#Mortgage Tech Stack

[imggloba]

Real Estate Innovation in Dubai: Complete App Development Guide

Dubai's real estate sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation, fueled by rapid technological advancements and the growing demand for digital solutions. From virtual tours and blockchain transactions to AI-driven property recommendations, the real estate market in Dubai is now powered by innovative mobile and web applications. For real estate companies, agents, and investors, building a smart, user-friendly real estate app is no longer a luxury—it's a strategic necessity.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down how to build a powerful real estate app tailored for Dubai’s dynamic market, highlight the latest innovations, and discuss essential features, tech stacks, and development costs. If you’re looking to turn your idea into a profitable app, IMG Global Infotech is your ideal partner, offering end-to-end real estate app development services in Dubai and globally.

Why Dubai is Leading in Real Estate Innovation

Dubai has always positioned itself at the forefront of innovation. Its real estate market mirrors that ambition by embracing:

Smart City initiatives promoting digitization.

A growing expat population seeking efficient property solutions.

High mobile penetration and digital literacy.

Government support for proptech startups.

The result? A booming ecosystem where real estate apps can thrive, provided they are tailored to the region's expectations.

Types of Real Estate Apps Gaining Popularity in Dubai

Before you dive into development, it’s vital to understand the different types of real estate apps making waves in Dubai:

Property Listing Platforms – Apps like Bayut and Property Finder allow users to browse and filter listings by type, price, and location.

Brokerage Management Apps – Used by agents to manage leads, showings, and sales processes.

Rental Apps – Focused solely on long-term and short-term rentals (including holiday rentals).

Virtual Tour Apps – Offer AR/VR-based tours, especially useful for off-plan properties.

Investment Platforms – Cater to real estate investors looking for ROI insights, forecasts, and secure digital transactions.

Core Features for Real Estate Apps in Dubai

To compete in Dubai’s tech-forward environment, your real estate app should include:

Advanced Search Filters (location, type, size, price)

Interactive Maps Integration with nearby amenities

High-Resolution Media Uploads (photos, 360° videos, VR tours)

Multilingual Support (English, Arabic, Russian)

AI-Powered Recommendations based on user behavior

Secure User Authentication & Profiles

In-App Chat with Agents

Real-Time Notifications

Mortgage Calculators

Property Valuation Tools

Admin Dashboard for agents, brokers, or developers

At IMG Global Infotech, we specialize in building feature-rich real estate apps that integrate cutting-edge functionalities while remaining user-friendly and visually stunning.

Tech Stack for Real Estate App Development

Choosing the right technology stack is crucial for building a scalable, secure, and responsive app. Here's a recommended tech stack:

Frontend: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform compatibility

Backend: Node.js or Django for speed and flexibility

Database: PostgreSQL or MongoDB

APIs: Google Maps, payment gateways, CRM integrations

AI/ML Tools: TensorFlow, Dialogflow for smart search and chatbots

AR/VR: Unity or Vuforia for virtual property tours

IMG Global Infotech ensures that the most modern and efficient technologies are selected according to your specific business goals.

Development Stages and Timeline

The process of developing a real estate app typically follows these steps:

Discovery & Planning – Market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and feature outlining (1–2 weeks)

UI/UX Design – Creating user journeys, wireframes, and prototypes (2–3 weeks)

Backend & Frontend Development – Coding core functionalities, APIs, and databases (6–10 weeks)

Testing & QA – Bug fixing, load testing, and performance optimization (2 weeks)

Launch & Deployment – Publishing on iOS and Android stores, post-launch support

Total estimated timeline: 3–4 months, depending on app complexity.

Estimated Cost of Building a Real Estate App in Dubai

Development costs vary based on app features, platforms, and custom integrations. Here’s a general breakdown:

App Type

Estimated Cost (USD)

Basic Property Listing App

$10,000 – $20,000

Advanced Multi-Feature App

$25,000 – $50,000+

AR/VR-Integrated Platform

$50,000 – $80,000+

Working with IMG Global Infotech, you receive transparent pricing, milestone-based billing, and premium-quality development at globally competitive rates.

How Can IMG Global Infotech Help?

IMG Global Infotech stands out as a trusted real estate app development company with:

10+ years of industry experience

A team of certified developers and designers

Proven success in building apps for the Dubai and GCC real estate markets

Commitment to innovation, security, and scalability

End-to-end support from idea validation to post-launch maintenance

Whether you’re a startup, brokerage, or enterprise developer, we build solutions that align with your vision and market needs.

To Wrap It Up

Dubai’s real estate market is ripe for digital disruption, and the right app can give your business a significant competitive edge. From AR-enabled virtual tours to AI-powered property suggestions, today’s innovations are reshaping how people buy, sell, and rent properties in the city.

With a trusted tech partner like IMG Global Infotech, you can turn your real estate app idea into a powerful, revenue-generating product that stands out in Dubai’s digital skyline.

Ready to build your next-gen real estate app? Let’s make it happen.

[sajitoolitems]

10 Latest Cool Gadgets That Will Change Your Day to day Routine

In the present quick moving world, contraptions have turned into a fundamental piece of our lives. From working on errands to adding accommodation, the most recent cool contraptions are intended to improve our everyday schedules in creative ways. Here is a rundown of the main 10 devices that are moving as well as ensured to change your way of life.

Brilliant Glasses with Expanded Reality (AR)

These brilliant glasses are not simply eyewear; they are a window to what's in store. Outfitted with increased reality innovation, they show data, route, and even notices just before your eyes. Ideal for multitaskers, these new contraptions are ideal for both individual and expert use.

Catchphrases: most recent cool devices, new contraptions.

Remote Accusing Stack of Multi-Gadget Backing

Gone are the times of tangled wires. The most recent remote charging cushions can charge different gadgets on the double, including cell phones, smartwatches, and miniature headphones. Their smooth plan makes them a high priority contraption for anybody looking for comfort and style.

Catchphrases: remote devices, cool contraptions.

Compact Smaller than expected Projectors

Change any space into an individual film with compact smaller than expected projectors. These conservative gadgets are lightweight, simple to set up, and offer staggering HD visuals. Whether it's a film night or a business show, this device is a distinct advantage.

Watchwords: most recent cool contraptions, convenient devices.

Savvy Home Surveillance Cameras

Guarantee your home's wellbeing with cutting edge savvy surveillance cameras. Including movement location, night vision, and cell phone joining, these gadgets offer inner harmony and constant alarms, making them a fundamental device for mortgage holders.

Catchphrases: brilliant devices, new contraptions.

Self-Cleaning Water Containers

Remain hydrated and sound with self-cleaning water bottles. Utilizing UV-C light innovation, these jugs kill 99.9% of microscopic organisms and infections, guarding your water new and.

Watchwords: cool contraptions, inventive devices.

Commotion Dropping Remote Headphones

Drench yourself in music or accept calls without interruptions utilizing commotion dropping remote headphones. With long battery duration and completely clear sound quality, these devices are ideally suited for movement, work, and exercises.

Watchwords: cool contraptions, remote devices.

Shrewd Wearable Wellness Trackers

Track your wellbeing and wellness objectives with the most recent wearable gadgets. These wellness trackers screen your pulse, steps, rest, and the sky is the limit from there. They are your definitive ally for driving a better way of life.

Watchwords: brilliant devices, most recent contraptions.

Programmed Vacuum Cleaners

Express farewell to drawn-out cleaning errands with programmed vacuum cleaners. These mechanical contraptions explore your home, clean productively, and even re-visitation of their charging docks consequently.

Watchwords: new devices, cool home contraptions.

Savvy Work area Lights with Remote Charging

Join usefulness with style utilizing savvy work area lights. These lights give movable lighting as well as element remote charging cushions for your gadgets, making them ideal for work areas.

Catchphrases: brilliant contraptions, cool devices.

Compact Sun powered Chargers

Remain fueled up anyplace with versatile sunlight based chargers. These eco-accommodating gadgets saddle sun powered energy to charge your contraptions, making them ideal for explorers and outside aficionados.

Watchwords: inventive contraptions, convenient devices.

