#Mobile Device Management Market

[harshtechsworld]

Mobile Device Management Market to Witness Rise in Revenues By 2032

Mobile Device Management Market Analysis: The Mobile Device Management Market has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the increasing adoption of mobile devices in enterprises and the need for enhanced security measures. MDM solutions enable organizations to manage, secure, and monitor mobile devices used within their networks, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and…

[market-research-reports-fmi]

The mobile device management market is on a robust growth trajectory, with a projected CAGR of 22.7% during the forecast period. To put it into perspective, in 2022, the MDM market was valued at US$ 3,627.8 million. Fast forward to 2023, and the market has already expanded to US$ 5,461.76 million.

[riya2510]

Unveiling the Future of Managed Mobility Services: Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Key Players

Unveiling the Future of Managed Mobility Services: Market Trends, Growth Factors, and Key Players

The global Managed Mobility Services (MMS) Market is on a remarkable growth trajectory, with Straits Research reporting a market size valued at USD 22.53 billion in 2022. This market is projected to expand significantly, reaching an estimated USD 270.49 billion by 2031, and registering an impressive CAGR of 31.8% during the forecast period from 2023 to 2031. This rapid growth is driven by the increasing complexity of mobile device management in enterprises and the rising adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies.

Definition of Managed Mobility Services

Managed Mobility Services encompass a range of solutions that allow organizations to efficiently manage mobile devices, applications, and security. These services help streamline operations by outsourcing the management of mobile technology to specialized service providers. MMS includes functions such as mobile device management (MDM), mobile application management (MAM), and mobile security, facilitating seamless connectivity for employees working remotely or in hybrid environments.

Request a Free Sample (Free Executive Summary at Full Report Starting from USD 1850): https://straitsresearch.com/report/managed-mobility-service-market/request-sample

Latest Trends in Managed Mobility Services

Rise of BYOD Policies: More companies are adopting BYOD strategies, allowing employees to use their personal devices for work purposes. This trend increases the demand for managed mobility services that can secure and manage these devices effectively.

Cloud-Based Solutions: The shift towards cloud computing has led to an increase in demand for cloud-based managed mobility services, providing flexibility and scalability for businesses.

Increased Focus on Security: With the rise in cyber threats, organizations are prioritizing security measures within their mobility strategies, driving demand for comprehensive mobile security solutions.

Integration of AI and Automation: The incorporation of artificial intelligence and automation in managed mobility services enhances efficiency by streamlining processes such as device provisioning and application management.

Growing Mobile Workforce: The ongoing trend towards remote work has necessitated robust managed mobility services to support employees outside traditional office environments.Market Segmentation with Insights-Driven Strategy Guide: https://straitsresearch.com/report/managed-mobility-service-market/segmentation

Market Segmentation

The Managed Mobility Services Market can be segmented based on various criteria:

By Function

Mobile Device Management (MDM): Focuses on managing and securing mobile devices within an organization.

Mobile Application Management (MAM): Involves managing applications on mobile devices to ensure security and compliance.

Mobile Security: Encompasses solutions designed to protect mobile devices from threats.

Other Functions: Includes additional services that support mobility management.

By Deployment

Cloud: Services hosted on cloud platforms offering scalability and flexibility.

On-Premise: Solutions deployed within the organization’s infrastructure for greater control.

By End-user Industry

IT and Telecom

Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI)

Healthcare

Manufacturing

Retail

Education

Other End-user Industries

Growth Factors

The growth of the Managed Mobility Services Market is fueled by several key factors:

Increased Adoption of Mobile Devices: As businesses increasingly rely on mobile technology for operations, the need for effective management solutions grows.

Rising Cybersecurity Concerns: Organizations are investing in managed mobility services to mitigate risks associated with data breaches and cyber threats.

Demand for Integrated Solutions: Companies are seeking comprehensive managed mobility solutions that integrate various functions into a single platform.

Opportunities

Opportunities abound in the Managed Mobility Services Market:

Expansion in Emerging Markets: Regions with growing digital infrastructure present opportunities for service providers to expand their offerings.

Development of Advanced Security Solutions: There is a growing need for innovative security solutions tailored to meet the challenges posed by a mobile workforce.

Partnerships and Collaborations: Strategic partnerships between technology providers can enhance service offerings and improve market reach.

