#Smart Bluetooth Button

[ulmus-spellook]

Just me venting about printer stuff

I'm out here creating notes on articles and collecting ones I want to use for notes, all on my computer (my book collection is a whole other thing) and so I have long ass word doccuments (I can never spell that word correctly -_-) that I need to organize and tabs open with articles that let you print them and the need to figure out how to turn ones you can't into a doc you can print (easy with wikipedia, so text dense, but when it's something with a lot of pictures that creates it's own problem) and I just have so much stuff I plan to print out and put in my binder-grimoire (as opposed to my notebook ones. The binder is nice because I can stick all sorts of stuff in it and keep re-organizing it afterwards), but I have a problem. I bought a new, relatively cheap, printer because the one I had been using broke and I had limited access to it (It was not my own) and setting it up keeps feeling overwhelming, but I have so much stuff that I'm like

^me going through articles online and trying to keep track of everything I need to print.

[cloudedangels]

Caleb accidentally finds your vibrator and curiosity gets the best of him... MDNI 18+ !!! DUH!

3,929 words!! Oops!!! This was supposed to be a one-shot but I got extremely carried away (・・;)

This one is different than usual it took like 6 days... happy birthday birthday boy ily

Tags/cws: voyeurism, app-controlled toy, vibrator play, remote control, mutual consent, soft domination, emotional tension, powerplay, grinding, lap sitting, overstimulation, teasing, orgasm control, begging, post-orgasm intimacy, dirtiest dirty talk, filthy sweet, deeply intimate, character-driven smut, creampie, desperate sex, body worship, (nicknames including pips(queak) duh sorry not sorry.

It starts innocently.

Caleb’s folding your laundry like he always used to—perfect corners, sleeves aligned, like the fabric might get offended if he didn’t treat it right. You’re in the shower, steam softening the air, and he’s out there, helping. Like nothing’s changed.

But then he opens the wrong drawer.

Not wrong exactly. Just not where you’d have wanted him to go.

You weren’t hiding it, exactly. Just... tucking it away. Inside a sock.

Stupid. Lazy. A mistake. Because now he’s holding it in his hand.

You don’t hear any of this, of course. You’re humming softly under the water, dragging shampoo through your hair, while Caleb—sweet, curious, too-smart Caleb—stares down at the bright pink, silicone curve resting in his palm.

It vibrates when he touches the button.

He jumps, and then freezes.

His first thought isn’t what it is. Not really. He just stares at it, confused, before his brain catches up.

“Oh… fuck.”

Definitely a vibrator. Yours.

He sets it down like it’s radioactive, rubs his hand on his pants, and immediately picks it up again. His face burns hot. His throat’s dry. And he shouldn’t. He knows he shouldn’t. But his fingers move faster than his shame.

He opens his camera and scans it.

The image search is mercilessly fast.

“Lovense Lush 2: App-controlled wearable vibrator. Remote-operated. Hands-free.”

Remote-operated.

His stomach knots.

He reads. Scrolls. Reads more.

Synced vibrations. Custom patterns. Long-distance partner control. Phone access. Live syncing. Music-matching mode.

His cock twitches in his jeans.

Has someone else used it with you? Has someone controlled it for you? Did you sit on this very bed and let someone else make you come from miles away?

Or… did you just do it yourself?

Did you pull up the app with trembling fingers, thighs clenched, face flushed, and think of… him? When he was away?

He shouldn’t even be in this drawer, but now he’s hard, his mouth’s dry, and he needs to know.

He downloads the app—just to see... Just to understand. At least, that’s what he tells himself as it installs. That’s the excuse.

When it opens, the interface is sleek and pink, deceptively innocent. A smooth control dial. Pattern options. Bluetooth connection.

And one bright button:

“Connect to Device.”

He hesitates… then clicks it.

The toy hums faintly in his hand.

And then: “Caleb?”

Your voice cuts through the air like a knife.

He panics, dropping the vibrator into the pile of laundry like it’s on fire, locking his phone screen too late. When you walk into the room—damp, towel-wrapped, soft from the shower—his face is red.

You slow when you see him. You pause.

Then you see the drawer, and the sock, a little too unfolded, and him, sitting on the edge of your bed, face flushed, thighs spread.

“Oh my god,” you breathe. “You didn’t.”

He tries. He tries to play it cool. But his voice is too calm, too even.

“Didn’t what?”

“You found it?”

He glances toward the drawer. “Maybe.”

“You weren’t supposed to—Caleb!” You grip the towel tighter, heart racing, throat dry. “You were supposed to fold T-shirts!”

“That drawer was open.”

“And you decided to… investigate?”

He tilts his head. “I was curious.”

Your jaw drops. “Curious? You downloaded the app?”

“I didn’t say I did.”

“You totally did.”

He smirks, just a little. It’s smug. Dangerous. Too aware. “It connects through Bluetooth, you know.”

“I KNOW HOW IT WORKS.”

His eyes drop—slow, lazy—to your bare legs under the towel. He doesn’t move from the bed. His phone is still in his hand.

“Why’d you hide it?” he asks softly. “Were you embarrassed?”

You go stiff. “I—I wasn’t hiding it—just—just—storing it. In a sock. For… safety.”

His gaze is devastating, his eyes bore through you. “...Safety?”

You hate how hot your face is. Hate how shaky your voice is when you try to take the upper hand.

“You’re… seriously? You’re such a perv, Caleb, you can’t just—just dig through my drawers and—and play with things—”

“Play with things?”

You glare. You want to sound furious. You probably just sound breathless.

“Who controls it when you use it?” he asks, voice quieter now. “Is it just you?”

You stare at him, trembling.

“Do you give access to anyone else?”

Your chest tightens. Your breath stutters.

The towel suddenly feels too thin. You don’t know what to say.

You’re too exposed. And he hasn’t even touched you yet.

“Answer the question,” he murmurs.

“W-Why are you even asking?”

“Because the thought of you using that,” he says, voice hushed and thick, “without me knowing… kills me.”

He opens the app.

Your eyes widen.

“Caleb, don’t—”

The toy hums from the laundry.

Your legs tremble. The vibration is faint—but you can hear it. You know it.

You gasp, knees nearly buckling. “You—!”

He doesn’t move from the bed, he just sits and watches you. His voice is careful. Curious.

“What do you think?”

“Turn it off!” you snap, voice shaky.

“Say please.”

Your jaw drops.

“You—” You can't finish. The flustered heat crawling up your spine makes your words fail.

He stands slowly, towering in front of you now, his phone still in hand, his cock hard beneath his jeans. He leans in close, his voice a husky whisper.

“…So this is what you like, hm?”

Your stomach flips. You can’t speak.

Your mouth opens—no words come.

He’s too close. Close enough to smell the faint hint of clean laundry on his shirt, the musk of his cologne softened by the heat of your skin. Your heart hammers in your throat like it wants to escape.

“Should I get it for you?” Caleb repeats, his voice quiet, careful, curling with heat at the edges. “Is that what you want?”

You shake your head, once, sharp. “You’re an ass.”

He smiles at that—lazy, dangerous. “And yet you’re trembling.”

“I just got out of the shower.”

“Sure,” he murmurs, eyes flicking down to your legs again, where the towel’s started to shift with the motion of your thighs. You’re pressed so tightly together it’s like you’re trying to stop the vibration that’s not even touching you. Just hearing it has you on edge.

He taps his phone screen. The hum fades.

You exhale shakily, trying to step back—but his hand lifts. Doesn’t touch. Just hovers in the space between your bare shoulder and the towel’s edge.

“...Was it for you?” he asks quietly. “The toy. Was it for when I wasn’t here?”

You go still.

His eyes flicker up to yours, something almost nervous beneath the teasing now... a real question... and maybe that’s worse.

“I—” you start, but your voice catches. You clear your throat. “I don’t owe you an answer.”

“No,” he says, gently. “You don’t.”

You hate that he respects that. Hate how it makes you want to answer anyway.

You glance at the bed. It's rumpled from laundry, and the drawer is still half open. That stupid fucking sock, limp. The vibrator, pink and obscene in its neat little pile of folded cotton.

“You weren’t supposed to find it,” you say, voice thin. “It’s… private.”

Caleb nods slowly. “But you kept it close.”

Your brows knit. “What’s that supposed to mean?"

His eyes are soft. Hungry. “You could’ve hidden it better. Somewhere I’d never look. But you didn’t. You left it where I’d find it… maybe.”

“I didn’t—” You stop. Realize the truth of it halfway through your denial.

Maybe you hadn’t hidden it very well on purpose.

He sees the flicker in your expression. His gaze darkens.

“I think you wanted me to know,” he murmurs. “Or maybe just… wanted me to wonder.”

You don’t answer. You can’t. Every inch of you is tight and hot and pulsing. You're wet and not wearing anything to catch it. Self conscious.

Caleb leans just a little closer, head tilted, breath warm against your ear, “Let me try it… I've been very bad, let me make it up to you…”

You almost say no. You want to say no. (You don't. You're trying to lie to yourself though).

But your thighs are clenched. Your breath is shallow. And you hate how close you are to saying yes just because he asked like that.

“…You’re ridiculous,” you whisper, voice cracking.

He hums, low and amused. “Maybe. But I’m still asking.”

You close your eyes. His breath ghosts your cheek. You feel him before he even touches you—heat and presence and the slow throb of your pulse answering his.

“And if I say no?”

“I’ll turn it off,” he murmurs. “Put it back. Never speak of it again.”

Liar.

You open your eyes. He’s close, but not touching. His hands are still at his sides. His phone glows faintly in his palm. He looks flushed, a little wild, but he hasn’t pushed.

He’s letting you decide.

But his gaze… his gaze is asking all the questions his mouth won’t. Would you let him? Would you let him push that little thing inside you and sit across the room—watching, controlling, listening? Would you whimper if he turned it too high? Would you beg for more?

You clench without meaning to. The ache between your legs is embarrassing.

You’re silent too long.

He tilts his head, and for the first time his voice slips past teasing into soft—sincere.

“…Do you want it, pipsqueak?”

That name. It makes you stupid. Weak. Warm all the way down.

You nod once, tiny. Almost ashamed.

“…Yes.”

He exhales slowly, relief softening his jaw. His eyes flicker toward the bed, the folded laundry, the drawer still ajar.

“Then come here,” he says quietly.

You hesitate.

“I’ll be good,” he promises. “I’ll go slow.”

Your feet move before your brain catches up. You drop the towel when you reach him, and he doesn’t react—not at first. Steel. His eyes stay on your face, and just your face. Like he’s waiting for permission to look.

So you tilt your chin up. Just slightly.

His eyes drop.

And fuck—you feel it, the weight of his gaze like a hand between your thighs.

“You’re not wearing anything under that towel,” he murmurs. “Were you going to get dressed before I saw you?”

“…I didn’t think I’d need to.”

He smiles faintly. “You don’t.”

Caleb kneels in front of you.

No rush, no show, down on his knees like it’s the most natural thing in the world. The phone rests on the bed. The toy sits in his hand.

“You still sure?”

You nod.

“Say it.”

“…I want it.”

He kisses the inside of your knee.

“Sit.”

You do. Slowly. Shaky.

He parts your legs and gently sets the toy on the bed between them. Then he kisses the inside of your thigh. Once. Twice. And then again—higher.

“I’ll put it in,” he says. “You just stay still.”

You nod, dazed, already breathless. The anticipation is worse than anything.

He lifts the toy. Clicks the button. It hums softly in his hand.

“Lay back for me,” he murmurs.

You do. The sheets are cold against your skin, and you’re trembling now, fully exposed, legs open. You hear the shuffle of fabric—he’s taken off his hoodie—and then his fingers are brushing up your thigh again, light.

“Lift your hips.”

You obey.

His fingers part your folds and you gasp—sharp, wet, startled.

“You’re soaked,” he says, almost reverent. “Was it the idea of me finding this? Or the fact that I did?"

You don’t answer. You can’t. Your face is hot and your eyes are fluttering.

“Sorry,” he whispers. “I’ll make it feel good.”