End

The most recent cool devices are intended to make life simpler, more agreeable, and more useful. Whether you're overhauling your tech assortment or searching for imaginative answers for regular issues, these devices merit the venture. Embrace the future with these new contraptions and change your day to day daily schedule.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Navanc, India’s first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance, integrates advanced AI, IoT, and Blockchain for secure transactions. The funds will support expansion across Tier 1–4 cities and enhance its AI capabilities with Generative AI and Computer Vision models. So far, Inflection Point Ventures has invested over INR 790 Cr across 210+ startups.   Navanc, a pioneering FinTech startup building India’s first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance practices, has successfully raised USD 1 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Prarambh Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Brigade REAP FirstPort Capital, and marquee angel investors   (L) Byom Kesh Jha, CT&DO, (R) Nagachethan S M, CEO; Co-founders, Navanc The funds will be directed toward expanding operations across India, with a focus on strengthening Navanc's presence in urban and semi-urban areas. Additionally, the startup will bolster its AI FinTech capabilities by incorporating Generative AI and Computer Vision models to further its vision of becoming India’s first Property Credit Score and Stack provider. Navanc was founded by Nagachethan S M, CEO, and Byom Kesh Jha, CT&DO, in 2021. With a strong background in technology and finance, Nagachethan leads Navanc’s vision and strategy, driving innovation in the BFSI segment. A seasoned data science professional, Byom oversees Navanc’s Technology and Data Science, ensuring seamless execution of its AI and Tech goals. Mr Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, ”Banks, NBFCs, HFCs all face the same challenges in mortgage and property assessment: inconsistent and time-consuming property valuations, lacking both transparency and data to build trust. By providing precise & scalable property valuation, transparency and reliability, Navanc helps every player in the industry make informed decisions based on real-time assessment, data and knowledge of legal and technical aspects. Thus reducing risks for both lenders and buyers. As investors, we are confident in Navanc’s potential to make property valuation efficient, trustworthy and data-driven.” Mr Sreenivas Ramarao, from Prarambh Venture opines, “We believe Navanc is the pioneer in delivering AI and Digital services in making the real estate transactions faster, cheaper, reliable and more accurate. We also have great confidence in the team and are fully confident of their ability to deliver user friendly products in the space.” “Brigade REAP has played a key role in refining and accelerating growth for Navanc, who have shown immense potential in revolutionizing property assessment through their innovative solutions. Navanc's strengths lie in its ability to streamline financial access for properties by integrating AI, IoT and Blockchain for secure, transparent transactions, making it a transformative player in the PropTech sector. Our association with Navanc is testament to our commitment to fostering innovation in the PropTech sector,” commented Abhay Garg, the Head of Brigade REAP. Navanc stands out as India’s first FinTech startup to introduce an AI-powered property score and stack, specifically designed for secured lending and insurance practices. Its comprehensive collateral assessment, powered by cutting-edge AI and ML models, significantly enhances credit decision-making and portfolio management for the BFSI industry. Nagachethan S M, CEO, Navanc, says, “We’re grateful for the support of our investors and excited to further our mission of revolutionizing secured lending and insurance practices in India. Our AI-powered solutions are set to make property transactions faster, more transparent, and accessible to all.” Currently operating across Tiers of cities in about 6 states, Navanc is focused on expanding its reach to all states under its Bharat Vision.

This strategic move aims to foster financial inclusion across India, transforming property lending and insurance practices nationwide. Since its inception in 2021, Navanc has developed a cutting-edge data driven technology stack that streamlines secured lending, insurance, and property management practices in the BFSI sector. Its innovative solutions significantly reduce turnaround time, enhance transparency, and facilitate improved credit decision-making and portfolio management. The Indian property lending market is poised for exponential growth, with a rapidly increasing demand for digital and AI-enabled solutions to facilitate secured transactions. About Navanc Navanc, founded in 2021 by Nagachethan S M and Byom Kesh Jha, is a FinTech innovator developing AI-driven solutions for secured lending and property assessment in the BFSI sector. With a focus on building India’s first property credit score and AI stack, Navanc is transforming the way financial institutions assess and manage collateral. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Navanc, India’s first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance, integrates advanced AI, IoT, and Blockchain for secure transactions. The funds will support expansion across Tier 1–4 cities and enhance its AI capabilities with Generative AI and Computer Vision models. So far, Inflection Point Ventures has invested over INR 790 Cr across 210+ startups.   Navanc, a pioneering FinTech startup building India’s first AI-powered property score and stack for secured lending and insurance practices, has successfully raised USD 1 million in a seed funding round. The round was led by Prarambh Ventures, with participation from Inflection Point Ventures (IPV), Brigade REAP FirstPort Capital, and marquee angel investors   (L) Byom Kesh Jha, CT&DO, (R) Nagachethan S M, CEO; Co-founders, Navanc The funds will be directed toward expanding operations across India, with a focus on strengthening Navanc's presence in urban and semi-urban areas. Additionally, the startup will bolster its AI FinTech capabilities by incorporating Generative AI and Computer Vision models to further its vision of becoming India’s first Property Credit Score and Stack provider. Navanc was founded by Nagachethan S M, CEO, and Byom Kesh Jha, CT&DO, in 2021. With a strong background in technology and finance, Nagachethan leads Navanc’s vision and strategy, driving innovation in the BFSI segment. A seasoned data science professional, Byom oversees Navanc’s Technology and Data Science, ensuring seamless execution of its AI and Tech goals. Mr Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, ”Banks, NBFCs, HFCs all face the same challenges in mortgage and property assessment: inconsistent and time-consuming property valuations, lacking both transparency and data to build trust. By providing precise & scalable property valuation, transparency and reliability, Navanc helps every player in the industry make informed decisions based on real-time assessment, data and knowledge of legal and technical aspects. Thus reducing risks for both lenders and buyers. As investors, we are confident in Navanc’s potential to make property valuation efficient, trustworthy and data-driven.” Mr Sreenivas Ramarao, from Prarambh Venture opines, “We believe Navanc is the pioneer in delivering AI and Digital services in making the real estate transactions faster, cheaper, reliable and more accurate. We also have great confidence in the team and are fully confident of their ability to deliver user friendly products in the space.” “Brigade REAP has played a key role in refining and accelerating growth for Navanc, who have shown immense potential in revolutionizing property assessment through their innovative solutions. Navanc's strengths lie in its ability to streamline financial access for properties by integrating AI, IoT and Blockchain for secure, transparent transactions, making it a transformative player in the PropTech sector. Our association with Navanc is testament to our commitment to fostering innovation in the PropTech sector,” commented Abhay Garg, the Head of Brigade REAP. Navanc stands out as India’s first FinTech startup to introduce an AI-powered property score and stack, specifically designed for secured lending and insurance practices. Its comprehensive collateral assessment, powered by cutting-edge AI and ML models, significantly enhances credit decision-making and portfolio management for the BFSI industry. Nagachethan S M, CEO, Navanc, says, “We’re grateful for the support of our investors and excited to further our mission of revolutionizing secured lending and insurance practices in India. Our AI-powered solutions are set to make property transactions faster, more transparent, and accessible to all.” Currently operating across Tiers of cities in about 6 states, Navanc is focused on expanding its reach to all states under its Bharat Vision.

This strategic move aims to foster financial inclusion across India, transforming property lending and insurance practices nationwide. Since its inception in 2021, Navanc has developed a cutting-edge data driven technology stack that streamlines secured lending, insurance, and property management practices in the BFSI sector. Its innovative solutions significantly reduce turnaround time, enhance transparency, and facilitate improved credit decision-making and portfolio management. The Indian property lending market is poised for exponential growth, with a rapidly increasing demand for digital and AI-enabled solutions to facilitate secured transactions. About Navanc Navanc, founded in 2021 by Nagachethan S M and Byom Kesh Jha, is a FinTech innovator developing AI-driven solutions for secured lending and property assessment in the BFSI sector. With a focus on building India’s first property credit score and AI stack, Navanc is transforming the way financial institutions assess and manage collateral. !function(f,b,e,v,n,t,s) if(f.fbq)return;n=f.fbq=function()n.callMethod? n.callMethod.apply(n,arguments):n.queue.push(arguments); if(!f._fbq)f._fbq=n;n.push=n;n.loaded=!0;n.version='2.0'; n.queue=[];t=b.createElement(e);t.async=!0; t.src=v;s=b.getElementsByTagName(e)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(t,s)(window,document,'script', 'https://connect.facebook.net/en_US/fbevents.js'); fbq('init', '311356416665414'); fbq('track', 'PageView'); [ad_2] Source link

[famoussandwichtyphoon]

How Does US Bank Compare to Other Major U.S. Banks?

US Bank is among America’s top banks. It’s known for reliable services and solid support. Many people choose it for its wide reach. With over 2,000 branches, it’s in many states. US Bank also offers low fees on checking accounts. This appeals to cost-conscious customers. For example, basic checking is free with a direct deposit. Unlike other big banks, US Bank has simple terms.

Their mobile app is user-friendly. Customers can check balances, pay bills, or deposit checks. Reviews show the app gets high marks. Some users, however, note occasional glitches. US Bank also has strong fraud protection. Alerts notify customers of suspicious activity. But, it’s not perfect. Sometimes alerts come too late. Overall, US Bank delivers on convenience.

Other Banks Offer Competitive Options

Other major banks like Chase or Wells Fargo have more features. Chase, for instance, has better credit cards. Their rewards programs are top-notch. Wells Fargo excels in mortgage loans. They offer tailored options for homebuyers. US Bank does not match these perks. But it holds its own in personal banking.