Key Players in the Managed Mobility Services Market

Several prominent companies are leading the Managed Mobility Services Market:

Hewlett-Packard

Vodafone Group PLC

Microsoft Corporation

Tech Mahindra

AT&T Inc.

Fujitsu Ltd

Kyndryl (IBM Corporation)

Wipro Ltd

Orange SA

Telefónica SA

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

These key players are leveraging their expertise to innovate and provide comprehensive managed mobility solutions that cater to diverse industry needs.

Buy Full Report (Exclusive Insights): https://straitsresearch.com/buy-now/managed-mobility-service-market

Research Methodology

Straits Research employs a rigorous methodology combining top-down and bottom-up approaches. Data triangulation ensures accuracy in estimating market size and forecasts. Extensive primary research with industry stakeholders further validates market figures and trends.

About Straits Research

Straits Research is a global provider of high-quality market research, analytics, and advisory services. With a dedicated team of expert analysts, we deliver actionable data and insights to support informed business decisions. Our customized approach allows us to cater to each client’s specific needs, ensuring the most relevant and valuable market intelligence.

Table of Contents for the Managed Mobility Services Market Report: https://straitsresearch.com/report/managed-mobility-service-market/toc

Contact Us:

Email: sales@straitsresearch.com

Address: 825 3rd Avenue, New York, NY, USA, 10022

Phone: +1 646 905 0080 (U.S.), +91 8087085354 (India), +44 203 695 0070 (U.K.)

[aarunresearcher]

United States mobile device management market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 19.00% during 2024-2032. The rising adoption of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, rising shift towards cloud-based MDM solutions, and the growing emphasis on managing mobile applications represent some of the key factors driving the market.

[spintly-co]

A sleek and modern Spintly Uno Access Control device, showcasing its cutting-edge technology for access control systems. Spintly's Uno Access Control device is revolutionizing the way access control systems are deployed and managed.

https://spintly.com/

[market-insider]

Stay Ahead with Mobile Device Management: Market Opportunities

The global mobile device management market size is expected to reach USD 28.37 billion by 2030. The market is expected to witness growth due to the increasing adoption of mobile devices in the workplace and the need to secure and manage them. With the proliferation of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, employees are increasingly using their personal devices for work purposes. This trend, commonly referred to as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), has led to an increase in the number of mobile devices that need to be managed and secured within an organization. Mobile device management (MDM) solutions provide a centralized platform for managing & securing mobile devices, including the ability to enforce security policies, monitor device usage, and remotely wipe data in case of loss or theft.

Gain deeper insights on the Cyber Security market and receive your free copy with TOC now @: Mobile Device Management Market Report

As more organizations adopt BYOD policies or provide employees with company-owned mobile devices, the demand for MDM solutions is expected to continue to grow. Furthermore, the adoption of mobile devices has been further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as remote work has become the norm for many organizations. As employees work from home or other locations outside of the traditional office, the need for MDM solutions to manage and secure employee devices outside of the organization’s network perimeter has increased. However, the mobile device landscape is highly fragmented, with a wide range of operating systems, device types, and versions in use. This fragmentation makes it difficult for MDM solutions to provide comprehensive management and security across all devices.

[marksmithimarc]

The global mobile device management (MDM) market size reached US$ 8.5 Billion in 2022. IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 36.2 Billion by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 27.2% during 2023-2028. Mobile device management (MDM) is software that organizations use to manage and secure mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

[payblogs]

DARK SMS - DRAGON+

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, maintaining privacy and security while communicating is more important than ever. Introducing DarkSMS, a cutting-edge virtual SMS platform designed to streamline your messaging experience without compromising your personal information. With our innovative virtual number service, users can receive SMS messages securely and anonymously, eliminating the risks associated with sharing private phone numbers. Whether you’re signing up for online services, verifying accounts, or simply looking to keep your communication confidential, DarkSMS has got you covered. 

Virtual SMS

Virtual SMS refers to the messaging service that enables users to send and receive text messages through a virtual phone number rather than a traditional mobile line. This service is particularly useful for individuals and businesses looking to maintain privacy while communicating or verifying accounts.

One of the key advantages of using virtual sms is the ability to receive SMS without revealing your personal phone number. This is especially beneficial for online transactions, sign-ups for apps, or any situation where you might need to provide a phone number but want to protect your privacy.