He slides the toy in, your wetness guiding it through. It’s bigger than you remember the egg goes in, bigger and smoother, the tail hanging, curled up against your clit, but it still stretches you slightly, suddenly. You let out a soft whimper at the intrusion.

“Too much?” he asks immediately, hand on your knee.

You shake your head, gasping. “No… it’s okay…”

He exhales. And then…

The toy buzzes to life.

You moan.

Your hips jolt, thighs tensing as the toy hums deep inside you, steady and quiet but so fucking present. Caleb’s still kneeling beside the bed, watching your body react, his hand firm on your thigh.

“Jesus,” he whispers.

You bite your lip and try to squirm.

He touches your knee to still you. “Stay.”

The vibration shifts—he’s changing the pattern.

It pulses now. Short bursts. Then a long one.

You can’t help it—you arch your back, a whimper catching in your throat.

He looks transfixed. His free hand curls into the sheets like he’s grounding himself.

“You like that?” he murmurs. “You’re already dripping. I haven’t even touched your clit.”

You want to snap at him, say of course I like it, but all that comes out is a shaky, “Fuck…”

Caleb leans in. His lips ghost over your stomach, then lower. His breath hits your inner thigh as he speaks:

“I want to know how many patterns it has. I want to know which one makes you cry.”

You moan. You can’t not.

“And I want to be the one holding the dial every single time.”

You reach for him blindly, your hand tangling in his hair.

He growls softly. “Tell me what you want, pips...”

You can't. He pulls back so that he can see you. He’s quiet for a long moment, just watching you.

Your legs are spread, the pink tail of the vibrator curled against your clit like a secret. You’re trying to stay still, thighs trembling, your breathing light and high. The toy pulses again—gentle, teasing. You gasp.

Caleb’s jaw is clenched.

His knuckles are white around his phone.

And he’s hard.

You can see it now, the outline in his jeans obvious, obscene. He’s kneeling beside the bed, but it’s clear in the way he shifts… his hips twitching forward like his body’s begging, even if his mouth stays quiet.

He breathes through his nose, slow, trying to control himself.

And fails.

“Sit on my lap,” he whispers. His voice is strained. Rough. “Just like this. I want to feel it. I need to feel it.”

Your lips part. “Caleb—”

“I won’t touch it,” he promises quickly. “I won’t even move. I just—” His hand flexes against the mattress. “Please.”

You nod, stunned by the heat in his voice, and he helps you—guiding you with both hands, gentle, reverent. You climb into his lap, careful not to jostle the toy too much, your knees on either side of his thighs, straddling him. He leans back slightly, hands on your hips to balance you. His face is flushed, pupils wide, lips parted.

Then the toy buzzes. It's sharp and low and deep inside you. You let out a soft moan and collapse against him, forehead to his shoulder.

“Fuck,” he chokes out.

You feel it—the way your body vibrates through him. The way the hum travels from your cunt to his lap, pressed flush against his cock through two layers of fabric. His hips jerk instinctively.

He groans into your neck.

“Oh my god,” he breathes. “You’re shaking.”

You are.

Everything is hot and melting and pulsing. It’s perfect and torture, a slick, slow throb building in your stomach. You rock your hips just once—barely—and he moans like you bit him.

“Don’t,” he gasps, fingers digging into your hips. “Don’t do that—fuck—”

You grin against his throat. “You said I could sit.”

“You’re greedy,” he hisses. “You’re…fuck…you’re evil…”

You clench around the toy, pressing it in with the bulge of his cock. He bucks up beneath you with a sharp, broken groan, like he’s being pulled apart cell by cell.

You feel drunk on the power for a moment, and he’s falling apart.

“Can you take more?” he whispers, pulling the phone up again with a shaking hand.

You hesitate… but you nod. “Yeah…”

He turns the dial up, carefully and not all the way. Just enough.

It purrs inside you now, every pulse kissing your walls, grinding against your most sensitive places with perfect pressure. Your hips jerk.

You whimper into his neck. “Caleb—”

His hands stroke your back. He’s panting. “I’ve got you,” he whispers. “You’re doing so good for me.”

You moan. Loud. Thoughtless.

“You’re so fucking wet,” he groans. “You’re dripping. Right on me. On my jeans. My cock…”

You bury your face in his collarbone, trying to hold still. Trying not to move. But it’s so hard. It feels so good.

“You’re making a mess,” he pants. “You’re fucking soaked, baby, oh my god—”

You can feel his cock under you, twitching, trapped and leaking. You rock forward a little on accident and he shudders, groaning ragged into your neck.

“Stop—don’t—I’ll come if you do that again—”

“You haven’t even touched me,” you whisper, dizzy.

“I am touching you,” he groans. “You’re on me. You’re fucking trembling all over me, I can feel every—” He cuts off with a moan, hands gripping you tighter. “Fuck—fuck—you’re gonna come, aren’t you?”

“I—” You can’t even form words. The pressure is building too fast, too sharp, and the way his voice sounds in your ear is tipping you over the edge.

“Come for me,” he whispers, raw and wrecked. “Right here. Just like this. Come with me under you, baby. Use it. Use me.”

You do.

You cry out, hips jerking and grinding, legs locking as the orgasm tears through you. It's fast, electric, too much. The toy keeps going, humming inside you while your body pulses around it, breath ragged, muscles tensed. Caleb groans as you come undone in his lap, his cock pinned between you, the wet heat of your release soaking through both your bodies.

You collapse against him, twitching. He catches you instantly. Holds you. Breathes through it.

His lips press to your temple, worshipping.

“You’re unreal,” he whispers. “You’re gonna fucking kill me.”

You smile, dazed.

“I hope so,” you murmur.

He chuckles. Then shifts just enough to press his hips up into yours. You can feel how hard he still is. How desperate.

Your grin returns.

“You want me to take care of you now?” you whisper sweetly.

He groans into your neck.

“Don’t tease me,” he pants. “I begged for that. You know me.”

You tilt your head and kiss him. Once. Soft. Deep.

“I know.”

Caleb's shaky breath is warm in your ear as he pulls you close, arms around your waist. “Are you too overstimulated for…” He pauses, voice breaking as he feels you shift in his lap. “Fuck. I want to be inside you.”

Your head turns slightly, cheek pressed to his shoulder. Your breath is hot. “Then do it.”

His breath catches.

“You’re sure?”

You nod, weak, your voice like silk barely clinging to your throat. “I’m dripping for you, Caleb. What the fuck do you think?”

He groans. The noise is wrecked, shaky, as he flips you so gently you almost don’t feel it until you’re on your back again. His hands are everywhere: your thighs, your hips, your waist. His eyes are molten, blown black with need, but his fingers stay careful, as he's pulling the toy out with a slick pop that makes you whimper.

You feel so empty when it’s gone. But not for long.

He fumbles with his jeans, breath ragged as he yanks them down just enough to free his cock…and then... fuck...

You both look.

He’s so hard. Veined and thick, flushed deep with need. The tip is wet and twitching and leaking, and you stare, wide-eyed and stunned.

You’d forgotten how big he is. Or maybe you just didn’t realize how needy your body was now. How soft and open he’d already made you.

He presses forward, then slides in.

You both gasp. It’s obscene how easy he goes in. No resistance. Just slick, tight, hot pressure and then full, stuffed, stretched around him like your body was already waiting for this. Begging for it.

“Holy fuck,” Caleb chokes. He’s not moving. Just inside, balls-deep, jaw slack, hips trembling. “You’re—you’re already this wet? You—shit, I can’t—I can’t believe this—”

You moan, helpless, legs wrapping around his waist, hands grabbing at his back. “Move—please, Caleb, you have to—”

He jerks forward with a groan and pulls out an inch—just enough to see his cock shining with you—then slams back in. You cry out.

“Oh my god,” he breathes. “You’re taking me—so fucking easy, baby—fuck, this pussy—” Another thrust, sharp and deep. You arch. “You’re already open for me. That toy got you ready, didn’t it? Got you all soft and dripping, just so I could fuck you like this.”

“Y-yeah,” you gasp. “Fuck—please, don’t stop—”

“Greedy little thing,” he growls, voice hoarse with disbelief. “You wanted me to find it. You wanted me hard and jealous and ready to ruin you. You fucking planned this.”

You shake your head, whining. “Didn’t—just—just didn’t hide it—”

“Same fucking thing,” he snarls into your neck, slamming into you faster now. “You know what it does to me. Fuck, you know—you knew I’d lose it. And now look—”

He pounds into you, relentless, each thrust punching air from your lungs. Your nails dig into his back as you try to hold on, but he’s not giving you a break, not now.

“I can’t believe how good you take it,” he growls. “So fucking wet. I’m sliding in like it’s nothing—nothing, baby, you’re sucking me in like you missed this.”

You sob out a moan, your whole body thrumming. You’re stretched wide, filled to the brim, stuffed so good you can’t think.

“I did,” you cry. “I did, Caleb—I missed it… Your perfect cock…”

His rhythm stutters—just a second—and then it gets rougher. Harder. Messier.

“I’ll give it to you,” he pants. “Every time. Whenever you want. I’ll fuck you open and ruin you, baby, I'll take good care of you… you don’t ever have to beg again.”

He pulls out almost all the way and slams back in, and you scream.

He presses his forehead to yours, breath coming in sharp, hot gasps. “You’re gonna come again, aren’t you?”

“I—I can’t—”

“You will. I feel it. I feel you clenching on me—fuck—you love it raw, don’t you? No condom, just skin to skin, me buried in your fucking pussy like I belong there—”

“You do,” you gasp.

That breaks him.

He snaps his hips, brutal and desperate. “You’re gonna come. You’re gonna come with me, and I’m not gonna pull out—I’m gonna fill you up.”

The sound you make isn’t even a word. It’s raw. Wet. Animal.

He’s soaked—you’re soaked—your arousal painting his cock, his thighs, pooling under you. He can barely breathe.

You’re clenching, right on the edge again, thighs trembling.

He sees it. Feels it.

“Come, baby,” he begs, forehead still against yours. “Come for me, pipsqueak. Let me feel you—fuck, I wanna feel you milk my cock—”

You snap.

Your walls spasm around him, tight and fluttering, your body locking up as your orgasm rips through you. You sob, moan, scream—you don’t even know what sound you make. Just that it drags him with you.

Caleb cries out your name like it hurts. Like worship.

His cock jerks and he thrusts once, twice—and then he’s coming. Deep inside. Hot, thick pulses of it, flooding you while your body still twitches around him. He groans into your neck, shaky, broken, lost.

You hold each other.

Breathless. Destroyed. Connected.

After a long moment, he whispers against your skin:

“You’re never using that thing without me again.”

You laugh, weak and giddy, and pull him closer.

“Deal.”

[tuxankhamun]

why is every bluetooth speaker designed by teams of incompetents? you'd think there would be one person smart enough in the committees who design these things to say "maybe double pressing the play button to skip a song and triple pressing to go back is retarded? maybe we should just have independent back and forward buttons?"

[arctic-hands]

Thirty minutes and 9 paragraphs into an excited list of alternatives to Spotify's monopoly re: music, videos, podcasts, audiobooks, for weenies like me who are nervous about pirating, and my app crashes.

Well now I'm on a laptop and I swear to god if this crashes too I'm calling it a conspiracy.

LEGAL ALTERNATIVES TO SPOTIFY:

Music: There are virtually limitless options here. Buy music directly from the musicians/band! If they don't sell mp3s directly from their site, they almost certainly have CDs for sale, so buy those and rip the mp3s to your computer (if your computer doesn't have a CD slot, you can buy an external one for fairly cheap). Go to a new/used music store, they still exist!, and buy albums there. Buy old albums from ebay! Go to goodwill or other thrift stores and browse there collection of cast-off music for cheap, you never know what you'll find. Hell, browse their cheap vinyl if you prefer their sound and get a vinyl-to-MP3 conversion device if you like. They even have conversion devices for cassette tapes, if you find a treasure that was only ever released on tape. Once upon a time I would have said Bandcamp for MP3 or even physical albums (I once upon a time got an AUTOGRAPHED TO MY NAME CD of Lauren Ruth Ward's Well Hell album), but they recently union busted and a lot of artists pulled their stuff from them. I don't really know anything about 7Digital's business practices, but they are another seller of MP3 music, as well as MP4, FLAC, and WAV.