Bank of America, another big player, is tech-savvy. Their app offers more advanced tools. For example, AI-powered virtual assistants. US Bank’s app is simpler but effective. Citi Bank also competes well globally. They have a stronger international presence. US Bank focuses more on the domestic market. Depending on needs, other banks might suit better.

What Customers Are Saying

Customer feedback tells a mixed story. Some praise US Bank’s great customer service. They say the staff is polite and helpful. But others report slow issue resolutions. Long wait times are common in busy branches. Meanwhile, Chase users love quick online support. Their chat system resolves issues fast.

Fees and account requirements vary, too. At US Bank, avoiding fees is easier. With Wells Fargo, fees can stack up. But their account perks are richer. Many people weigh these trade-offs carefully. In the end, the “best” bank depends on priorities. Some prefer low fees and simplicity. Others value rewards and global reach.

Key Takeaway

US Bank stands strong in simplicity. For straightforward banking, it’s reliable. But other banks shine in specialized services. Exploring options ensures you find the right fit.

[brillmindz1]

What are the current trends in mobile app development for real estate in Vietnam?

The housing sector is rapidly expanding and growing at an increasing rate. Competition in the housing market is increasing, while traditional advertising and promotion of the real estate business are no longer effective.

There are multiple ways a real estate agent might profit from them; only a couple include great client service, successful internal procedures, and exact information the executives for speedy reaction times. Realtors may do this and benefit from technologies that their peers might not be aware of by using a real estate app development solution.

Around 90% of the queries for properties come through online platforms like websites and mobiles apps statistically. Agencies must monitor escalating issues without sacrificing their competitiveness as more and more real estate professionals take the digital transformation of their businesses seriously.

Also read: cost to develop an app in Dubai

Why are businesses investing in real estate app development?

An estimated 6.259 billion people use smartphones worldwide. Going digital is a crucial step to stay relevant regardless of your business, since so many people rely on their mobile devices to provide easy and rapid access to information.

The following are the principal factors for choosing land mobile application development:

• Quicker deals process: A custom-made land application or website with virtual visits, computerized document signature and transfer, and improved property search can assist specialists with accelerating their exchanges.

• Qualitative client experience: The memorable capacity searches and most loved houses, get exhaustive neighborhood data, easily access a mortgage calculator, access 3D tours, and more would be appreciated by clients.

• Computerized systems: The quicker property data section, speedy record trade, and chatbot-helped computerized answers will help agents and homebuyers the same.

• Boosts leads & conversions: First off, a good website makes it easier for potential purchasers to proceed through the property collection process without having to contact you for clarification.

Also read: Mobile App Development Cost In Dubai

Steps to create a real estate app

Since it is now so obvious about crucial features that ought to be incorporated during the real estate application development stage, we should start with the cycle.

1- Research & analysis

Look at the monetary environment, consider supply market patterns in the cluster you've picked, and gather top to bottom data on the business you intend to work in. This vital stage assists us with create  a mobile application for your real estate business that is reasonable.

It's time to carefully map out how your mobile application will be utilized from beginning to end once you've decided what it will do. Before you start developing, you may imagine your user experience using mind maps and flowcharts.

2- Choosing a tech stack

Go to the technical part of the app when the fundamental idea has been accepted and its key features have been identified. This step involves selecting the right tech stack for your real estate app. Acquiring the most information about current choices is important to succeed. There are significant data sets involved.

To avoid operating on a committed server that hosts all the data you require, utilize external information bases utilizing outsider APIs. The term "API" (application programming interface) refers to a set of guidelines for database communication. In a mobile or web application, APIs may supply data about offers for display.

3- Designing UI/UX of real estate app

An intensive handle of the end-client will be truly useful before you start developing your land application since it will help you comprehend how they search. It is vital for implement engaging UI/UX in you real estate app development process.

The real estate app should be a combination of top-level panels and detail screens, and you can simply choose from a variety of viewing choices and individual components to customize the appearance of your app's interface.

4- Integrating the features for your app

You should consider the requirements and preferences of your target market when selecting features for a real estate app. Generally, real estate app features benefit both clients and agents. Choose one category to focus on or both.

In the second scenario, you can enhance income but bear in mind that it will also raise the expense of developing a real estate mobile app. As mentioned in the above section – “Must-have features in a real estate app”, you can select all the crucial features to make your app unique and impressive.

5- Development

After receiving the design, producers of real estate apps revise the design budget. Their responsibility is to configuration each screen and build the code that intelligently associates them to make the usefulness that has been authorized operate.

Additionally, they employ the required logic and concepts to establish connections between the back end, which stores the data, and the application's front-end, which is visible to users.

Also read: How much does it cost to make Mobile app in Dubai

Cost to build a real estate app

Its intricacy will determine the overall cost. Costs for basic applications range from $25,000 to $45,000. Advanced platforms, though, can cost more than $70,000. The more the amount you pay, the more feature- rich your answer is.

Consider hiring your tech partner overseas if you're seeking the real estate app development cost that will provide you with the most value. The hourly compensation for programming developers shifts generally by area.

The typical hourly compensation for prepared developers in the US is from $100 to $200, contingent upon the area and level of experience. In Europe, prices vary as well, although they often fall between $50 to $150 per hour, with higher charges in nations like Germany and the United Kingdom.

While Asian countries continue to offer unbeatable rates ($15 to $50 per hour), Eastern Europe, which includes nations like Poland, Ukraine, and Romania, attracts companies looking for affordable software development solutions without sacrificing quality with profoundly cutthroat rates going from $25 to $80 each hour.

[toolnestseo]

[WP-Coder id="4"] Mastering the Calculator Tool: A Hands-On Guide A Quick Introduction About Calculator Alright, let's talk about a tool we've all had in our pockets at some point: the calculator. From last-minute tax calculations to that dreaded high school math exam, it's been our quiet hero. But do we really know all that this handy tool can do? Let’s break it down together. A Little Stroll Down Memory Lane: Remember those bulky devices our grandparents used? Yep, those were the early calculators! From the age-old abacus to today's sleek smartphone apps, calculators have truly been on a wild ride. Different Strokes for Different Folks: Types of Calculator The Everyday Hero: Basic Calculators Perfect for when you’re splitting the bill at a restaurant. They handle addition, subtraction, and the basics. The Brainy Bunch: Scientific Calculators For when you need a bit more horsepower. Think sin, cos, tan, and all that jazz. The Visionary: Graphing Calculators These bad boys let you visualize your data. Great for seeing how that equation actually looks on a graph. Money Talks: Financial Calculators For everyone who’s thinking about mortgages, investments, and more. Your future self might thank you for this one. Rolling Up Our Sleeves: Getting Down with Operations The Basics: Addition (+): Just like stacking apples. 2 + 2? That’s 4 apples. Subtraction (-): Like eating those apples. 4 - 2? Yep, 2 apples left. Multiplication (x): How many apples in total if you have 4 bags of 2? 8 apples, of course. Division (÷): Sharing those apples. 8 apples shared between 4 friends? 2 apples each. For the Adventurous: Dive into memory functions, play with trigonometry, or even tap into logarithms. Don’t worry; you’ll get the hang of it. The Little Nuggets: Tips to Shine Keep it Fresh: Just like you update your phone, keep your calculator updated. Know the Shortcuts: It’s like the secret menu at your favorite cafe. Safe and Sound: Save your calculations. It's always better to be safe than sorry! Wrapping It Up There we go! From its humble beginnings to its high-tech present, the calculator is more than just buttons and numbers. It's a story, a journey, and most importantly, a tool that’s got your back. Dive in, experiment, and remember - every mistake is a lesson. Happy calculating! Calculator : Everything You Were Curious About! 1. What exactly is a calculator? Think of a calculator as your handy math buddy! It's either a small device or even an app on your phone that helps you crunch numbers without breaking a sweat. 2. So, how does this math buddy work? You punch in a math problem, and voila! The calculator thinks for a split second and serves up the answer. Whether it's simple addition or a bit of trigonometry, it’s got your back. 3. Are all calculators the same? Oh no, they come in all shapes and sizes! From the basic ones that just do the simple math to the super-smart scientific and graphing types, there's a calculator for every math need. 4. Can I take my calculator to exams? Well, that's a maybe. Some exams are cool with it, especially if it's just a basic calculator. But for others, especially the fancy ones, you might need to check the rules first. 5. How do I keep my calculator happy and working? Just give it a nice spot in your bag, maybe in a protective case. Be gentle, change its batteries when it's feeling low, and oh, don't let it take a swim – water's not its friend! 6. I've got a phone. Do I need a separate calculator? Your phone probably has a basic calculator app already. But if you want to dive deep into calculations, there are tons of apps out there to help you out. 7. Are calculators always right? They're pretty spot-on most of the time. But if you're diving into super long decimals, it might round things up a bit. 8. Can a calculator help me with my shop's finances? Absolutely! While the regular ones can do the basic math, there are special financial calculators that can help you with all the money stuff.