Furthermore, virtual numbers can be easily managed from a web-based platform, allowing users to organize and store messages effectively. Many service providers offer features such as message forwarding, where received SMS messages can be redirected to your email or other platforms, ensuring you never miss an important notification.

In addition to privacy and convenience, virtual SMS services are often cost-effective. They eliminate the need for extra SIM cards or mobile contracts, allowing users to only pay for the services they actually use. This flexibility makes virtual number services highly attractive for startups and individuals working from remote locations.

As businesses increasingly adopt digital communication strategies, integrating virtual SMS into their operations can enhance customer interaction and improve engagement through instant messaging capabilities.

Virtual Number Service

A virtual number service offers a practical solution for individuals and businesses looking to maintain privacy while receiving communications. By using a virtual number, you can receive SMS messages without exposing your personal phone number. This feature is especially useful for those engaged in online transactions, such as e-commerce, as it safeguards against unwanted spam and protects your identity.

One of the key advantages of a virtual number service is its capability to function seamlessly alongside your primary phone line. Users can receive messages from various platforms effectively, whether it's for verification purposes, two-factor authentication, or simply keeping in touch with clients. The convenience of managing multiple numbers through a single device cannot be overstated.

With options to select numbers from different geographic locations, this service caters to users looking to establish a local presence in different markets. Moreover, these numbers can be set up quickly and easily, providing instant access to receive SMS without lengthy contracts or commitments.

To optimize your experience with virtual SMS and virtual number services, consider features like call forwarding, voicemail, and the ability to choose your own number. Such functionality enhances user experience by offering flexibility in communication while maintaining professional boundaries.

Ultimately, investing in a virtual number service can significantly enhance your business's communication strategy, allowing you to receive SMS reliably while focusing on building relationships with your clients.

Receive SMS

Receiving SMS through a virtual number is a convenient service that allows users to get text messages without needing a physical SIM card. This is particularly beneficial for individuals and businesses looking for privacy or those who wish to avoid exposing their personal phone numbers.

The process is straightforward: once you obtain a virtual number through a reliable virtual number service, you can start receiving sms messages. This service is essential for various reasons, including:

  Account verification codes: Many online platforms use SMS to send verification codes. A virtual number allows you to receive these codes securely.

  Business communications: Companies can use virtual SMS to receive client inquiries or feedback without revealing their primary contact numbers.

  Privacy protection: By receiving SMS through a virtual number, users can protect their personal phone numbers from spam and unwanted solicitation.

Moreover, the get SMS feature of a virtual number service ensures that you don’t miss any important messages, even if you are on the move. Messages are often stored digitally, which means you can access them anytime and anywhere.

In summary, the ability to receive SMS through a virtual number enhances both privacy and accessibility, making it a valuable tool for users in various contexts.

Get SMS

Getting SMS messages through a virtual number service has become increasingly popular due to its convenience and versatility. Whether you need to receive texts for verification purposes or want to maintain privacy while communicating, virtual SMS provides a robust solution.

With a virtual number, you can easily get sms from anywhere in the world without needing a physical SIM card. This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that require secure communication with clients or customers, as it ensures that sensitive information remains confidential.

Here are some advantages of using a virtual number to get SMS:

Privacy Protection: Using a virtual number helps keep your personal phone number private.

Accessibility: You can receive SMS messages on multiple devices, including tablets and laptops.

Cost-Effective: Virtual SMS services typically come with lower costs than traditional SMS plans.

Global Reach: You can get SMS messages from international numbers without incurring roaming fees.

Easy Setup: Setting up a virtual number to receive SMS is straightforward and often takes just a few minutes.

In summary, leveraging a virtual number service for SMS communication allows you to manage your messages efficiently while maintaining privacy, enhancing accessibility, and reducing costs. This is particularly useful for both personal and business communications, making it a smart choice for anyone looking to streamline their SMS functions.

[mostlysignssomeportents]

The paradox of choice screens

I'm coming to BURNING MAN! On TUESDAY (Aug 27) at 1PM, I'm giving a talk called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE!" at PALENQUE NORTE (7&E). On WEDNESDAY (Aug 28) at NOON, I'm doing a "Talking Caterpillar" Q&A at LIMINAL LABS (830&C).