Music DEVICES: If you just want to manage everything on one device, your phone, get the free VLC app! It's open source and is absolutely wonderful. I only ever used it for music, but it's capable of much more than I realized, and it's open source and ad-free! And the audio files are tiny, even when I was running out of room on my sixteen gig old phone, I still had a substantial music library on it before before I got a dedicated music player.

Which brings me to my next point: MP3 PLAYERS STILL EXIST! I own two! My first one is a twenty-dollar SanDisk Clip Jam (an established and sturdy brand), my current is a thirty-dollar Phinistec Z6 (that just came out of nowhere it seems). Each have their pros and cons, and there are so so so many options out there. Some are smart, some don't even have wifi (neither of mine do). Some have expandable card slots for even more music. Some are extremely basic, some have a plethora of features. Some are cheap but still decent in sound, some are high-end for that true audiophile experience. Some have touch screens, some have buttons, some have no screens at all. Some only use wired earphones, some only use bluetooth, some (like the Z6) can use both! There are so many brands out there even in Twenty Twenty-four. Even the random brands cropping up online are some really good shit, and I bought both of mine used bc I have concerns about the lithium industry. Oh, and some are regular battery powered. And you don't need iTunes or anything, I just use the basic Windows Media Player to rip my CDs or put mp3s music on my player. In fact I've been avoiding Apple players because I'm worried they'd brick older devices, especially ones with wifi. But there are so many options out there, it's impossible to name them all.

Audiobooks: YOU DON'T HAVE TO USE AUDIBLE! Libro.fm has a similar business model (an optional subscription fee with a free credit every month, or the option to buy book without a subscription for a little bit extra price), and you can direct the profits to the indie bookseller of your choice! I have mine set to go to Baltimore's anarcho-feminist bookstore, Red Emma's. How to listen to the audiobooks you buy? Libro has an app you can listen to directly from! AND they have the option to directly download from the site (meaning no program you have to install) the book in non-proprietary mp3/mp4 files so you can listen to it on any device that can use those files! THAT INCLUDES MP3 PLAYERS! Almost every music player on the market now not only plays audiobooks, but has sections on the device specifically for them! Some, like the Clip Jam, are even proprietary audible-compatible if you still use or already have books there (check audible's site, and you'll have to go thru a registration process). I was listening to audiobooks on both my CJ and the Z6 (the Z6 doesn't have a section for them, but still played them), but I recently bought an e-ink/e-paper (meaning no backlit LED screen causing eye strain or insomnia) ereader, a Pocketbook Touch HD 3, and that is mp3/mp4 capable for audiobooks, and is easier to maneuver books with since it's meant for books. ALSO: the library apps Hoopla and Libby also have audiobooks you can listen to via phone or computer/browser, depending on your library's catalog. Some ereaders can even have the apps for them, and if they have audiocapabilities you can use the ereader for that too.

Podcasts: There are so many apps for this. I have Podcast Addict (I don't remember off the top of my head if it's on apple, I use android, but there are still so many apps). Literally I only had to sacrifice one podcast when I stopped using spotify, PodcastAddict has everything else I've ever listened to or want to listen to in the future. You can download them for offline use on your phone, and, you guessed it, MOST MP3 PLAYERS HAVE PODCAST SECTIONS TOO. MINE DO! There are still ads at the beginning and end, but I usually skip over them without care.

Video: This one is a bit trickier as YouTube is also a monopoly, but what I do is just watch yt on my phone's Firefox browser with UBlock Origins adblocker installed. Sometimes yt gets into a hissy fit with adblocker, but UBlock usually gets ahead pretty quickly thus far. And if in the periods Origins is losing, I just find something else to do. I'm sure someone else has recommendations for videos, they're just not a big part of my life right now.

Anyway, don't let the horrid beast that is spotify monopoloize the audio industry OR your time! There are options, and even if you're not a luddite like me that hates having everything on my smartphone bc I'm worried about privacy or companies yoinking their stuff off my devices via wifi (like Amazon did once with their copies of, of all things, Nineteen Eighty-four about a decade ago) at the whim of corporations. You HAVE OPTIONS! YOU HAVE THE POWER TO CONTROL YOUR MEDIA AND REJECT MONOPOLIES!

[wolfliving]

Pebble the wearable back from a long death

I started working on Pebble in 2008 to create the product of my dreams. Smartwatches didn’t exist, so I set out to build one. I’m extraordinarily happy I was able to help bring Pebble to life, alongside the core team and community. The company behind it failed but millions of Pebbles in the world kept going, many of them still to this day.

I wear my Pebble every day. It's been great (and I'm astounded it’s lasted 10 years!), but the time has come for new hardware.

You’d imagine that smartwatches have evolved considerably since 2012. I've tried every single smart watch out there, but none do it for me. No one makes a smartwatch with the core set of features I want:

Always-on e-paper screen (it’s reflective rather than emissive. Sunlight readable. Glanceable. Not distracting to others like a bright wrist)

Long battery life (one less thing to charge. It’s annoying to need extra cables when traveling)

Simple and beautiful user experience around a core set of features I use regularly (telling time, notifications, music control, alarms, weather, calendar, sleep/step tracking)

Buttons! (to play/pause/skip music on my phone without looking at the screen)

Hackable (apparently you can’t even write your own watchfaces for Apple Watch? That is wild. There were >16k watchfaces on the Pebble appstore!)

Over the years, we’ve thought about making a new smartwatch. Manufacturing hardware for a product like Pebble is infinitely easier now than 10 years ago. There are plenty of capable factories and Bluetooth chips are cheaper, more powerful and energy efficient.

The challenge has always been, at its heart, software. It’s the beautifully designed, fun, quirky operating system (OS) that makes Pebble a Pebble.

Today’s big news - Google has open sourced PebbleOS!

PebbleOS took dozens of engineers working over 4 years to build, alongside our fantastic product and QA teams. Reproducing that for new hardware would take a long time. 

Instead, we took a more direct route - I asked friends at Google (which bought Fitbit, which had bought Pebble’s IP) if they could open source PebbleOS. They said yes! Over the last year, a team inside Google (including some amazing ex-Pebblers turned Googlers) has been working on this. And today is the day - the source code for PebbleOS is now available at github.com/google/pebble (see their blog post).

Thank you, Google and Rebble! I can't stress how thankful I am to Rebble and Google, in general and to a few Googlers specifically, for putting in tremendous effort over the last year to make this happen. You've helped keep the dream alive by making it possible for anyone to use, fork and improve PebbleOS. The Rebble team has also done a ton of work over the years to continue supporting Pebble software, appstore and community. Thank you!

In addition to PebbleOS, we’ve been supporting development of Cobble, an open source Pebble-compatible app for iOS (soon) and Android (works great today, it’s my daily driver).

We’re bringing Pebble back!

I had really, really, really hoped that someone else would come along and build a Pebble replacement. But no one has. So… a small team and I are diving back into the world of hardware to bring Pebble back!

This time round, we’re keeping things simple. Lessons were learned last time! I’m building a small, narrowly focused company to make these watches. I don’t envision raising money from investors, or hiring a big team. The emphasis is on sustainability. I want to keep making cool gadgets and keep Pebble going long into the future.

The new watch we’re building basically has the same specs and features as Pebble, though with some fun new stuff as well 😉 It runs open source PebbleOS, and it’s compatible with all Pebble apps and watchfaces. If you had a Pebble and loved it…this is the smartwatch for you.

More info to come soon! Follow the fun with @ericmigi and @pebble.

Are you like me?

Do you have a hole in your heart (and on your wrist) that hasn't been filled by any other smartwatch? 

Sign up to be the first to get one at rePebble.com. 

Eric Migicovsky

Pebble Founder

FAQ

When can I buy one?

As soon as we nail down the product specifications and get a firm idea of the production timeline, we'll share it with everyone on the list and invite people to order.

Will it be exactly like Pebble?

Yes. In almost every way. 

Aren’t you the guy who screwed this up last time?

Yes, the one and only. I think I’ve learned some valuable lessons. 

[stevenketterman2]

Smart Automation in Stage Lighting & LED Fixtures: A Game-Changer for Live Events

In today’s world of live shows, concerts, weddings, and big corporate events, one thing has become super important: the lighting. But we’re not just talking about ordinary lights anymore. We’re talking about smart lights that can move, change color, follow people, and sync perfectly with music or video—all by themselves. This is called smart automation, and it’s changing the game in stage lighting and LED setups.

Let's have a look at what it is, how it operates, and why so many event professionals are making the transition.

What is Smart Automation in Lighting?

Smart automation refers to employing technology to automatically switch lights on and off rather than having to change them manually. With a single command or click, an entire lighting system can cycle through color change, move in sequence, or respond to audio. These systems can be pre-programmed or even programmed to change live during the event.

So, rather than someone at a lighting desk pushing buttons for every adjustment, the system recognizes what to do and executes it flawlessly each time.

How Does It Work?

To grasp smart lighting, a couple of straightforward tools behind the magic are:

DMX Control: It is similar to the vocabulary that lighting gear speaks to communicate with one another. This helps the lights, controllers, and other gear to coordinate with one another.

Wireless Control: Most smart systems today use Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to communicate. Goodbye, cumbersome long cables everywhere.

Mobile or Remote Access: Lights can be accessed using a tablet or laptop. Some systems even support remote control from another room.

Sensors and AI: Motion sensors can make lights track an individual on stage. Artificial Intelligence can even recommend lighting effects depending on what's happening at the show.

Why Smart Lighting is a Top Choice

There are plenty of reasons that smart lighting is increasing rapidly:

Perfect Timing Every Time

Lights switch on and off exactly when they should—no delay, no error. Whether it's in the middle of a speech, a tune, or a dance, everything unfolds right on schedule.

Improved Creativity

Smart systems enable you to create fantastic scenes. You can achieve mood shifts, glowing effects, moving lights, and a lot more. All this can be achieved with just one touch of a button.

Saves Time and Effort

After programming the lights, they do the work on their own. You don't require a large group to operate them, thus saving lots of time at the time of setting up as well as during the event.

Works from Anywhere

Since it's wireless and remote-capable, technicians can update it in a snap, even when they're not on stage.

Real-Life Examples

You find yourself at a concert. The performer comes out onto the stage. The lights suddenly darken, a spotlight trails the performer, and flashing colored lights caper in the background—all tastefully in time to the rhythm of the song. That's intelligent automation at work.

Or maybe you’re watching a fashion show. As each model walks down the runway, the lights automatically shift to highlight them, while LED screens show matching colors and designs. It’s smooth, stylish, and all automated.

Good for Big Events AND Small Ones

The good news? Intelligent lighting isn't reserved for huge stadium concerts. Even smaller events such as school events, church services, or birthday parties can benefit from this technology. There are easy systems to get that are simple to learn and not expensive at all.

You can begin with a few smart LED lights and a simple controller or app. After getting comfortable, you can expand with more features in the future.

What to Remember Before Getting Started

If you're considering incorporating smart lighting, here are some key points to remember:

Check for Compatibility: Ensure that your lights and control systems are compatible.

Learn the Fundamentals: Simple programming can lead to huge differences.

Build a Solid Network: A stable wireless connection is crucial.

Stay Safe: Lights and trusses weigh or heat up—ensure proper installations.

And also, it's best to purchase your equipment at professional audio stores. They will advise you on what is best and provide you with quality equipment that performs better and lasts longer for your events and even installation and setup services so that buyers don't have to deal with the technicality.

What's Coming Next?

Technology is advancing quickly. Smart lighting's next big thing is interaction systems. These lights can adapt to the crowd's movement, respond to the noise of clapping or cheering, and even adjust to the mood of a space. Some lights can be operated with voice commands or motion detectors.

Artificial Intelligence is also joining the party—there are systems that learn from run-throughs and can adjust the lighting for the next show automatically. Stage lighting in the future is promising and bright.