9. What if I'm more of an online person? No worries! The internet's bursting with online calculator tools for anything and everything. Just give it a quick search. 10. Oops, I think I messed up. How do I reset my calculator? Most calculators have a little reset button. If not, there's usually a combo of keys you can press to give it a fresh start. Got more questions about calculators? Don’t be shy! They might be all about numbers, but they're not as intimidating as they seem. 😉 ( Taschenrechner , calculadora, آلة حاسبة )

[lovelyirony]

fic title: I’m falling and the sun is blinding me to your faults

i wanted to do an au of this one, so presenting: tony and rhodey, but make it villainous. i think it’d be fun! 

James Rhodes is two things, first and foremost being that he is a businessman. 

People call him a villain. He doesn’t really think he’s that villainous. 

After all, he only took over New York. He left all the other states alone, so that has to mean something. He was gracious! 

He also wouldn’t consider himself a villain because everyone who works under him gets health insurance. They don’t complain that much, although he’s gotten some about the quality of the buffet on Fridays. 

Catering companies. Hit-or-miss, you know? 

There have been a couple of companies who try to stop him. Rivals that hate that his products are better and employees are happier, for one. Those are easy to dismiss. 

SHIELD is one company who tries, and fails. Repeatedly. It would be embarrassing, but Rhodes has respect for Agents Romanov and Hill, who have been the closest to breaking into his personal office. 

- 

The player that isn’t registering on the field is Tony Stark. Perhaps because he isn’t so much of a player on the field as an existing person who just happens to be on a field. Or a building. However you would like to imagine it. 

In other universes, he walks like he owns the world because he could buy up everything and still have money left over to get ice cream at the end of the day. 

In this universe, his father kicked him out of his house for various things, the most prominent being that Tony is rather partial to kissing guys and ladies, and that just simply won’t do. 

(Tony also stole enough money out of his bank account to buy a house and also start his own business without his knowledge, but in the grand scheme of things, that’s just a small drop in the ocean.) 

Tony made his own tech start-up business. He’s invented a few new things that hit the market discreetly, and he’s building up more and more clientele. He’s about to open another shop, and in all honesty he’s not worried about getting noticed. 

This is until Rhodes comes across an employee bragging about a new repair guy who makes computers run twice as fast, charges less than most repair shops, and looks mighty fine in a tank top.

The last reason is reason enough to visit. 

But also, to see who’s been fixing up Rhodes tech and can make it faster. He doesn’t know why he wouldn’t have just applied for a job. 

Tony is not expecting Rhodes to enter into his building. He has people who are walk-ins, but usually you would expect a villain to make an appointment. Or not, they are villains. 

“I heard that you’ve been improving my phones,” James says. He leans into Tony’s space. He smells quite nice, has a well-tailored suit, and Tony is trying very hard not to find him attractive. That’s not the sort of thing you could be focusing on. 

“You gonna sue me or something?” 

“No, I want to hire you.” 

Tony blinks. 

“Oh. No thank you.” 

Rhodes pulls back. 

“Why ‘no’?” 

“I like my shop just fine. And you have things well-handled.” 

“Could I consult you?” 

“You can’t afford me.” 

Rhodes grins. 

“Are you sure about that?” 

“Of course I am. Can I get anything for you today, or did you just want to beg me to come work for you?” 

“Most people would never be this bold.” 

"What would they be? Terrified in your presence?” 

“More or less, yes. It’s what I prefer.” 

"I don’t cater to people’s preferences, it’s a character flaw and strength,” Tony quips. 

Rhodes smiles. 

It’s terrifyingly beautiful, really. Tony is at a loss for words. 

“I think I’m liking you, Stark.” 

“Tony. You don’t call me Stark. I don’t do the last name dynamic.” 

“Sweetheart, then. Not your last name.” 

“Pet names, seriously?” 

“Oh you got it, honey.” 

“Then go on, platypus,” Tony throws back. 

“Platypus? Really?” 

"Pet names are on the menu, honey bunch. Just try me.” 

Rhodes smiles, turning to exit. 

“I’ll be in touch, darling.” 

Tony leans against his desk, legs shaking underneath. 

There are two problems that he’s not sure how to solve. Here they are: 

1.) Rhodes now has Tony on his radar, which is probably bad because Tony will absolutely be used for world domination or whatever. 

2.) Tony doesn’t really mind as long as he gets to see Rhodes because goddamn. That man could get so many things, and he probably has. And Tony wouldn’t mind being one of those things if he played his cards right. 

But for now, Tony just wants to fix computers and maybe just buy a new brand of tea, but he’s honestly not sure. 

- 

Rhodes makes an appointment to meet. 

Of Fucking Course. 

Tony is not impressed, and is also not impressed that he comes in with a very expensive custom-made designer suit, whereas Tony is not sure the last time his pair of jeans got washed, and an old t-shirt that’s advertising an ice cream shop that is closed now. 

“You love to make an entrance all the time?” Tony asks. “What can I legally do for you?” 

“You’re assuming I’m making you do illegal things, babe?” 

“Yes, Rhodey.” 

“It’s Rhodes.” 

“Hm, maybe. But not to me. Rhodey. I wanna ruin your business impression.” 

Pepper snorts besides Rhodes, who is suitably impressed that Tony doesn’t give one flying fuck about the fact that he could destroy him at any point. 

“I’m ordering that on your next business card deal.” 

“I’ll fire you.” 

“You can’t find someone as competent as me, don’t even joke.” 

“I came here for an opportunity for you. You’ve managed to get some people’s computers to speed up so much. And I want you to do it with all of my employee’s computers.” 

“What, you couldn’t reverse-engineer it? See what I did for yourself?” 

Rhodey grins. 

“I never question a handsome man’s work, darling.” 

Tony turns red. 

“You’re really bad with professionalism, honeysop.” 

“What the hell is that?” 

“What, never heard about romance in the fifteenth century? Boring.” 

“Will you do the job or not?” 

“What are the terms, the conditions, and how much are you paying?” 

Pepper steps forward, a sizable stack of paperwork in her hands. 

The work would pay off the building. It would pay off his mortgage on his house. Hell, it would help a lot. He’d have extra to mess around and maybe go on a vacation. 

The downside is that he’s helping a villain get faster speed and better battery life with laptops. This could also mean he’d die, but honestly he was kind of expecting an early death. 

Rhodey assures him that he won’t die. 

“If anyone touches you, then they feel my wrath,” he says. His teeth glint underneath the lights. “And honey, no one ever likes feeling that.” 

“What, it isn’t all feather-light tickles?” 

“Touches a bit more than that.” 

There’s an unspoken story there. Rhodey’s grin goes from tight and eyes empty to refocusing on Tony and turning soft, genuine. 

“We can discuss the official plans over dinner.” 

“Dinner won’t work for me, I got plans tonight.” 

“A hot date?” 

"A special movie screening,” Tony says. “Can’t miss it. Maybe next time, or the next three times.” 

Rhodey smiles. 

“Maybe sometime.” 

“Maybe.” 

- 

Holy fuck.

Rhodes International has a local coffee shop on the lobby. A barista is a cheerful girl who has neon yellow hair greets him and asks if he wants a complimentary drink. 

“You...know who I am?” 

“Not in the slightest!” she says cheerily. “I have a memory thing where I remember everyone I ever meet and who I don’t meet. What kind of coffee guy are you?” 

“Um...you guys have mint syrup?” 

“Yup!” 

“Then I guess a peppermint latte?” 

“Coming right up!” 

So here is this girl humming what sounds suspiciously like the Winnie the Pooh song as she makes a drink, and that drink is amazing. 

Also, people are wearing, it seems, whatever outfit they want. There are some people talking, and two look to be dressed in professional business clothing, but the third guy they’re talking to is wearing ripped jeans and a tank top has the phrase of “I’m Just Existing on a Manifestation of Reality” emblazoned. 

It’s odd. 

“So glad you could make it, Tones,” Rhodey says. 

“Tones?” 

“What, too much?” 

“Tones sounds like you know me.” 

“And I don’t?” 

“What’s my favorite jam?” 

“Why jam?” 

“If you know someone well, you know their favorite type of jam.” 

“Orange marmalade?” 

“What the fuck do I look like, Paddington?” 

“You’re right, Paddington’s not near as sexy.” 

“This counts as harassment, right? This counts as harassment.” 

“Don’t have him sue us already, he’ll win,” Pepper says, breezing to their sides. God, she’s gorgeous. Casually dressed in a pencil skirt and a blouse and acting like she doesn’t look like a goddess. Must be exhausting. “Tony, great to have you. Let me show you who you’re working with.” 

He has his own fancy office, a team that knows what they’re doing, and catered lunch. 

Catered lunch. It’s not even a Friday. 

“Friday’s are questionable,” Rhodey says. “Weird selection.” 

“You don’t wanna know,” says Intern Joe. 

That’s literally on his ID card. 

