consumption, we can mitigate the negative impacts on our mental health, productivity, and personal relationships.

[nasa]

Commander Callie Continues Moon Mission in NASA’s Second Graphic Novel

You followed fictional astronaut, Callie Rodriguez, on her journey to the Moon in our First Woman graphic novel, “Issue No. 1: From Dream to Reality.”

In the brand new “Issue No. 2: Expanding our Universe,” find out how Callie and her robotic sidekick RT escape the lunar lava tunnel and what challenges await them on the lunar surface.

See Callie and her new crewmates work together as a team and navigate the unexpected as they take on a challenging mission to deploy a next-generation telescope on the far side of the Moon. Now available digitally in English at nasa.gov/CallieFirst and in Spanish at nasa.gov/PrimeraMujer!

Along with the new chapter, the First Woman app – available in the Apple and Google Play stores – has been updated with new immersive, extended reality content. Explore the lunar surface and learn about the real technologies we’re building to make living and working on the Moon – and eventually, Mars – possible.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

A disgustingly economic discussion that is far more clear about the realities of covid than what our governments are telling us

“There is a huge delusion at the moment that COVID is over and when we talk about it, we say ‘when the pandemic happened’ but actually it is still happening,” he said. “So, insurance companies need to be very conscious of that and to be thinking ahead. Swiss Re has a powerful role across the market to make sure that this is being thought about. “In our view, there are a range of scenarios, but most of them anticipate a return to normality in five to 10 years, depending on your level of optimism. And we think that because of the other more fundamental movements happening around cancer, lifestyle risk and eventually Alzheimer's, to name the three biggest ones, that mortality improvements will also return over the longer term.”

By Mia Wallace

“COVID-19 is far from over.”

A recent Swiss Re report suggested potential excess mortality in the general population of up to 3% in the US and 2.5% in the UK by 2033 in a pessimistic scenario, highlighting the lingering impact of COVID-19 – both as a direct cause of death and as a contributor to cardiovascular mortality.

Discussing the report with Re-Insurance Business, Paul Murray (pictured), CEO of L&H Reinsurance at Swiss Re, outlined some of the key ageing and mortality trends shaping the life and health reinsurance market today. “Of course, we saw excess mortality when we were locked down and experiencing the pandemic but now we’ve returned to normal life, we think it’s over and it’s not. People are still getting ill with the COVID infection and they’re still dying.”

The debate for the market now is how long that trend is likely to continue, and whether its impact will fade over time – with Swiss Re’s recent report offering multiple scenarios into the reinsurance giant’s viewpoint on that question. Top of mind is understanding the key factors driving future mortality trends and changing life expectancy statistics – and how these influencing factors may change going forward.

What are the top trends driving future mortality trends? Pinpointing some of the key considerations driving future mortality trends, Murray underscored the need to look at historical data. “The headline for me is always that there has been a phenomenal period of mortality improvements, of life expectancy extending. This is probably one of the biggest social transformations that the human race has been through.

“One of the main drivers of that has been cardiovascular improvements. Smoking cessation helped a lot towards that in the 20th century and is continuing now as well. There’s also new technology that enables low-intervention cardiovascular surgery, like stents. We’ve shifted from a lot of surgery having to be open-heart and high-risk in an operating theatre to in-and-out in a day with injected stents. It has been completely transformational.”

Where do medical advances go next? The ”plumbing” of the human body and the way it’s protected and healed by modern medicine has been largely optimised, he said, but now some of the benefits of that is starting to level off. Looking to the future, he sees that there is still the potential for some further improvements as a factor driving increased life expectancy, particularly amid improving access to information and education about healthy living choices – and improving intervention techniques.

“When we look forward, I anticipate the area where we have the best chance of improvements is on the cancer side,” he said. “Comparatively to cardiovascular risk, improvements to cancer treatments have been relatively low in the past. Of course, it’s very complex as 'cancer' is a bucket term which combines 200-plus types, but we are seeing some very promising technologies emerging here that will help address that.

“Take mRNA vaccines, for instance, which are not new but became very prominent in the pandemic, specifically as it helped us develop vaccines very quickly. mRNA capabilities, combined with immunotherapy, are currently in trials, and showing very significant improvements in outcomes for cancer patients in specific causes. And we've only really started scratching the surface of that. Looking 10-to-30 years out, which is the duration we have to think about as life insurers, we think that’s a prominent contributor to future improvement.”

Alzheimer's is another pressing area for consideration, he said, as, with people generally living longer, this is becoming a much more significant risk. Due to a myriad of reasons, more people than ever are living with Alzheimer’s today and society is being increasingly challenged to deal with it and to support those living with the disease. “Again, improvements in dealing with Alzheimer's historically have not been that great, and I think this is one area where there's the potential for a meaningful breakthrough, and we're starting to see some signs of that in scientific research.”

Understanding the impact of lifestyle factors on future mortality trends An interesting element shaping discourse in the life and health reinsurance market is the question of the impact of lifestyle factors on future mortality trends. Murray noted that if you characterize overall mortality rates into lifestyle or non-communicable diseases, between 30-40% of mortality is driven by lifestyle choices – including such factors as what you eat, whether you smoke, whether you exercise, how much sugar you eat, and how you manage your stress.

The insured population are typically quite happy to engage with that, he said, and Swiss Re is seeing improvement on those metrics, but there remain large swathes of the overall population who don’t engage in that conversation. As more data emerges over time, he believes the market will start to see stronger connections between activity and outcomes which, in turn, will help it to drive better results.

“An interesting area here is diabetes and Swiss Re is taking a leadership position on this globally,” he said. “We regularly engage with policymakers around the world – with doctors and thinkers on nutrition and food policy in particular – to [highlight] how your diet has a big impact on your health, but also to assess whether the current advice is appropriate for the future.

“Obesity and diabetes continue to increase. That debate has a long way to go, but if it continues to evolve positively, it will have a positive impact on mortality.”

Poor metabolic health drives obesity and diabetes, which are offsetting previous advances made by treating cardiovascular diseases and smoking cessation. The emergence of GLP-1/GIP weight loss injectables has shown early promise in reducing weight and improving baseline clinical risk factors, when combined with long-term lifestyle alterations. Although long-term data doesn’t yet exist on the impact of GLP-1 drugs, in the short term these medications are showing positive results in reducing all-causes, and specifically cardiovascular mortality. In addition, the drugs appear to positively affect a range of other conditions such as cancer, liver and kidney diseases, and even neurodegenerative diseases.

When will excess mortality return to pre-pandemic levels? Underpinning the broader conversation is the big question on the minds of many across the life and health reinsurance market – when, or if, excess mortality will return to pre-pandemic levels. Swiss Re’s recent paper posited both a pessimistic and an optimistic scenario because its role is not to say what will happen, but rather to encourage people to think about the tail risk of the COVID crisis and how it might play out.

“There is a huge delusion at the moment that COVID is over and when we talk about it, we say ‘when the pandemic happened’ but actually it is still happening,” he said. “So, insurance companies need to be very conscious of that and to be thinking ahead. Swiss Re has a powerful role across the market to make sure that this is being thought about.

“In our view, there are a range of scenarios, but most of them anticipate a return to normality in five to 10 years, depending on your level of optimism. And we think that because of the other more fundamental movements happening around cancer, lifestyle risk and eventually Alzheimer's, to name the three biggest ones, that mortality improvements will also return over the longer term.”

Study link: www.swissre.com/institute/research/topics-and-risk-dialogues/health-and-longevity/covid-19-pandemic-synonymous-excess-mortality.html