Before You Go

Intelligent automation of stage lighting and LED light fixtures is more than a bells-and-whistles upgrade—it's an intelligent investment for anyone producing live events. It gets your show to look more professional, conserves time, and permits greater creativity.

Whether you are organizing a concert, wedding, school play, or corporate event, intelligent lighting enables you to provide an unforgettable experience for your audience. With some planning and proper equipment, you can enhance your lighting game to the next level.So if you're organizing your next function or just wanting to upgrade your setup, it's a good time now to look at smart lighting. It's simpler than you might imagine—and it's worth it.

[passivetimber]

tagged by @yellowmonday <3

last song: same language by meet me @ the altar :)

favorite color: green. like the color of leaves in spring when you look up at them in the trees and the sun shines through them :)

last book: last book I finished was "the poppy war" by r f kuang. right now I'm in the middle of reading "from here to eternity: traveling the world to find the good death" by caitlin doughty. it's about traditions and practices in caring for dead loved one's bodies in different parts of the world. it's been really really fascinating

last movie: fast and furious (2009). started a rewatch of the franchise last week w my pals!! v fun and enjoyable films! I'm excited for fast five next ;)

last tv show: rewatching bobs burgers with my bestie and I restarted twin peaks on my own. didn't get past the middle of twin peaks s2 my first time but I'm determined now!

sweet/savory/spicy: ooh savory!

a beautiful relationship in my life: my besties Niko and Jordan <3 they are the best people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting and I'm lucky to call them my best friends. incredibly generous, smart, and funny people who have been by my side for the past several years. I hope they remain my besties till the day I die. I would be so lucky :')

last thing I looked up: uhmm looked up if my hearing aid has any button combination so I could pause audio if I'm listening to music w bluetooth from my phone. literally couldn't find anything close to an answer so I assume the answer is no and I have to pause it from my phone every time lmfao not terribly interesting!

looking forward to: finding a new place to live and being done with the moving part!!! and also looking forward to taking some time off maybe next month or the following cuz I've been working so so much recently and desperately need a little break

current obsessions: twin peaks, I've been really getting into it. the owls are not what they seem...🦉👀

tagging @i-am-an-atomic-bomb @sigmadecay @pinkhit-s @crowclubkaz @gagareflex or anyone who wants to jump in!

[talia-rumlow]

Home Sweet Home (AU Brock Rumlow/Original Female Character) 18+ Chapter One

WORDCOUNT: 6267

TRIGGERS: Age Gap, 911 Call, Police

CHAPTER ONE - SOMETHING JUST LIKE THIS!

The blistering Texas sun beamed down on the pavement, smothering downtown Mansfield in an oppressive heat wave. The cloudless sky stretched on in an expanse of clear blue, offering no respite from the sweltering 93°F temperature. The only escapes from the relentless rays were the shady trees in the parks or the cool relief of air conditioning indoors.

As Calleigh locks the office door, she feels the heat radiating in from outside. Having worked in her dad's delivery business for a little over three months now, she easily navigates the building, double-checking that everything is secured for the weekend. Approaching the exit, the intense heat worsens. Calleigh lifts her shirt, revealing a cute pink butterfly piercing on her belly button - a small act of rebellion she got after her first visit with her dad following her mom's move to New York with a new boyfriend. Pushing aside thoughts of New York and the boyfriend she detests, Calleigh fans her exposed stomach with her shirt in a futile attempt to withstand the heat on her way out, silently thanking the universe for Fridays and weekends.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

Brock backs his day-old black Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as close to the garage door as possible. Searching for the key to turn off the engine, he suddenly remembers this truck has a keyless start/stop system—all he has to do is push a button. Brock chuckles a bit of his lack of knowledge about his new car, before he makes a mental note to get used to the new feature.

Though the car met all his needs, Brock struggled to adjust to its high-tech features. While he wanted to embrace the smart house, smart phone, smart car lifestyle, at heart he was old-fashioned. To Brock, a car should just be a car, and a phone just a phone. These days, cars were becoming more like living spaces, packed with extra gadgets and gizmos; and those new phones were multipurpose devices that served not only as phones, but also as calendars, alarm clocks, cameras, journals, and computers. He almost felt that he was too old to keep up, with his 46 years, Brock started to feel that his youth had passed him by long ago.

Placing his toned muscular forearm on the center console; Brock looks over the dashboard. The car's built-in entertainment system was bigger than his nephew's tablet. The right side of the screen informed him that the temperature was a scorching 94°F and climbing; moving over to the left side, where he could decide on what radio station to listen to, operate the car's cameras, use the built-in GPS system, connect his phone via Bluetooth and a bunch of other stuff he'd probably never use.

A quick glance at the clock told him that he had to get to work. He had promised Jack ages ago that he would fix the Oil leak, change the filter, the camshaft belt and do an overall service on the car. But the parts he needed weren't always easy to come by. So here he was, grabbing his mechanic's creeper off his truck, to finally do the job; four months behind schedule.

Brock swings open the garage door, revealing the stunning 1967 Chevy Impala. The sleek black exterior gleams in the sunlight, resembling a rare diamond. Despite its age and need for repairs, the Impala exudes charm, blending masculinity and nostalgic charm. Like Brock, Jack shares a fondness for vintage cars, true American muscle cars such as this. The old cassette player still hums within, and Jack hasn't altered a single detail on the car. There's a palpable sense of trust between them as Brock cherishes the responsibility and level of trust Jack has placed in his hands.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

Calleigh frowned at her license photo. At only 20 years old, she had not yet grown comfortable with her appearance. She felt her nasal bone was too thick, making her eyes seem too far apart. Makeup helped camouflage this to some extent, but no amount of makeup could alter her height. At 5'10", she was taller than average, which made finding flattering clothes a challenge. She often wished she had her mother's petite 5'3" frame, having clearly inherited her stature from the Rollins side of the family. While she could live with her blonde hair, she wished it had more volume. Her lips were too pale and thin for her liking, though makeup could fix that as well. Unlike her mother's ocean blue eyes, Calleigh had green eyes, another Rollins family trait. Glancing in the rearview mirror, Calleigh took stock of herself - blonde hair, blonder in summer; green eyes; lightly pinked lips with distinctive dips cupping her nose; a high forehead. She was a harmonious blend of both parents.

Calleigh connects her phone to the car's entertainment system, the little screen in the middle of the dashboard makes it easy to navigate through spotify to find her song, Coldplay and The Chainsmokers with Something Just Like This. It’s a song that seems fitting for her life right now.

Ever since she moved back to Texas, and Mansfield, she felt like her whole life was already planned for her.

She would get a seat at the board of directors alongside her dad and her grandfather in the delivery business on her 21st birthday in December. It would give her a comfortable and financially steady life, but very few choices.

With an exasperated sigh, Calleigh places her purse in the passenger seat. The black leather seat had small stitched details, a lighter shade of burnt orange in color, along the sides, giving it a more luxurious look.

When her dad had offered to buy her a new car, Calleigh had opted for the Mini Cooper, a car she felt was more suitable for her needs. But Jack had his mind made up on a 2020 Chevrolet Impala, black of course, to have it blend in with the other cars in the garage. After a bit of discussing back and forth, Calleigh had just given up. A car was a car, and she needed one. Although she would have given almost anything to have a convertible right now.

She was thankful for the car, it was nice and spacious with its four doors and five seats, it had room enough for both Calleigh and her friends.

The trunk suited all of her needs with enough room for both grocery shopping and a shopping spree at the local mall. The black leather seats with the burnt orange stitching offered comfort with their user friendly adjustment mechanism. The center console, designed with faux wood, held a spacious storage compartment and a double cup holder, one of which now held the almost empty Venti iced caramel latte that Calleigh got from Starbucks this morning.

The comfortable, highly equipped steering wheel made it easy to answer the phone, change songs, adjust the volume, as well as the heat in the winter. The 2020 Chevy Impala did indeed deliver a luxurious and comfortable driving experience.

She grew up in a well off family, both of her parents came from money. Both the Rollins Delivery Service and the Lewis Jewelry line had been around for generations, earning themselves a good reputation and money to live a more than comfortable life. Despite all of this, Calleigh had never seen herself as spoiled. She knew nothing came for free, that she had to work hard in school, and she had to earn her allowance. Her parents, even if they were never together, had made sure of that.

The drive from downtown Mansfield to South Pointe was roughly 10 to 15 minutes long, depending on traffic. But in this heat, Calleigh feels that it took two hours. Her shirt is sticking to her back, and her throat screams for water to the point where she's about to chug the last of the latte that had been sitting in her car all day. All she wanted was to change into a bikini and spend the rest of the weekend relaxing by the pool in the backyard.

Despite having to spend the weekend alone; without her two best friends. Jessica was preparing for her undergraduate degree, and Molly had been assigned to take a HR Masterclass in Seattle. Her dad was away as well, having a tiny legal crisis in Chicago, he had decided to fly over there himself, to oversee the negotiations. Calleigh looked forward to a weekend by the pool.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

As Calleigh approaches the house, she notices the black Pickup truck that's backed all the way into the now open garage door. Not a truck she recognizes, and they rarely had any other unannounced visitors other than her grandparents or Brock from time to time. But Brock was on a work spree these days. Calleigh hadn’t even seen him since she moved back home; which was strange, because in summertime he practically lived in the garage. Fixing her dad’s various vehicles, as well as his own; whilst sharing some beers with her dad. It was almost so that she thought that they had fallen out. But the legal crisis in Chicago had occupied her dad for quite some time, so that might be it. The two men simply didn't have time for social get-togethers these days. Even Friday Night BBQ was put on hold for the time being.

The Friday Night BBQ was one of Calleigh's most cherished traditions. Her dad and Brock manned the grill while she and her friends frolicked in the pool or yard. As they aged, they took on more duties. Molly routinely brought her signature focaccia and salad— a recipe Calleigh unsuccessfully tried recreating time and time again. Jess handled dessert; her Texas-style peach cobbler was unrivaled, the moist and buttery delight created a sweet symphony on her pallads, and topped with a scoop of peach ice cream, it became unresistable no matter how much anyone had for dinner. Occasionally Molly's mom and Jess's parents joined, packing the expansious backyard with joy, nostalgia, and hearty laughter.

With the memories of time well spent, playing like a movie in her head, Calleigh drives past the house at 2 mph as she examines the truck that's parked in front of the garage. A black Silverado, newer model. Having grown up with a father like Jack, with his fondness for cars, she's picked up a thing or ten. Of course it also helped that she spent numerous afternoons at the Rumlow garage in her early teens, when her dad worked late, or her mom spent time with that new boyfriend.

Calleigh's body goes cold when she remembers the 67 Impala in the garage. Jack's favorite car. He spent years finding the perfect one. If someone is trying to steal it, or parts from it; Jack would go ballistic. And given his military background, it'll not be pretty. For a second Calleigh feels like a six-year old, not knowing what to tell her parents when she broke a glass or spilled water on her bed.

Though South Pointe was a gated community, there were no guards on site. To enter, you needed either a code from a resident or a chip that automatically opened the gate. With the recent expansions and the constant flow of workers going in and out, it was easy for anyone to get in, whether they belonged there or not. And with a truck like the new Silverado, you could easily drive in, fill the spacious bed with whatever you were stealing; and then drive back out, without anyone raising a brow.

Calleigh takes a deep breath, weighing her options. Should she call the police or confront the person in the garage herself? Having spent four years in New York, she knows how to handle situations and always keeps pepper spray in her purse, even in Mansfield, where crime rates are lower. Despite the safer environment, she's aware that appearances can be deceiving, and anyone could pose a threat.

Turning her car at the end of the street, Calleigh retrieves her phone from her purse, its cute pink cover with butterflies and faux diamonds contrasting with the ominous atmosphere she envisions in the garage. Without overthinking, she dials 9-1-1.

“9-1-1, what’s your emergency?” a calm female voice responds after a few rings.

“I'm.…I think someone is breaking into my house,” Calleigh says, suddenly unsure if 9-1-1 was the right choice.