- 

Tony starts work. It’s not bad, not at all. He works in the mornings on the weekends and Mondays as well as Thursdays, and then sometimes does work from his own office. 

Rhodey is...nice. 

This is a bit unsettling, because Rhodey literally just threatened the president over an environmental bill not being accepted and currently all employees are only slightly scared. 

“This is just like three months ago,” says Janice The Badass. (Also on her ID card.) “Don’t worry, the government can’t do anything. They rely on us too heavily.” 

“For what?” 

“For safety.” 

“Not asking.” 

“Good, I’m not going to answer.” 

“Okay?” 

- 

It’s also weird that Rhodey checks in on him. He brings him coffee how he likes it, and he makes him sit down and try new foods with him. 

He’s not bad at conversational topics either. Tony’s used to talking, and he’s used to bad-talking on dates. This doesn’t come close. 

No, they talk about the differences of Star Trek and how much Tony hates specific brands of pens, and how Rhodey is a disaster when it comes to coordination of ties. 

“I don’t like ties,” he scowls. 

“Then why wear one?” 

“Pepper says they look nice.” 

“Why do you need to look nice?” 

“Most things are all about presentation.” 

“Ah, need to be taken seriously.” 

“Only at times when I’m facing government officials or weird corporate bosses.” 

“Aren’t you a corporate boss?” 

“I’m a corporate boss who is also an enemy of fellow corporate bosses. Weird thing.” 

“That’s...intriguing.” 

“How so?” 

“Well, how does that work?” Tony asks, popping a couple blueberries into his mouth. “How are you both the same and an enemy?” 

“Watch and learn, sugar. Watch and learn.” 

Tony is allowed on the next business meeting. Which, coincidentally, his old Uncle Obadiah is part of. 

This leads to rather undesired complications. 

-

“You’re working for a supervillain?” Obie practically yells. 

“Well, it’s a bit more complicated than that,” Tony says. “I just work with computers.” 

“Besides if he wanted to work for a real supervillain, wouldn’t he be working for you?” Rhodey asks. 

He’s sitting in one of those rolling-chairs, and despite that, he made it his throne. He’s relaxed in it, perfectly at peace with the situation. All eyes are on him. 

“I’m not the one that the government is after.” 

“And yet I’m the one who’s successfully paid taxes. Where have yours gone, hm? Strip club in Vegas? Weapon sales in Afghanistan?” 

Obie freezes. 

Tony knows that when you freeze, it is your worst tell. 

“Does dad know?” 

This time, Rhodey turns towards him. He’s surprised. 

“We’ll discuss that later. But does Howard know, Obadiah?” 

“Howard is none of your concern.” 

“Oh my god, he is,” Rhodey says grinning. “You haven’t told him about your little back-door escapades. I wonder what would happen if I told him.” 

“You don’t want me as an enemy,” Obadiah says, shaking. He looks at Tony. “And you, boy, you just earned yourself a death sentence.” 

“Funny, Howard said the same thing when he kicked me out of the house,” Tony says as he’s checking his nails. Rhodey thinks he is in love. 

“Go ahead and try to get me as an enemy, see how well it works for you,” Rhodey says, pearly whites on display. “I took over the entire state of New York, leaving everyone in power allied with me. Plus, Tony hasn’t pushed his legacy from what I’ve seen, but what would happen if I just...let him talk? At the next press conference, perhaps.” 

Tony grins, and it’s dangerous. 

“Yeah Obie, what if I talked? I’m sure Howard’s disastrous attempt at fatherhood would be a real uptick in stock points.” 

“You wouldn’t.” 

“Just watch. Just fucking watch,” Tony says. “I still know how to smile for the press, and I still remember all of my lessons for how to make sure anything is believable.” 

He shakes. 

Rhodey gets security. 

Tony visibly relaxes as Stane is led out of the building, and Rhodey smiles over at him. 

“What?” 

“You wanna grab dinner with me?” 

“Like as a casual dinner, or a date-dinner?” 

“How about both?” 

“Thank god, I can’t remember where my nice shoes are.” 

- 

Tony supposes it is odd to be out to dinner with one of the most-feared men in all of New York. 

But it was hard to fear him when he was currently trying to lick ice cream off the tip of his nose with no such luck. 

Or when Rhodey kisses him senseless on his doorstep and makes fun of the little gnome that he’s put outside, and Tony giggles and watches him leave in his fancy car, still leaning on his door. 

Oh, he’s got it bad. 

But he doesn’t mind. 

[imggloba]

Real Estate Innovation in Dubai: Complete App Development Guide

Dubai's real estate sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation, fueled by rapid technological advancements and the growing demand for digital solutions. From virtual tours and blockchain transactions to AI-driven property recommendations, the real estate market in Dubai is now powered by innovative mobile and web applications. For real estate companies, agents, and investors, building a smart, user-friendly real estate app is no longer a luxury—it's a strategic necessity.

In this complete guide, we’ll break down how to build a powerful real estate app tailored for Dubai’s dynamic market, highlight the latest innovations, and discuss essential features, tech stacks, and development costs. If you’re looking to turn your idea into a profitable app, IMG Global Infotech is your ideal partner, offering end-to-end real estate app development services in Dubai and globally.

Why Dubai is Leading in Real Estate Innovation

Dubai has always positioned itself at the forefront of innovation. Its real estate market mirrors that ambition by embracing:

Smart City initiatives promoting digitization.

A growing expat population seeking efficient property solutions.

High mobile penetration and digital literacy.

Government support for proptech startups.

The result? A booming ecosystem where real estate apps can thrive, provided they are tailored to the region's expectations.

Types of Real Estate Apps Gaining Popularity in Dubai

Before you dive into development, it’s vital to understand the different types of real estate apps making waves in Dubai:

Property Listing Platforms – Apps like Bayut and Property Finder allow users to browse and filter listings by type, price, and location.

Brokerage Management Apps – Used by agents to manage leads, showings, and sales processes.

Rental Apps – Focused solely on long-term and short-term rentals (including holiday rentals).

Virtual Tour Apps – Offer AR/VR-based tours, especially useful for off-plan properties.

Investment Platforms – Cater to real estate investors looking for ROI insights, forecasts, and secure digital transactions.

Core Features for Real Estate Apps in Dubai

To compete in Dubai’s tech-forward environment, your real estate app should include:

Advanced Search Filters (location, type, size, price)

Interactive Maps Integration with nearby amenities

High-Resolution Media Uploads (photos, 360° videos, VR tours)

Multilingual Support (English, Arabic, Russian)

AI-Powered Recommendations based on user behavior

Secure User Authentication & Profiles

In-App Chat with Agents

Real-Time Notifications

Mortgage Calculators

Property Valuation Tools

Admin Dashboard for agents, brokers, or developers

At IMG Global Infotech, we specialize in building feature-rich real estate apps that integrate cutting-edge functionalities while remaining user-friendly and visually stunning.

Tech Stack for Real Estate App Development

Choosing the right technology stack is crucial for building a scalable, secure, and responsive app. Here's a recommended tech stack:

Frontend: React Native or Flutter for cross-platform compatibility

Backend: Node.js or Django for speed and flexibility

Database: PostgreSQL or MongoDB

APIs: Google Maps, payment gateways, CRM integrations

AI/ML Tools: TensorFlow, Dialogflow for smart search and chatbots

AR/VR: Unity or Vuforia for virtual property tours

IMG Global Infotech ensures that the most modern and efficient technologies are selected according to your specific business goals.

Development Stages and Timeline

The process of developing a real estate app typically follows these steps:

Discovery & Planning – Market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and feature outlining (1–2 weeks)

UI/UX Design – Creating user journeys, wireframes, and prototypes (2–3 weeks)

Backend & Frontend Development – Coding core functionalities, APIs, and databases (6–10 weeks)

Testing & QA – Bug fixing, load testing, and performance optimization (2 weeks)

Launch & Deployment – Publishing on iOS and Android stores, post-launch support

Total estimated timeline: 3–4 months, depending on app complexity.

Estimated Cost of Building a Real Estate App in Dubai

Development costs vary based on app features, platforms, and custom integrations. Here’s a general breakdown:

App Type

Estimated Cost (USD)

Basic Property Listing App

$10,000 – $20,000

Advanced Multi-Feature App

$25,000 – $50,000+

AR/VR-Integrated Platform

$50,000 – $80,000+

Working with IMG Global Infotech, you receive transparent pricing, milestone-based billing, and premium-quality development at globally competitive rates.

How Can IMG Global Infotech Help?

IMG Global Infotech stands out as a trusted real estate app development company with:

10+ years of industry experience

A team of certified developers and designers

Proven success in building apps for the Dubai and GCC real estate markets

Commitment to innovation, security, and scalability

End-to-end support from idea validation to post-launch maintenance

Whether you’re a startup, brokerage, or enterprise developer, we build solutions that align with your vision and market needs.