It's official: the DOJ has won its case, and Google is a convicted monopolist. Over the next six months, we're gonna move into the "remedy" phase, where we figure out what the court is going to order Google to do to address its illegal monopoly power:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/07/revealed-preferences/#extinguish-v-improve

That's just the beginning, of course. Even if the court orders some big, muscular remedies, we can expect Google to appeal (they've already said they would) and that could drag out the case for years. But that can be a feature, not a bug: a years-long appeal will see Google on its very best behavior, with massive, attendant culture changes inside the company. A Google that's fighting for its life in the appeals court isn't going to be the kind of company that promotes a guy whose strategy for increasing revenue is to make Google Search deliberately worse, so that you will have to do more searches (and see more ads) to get the info you're seeking:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/04/24/naming-names/#prabhakar-raghavan

It's hard to overstate how much good stuff can emerge from a company that's mired itself in antitrust hell with extended appeals. In 1982, IBM wriggled off the antitrust hook after a 12-year fight that completely transformed the company's approach to business. After more than a decade of being micromanaged by lawyers who wanted to be sure that the company didn't screw up its appeal and anger antitrust enforcers, IBM's executives were totally transformed. When the company made its first PC, it decided to use commodity components (meaning anyone could build a similar PC by buying the same parts), and to buy its OS from an outside vendor called Micros-Soft (meaning competing PCs could use the same OS), and it turned a blind eye to the company that cloned the PC ROM, enabling companies like Dell, Compaq and Gateway to enter the market with "PC clones" that cost less and did more than the official IBM PC:

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2019/08/ibm-pc-compatible-how-adversarial-interoperability-saved-pcs-monopolization

The big question, of course, is whether the court will order Google to break up, say, by selling off Android, its ad-tech stack, and Chrome. That's a question I'll address on another day. For today, I want to think about how to de-monopolize browsers, the key portal to the internet. The world has two extremely dominant browsers, Safari and Chrome, and each of them are owned by an operating system vendor that pre-installs their own browser on their devices and pre-selects them as the default.

Defaults matter. That's a huge part of Judge Mehta's finding in the Google case, where the court saw evidence from Google's own internal research suggesting that people rarely change defaults, meaning that whatever the gadget does out of the box it will likely do forever. This puts a lie to Google's longstanding defense of its monopoly power: "choice is just a click away." Sure, it's just a click away – a click, you're pretty sure no one is ever going to make.

This means that any remedy to Google's browser dominance is going to involve a lot of wrangling about defaults. That's not a new wrangle, either. For many years, regulators and tech companies have tinkered with "choice screens" that were nominally designed to encourage users to try out different browsers and brake the inertia of the big two browsers that came bundled with OSes.

These choice screens have a mixed record. Google's 2019 Android setup choice screen for the European Mobile Application Distribution Agreement somehow managed to result in the vast majority of users sticking with Chrome. Microsoft had a similar experience in 2010 with BrowserChoice.eu, its response to the EU's 2000s-era antitrust action:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BrowserChoice.eu

Does this mean that choice screens don't work? Maybe. The idea of choice screens comes to us from the "choice architecture" world of "nudging," a technocratic pseudoscience that grew to prominence by offering the promise that regulators could make big changes without having to do any real regulating:

https://verfassungsblog.de/nudging-after-the-replication-crisis/

Nudge research is mired in the "replication crisis" (where foundational research findings turn out to be nonreplicable, due to bad research methodology, sloppy analysis, etc) and nudge researchers keep getting caught committing academic fraud:

https://www.ft.com/content/846cc7a5-12ee-4a44-830e-11ad00f224f9

When the first nudgers were caught committing fraud, more than a decade ago, they were assumed to be outliers in an otherwise honest and exciting field:

https://www.npr.org/2016/10/01/496093672/power-poses-co-author-i-do-not-believe-the-effects-are-real

Today, it's hard to find much to salvage from the field. To the extent the field is taken seriously today, it's often due to its critics repeating the claims of its boosters, a process Lee Vinsel calls "criti-hype":

https://sts-news.medium.com/youre-doing-it-wrong-notes-on-criticism-and-technology-hype-18b08b4307e5

For example, the term "dark patterns" lumps together really sneaky tactics with blunt acts of fraud. When you click an "opt out of cookies" button and get a screen that says "Success!" but which has a tiny little "confirm" button on it that you have to click to actually opt out, that's not a "dark pattern," it's just a scam:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/03/27/beware-of-the-leopard/#relentless

By ascribing widespread negative effects to subtle psychological manipulation ("dark patterns") rather than obvious and blatant fraud, we inadvertently elevate "nudging" to a real science, rather than a cult led by scammy fake scientists.