“Are you in the house, ma’am?” The voice persists. Calleigh hesitates, considering whether to hang up and face the intruder alone. “Ma’am, are you inside the house?” the voice repeats.

“N..no. I.. I'm outside.. In my car. I don't know what to do. I… I..” Calleigh is desperate, on the verge of crying. She can't remember the last time she didn't want to be home alone. But this is one of those times.

“What's your name ma'am?” The voice continues, still in that calm tone.

Calleigh takes a breath “Calleigh Lewis Rollins.” She replies, with a shaky breath. Trying to calm down her beating heart.

“Do you know if they're armed?” The woman on the phone continues. Calleigh feels that ice cold feeling in her stomach. Armed? She didn't think about that at all. What if they're armed, what does she do then?

“I don't know. I don't know!” She shakily replies. Her voice on the verge of breaking. Without realizing that she does, she reaches for her pepper spray. The little 3 inch pink container designed as a keychain was easy to carry around, easy to use and it had a neutral design, which made it perfect to carry around for self defense.

“Calleigh, calm down. You're going to be fine. I'll dispatch a unit to your location. What's your address?” The voice continues in a calm soothing manner, which helps to calm Calleigh down.

“2837 Chandler Court” Calleigh replies, happy that she remembered the address. She hasn't lived here too long, and in this particular situation it's things like that that usually slips.

“Do you have any firearms in the house?” Another question about guns. It's not that Calleigh wasn't used to them, it was just that in this situation, guns didn't feel like a safe topic. And this is Texas, everyone has firearms.

“Y..Yeah, we have some. Seven or ten maybe.” Calleigh replies as she does a mental runthrough of the house, trying to remember where Jack keeps all his guns. The gun cabinet in the living room, the hide away cabinet in his bedroom, and the safe in the….. garage. Calleigh takes another shaky breath as she imagines some bad ass crocks breaking into that safe.

“I've dispatched a unit to your location. They'll be there in about ten minutes. And Calleigh, please lock the doors, and stay in the car until the unit arrives.” The voice on the phone informs her, still calm and collected. Calleigh can't believe how they manage to be this calm with people in shock, pain, rage, people who're scared out of their minds. But now, today, she's extremely thankful for it.

Clenching the container with pepper spray in her hand, Calleigh almost whispers into the phone “Yes. Thank you.”

“Calleigh, please stay in the car.” The lady on the phone says again. But Calleigh can hardly hear it. She flips the top of the container in her hand, as she hangs up the phone, and slowly exits the car.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

With half an eye on the wrench around the unwilling screw, and half an eye on the bucket for the oil, Brock tries to get the screw to give. His left foot firmly planted on the concrete garage floor to steady himself, as he struggles to get the screw loose. His biceps flexing, the veins on his arm popping. His teeth clenched in concentration, and the sweat dripped from his forehead.

Brock applies just a bit more muscle power, determined to get the screw to give. The sweat on his hands makes him lose his grip around the wrench. His hand flies up, hitting the car, as the wrench falls to the floor, creating an echo around the oversized garage. “Aaaa, fuck,” he almost screams, as he shakes his hand to try to ease the pain.

The sound of metal hitting concrete, the echo that follows and the screaming make Calleigh jump. Her heart is beating out of her chest, and that ice cold feeling in her stomach comes back. Yes, the 9-1-1 dispatcher told her to lock the doors and stay in the car. But ten minutes? They should know how much damage that can be done within ten minutes. She had to leave the car. But with the screaming and the noise. Maybe she should've stayed put. Anyway, it's too late for that now.

Calleigh places her thumb on the top of the pepper spray container. “Stop what you're doing I have a weapon!” She yells, surprised by how firm her voice is, she lifts the container, ready to attack.

Brock jumps under the car from the voice yelling, something about a weapon. Startled, he tries to sit up, but since he's under the car, sitting up only serves for him to bang his head against the car. “Fuck! Shit! Don't shoot, I'm unarmed!” He yells back in a haste. Quickly moving the creeper, so he can stand up.

Getting up faster than he's ever done before, raising his arms to show whoever it is that he is indeed unarmed. “Don't shoot! I'm un-,” when he sees Calleigh he stops for a second “armed….” He breathes out in surprise at the woman standing before him. Beautiful. That's the only thing he can say about her; Silently in his mind of course.

Calleigh carefully drinks in the man in front of her. His well-worn jeans sit comfortably on his hips, a cloth tucked into the right side. His V-shaped lower abdomen is unlike anything she's seen before, leading up to a six-pack and impressive pecs that could be straight out of a commercial. The oil stains and sweat on his upper body add a sexy touch. Moving upward, she notices strong pecs lightly dusted with chest hair. As she lifts her face, broad-toned shoulders barely register in her mind compared to the veiny upper arms that make her knees feel weak. Before fully revealing the rest, she takes a breath and discovers a strong jawline, dark facial hair, followed by soft, playful, and kissable lips, a broad nose perfectly placed on his flawless face. As her gaze reaches further, she encounters two soft hazel brown eyes adorned with dark lashes and brows. Calleigh's heart skips a beat, and in surprise, she breathes out, "Brock?”

Brock had never seen such beauty and grace. Calleigh had blossomed into a stunning woman, with shoulder-length blonde locks with a few curls framing her face. Her soft pink lips were slightly parted in surprise, complementing her petite nose and accentuating the delicate curves of her upper lip. Her emerald eyes shone like gemstones, undoubtedly a Rollins family trait.

Brock swallows, his heart does a jump in his chest. “Calleigh?” His voice carried a bit of surprise. He remembered Calleigh as a rebellious 16-year old, getting belly-button piercings without permission. He did not expect this God sent beauty. And he's not sure how he should react. This is Jack's daughter. He shouldn't feel his heart jump like this because of her.

Jesus Christ, Calleigh thinks for herself. Did she just think about Brock's lips as kissable? Brock Rumlow? Her dad's best friend. Naha, no way. Take it back, take it back, take it back; she repeats the three words again and again in her head, like a mantra. It's all in vain, when Brock's lips slowly curl up into a half smile. His upper lip on the left side curls up, revealing his teeth. Calleigh feels drawn to it. It's like magnetism, an invisible force that's dragging her towards him. She swallows in a desperate attempt to keep her heart out of her throat. It's Brock, Calleigh! He's over 40 years old, and your dad's best friend; the voice in her head screams to her at this point.

"What errr..." Brock takes the cloth from his jeans and wipes his hands on it before continuing. "What are you doing here?" he questions, his eyes traveling over her. Her short-sleeved white shirt reveals the small dips by her collarbone, and Brock's fingers twitch as his mind imagines gliding his fingertips over them. He knows he shouldn't feel this way. Why does he feel this way? Further down the shirt lays tight over her breasts, Brock swallows from the sight of them. Jesus, get it together, Brock; he silently curses at himself.

“I live here.” Calleigh replies, before he can take in the rest of her. She rubs her hand on her neck. The garage offers shade and a living temperature, but she can still feel the heat from outside. And looking at Brock all sweaty and sexy isn't helping at all. “What are you doing here?” She continues, she knows that's a stupid question. He was on his creeper, under the car when she came in, and the oil stains are also a big giveaway.

“I'm fixing your Dad’s car,” Brock answers her question with a little smile, and a tap on the hood of the Impala. “How's that neighborhood watch thing going for ya?” He adds with a little chuckle.

“Huh?” Calleigh feels like she just fell out of the sky. And she imagines that it must look that way too.

Brock gestures with his head to the container in her right hand, and Calleigh looks down to see her thumb still firmly placed on the top of it. Quickly putting the cap back on, she puts her hand behind her back. “It's nothing. It's just…” she tries, but the damage is already done. The only thing she can hope for now, is that Brock won't tell Jack about it.

“For protection?” Brock asks, as he wipes his abs with the cloth. When Calleigh doesn't answer, he continues. “New York taught you a few things huh?” He delivers the question with an understanding head tilt.

Calleigh takes a breath “Yeah I guess you could say—“ she’s interrupted by sirens approaching.

Brock lets out a little laugh “You called the cops on me.” It's more of a statement than a question. Calleigh feels a rush of embarrassment, as Brock lets out another friendly laugh.

“Not so much on you.. I..” Calleigh starts, moving her legs nervously. “I.. I thought you were someone else,” she tries, but without any kind of words to complete that sentence.

“Well, guess I can only hope that they won't arrest me,” Brock continues to chuckle, as he swings the cloth over his left shoulder, and walks outside to face the police.

Calleigh stays behind for a second or two before she shakes her head and lets out an exasperating breath. This is too embarrassing. Did she really call the cops on Brock? Jesus, she's never going to hear the end of this. This'll be one of those stories that'll be mentioned in a speech at her wedding. She can just hear it in her head ‘And you can feel totally safe, Calleigh will protect her terf whatever the cost. I remember…’ Shaking her head again, she walks outside as well.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

Not one, not two, but three units showed up. Thank you so much brain, for mentioning all the firearms in the house. Calleigh thinks to herself. Thankfully the misunderstanding was easy to clear up. Two of the officers knew Brock, which was understandable since Brock owned the only garage around that was certified to work on the police vehicles. And of course it helped that both the Lewis and the Rollins name was well known around these parts.

Just as the officers are leaving, Calleigh spots Mrs. Callahan across the street, coming out of her house with her walker. Mrs. Callahan was this tiny 4’9" little old lady, with long gray frizzy hair, she always wore white compression socks, a skirt with flower patterns on, a white shirt, a home knitted cardigan and brown slippers, she had lived across the street since forever. She was a really nice old lady, but she put her nose into absolutely everything.

“Miss Calleigh.” She yells across the street, with what little voice she has left. “Miss Calleigh, is everything alright?” She continues, as she walks across the street towards them.

“Yeah, Mrs. Callahan, everything is fine. Don’t worry.” Calleigh smiles at the old lady.

“I saw the police. Are you sure everything is alright? How's your father? Jack is such a sweetheart, don't you think?” Mrs. Callahan continues to talk. The thing with Mrs. Callahan was that after her husband passed away a few years ago, she had become very chatty. And if she started, there was almost no way of stopping her.

“Everything is perfectly fine Mrs. Callahan. It was just a misunderstanding” Brock shoots in, sending Calleigh an amused look when he says misunderstanding. “I can assure you that you can sleep safely.” He continues, giving the old lady a protective smile.

“O..Okay” Mrs. Callahan nods to Brock. Then she stops. “Would you be so kind as to walk an old lady back home, Brock?” She continues with her distinct old lady voice.

Brock sends Calleigh a small smile, before he offers his arm to Mrs. Callahan. When they start the short walk over the street, Calleigh can hear her say ‘Such a sweetheart, such a sweetheart’ over and over again. Calleigh can't help but smile. Both from the old lady calling Brock a sweetheart, and from the fact that Brock seriously makes her heart jump, and her stomach swoop. Both of which are feelings she's never had before.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

Calleigh has just finished maneuvering her car into the garage when Brock returns. Still wearing nothing but his well worn work jeans, with oil stains and rips on them. And then that body. Calleigh swallows hard to not let out any type of sound that can give away how she reacts to this man.

“You want Apple pie?” Brock asks, holding up two Apple pies, one in each hand. “Because I have two of them,” he continues, looking from Calleigh to the pies, and then back to Calleigh again.

Mrs. Callahan might be nosy to the point where Calleigh almost felt uneasy about it. But the old lady did make the most delicious Apple pies. Sweet, zesty and sugary. With the most amazing Granny Smith apples, cooked until perfection, with that sweet taste of cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg and sugar. Calleigh remembers them from the block parties when she was a little girl. Finishing up her dinner as fast as possible, to make sure she could grab a slice before they were all gone. Her mouth still goes watery when she thinks about it.

“She gave you two?” Calleigh laughs. Smiling wide. Partly for the thought of eating Mrs. Callahan's Apple pies again and partly from the thought that she might sit down with Brock and eat them. Why is that thought so prominent? It's not like Brock hasn't had dinner or food in general in this house before. She practically grew up with him around.