To Wrap It Up

Dubai’s real estate market is ripe for digital disruption, and the right app can give your business a significant competitive edge. From AR-enabled virtual tours to AI-powered property suggestions, today’s innovations are reshaping how people buy, sell, and rent properties in the city.

With a trusted tech partner like IMG Global Infotech, you can turn your real estate app idea into a powerful, revenue-generating product that stands out in Dubai’s digital skyline.

Ready to build your next-gen real estate app? Let’s make it happen.

[sirpoley]

On the Four Table Legs of Traveller, Leg 1: Mortgages

Mongoose Traveller's starship mortgage-payment-system is the most brilliant game mechanic I've ever encountered, as a DM. It's also the first rule I'd ignore if I wasn't consciously trying to play the game exactly how it's described in the book.

A Bit of Background

I've been involved in two Traveller campaigns in the past as a player (both with the same DM), and am currently DMing a third. All of them are using Mongoose's first edition. I've never played any other edition of traveller, and know almost nothing about the history of the game. I don't know which mechanics are unique to this edition of Traveller and which have been around for decades.

In the campaigns in which I was a player, I think the DM was continually frustrated with the rules of the game. He wanted to run a tight, story-focused campaign and picked up Traveller assuming it would be, essentially, D&D in space. For his second campaign, he chopped out huge chunks of the ruleset and replaced it with homebrew ones, removing space travel and Traveller's quirky character creation entirely. This worked for the game he wanted to run (he's an extraordinarily talented DM), but I think we all came away feeling pretty lukewarm about the actual rules.

Bored out of my mind in lockdown, desperate for anything to shake up the daily routine, I picked up the copy of Traveller that had been sitting on my bookshelf, untouched, and skimmed through it. In a mood of "I'll humour this weird rulebook," I followed the random subsector creation chapter to the letter, creating a surprisingly-well fleshed out chunk of space to play around in.

It was then that I realized I'd never actually played Traveller. So I dragged my partner along in an experiment: let's play Traveller, exactly how it is described in the book, no matter how flat-out insane the rules seem to be. I will only consider houseruling or changing a rule once we've both figured out what it's for. I learned a ton in this experiment, so, during my kid's naps (oh, right, I have a daughter now, that's where I disappeared to, Internet), I'll write about what I've learned.

(The Carlia Subsector. Not pictured: along with this map is a LONG word document describing the atmosphere, gravity, population, tech level, cultural quirks, government, etc. of the main world in each of these systems, plus a huge table of the price of dozens of trade goods on each planet. These, it turns out, are crucial game aids. I'll get into them later.)

Traveller, I've learned, is a table held up by four legs: Finances, Character Creation, Patrons, and Random Encounters. If you remove any of these legs, the rest of the game stops working. Following them, as described, gives you a rip-roaring swashbuckling adventure of fighting pirates, escaping bounty hunters, smuggling, jailbreaks, and all that good stuff you want in a campaign—but it happens spontaneously. I'll get into it more in detail, but for now, we're going to talk about finances in Traveller.

Yes, the Game Is About Mortgage Payments

The central driving mechanic of Traveller is making mortgage payments for your starship. The assumption is that the player characters are part-owners of an FTL-capable starship that's more expensive than any one person, or any ten people, could ever afford outright. The game (thankfully) provides a quick way to calculate your starship's mortgage payments (something like the value of the ship/240 per month), and for all of the example ships in the book, gives them to you pre-calculated. In the case of my solo campaign, my partner owed the bank a whopping 500,000 credits a month for her Corsair. For scale, that's the exact same price as the single most powerful gun in the game (the "Fusion Gun, Man Portable"), owed monthly. In D&D terms, she had to raise the equivalent of a +5 Longsword every. Single. Month.

(In addition to mortgage payments are smaller fees: life support (i.e., food and water), crew salaries, fuel, and ship maintenance, but the mortgage is by far the largest single expense, so that's what I'll focus on).

I started my partner out with a fueled up and fully-crewed ship (we used pre-generated NPC stats from the middle of the book for her crew, plus an NPC who was generated during her character creation, which I'll get into later). Character creation started her with 10,000 credits, and I told her she had until the end of the month to multiply that by fifty times.

Debt Leads to Trade

The fastest way by far in Traveller to make money is to interact with the very well fleshed-out trade rules. Each spaceship has a certain amount of tons of cargo it can carry, and each world has a list of trade goods for sale at various prices. So the clear way to raise that 500 grand was to speculatively buy trade goods, pick up passengers and freight, deliver mail, and so on. These rules are generous; by stacking modifiers, it's possible to reliably quadruple your principal every time you reach a new planet (which happens every week).

I think my old DM severely nerfed the trade rules (he also didn't enforce mortgage payments, leaving them on the cutting room floor like D&D's Encumbrance rules) due to this seemingly-unbalanced generosity. Again: the best gun in the game is 500,000 credits—so how on earth can a system that lets you make hundreds, even millions, of credits by trading stand?

Well, it turns out, the bank simply taking 95% of your player's earnings every month severely dampens potentially-snowballing nonlinear growth, so my partner and I never saw the kind of wealth explosion that looks inevitable from the rules as written, despite her scraping together everything she could do maximize profits. In all the time we've been playing, despite having already made millions of credits, she actually hasn't been able to buy a gun better than her starting laser pistol, or, in fact, any armour at all. I'll get to why in a moment, because the most important thing about the trade system is that…

Trade Leads to Travel

Garden worlds sell cheap food. High-population worlds buy food for a high price. High-population worlds sell manufactured goods that are in high-demand on non-industrial worlds, and so on. In a quest to maximize profits, the party was locked into a continual tour of the subsector I generated earlier, constantly moving from place to place. Staying put for any length of time meant letting time trickle away (time that could be spent raking in cash for crippling mortgage payments), so that wasn't an option. What wound up happening was that the party went on a self-guided tour of the subsector, stopping in at colourful worlds I'd generated earlier. This happened entirely without me, as DM, having to dangle bait in front of the party the way that I always have to in D&D. Travel is good, because…

Travel Leads to Conflict

I've already spoken at length on the subject of random encounters here, but Traveller really builds the game around random tables in an elegant way. Every time the party jumps from one world to another, there's a chance they'll get waylaid by pirates (the rulebook has a fun, albeit hidden, 'pirate table' that describes different tricks and hijinks that pirates use to attack). 'Pirates' in Traveller are spaceship owners unable to pay their mortgages by legitimate means, so turn to piracy. The fact that the party is always carrying their life savings in trade commodities whenever they travel around makes them a prime target for piracy, and leads to combat with stakes beyond "fight till everyone's dead." The pirates aren't orcs, and don't want to kill the players for no reason. They want to take their cargo and get away as quickly as possible, suffering the least damage as possible, and the players want the opposite. Thus: pre-combat negotiations, tricks, hijinks (my partner, carrying a cargo of "domestic goods," chose to have her crew throw individual toasters out of the cargo bay each in different directions to ensure that the pirates had to engage in lengthy EVA-missions to catch them each, thus allowing her ship to escape without suffering damage).

Traveller's starship battle rules are fun (and integrate into boarding actions that results in player-scale combat), and are triggered primarily just by moving around. Conflict is fun by itself (that's why combat rules are most of the rules in most games), but in this context, have the added advantage, as…

Conflict Leads to Tradeoffs

It became clear to my partner after her first run-in with pirates that her ship and crew were under-gunned. While buying powerful weapons and armour is trivially cheap compared to the amount of money she was raking in through trade (most weapons cap out at a few thousand credits, and she was moving hundreds of thousands a week), actually getting her hands on some was another matter.

Good weapons in Traveller are advanced ones, which have a high-TL (tech level) rating. These weapons are only available on high-TL worlds (each world has a TL rating generated in subsector generation). Making a detour from trading to buy 'adventuring equipment' wound up being an extremely costly endeavour, taking the party weeks out of the way of the most profitable trade route. The closest world in which these weapons exist also outlaws all weapons (various laws are generated procedurally as well) which means engaging in black market smuggling (which is fleshed out in the rules) and risks run-ins with the law.

Compounding this problem was that her Corsair took minor damage in the combat with the pirates, and the nearest world with a shipyard capable of repairing the ship was different from, and out of the way of, the high tech world with fancy fusion guns. Also, getting the ship repaired meant that it would be in drydock for days or even weeks, which incurs an opportunity cost of almost a million credits that could have been made during trade…

Tradeoffs lead to Debt

In her case, she wound up getting her ship repaired, forgoing arming herself and her crew, and skirting dangerously close to bankruptcy kicking her heels as her ship was patched up. There isn't an easy answer to what she 'ought' to have done, which was fun as hell. Further, as a DM, I wasn't annoyed that she was 'messing up the plot' by staying put (or frustrated that she wasn't going to my elaborately-plotted narrative that would occur when she tried to buy black market weapons) because there was no plot. Everything that came about emerged procedurally.