All this raises some empirical questions about choice screens: do they work (in the sense of getting people to break away from defaults), and if so, what's the best way to make them work?

This is an area with a pretty good literature, as it turns out, thanks in part due to some natural experiments, like when Russia forced Google to offer choice screens for Android in 2017, but didn't let Google design that screen. The Russian policy produced a significant switch away from Google's own apps to Russian versions, primarily made by Yandex:

https://cepr.org/publications/dp17779

In 2023, Mozilla Research published a detailed study in which 12,000 people from Germany, Spain and Poland set up simulated mobile and desktop devices with different kinds of choice screens, a project spurred on by the EU's Digital Markets Act, which is going to mandate choice screens starting this year:

https://research.mozilla.org/browser-competition/choicescreen/

I'm spending this week reviewing choice screen literature, and I've just read the Mozilla paper, which I found very interesting, albeit limited. The biggest limitation is that the researchers are getting users to simulate setting up a new device and then asking them how satisfied they are with the experience. That's certainly a question worth researching, but a far more important question is "How do users feel about the setup choices they made later, after living with them on the devices they use every day?" Unfortunately, that's a much more expensive and difficult question to answer, and beyond the scope of this paper.

With that limitation in mind, I'm going to break down the paper's findings here and draw some conclusions about what we should be looking for in any kind of choice screen remedy that comes out of the DOJ antitrust victory over Google.

The first thing note is that people report liking choice screens. When users get to choose their browsers, they expect to be happy with that choice; by contrast, users are skeptical that they'll like the default browser the vendor chose for them. Users don't consider choice screens to be burdensome, and adding a choice screen doesn't appreciably increase setup time.

There are some nuances to this. Users like choice screens during device setup but they don't like choice screens that pop up the first time they use a browser. That makes total sense: "choosing a browser" is colorably part of the "setting up your gadget" task. By contrast, the first time you open a browser on a new device, it's probably to get something else done (e.g. look up how to install a piece of software you used on your old device) and being interrupted with a choice screen at that moment is an unwelcome interruption. This is the psychology behind those obnoxious cookie-consent pop-ups that website bombard you with when you first visit them: you've clicked to that website because you need something it has, and being stuck with a privacy opt-out screen at that moment is predictably frustrating (which is why companies do it, and also why the DMA is going to punish companies that do).

The researchers experimented with different kinds of choice screens, varying the number of browsers on offer and the amount of information given on each. Again, users report that they prefer more choices and more information, and indeed, more choice and more info is correlated with choosing indie, non-default browsers, but this effect size is small (<10%), and no matter what kind of choice screen users get, most of them come away from the experience without absorbing any knowledge about indie browsers.

The order in which browsers are presented has a much larger effect than how many browsers or how much detail is present. People say they want lots of choices, but they usually choose one of the first four options. That said, users who get choice screens say it changes which browser they'd choose as a default.

Some of these contradictions appear to stem from users' fuzziness on what "default browser" means. For an OS vendor, "default browser" is the browser that pops up when you click a link in an email or social media. For most users, "default browser" means "the browser pinned to my home screen."

Where does all this leave us? I think it cashes out to this: choice screens will probably make a appreciable, but not massive, difference in browser dominance. They're cheap to implement, have no major downsides, and are easy to monitor. Choice screens might be needed to address Chrome's dominance even if the court orders Google to break off Chrome and stand it up as a separate business (we don't want any browser monopolies, even if they're not owned by a search monopolist!). So yeah, we should probably make a lot of noise to the effect that the court should order a choice screen, as part of a remedy.

That choice screen should be presented during device setup, with the choices presented in random order – with this caveat: Chrome should never appear in the top four choices.