“Two isn't enough?” Brock questions, placing the two pies on the roof of Calleigh's car, before he starts to turn around. “Because I'm pretty sure I can get like five more,” he continues as he starts to leave the garage. Brock chides himself. What the hell is wrong with him? Why is he suddenly acting like a fuckin' teenager? Playing stupid flirting games, so that Calleigh will try to stop him, touch him. Jesus, Brock. He thinks for himself. Calleigh must think he's insane.

“No, no, no,” Calleigh hastily replies, grabbing Brock's wrist. “Two is –,” she involuntarily stops mid sentence from the sensation of Brock's skin against her palm. “Two is fine.. it's –” she continues, meeting his eyes as she lets go of his wrist. One of Brock's fingertips brushes over her palm, sending waves of shivers up her arm “perfect” she breathes out.

“Alrighty then,” Brock smiles, as he once again takes the pies. “Just heat them on 350, for 15 to 20 minutes, and we'll have ourselves a treat,” he continues as he opens the door that leads from the garage into the house.

Calleigh examines his broad and perfectly toned backside. His jeans fit perfectly over his behind. Calleigh swallows again. Stop it, she once again tells herself. “Maybe have a shower first?” She suggests, before she follows Brock. A shower? Really, Calleigh? She thinks to herself, the thought of naked Brock in the shower makes her want to slap herself. Cold shower it is. A really cold shower.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

Calleigh locks the door to the downstairs bathroom, before leaning her forehead against the door. Oh,God. Is she stupid? It's frickin Brock for God's sake. What is she thinking? Turning around, she leans her back against the door, as she glances over the bathroom.

The bathroom had undergone a luxurious renovation. The once white walls were now covered in sleek black and gold marble tiles that gave the space a rich feel. The wood-look flooring stretched out, making the room seem spacious. Acoustic panels in complementary black and wood tones lined the ceiling. Gone was the indoor jacuzzi that Calleigh loved as a child, replaced by a double waterfall shower. Concrete shelves anchored the masculine vanity area. Perched atop were two oval basins crafted from natural river stone, marrying masculinity with luxury. A sauna for four to six sat in one corner, unused but admittedly stylish. Though unfamiliar, Calleigh had to concede the new bathroom was rather nice looking.

Stepping away from the door, Calleigh removes her work clothes, tossing them in the laundry basket by the door. Before she steps into the shower, she once again takes a look at herself in the mirror. She looks… What's the word? Young and inexperienced. Small breasts, though still firm and pointing the ‘right’ way, they're still small. Narrow hips. Damnit! Why does she care so much about this all of a sudden? Brock.. Like he would ever want someone like her. “Why do you care, Calleigh?” She says to the mirror, before she enters the shower.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

The guest bathroom upstairs offers every accommodation a guest might need, whether it was a short or a longer stay. The modern design, such as the subway tiles in the shower, the floating shelves for towels and toiletries, the bathtub, with it's spa-like bath pillow, and the shower curtain, resting on a black shower rod, that stretched from one wall to another, mixed with the intricate black and white pattern on the floor tiles it gave the room a contemporary yet nostalgic charm.

Brock leans forward in the shower, leaning his arms against the wall as he lets the water wash over his neck, dripping down over his eyes and nose. He takes a deep breath. He'd almost forgotten that feeling. Aside from the fact that he'd promised himself to never go down that path again, he had to admit that it did feel good. That warm feeling, that was pumped out in his entire body with every heartbeat. That childish need for physical contact. But no. He couldn't do this. Not with her. Not with Calleigh. He's 26 years older than her, old compared to her. Though he was in good physical shape, he was still older than her. A lot older. After he took his therapist's advice to work out more to clear his head, his workout routine had become his safe place. A place where he didn’t have to think about Iraq or Afghanistan or Taylor. Just thinking about her name makes him feel cold. Calleigh, he thinks for himself. Calleigh with the gemstone eyes and perfect lips. Calleigh with the soft skin he felt when his fingers brushed over her palm. Calleigh… Yeah, Calleigh’s better. Calleigh’s definitely better. Fuck, what is he doing?

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

Calleigh looks between the knee-length tights and the white cotton shorts, weighing her options. The tights that cover more of her body or the comfortable shorts that's more suitable for this weather. God, this is just stupid. And why would Brock care anyway? Why does she care? Since when did what she wore around Brock become an issue? Opting for the shorts, she rolls her eyes at herself and her teenage-like thinking. The shorts fit better with the top anyway, and for some reason it feels important to look good right now.

After meticulously applying her make-up, Calleigh takes a good long look in the mirror. Her white shirt, with the blue and white butterfly pattern on the front sits perfectly on her body, hugging what's supposed to be hugged. Well, more like what's there to actually be hugged. Pouting a bit to her reflection and shaking her head at herself, she turns around checking if everything is in its right place. The straps on her bra are visible due to the shirts open back. After a few unsuccessful attempts trying to fix that issue, Calleigh gives up. Visible straps are better than a bikini anyway. No poolside relaxing today, there's no way she'll be strolling around in a tiny bikini with Brock around.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

The red light that indicates that the oven has reached its wanted temperature turns off, and Calleigh places the two pies into the oven. Thankful that Brock wasn't done upstairs yet. Those feelings she gets when he's around. They're… Calleigh doesn't even have the words to describe them. Sure she's been in love before, or at least smittened. She even had boyfriends, not too many or to long lasting, but still. But the feeling never lasted. And it was never like this. That feeling of her stomach doing gymnastics inside of her. What is that? Looking at the pies warming in the oven. Calleigh tries to make some sense out of all these emotions.

“Wouldn't it be funnier to… I don't know, watch a movie or something?” The voice suddenly talking over Calleigh's head startles her to the point where she hastily stands up. Banging her head into Brock's chin. “Ouch” Brock breathes out as he lets his hand glide over his chin.

“Oh, God,” Calleigh replies. Her expression is a mix of embarrassment and guilt. “I'm so sorry. Are you okay?” She continues, and without realizing that she does she lifts her arm to touch him where they collided. His rugged facial hair tickles her fingers as she carefully let them glide over his chin.

“I gotta say that your self-defense technique is a little unorthodox,” Brock smiles. “But it works, it definitely works,” he continues. The feeling he gets from Calleigh's touch is unlike anything he's ever felt before. A mix of excitement, guilt and that warm feeling spreading throughout his body.

Calleigh can't help but laugh. Brock always used to be funny, kinda like the cool uncle she never had since both her parents were an only child. She can remember millions of times when she was younger. Brock taking her to amusement parks, Brock dressing up as various animals or superheroes for her birthday parties, Brock letting her ride shotgun with him, even though Jack had told him not to. But for some reason the funny he shows her now, that funny feels different.

Suddenly realizing she's still touching him, Calleigh reatracts her hand, covering it with the other hand as she gives Brock an apologetic smile. What's gotten into her? Why does she feel like this around him all of a sudden?

“Is your head alright?” Brock asks, almost instantly regretting his poor choice of words. “From the… err.. bump,” he adds, when he sees the confusion on Calleigh's face. He lifts his hand, and carefully lets it glide over her head.

“Yeah”, Calleigh breathes out as she once again meets Brock's eyes. “I'm…” she continues, as Brock's hand glides down to her neck before stopping on her shoulder. “Good..” Whispering the last word so low that she's not sure Brock even hears it. It's definitely a connection between them. Or is it? Is she fooling herself? And if that's the case, then why?

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

The evening goes on. With Apple pies, ice cream, a movie on TV and a phone call from a worried Jack.

Mrs. Callahan had called him, and told him about the police being at the house. No surprise there. After about 14 failed attempts to call Calleigh, Jack had resolved to call Brock. Overprotective as he was, he was worried out of his mind. Before Brock explained how everything really went down, Jack was like two seconds away from jumping on the first flight back home. But after some discussion back and forth Brock had told him that he'd stay with Calleigh for the duration of Jack's stay in Chicago. For Calleigh, Jack's overprotectiveness in this situation was both a blessing and a curse. A blessing since this meant that she could spend some more time with Brock, and a curse for that exact same reason.

•─────────•°•❀•°•─────────•

After getting ready for bed, and before she turns off the lights, Calleigh sends a message in the group chat she shares with Molly and Jess.

‘Call me ASAP. I need to talk.’

No matter if there's a connection there or not, Calleigh needs to talk to someone about this. It's way too heavy to carry by herself. And what better people to talk to, than her two best friends.

Next Chapter ------->

@nekoannie-chan @rip1009 @late-to-the-party-81 @ladysif8

[undeniablerealities]

something I've been considering is how the second smart phone I owned had an IR blaster built in

all of a sudden I could connect to / interact with any tv, any cable box, any projector, and basically anything that demanded a remote. that tech felt WAY ahead of its time but utilized 30/40 year old development. Immediately after that generation of phone, it was eradicated and I've never seen anything like it again.

I feel like it was removed because that data it collected wasn't very profitable. Compared to a wifi controller, which can track your location, button presses, what you're interacting with, how what you're interacting with reacts, an IR blaster only shared device-side info, not what you're using it for (generally)

this is disturbing for a couple reasons, namely IR Blasters use tremendously less energy than WiFi or Bluetooth (which is just high density WiFi) and IR doesn't NEED connectivity. So many 'smart devices' rely on WiFi to perform basic functions, junking up your bandwidth, when they could send a very simple IR blast to tell your your toast is done or your laundry is ready to switch.

But that's the problem, if it's not on WiFi then Samsung who supples the washing machine, Comcast who supplies the internet, and Apple who supplies your phone can't profit over the data you're generating merely by interacting with this process. In reality, your phone should have an IR Blaster and Receptor so that you can start the laundry, and have the laundry machine tell you when it's done by an extremely simple low energy IR Blast.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯ we won't see anything like this until our officials finally start regulating how personal data is collected and sold. I did the math the other day using this calculator and concluded that the value of internet data for an individual across their entire life is roughly $25000. That means for every living person right now, over all our entire lives, our internet data are worth between 1 & 2 Trillion dollars. money that none of us will ever be able to use.

Now consider this, say for Apple or Comcast or Disney or Twitter, you can pay to interact with these services. You pay your money to watch the new sanitized 'Season 1' Disney Who. Disney, or any data-driven company, is then also taking your personal data and selling it for more money. You pay to use services, then you donate your data by using said services.

IR Blasters or cookie-tracking, personal data is gonna become a tremendously bigger problem as we get older

[blubushie]

BLU. My mom drives a smart car. The kind with a fucking ipad and not tactile buttons. It connects to her phone via bluetooth. It then displays notifcatjons from her phone ON THE SCREEN WHILE SHES DRIVING. WITH A NOISE AND THE SAME 'quickly shows up at the top of the screen then goes away' STYLE TOO. AND THEN YOU HAVE TO PRESS A BUTTON TO 'read it aloud' in that siri-ass robot voice, view it yourself WHILE DRIVING, or ignore it. While you are driving. No tactile buttons. Shows all your notifs with a notification sound. I was driving passenger and still felt distracted. This was while she was driving btw (no tactile buttons)

That is chaos and so fucking dangerous my god

[rejaul34]

Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker: Elevating Your Smart Home Experience

In the ever-evolving landscape of smart home technology, the Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker stands out as a beacon of innovation, seamlessly integrating into your daily life to enhance convenience and efficiency. With its sleek design, advanced features, and the powerful Alexa voice assistant, the Echo 4 redefines what it means to have a connected home.

At first glance, the Echo 4's aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Its modern cylindrical design, available in a range of stylish finishes, effortlessly blends into any home decor, making it both functional and visually pleasing. Whether placed on a countertop, shelf, or side table, the Echo 4 adds a touch of sophistication to any room.

But it's not just about looks—the Echo 4 packs a punch when it comes to performance. Powered by Alexa, Amazon's intelligent voice assistant, this smart speaker is always ready to assist you with tasks, answer questions, and control compatible smart devices with just the sound of your voice. From adjusting the thermostat and dimming the lights to playing your favorite music playlist or checking the weather forecast, Alexa is your reliable companion, making everyday tasks a breeze.

Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker, What sets the Echo 4 apart from its predecessors is its enhanced audio quality and immersive sound experience. Equipped with premium speakers and Dolby processing, the Echo 4 delivers crisp highs, rich mids, and deep bass, filling your space with room-filling sound whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. With support for multi-room music streaming, you can sync your Echo devices to play music throughout your home, creating a truly immersive listening experience.

Moreover, the Echo 4 goes beyond just being a smart speaker—it's a hub for your smart home ecosystem. With built-in Zigbee support, it effortlessly connects to and controls compatible smart home devices such as lights, locks, cameras, and more, giving you complete control over your home from anywhere. Whether you're at home or on the go, the Echo 4 keeps you connected and in control, ensuring peace of mind and convenience at your fingertips.

In terms of privacy and security, Amazon takes the utmost care to protect your data and ensure your peace of mind. With features like a physical microphone off button, customizable privacy settings, and transparent data usage policies, you can trust that your privacy is always prioritized with the Echo 4.

the Amazon Echo 4 Alexa Smart Speaker is not just a smart speaker—it's a game-changer for your smart home experience. With its stylish design, advanced features, immersive sound quality, and seamless integration with Alexa and other smart devices, the Echo 4 elevates your home to new heights of convenience, comfort, and entertainment. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a busy professional, or a family looking to simplify your daily routine, the Echo 4 is the perfect addition to any modern home.

BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker: The Ultimate Sound Companion On-The-Go

Designed to be worn on the wrist, this portable speaker lets you take your music with you wherever you go, without compromising on style or comfort. The first thing you'll notice about the BoomBand is its sleek and compact design. Unlike traditional speakers that require bulky bags or pockets to carry around, the BoomBand seamlessly integrates into your wardrobe as a stylish accessory, available in a range of colors and patterns to suit your taste. Whether you're out for a run, commuting to work, or simply lounging at home, the BoomBand complements your lifestyle with its discreet and versatile design.

But don't let its small size fool you the BoomBand packs a punch when it comes to sound quality. Equipped with advanced audio technology, including Bluetooth connectivity and high-fidelity speakers, this wearable speaker delivers crystal-clear sound with rich bass and dynamic range, ensuring that your music sounds its best wherever you are. Whether you're listening to your favorite playlist, tuning into a podcast, or taking calls on the go, the BoomBand delivers immersive sound that surrounds you, elevating your listening experience to new heights BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker.

What truly sets the BoomBand apart is its innovative wearable design, which allows you to enjoy music without the limitations of traditional headphones or earbuds. By wearing the speaker on your wrist, you're free to move and multitask without being tethered to your device, whether you're cooking, exercising, or working on your latest project. With its lightweight and ergonomic design, the BoomBand stays comfortably in place, ensuring a secure fit even during vigorous activities.

Moreover, the BoomBand offers versatility beyond just music playback. With built-in controls and a microphone, you can easily answer calls, adjust volume, and control playback directly from your wrist, giving you convenient access to your music and calls without reaching for your phone. Plus, with its long-lasting battery life, the BoomBand keeps the music playing for hours on end, ensuring that your soundtrack never skips a beat.

In conclusion, the BoomBand Wearable Wireless Wrist Portable Bluetooth Speaker redefines the way we experience music on the go. With its stylish design, immersive sound quality, and innovative wearable functionality, the BoomBand is the ultimate companion for music lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who values freedom and convenience in their audio experience. Whether you're out exploring the world or simply enjoying some downtime at home, the BoomBand lets you take your music with you wherever life takes you, making every moment a little more musical and memorable.

[aveduniya]

Evolution Of Computer Keyboards

Computer keyboard A keyboard is an input device used to enter characters and functions into the computer system by pressing buttons or keys. It is the primary device used to enter text. A keyboard typically contains keys for individual letters, numbers, and special characters. Types of Computer Keyboards There are different types of keyboards used worldwide depending on their size and numbers.

Continue reading to get a wholistic idea of the keyword world.

Wired Keyboard:

A wired keyboard means there is a wire connecting your keyboard to your computer. At the end of the wire is a USB plug that goes into a USB port on your computer. Wired keyboards are extremely reliable — there is little that could go wrong with this direct connection.The one drawback to having a wired keyboard is that the distance is limited between the keyboard and your computer; you can only have your keyboard as far from your desktop or laptop as the wire length. Also, wires can clutter your desktop. If you are looking for something sleek, you might consider a wireless keyboard. A wired keyboard generally comes with a 6-foot long cable to attach to the computer the length is generally enough for anyone who sits at an arm’s length from their system.

Wireless Keyboard :

A wireless keyboard is a computer keyboard that allows the user to communicate with computers, tablets, or laptops with the help of radio frequency, such as WiFi and Bluetooth or with infrared technology. A wireless keyboard is when you plug a receiver into one of the USB ports on your computer. The receiver then sends a signal to your battery-powered keyboard. Keep in mind, wireless USB keyboards do have a limited range and some must be within the line of sight of your receiver, depending on the type of signal it uses. Also, if your cordless keyboard starts acting sluggish, it probably requires new batteries. Wireless keyboards present a specific benefit to the consumer. First, wireless USB keyboards reduce wire clutter on your desk. Also, you aren’t tied to your desk — you can type from your couch, your kitchen table or even while seated on your living room floor! Some keyboards come in a set with a wireless keyboard and mouse. This is an added bonus since computer use is no longer limited to your office.

USB keyboard :

This variety of wireless keyboard connects to a PC using a small device called a dongle, which plugs into one of your laptop’s USB ports.The dongle transmits a signal between your laptop and the keyboard to enable wireless typing. .Also have a wireless capability, such as Bluetooth or a proprietary wireless connection. Because a USB keyboard does not require WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity, that means you can connect it to your device at any time. USB keyboards spend most of their time transferring data in the interrupt mode because the host needs to react quickly to keypress events to avoid perceivable lag. The USB protocol identifies the functionality of a device using device classes, defined by a class code sent to the host. Bluetooth Keyboard : A Bluetooth keyboard is a wireless keyboard that connects and communicates with its parent device via the Bluetooth protocol. These devices are widely used with such portable devices as smart phones and tablets, though they are also used with laptops and ultrabooks.To connect your wireless keyboard to a computer, first, ensure it has fresh batteries. Then, turn on the keyboard and activate pairing mode, usually by pressing the “connect” or “pair” button. Next, on your computer, go to the Bluetooth settings, search for available devices, and select your keyboard from the list.Using a Bluetooth keyboard over a wired one offers a seamless and clutter-free experience.Using a Bluetooth keyboard over a wired one offers a seamless and clutter-free experience. Personally, I find the freedom of movement delightful — I can sit comfortably without being tethered to a desk. Additionally, the versatility to connect to multiple devices effortlessly is a game-changer.

Numeric Keyboards:

A Numeric keypad is a set of keys on a computer or other device that allows you to enter numbers quickly and easily. It usually consists of a grid of numbers with additional function keys like Enter, Delete, and Escape. A numeric keypad, number pad, numpad, or ten key, is the palm-sized, usually 17 key section of a standard computer keyboard, usually on the far right. It provides calculator-style efficiency for entering numbers. Situated on the right of the keyboard, these keys have numbers and control functions on them. This facility is often used by data entry operators who need to input vast amounts of numerical data by touch.To use the numeric keypad, simply press the Num Lock key to activate it, and then use the keys to enter your numbers. One advantage of using the numeric keypad is that you can type numbers more quickly and efficiently than with the alphanumeric keys. The numeric keypad arranges the numerals 0 through 9, the arithmetic operators + (addition), — (subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division), and the decimal point as they would appear on a calculator or adding machine.

Ergonomic Keyboards:

A keyboard that separates the keys into two halves shaped like a wide “V.” Some keyboards have a fixed layout, while others are movable. To the touch typist, the layout feels odd at first, but it puts less stress on the hands and wrist and winds up being comfortable for most people. It refers to any keyboard designed to reduce strain on the body from typing. These kinds of keyboards are often laid out so that you can rest your hands in a more comfortable, natural position as you type.An ergonomic keyboard is a computer keyboard designed with ergonomic considerations to minimize muscle strain, fatigue, and other problems. Ergonomic keyboards, in essence, are created to minimize discomfort in users’ wrists and reduce unnecessary finger movements by rearranging or repositioning the keys. Health professionals often prefer ergonomic keyboards since they better match the complex geometry of our bodies and put less strain on our muscles, compared to conventional, rectangular keyboards. These valuable features are meant to reduce strain on the body and improve typing efficiency as a whole. By placing the hands in a more natural position, ergonomic keyboards help to minimize muscle fatigue and discomfort, allowing users to type for longer periods with less strain. It’s been found that using an ergonomic keyboard can help you type faster and more accurately (although there is often a learning curve). This is because the layout of the keys is more natural, which reduces the amount of strain on your muscles and tends to type more accurately. An ergonomic mechanical keyboard is designed to provide a more comfortable and natural typing experience by considering the positioning of keys and the overall shape of the keyboard. It aims to reduce strain on the hands, wrists, and arms.

QWERTY Keyboard:

The QWERTY (pronounced KWEHR-tee) keyboard is the standard typewriter and computer keyboard in countries that use a Latin-based alphabet. QWERTY refers to the first six letters on the upper row of the keyboard. The QWERTY keyboard layout is comfortable, familiar, and time-tested, ideal for everyday typing needs. If you are happy enough with your word-per-minute typing rate using QWERTY, you won’t need to learn a new system on a keyboard with a different layout.A general QWERTY keyboard typically has 104 keys. The QWERTY layout was designed to prevent the keys on a typewriter from getting stuck when typing fast. The letters on the keyboard were arranged in a way that kept the most commonly used keys apart from each other so that they would not get jammed together. The three keyboards are used in different parts of the world: the QWERTY keyboard is prevalent in the Americas and in several regions of Europe; the QWERTZ keyboard also called the Swiss keyboard, is used in German-speaking countries; the AZERTY keyboard is used predominantly in France and Belgium.

QWERTZ Keyboard:

The QWERTZ or QWERTZU keyboard is a typewriter and keyboard layout widely used in Central Europe. The name comes from the first six letters at the top left of the keyboard. The QWERTZ is the keyboard layout that is mainly used in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other parts of Central Europe. The main difference between it and QWERTY is that Y and Z are swapped, and some special characters such as brackets are replaced by the diacritical characters Ä, Ö, Ü and ß.The QWERTZ keyboard layout was developed for languages that use the Latin script, such as German, Hungarian, and Czech. QWERTZ is used by Germans. The German language does not use Y (with very few exceptions like Bayern). They use Ü instead for U umlaut.

AZERTY Keyboard : AZERTY is a specific layout for the characters of the Latin alphabet on typewriter keys and computer keyboards. The layout takes its name from the first six letters to appear on the first row of alphabetical keys; that is. Similar to the QWERTZ layout, it is modeled on the English QWERTY layout.A keyboard layout used in France and neighboring countries. A, Z, E, R, T and Y are the letters on the top left, alphabetic row. AZERTY is similar to the QWERTY layout, except that Q and A are swapped, Z and W are swapped and M is in the middle row instead of the bottom one.The AZERTY layout is used in France, Belgium and some African countries.The layout was designed to be used with the French language, which has a different set of characters than English. The AZERTY layout was created to make it easier for French typists to type efficiently.It is very similar to the QWERTY keyboard layout. It is mainly used in France and Belgium. It is almost the same as the QWERTY keyboard, but it swaps the letters Q and A, as well as W and Z. The letter M is moved from right to N to the position of the semicolon on QWERTY keyboards. Laser/Projection Keyboard : A laser projection keyboard used with a tablet. A laser or beamer projects a visible virtual keyboard onto a level surface. It is a modern input device. A sensor or camera in the projector picks up finger movements. Software converts the coordinates to identify actions or characters.A projection keyboard is a form of computer input device whereby the image of a virtual keyboard is projected onto a surface: when a user touches the surface covered by an image of a key, the device records the corresponding keystroke.