The 'Loop'

The beating heart of a Traveller sandbox campaign is this loop:

Without DM intervention (or Patrons, which are sort of procedurally-generated adventure hooks), this loop can sustain a campaign pretty much indefinitely. What this means as a DM is that any DM-interventions (i.e., adding in pre-written adventure hooks or encounters or whatever) can be attached to any of these steps to allow it to come about during play. It also means that if you don't have any pre-scripted content (to choose an example completely at random, let's just say your hypothetical one-year-old threw your notes in a toilet) you can just sit back and let the loop above take care of providing entertainment.

To bring this back to mortgages, if your players don't have the threat of having their spaceship repossessed by the bank hanging over them like the Doom of Damocles, then the whole system breaks down, and the DM has to do all the heavy lifting of providing character motivation to go explore new planets.

Next, we'll talk about how Traveller's patron system ties into all of this.

[ravijangrasapient]

Emaar Digi Homes Sector 62 Gurgaon | Premium Apartments

Specification of Emaar Digi Homes In Sector 62 

Individuals with an interest in green living homes ought to view Emaar Digi Homes Sector 62 Gurgaon. This residential complex, create in Sector 62 in Gurgaon, accompanies 80% open space. Occupants can appreciate a wide scope of conveniences in this mind-boggling when they get an apartment. It has been created over 14.02 acres of land, out of which the primary stage covers 5.64 acres of land. The G+32 structure has 369 units, housed in 3 pinnacles. The 2,3 BHK condos are open on three sides. Stacked with conveniences, the apartments offer a refined way of life to the residents. 

Emaar Digi Homes Gurgaon Sector 62 has arisen as one of the ideal places in the NCR, because of its nearness to Delhi. The interest for land in Gurgaon has been expanding, as are the costs. The conveniences remembered for the home incorporate an exercise center, clubhouse, indoor and outside games, pool, and significantly more. Children have devoted spaces in the complex to make the most of their time. The senior resident can spend their recreation hours in the uncommon corners. Emaar Digi Homes Apartments In Sector 62 Gurgaon likewise accompanies a gathering corridor and sports territory. The residents can get a ton of greenery in the intricate, which keeps them solid and intellectually lithe. The bequest likewise offers sufficient parking spots for guests and occupants. The security component in the complex is all around created. The occupants can likewise invest a great deal of energy in the basic spaces in the complex.

Financial backers and mortgage holders searching for property available to be purchased Emaar Digi Homes Gurgaon ought to get a home in this bequest. The area benefit of the private complex is one of the critical purposes behind its notoriety. For suburbanites, it is not difficult to arrive at the noticeable areas around there. The significant business zones in and around Gurgaon can be reached in speedy time from the bequest. Gurgaon additionally has a few conspicuous schools and medical clinics. The medical services and schooling frameworks in Gurgaon are all around created. The residents can gain admittance to every one of these foundations from the complex through the thick organization of streets. For financial backers and property purchasers, this is the perfect chance to purchase the apartments,

Amenities of Emaar Digi Homes Flats

Club House

Kids Play Area

Swimming Pool

Gym

Landscape Garden Park

Open Space

Intercom

Power Backup

24 Hour Water Supply

Car Parking

Multipurpose Hall

Video Security

Lift

24X7 Security

Earthquake Resistant

Jogging Track

Tennis Court

Total Area 14.02 Acer's

Total towers 3

Phase 1 is 5.64 Acer's

369 units

3 towers  G+32

Fully loaded apartment's

Wide-open view with 3 sides open apartment

VR Playing Zone, AV Room (Mini Theater)

Spa & Salon, Culture court

Co-working office space

Creche and play areas

Party terrace (Open & Semi-open)

Segregated car and walk pathways

Banquet hall with pre-function area

Temperature controlled Infinity edge swimming pool

The abundance of greenery all over keeps the ambiance fully healthy

Well trained security and high-tech security system

Adequate parking space for the residents & visitors

Voice-Enabled home automation for lighting, AC, Curtains, TV, Microwave

Intuitive lighting in toilets

Voice Command control device in living room

Wi-fi router with a panic button in the master bedroom

80% open & green spaces homes which are intelligent inside & Beutiful outside

Grand 3 level 30000 sq.ft. clubhouse with host of amenities

[visualssometimesetc]

Ready Player One: A Review

(channeling my inner geek once again after a really long hiatus; will comment mainly on the book)

After almost a year, I picked up this dusty, slightly yellow paperback from my drawer of untouched reads to ease myself into the habit of perusing pages again.

Considering this to be Cline’s debut novel, and one aimed at teenagers/young adults, I must say I was skeptical. Especially due to the latter fact. Growing up, I devoured many worlds conjured and targeted at the T/YA base that when I grew older and tried getting back into them again, many storylines couldn’t sustain my interest. But this was different. 

It is America, 2045. The world at its peak of crumbling shambles, virtual reality pivots the new normal. Young and old alike can be any avatar they choose in the OASIS, a world created by the highly-worshipped game genius James Donovan Halliday. A literal “escape from reality,” OASIS provides so many possibilities one can only dream of when they log out and peel off their visors and haptic suits, devices required to access the simulation.

Reality and online simulation becomes so intertwined, many don’t leave it. Students are schooled online. Credits earned in the OASIS pays for your mortgage in real life. People dress up their avatars instead, leaving their actual selves in deep abandon. After the death of Halliday, a worldwide Easter Egg hunt commences. Starting all users out with a slew of clues to unlock the First Gate, Gunters (egg hunter = gunter) would have to get past a total of three gates and find the Egg to eventually be awarded James’ entire multibillion fortune and infinite reign over the OASIS. Only one would stand to inherit it all.

We follow Wade Watts, your average teenager who studies Halliday’s facts, interests and life to a T in a bid to clear Gates, win the prize money and get out of The Stacks (think Slumdog Millionaire, but Americanised).

Maybe it was the many references to 80s pop culture, where James grew up in and with which the clues centred around, that drew me in. Though unrelatable, its vibes was always something I dig, especially the music. The book covered almost every aspect you could think of that encapsulated the 80s: movies, music, games. I’m no gamer, but it did spur an impulse to hunt down old-school arcades I would occasionally sneak into during secondary school (or high school) days. I remember wearing a sweater/shirt over my school gear to avoid those shopkeepers from snooping about as my friends and I play and got hammered by the games. Oh, fun times. 

Each chapter was short with no more than ten pages long, something I appreciated greatly because I usually read on public transport and I absolutely hated starting a chapter and not finish it by the time I reached my destination. I would rather not start on it and instead, phub. Cline’s understanding of his target audience (short attention span people like myself) was on point. It won me over within the first few chapters. 

Ready Player One is also highly realistic, what with VR assimilating itself in our current day and age, contrasting with real issues like world hunger and excessive energy consumption, it sure is a dog-eat-dog life on paper and in real time. There’s no escaping it, really. But this also made it relatable, subtly (maybe not Cline’s intention) pushing the message of doing more than just mindless consuming to his readers. Art3mis, Wade’s love interest, is one such character, doing her best to outbid Parzival (Wade’s avatar in the OASIS) and find the Egg to end the world’s problems.

All novels typically have this in common - character development. While not very significant, I felt that it was not needed, because Cline had already established their personas well enough when he introduced them to us. Clans who worked together to crack clues and advance on quests together were aplenty but the rare few mentioned by Cline. These gunters in particular, all had distinct personalities, their own agendas for wanting the Egg, which was something I dug as well. Different people, varying characters, vying for the same prize in healthy competition. 

And what’s a good story without the antagonist? A popular clan, the Sixers, controlled by infamous tech company Innovative Online Industries (IOI), which vows to gain full access to the OASIS and ‘revolutionise’ the world tries getting its hands on recruiting Parzival after he clears the First Gate on his own. Do you think he accedes to their request? What happens after that? Read it on your own... 

After finishing the novel, I was hyped up, though just as much as I dreaded watching the film. I ignored my urge to Netflix as I was still thumbing through the book. You know how many film adaptations would let you go “Oh no no no... (shakes head),” and I would be lying if I said I didn't feel the same after watching this film adaptation. I would say though, The Stacks, the casting of Aech and the OASIS, were ON POINT. EXACTLY how I pictured it. But of course, it’s Steven Spielberg. The soundtrack too, 💯. All things considered however, I am a sucker for following things to a T, or almost to it. You can most definitely hear my inner monologue as I viewed the movie. About 40% of the screenplay was re-adapted. 

But as I researched deeper into the whys’ of the re-adaptation, I understood and put most of my case to rest. Apart from copyrights issues, some parts would be too draggy if re-enacted. My only two complaints would be: 1. I wished they wrote Art3mis, Daito and Shoto to be more like what was conveyed in the book. I felt that their personas did get diluted. 2. The Gates aren’t actually that easy to open. Yet, I understand that as this is a movie, there was only so much that can be done within the stipulated time frame and budget. I did appreciate however, that the storyline was logical (not gonna point fingers here) and the actors’ performances were pretty solid in the movie. 

This about sums my review on this great book! I’m not too sure if I’d be keen to take up Ready Player Two soon however, after having read the synopsis. Some stories are best told and finished in just a single novel, just like some series should just end on a good-enough note of just a few seasons. But who knows, Cline might just prove me wrong yet again. 

Book: A surprising 10/10! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Film: 7/10 (still worth your time, perhaps watch before reading the book for an unspoiled, unbiased, higher rating)

Thanks for braving this lengthy review, I hope this review encourages you to pick up this book 😊😊 

[cjmeister]

Building adaptable fin-tech platforms

Building a genuinely adaptable platform requires foresight and planning. If you are an incumbent, the opportunity to redesign the architecture to match the new-world-tech and design principles is a mammoth undertaking. If one is so bold enough to take up the challenge, the options are to refactor & re-engineer or build from scratch & discard. In our experience, the overall effort seldom differs. Hence we fluctuate towards the later as it gives you more of an opportunity to transform the platform/business. We are not talking about 40-year-old+ retail banks; We see this in 12-year-old micro-lenders and some startups who have just started to trade. 

Ever wondered why? 

These platforms are built by incredibly talented people with the right intentions. The chance of an engineer designing a solution that fixes one issue but creates five is rare (even though, I have seen this happen). The problem almost always lies in the environment. 

In house software, teams are always under pressure to deliver against a set of business KPIs. The priority is set based on the near-term revenue, growth and targets. The long-term health of the platform and the customer experience -not just reskinning, real features that add tangible value to the customer- will inevitably be deprioritised.  

Above is the critical challenge that all in-house software teams face, especially if your team quality and size is below ideal. It is hard to argue against building proprietary solutions that extend business IP. It is easier to manage, one feels more in control, no dependency on third parties and the investors love it. However, you will end up building 95% of the platform to deliver the 5% that differentiate you from the competition. 

Decoupling a platform from business KPIs seldom 'fly'. To achieve the constant value-add against the competition, the company will drive the engineering teams to deliver quicker. At this point, the aforementioned foresight and planning required to build adaptable software solutions will be seen as a 'blocker'. The architectural design principles that everyone embraced at the start of the year will be thrown out. "Let's just deliver this... Let's worry about the tech debt later.." I have heard many utter. 

As a result, the adaptability of the platform across all layers will steadily degrade, making it harder to introduce new features. And more importantly, the intangible accumulation of technical debt will slowly grind the business to a halt.  

I remember being part of a product team at a leading bank who has designed a mortgage solution that did not connect to the main customer table (Think about it!!). As a result, for each new mortgage application, all customer data has to be manually entered by the staff and stored in separate data structures via a new system. Whist, it might have seemed to be a good idea at the time to deprioritise such functionality to deliver on time, the downstream impact was undesirable. The complexity that this introduced to customer portals, online banking, mobile app banking, CLTV reporting was immense.  As a result, to create a consistent customer view across the mobile app and the online banking platform, a new matching engine was introduced which incrementally matched 6 data points to ascertain if the customer is the same person or not. Introduction of a simple foreign key with the customer identification number would have saved a month of engineering about two months of arguing about the remedial solution.

Building adaptable platforms are not tricky. It requires foresight, planning, upfront investment and discipline. Such a platform follows a component-based architecture that has clear mounting points. I/O messages connect to each mounting point through pipes and are never bypassed to save time or money. This technique allows one to extend the functionality of the component over time. Even replace the parts altogether (and/or the messaging pipes) to a new tech stack without having to face prolonged shutdowns or 'big bang' migrations. Most importantly, by adhering to a simple set of protocols, the latest technology can work with the old.

While it is impossible to create a solution that does not incur technical debt over time, a component-based architecture can vastly reduce the inefficiencies and revenue loss resulted from a platform marred in tech-debt. A component-based design pattern will allow a platform to be evolved by introducing incremental change and deploying (sub)components independently. 

Dikaios Papadogkonas 

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/dikaios-papadogkonas-b007614/)

Rankoth C. Jayamaha 

(https://www.linkedin.com/in/rankothcj/)

[roboticsappreciationsociety]

The BBC's weekly The Boss series profiles a different business leader from around the world. This week we speak to Therese Tucker, founder and chief executive of US financial software business BlackLine.

To set up and grow BlackLine Therese Tucker spent her retirement savings, maxed out her credit cards, and took out a second mortgage on her home.

Meanwhile, two friends loaned her money so that she could pay her staff's wages during the leanest months. That risk - to Ms Tucker and her friends - paid off.

BlackLine, which was launched in 2001, is today worth more than $2bn (£1.6bn). And Ms Tucker's personal fortune is estimated at $380m.

This makes her one of the richest self-made women in the US, according to Forbes magazine.

Because Los Angeles-based BlackLine doesn't sell any consumer products, it is not a company many people will have heard of. It is, however, used by more than 2,200 firms around the world, which it provides with cloud-based accounting software.

With annual revenues of $177m in 2017, and 800 employees, its clients include Coca-Cola, eBay, Philips and Under Armour.

With pink hair and a gregarious laugh, Ms Tucker - who is in her mid-50s - says that being an entrepreneur is in her DNA, and that she is comfortable taking risks.

Yet when she started BlackLine she says that she didn't even consider trying to find a venture capital fund to invest in her business.

"Back in those days I wouldn't have known how to have gotten outside capital," she says. "And frankly I doubt that anybody would have actually put money in."

Ms Tucker adds that because she had tried and failed at a few start-ups in the past, she believed that no investors would back her at the beginning, because she didn't have "any other successful start-up under my belt".

So instead she had to rely on her own means of raising funds, and the two friends.

Even if Ms Tucker had looked for formal investment when she started BlackLine in 2001, the odds would have been stacked against her for the simple reason that she is a woman.

Despite the amount of time, money, and lip service spent recently in trying to diversify the technology industry, only 15% of all US venture capital dollars invested in the sector in 2017 went to firms with a female founder.

That is according to All Raise, a pressure group dedicated to seeing more women in senior roles in the industry.

Brought up on a farm in the Midwest, Ms Tucker got a degree in computer science and mathematics from the University of Illinois.

Her first job was working for Hughes Aircraft in southern California, and then she became a freelance software programmer.

Prior to launching BlackLine she was the chief technology officer at software firm SunGard, a job she had resigned from to spend more time with her two young children.

It was a meeting with her personal finance manager that inspired her to launch BlackLine.

Ms Tucker noticed that the tax software the company was using was cumbersome and inefficient. She knew she could build something better, and so she did.

While BlackLine was initially self-financed, it did ultimately secure £200m of investment in 2013 from private equity firm Silver Lake Partners. It then floated on the New York Stock Exchange in 2016.

"In the tech world these floats are few and far between, and the fact that she was able to do that after bootstrapping this - it's a real testament to Therese," says Christie Pitts, general partner of Backstage Capital, an investment fund that backs women, people from an ethnic minority, and the LGBT community.

Ms Pitts adds that Ms Tucker stands out in the tech world for building such a successful company as a woman over 40, as a "counter-narrative to the usual tech story".

In a world with much handwringing about the lack of female tech founders, it's surprising that Ms Tucker isn't a household name.

She recognises that the tech industry should do more to attract and retain women, but is relieved that she didn't know that when she was starting out.

Ms Tucker says she was instead too busy building her company to be discouraged or distracted by gender disparity.

She does, however, recognise that sexual harassment used to be part of everyday life in the corporate world.

"That was the environment that all young women who are my age have worked in," Ms Tucker says, adding that women learned to "laugh it off at how gross some people were".

"You just dealt with it. You didn't file complaints because that would have stalled your career."

Ms Tucker says that one woman she worked with in the past complained about sexual advances from their boss, and was completely sidelined as a result. She later hired that woman.

In today's workplaces, Ms Tucker says one big positive is that younger women have learned to negotiate for better pay and working conditions.

"I think women of my generation have not negotiated well over time," she says. "I've had women say, 'Oh I don't need a raise.' Right. Why would anyone ever say that?"

She believes that too many women, when helping to build a business, opt to sacrifice their own salaries for the good of the company.

"That's great if every single person does that," she says. But men, she goes on, are traditionally better at asking for more money and shares in exchange for their work.

For Ms Tucker, she says working on her family's Illinois farm as the youngest of four girls prepared her for life as an entrepreneur.

"I think one of the coolest things about my upbringing is farmers want sons, and my father did not have any sons."

The sisters were expected to do everything to help out - drive tractors, fix cars, feed the pigs and chickens, harvest the soybeans, corn and oats.

"People are saying, 'Oh you've broken these barriers' and I'm like, 'What barriers?' I didn't know they were there," she says.

"That was very much a part of my upbringing on a farm."