Gaming Keyboard:

A computer keyboard designed for gamers. Although there are several controllers with dials and levers for games, the W, A, S, and D letter keys on the standard keyboard are also widely used. Gaming Keyboards Are designed to be used for long sessions so you can enjoy your favorite games without interruption. These keyboards often incorporate enhanced elements from other keyboard types, such as backlit keys and ergonomic configurations.

Magic Keyboard:

Offered by Apple, the magic keyboard brings a polished look and rechargeable battery to the table. These Bluetooth-enabled keyboards connect to Mac computers automatically. As with any other Apple product, however, the “Magic” comes at a price; these are some of the most expensive everyday keyboards on the market. The physical mechanism was transplanted from the version in the iMac Pro (which had already been used in the Magic Keyboard for years) into the 2019–2020 MacBook line of products to transition the line completely to the scissor mechanism found in the Magic Keyboard, so it was natural to simply call this the Magic keyboard.

Backlit Keyboard:

A backlit keyboard is a type of computer keyboard with illumination behind the keys to make them more visible in low-light conditions. The lights are often adjustable and can be set to a range of brightness levels or turned off entirely, depending on the user’s preferences. It brings radiance to your gaming and computer work in both wired and wireless designs. While backlit keys may not be a necessity, they can be a great option for those with vision issues as they make it easy to see all of the keys on the keyboard.The print on the keys is semi-transparent, so the light underneath will shine through it like a window.

Flexible Keyboards:

A flexible keyboard is a keypad made from silicone or other soft polymers that bend and flex. It could be a qwerty, numeric or even a customized keyboard designed for any application. They’re durable, water-resistant and virtually indestructible.It designed for maximum portability. They are usually made of silicon, so you can roll them up and take them anywhere.Flexible keyboards are specially designed for easy transport and durability. The silicon material also means they’re easy to clean and resistant to water and dust. Flexible keyboards also use the same connection methods as mechanical keyboards, such as USB cables. Assuming your computer has a USB port, you should be able to use a flexible keyboard with it. Simply plug the flexible keyboard into the USB port, at which point your computer should read it (note: it may require the installation of a new driver).

Membrane Keyboards:

A membrane keyboard is a computer keyboard whose “keys” are not separate, moving parts, as with the majority of other keyboards, but rather are pressure pads that have only outlines and symbols printed on a flat, flexible surface. Very little, if any, tactile feedback is felt when using such a keyboard. Membrane keyboards are designed without space between the individual keys. The keys are pressure-sensitive, with the different characters outlined on a flat surface. Membrane keyboards can be quite affordable as the materials used to make them are inexpensive. They’re also quieter relative to mechanical keyboards, which makes them a great choice for users who don’t enjoy the “click-clack” of keys.

Mechanical Keyboards :

A physical keyboard that uses an individual spring and switch for each key. Today, only premium keyboards are built with key switches; however, they were also used in the past, such as in the Model M keyboard from IBM, which used buckling spring switches. Mechanical keyboards are very much appreciated by fast typists because they have a springiness and feel that is not the same as the low-cost membrane keyboard accompanying most computers. They are also used by gamers .

[davepetea]

>Go ask your moirail how to get the Hyperbeam proxy to work.

Only partly because you can't work it out, but mostly because Sollux has been neglecting you to work on some big project and you're VERY high maintenance and he isn't giving you nearly enough attention. That being literally every single breath he takes should be devoted to YOU. Absolutely. You aren't being dramatic AT ALL.

When you slink up to his computer chair and sit next to it on the floor, and gently nudge your Steam Deck on his lap, he takes it without looking down at you and glances at the screen. You go to open your mouth to ask him to help but he figures out the issue in a millisecond and taps the screen a couple of times, then hands it back to you. You close your mouth, and look at it, tilting your head. "It's uh. Still-"

He turns it back to himself and 'tut's, tapping the screen again. "I forgot to refresh it." He hands it back again, this time the play icon is working.

"How did you-"

He finally looks at you this time, almost sighing because he knows he's going to HAVE to give you attention eventually, so he puts the device back on his lap, turns his chair toward you more and pets your head, his thumb rubbing against one of your ears, and you purr as you lean your head into his hand. "There was a big banner across the top saying 'only available in the UK'... And, where are we?" He gestures around the room, with the hand not petting you, as if that means something. "Context clues. There is a little icon up there," he taps a blunt claw against the glass over a small, now green, Hyperbeam icon by the URL bar, "you click that, a little slider for the proxy pops up. I don't know where your server is located without digging but if you want to watch something from America then you will either need to use a VPN or have Dirk or someone proxy for you." He watches your face but you try not to show that you don't know how you would get a VPN to work on a virtual machine, or why Dirk would be able to do it since he lives just down the road, not in America. If you need to do that maybe it'll be straightforward... Or at least easy to look up online. "Anything else I can help you with?"

You stare into the screen for a second, going back to the situation at hand, then 'oh' quietly. Ok, either you're really stupid or he's really smart... Maybe both. "Oh! Um. Can you show us how to change the keyboard? It's doing the thing with the at and the speech marks?" You gesture by holding up your hands and crossing them over in front of you dramatically, a sign of 'swapped' or 'mixed up'.

He blinks at first, then works out what you mean, and you see him make the slightest movement where he's going to take it back and just do it for you, but thinks better of it, because you didn't ask him to 'fix it'. You asked him to 'show' you. So he does. He talks you through opening the settings and how to change the external keyboard layout for your Bluetooth keyboard, so instead of US it's in a UK layout, but there are different ones, so he shows you the differences and how to find all the layouts and that you can click 'preview' and it'll show where all the buttons are, so you can click them and they'll highlight.

Because you didn't bring the keyboard with you, you're not sure exactly which keys are where, so when you get back to your room, you'll be able to do it all by yourself!

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/140968-2/

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oyR8FUq69s[/embedyt]

When it comes to manufacturing the best aftermarket exhaust systems, QuickSilver Exhausts is among the top brands that are known for the quality of the product they deliver. The company has more than four decades of experience in manufacturing the lightest, strongest, long-lasting and more efficient exhaust systems for some of the world’s finest cars. The latest car they manufactured for is the 2023 Range Rover Sport, and with this release, they have made sure that you will enjoy hearing and driving this midsize luxury SUV.

The 2023 Range Rover Sport has amazing off-road capabilities which are blended so well with its luxury features, and with the twin-turbo V-8 engine delivering extra horsepower, this car is suited for both on and off-road driving. There’s only one place where this ride disappoints though, one can’t really hear and feel how powerful the car is. With a wealth of engines available, any enthusiast choosing the BMW-derived 4.4 V8 lump has done so for the sound and performance. This is where Quicksilver’s latest release comes in, this exhaust will meet your needs whether you prefer silence or sporty tones.

The Quicksilver Sport Exhaust System with Sound Architect Valves for Land Rover Range Rover Sport P530 4.4L V8 2023+  uses an app which is available for Android and iOS users. This apps hands you the control of the valves allowing you to choose when and if they stay open or closed to get the customized sound you prefer. On top of that your sound choice will remain viable even after the car’s been turned off and on. This is a bolt-on system with no cutting or hard-wiring required in order to install it, however the electronic module included only requires a 12v feed, usually a cigarette-lighter socket. It’s Bluetooth controlled on the driver’s smart device, and pairing takes just a minute.

Features:

OPF-Back and emissions friendly

Polished transverse silencer with X-Pipe centre section

No cutting or hard-wiring required. Bolt on, plug in and enjoy

Muscular sport sound at a touch of a button.

Downloadable app to tailor your own sound.

Very noticeable difference between Sport and Refined mode, suited to every environment.

Reversible to stock without a trace

Click Here to Buy the Quicksilver Sport Exhaust System for the 2023 Range Rover Sport

Notes:

Quicksilver products ship directly from the UK.

Item may take up to 4 weeks for delivery.

Customers are responsible for all Taxes or Duty Fees.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us. You can reach us by phone at 1-480-966-3040 or via email at sales@vividracing.com.

[nateriver7373]

Outdoor Movie Screens and Smart Home Integration: The Future of Outdoor Entertainment

Introduction Outdoor entertainment is no longer limited to barbecues and patio furniture. With the rise of smart home technology, backyard movie nights are evolving into immersive, high-tech experiences. Outdoor movie screens, once simple tools for projection, are now being integrated into the smart home ecosystem—bringing together automation, voice control, and connectivity for next-level convenience and luxury. Whether you're streaming a blockbuster under the stars or hosting a live sports watch party, the future of outdoor entertainment lies in blending functional movie screen setups with smart technology. In this blog, we explore how smart home integration is transforming outdoor movie experiences and how homeowners can embrace this exciting trend.

1. Automated Screens: Seamless Setup at the Touch of a Button Gone are the days of manually setting up bulky screens. Smart integration now allows homeowners to automate their outdoor movie screens for quick, effortless setup.

Motorized retractable screens can be mounted on walls, pergolas, or custom frames and deployed with a remote control or smartphone app.

Voice assistant compatibility with devices like Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri means you can raise or lower your screen with a simple voice command.

Timed automation settings allow screens to extend or retract based on sunset times or pre-set schedules, eliminating the need to manually manage them.

This level of automation not only enhances convenience but also helps protect screens from weather or wear when not in use.

2. Smart Projectors: Wireless, Connected, and Ready to Stream Today’s projectors are more than just display devices—they're full-fledged smart entertainment hubs.

Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow smart projectors to connect wirelessly to your home network, speakers, and streaming platforms.

App compatibility lets you launch Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more directly from the projector—no separate media player required.

Portable smart projectors with battery power and automatic keystone correction offer flexibility for various outdoor layouts and seating arrangements.

Voice control and touchless operation are also becoming standard, allowing you to manage playback without leaving your seat.

With smart projectors, setting up movie night becomes as easy as tapping your phone or speaking a command.

3. Integrated Audio Systems for Surround-Sound Simplicity Audio plays a huge role in creating a theater-like outdoor experience, and smart home integration makes it easier than ever to manage sound.

Wireless outdoor speakers that connect via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth can be positioned around the yard for immersive surround sound.

Multi-room audio systems, such as Sonos or Bose Smart Home, allow you to sync audio across both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Smart speaker groups can be managed with voice commands or apps to control volume, source, and speaker zones.

Weatherproof audio gear designed specifically for outdoor use ensures durability without sacrificing quality.

Integrated audio eliminates tangled cords and complicated setups, making the experience sleek and user-friendly.

4. Ambient Lighting and Climate Control for Enhanced Comfort With smart home devices, you can control more than just your movie screen—you can shape the entire atmosphere.

Smart outdoor lighting systems, such as Philips Hue or LIFX, can change colors and brightness levels to match the mood or film genre.

Motion-activated pathway lights improve safety while maintaining ambiance.

Smart fire pits, heaters, or misting systems can be controlled remotely to adjust comfort levels as temperatures change.

Automated pergola shades or retractable canopies can be synced with weather sensors or apps for protection from sun or light rain.

Smart environmental control ensures guests stay comfortable and the setting remains ideal throughout the event.

5. Centralized Control with Home Automation Hubs The power of smart outdoor movie setups lies in centralized control.

Home automation hubs like Samsung SmartThings, Apple HomeKit, or Amazon Echo can connect your screen, projector, audio, and lighting into a single interface.

Custom routines can be created—such as a “Movie Night” scene that dims the lights, lowers the screen, powers up the projector, and cues the speakers—all with one tap or command.

Remote access through mobile apps allows you to start setting up your system even before you step into your backyard.

Integration with security systems means you can monitor your outdoor area during events and receive alerts for motion or unexpected weather changes.

A unified smart system takes the stress out of planning and managing your movie night, letting you focus on the experience.

Conclusion Outdoor movie screens have entered a new era—one where cutting-edge technology enhances entertainment without compromising style or convenience. Through smart home integration, homeowners can automate, customize, and control their outdoor movie experiences with ease. From automated screens and wireless projectors to smart lighting and centralized control, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination. As smart home ecosystems continue to evolve, expect outdoor entertainment to become even more immersive, connected, and dynamic. For anyone looking to upgrade their backyard movie nights, the future is already here—and it’s smart, stylish, and spectacular.

[atplblog]

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