All of that would help address the browser duopoly, even if it doesn't solve it. I would love to see more market-share for Firefox, which is the browser I've used every day for more than a decade, on my laptop and my phone. Of course, Mozilla has a role to play here. The company says it's going to refocus on browser quality, at the expense of the various side-hustles it's tried, which have ranged from uninteresting to catastrophically flawed:

https://www.fastcompany.com/91167564/mozilla-wants-you-to-love-firefox-again

For example, there was the tool to automatically remove your information from scummy data brokers, that they outsourced to a scummy data-broker:

https://www.theverge.com/2024/3/22/24109116/mozilla-ends-onerep-data-removal-partnership

And there's the "Privacy Preserving Attribution" tracking system that helps advertisers target you with surveillance advertising (in a way that's less invasive than existing techniques). Mozilla rolled this into Firefox on an opt out basis, and made opting out absurdly complicated, suggesting that it knew that it was imposing something on its users that they wouldn't freely choose:

https://blog.privacyguides.org/2024/07/14/mozilla-disappoints-us-yet-again-2/

They've been committing these kinds of unforced errors for more than a decade, seeking some kind of balance between monopolistic web companies and its users' desire to have a browser that protects them from invasive and unfair practices:

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/may/14/firefox-closed-source-drm-video-browser-cory-doctorow

These compromises represent the fallacy that Mozilla's future depends on keeping bullying entertainment companies and Big Tech happy, so it can go on serving its users. At the same time, these compromises have alienated Mozilla's core users, the technical people who were its fiercest evangelists. Those core users are the authority on technical questions for the normies in their life, and they know exactly how cursed it is for Moz to be making these awful compromises.

Moz has hemorrhaged users over the past decade, meaning they have even less leverage over the corporations demanding that they make more compromises. This sets up a doom loop: make a bad compromise, lose users, become more vulnerable to demands for even worse compromises. "This capitulation puts us in a great position to make a stand in some hypothetical future where we don't instantly capitulate again" is a pretty unconvincing proposition.

After the past decade's heartbreaks, seeing Moz under new leadership makes me cautiously hopeful. Like I say, I am dependent on Firefox and want an independent, principled browser vendor that sees their role as producing a "user agent" that is faithful to its users' interests above all else:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/05/07/treacherous-computing/#rewilding-the-internet

Of course, Moz depends on Google's payment for default search placement for 90% of its revenue. If Google can't pay for this in the future, the org is going to have to find another source of revenue. Perhaps that will be the EU, or foundations, or users. In any of these cases, the org will find it much easier to raise funds if it is standing up for its users – not compromising on their interests.

Community voting for SXSW is live! If you wanna hear RIDA QADRI and me talk about how GIG WORKERS can DISENSHITTIFY their jobs with INTEROPERABILITY, VOTE FOR THIS ONE!

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

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/12/defaults-matter/#make-up-your-mind-already

Image: ICMA Photos (modified) https://www.flickr.com/photos/icma/3635981474/

CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/

[cosmicaura7]

MISCHIEF AND CHAOS

Pairings : pedro pascal (din djarin) x claude!reader

Genre : (AU : Use of Y/N L/N for reader, inspired by/based on Claude from Mobile Legends, said to have hair, comedy, chaos, mentions of kidnapping? attempted murder?)

Synopsis : In which a skilled thief and her monkey companion manages to steal a small weird green looking foundling for a bounty mission and find themselves being hunted by the Mandalorian himself.

Word Count : 5k

Taglist : none yet

Moodboard :

-----

The Twin Suns of Tatooine bore down upon the dusty streets of Mos Espa, their scorching heat making the air shimmer. The usual bustle of merchants, spice traders, and bounty hunters filled the marketplace, but Y/N L/N wasn't here for casual shopping. No, she had her eyes set on something far more valuable, something that could fetch her a fortune in credits.

Perched on a rooftop, her piercing eyes locked onto the beskar-clad warrior strolling through the crowd below. By his side, snug inside a floating pram, was the odd little creature everyone in the underworld had been whispering about. Small, green, big ears, some thought it was a myth, a legend. But Y/N? She saw an opportunity.

"Alright, Dexter." She whispered to the monkey perched on her shoulder. "That thing has gotta be worth a fortune. I mean, look at it! You ever seen anything like it before?"

Dexter chattered in response, tilting his head.

"Exactly." Y/N smirked, gripping the handle of her blaster gun. "If we pull this off, we'll be set for months."

She waited for the perfect moment. The Mandalorian was distracted, talking to a vendor about supplies. The pram hovered just within reach, and with a quick flick of her wrist, she sent a small, spherical device rolling toward it. A pulse of blue energy surged out, an electromagnetic disruptor.

The pram powered down.

And Y/N immediately struck like the sneaky thief she is.

With a speed honed from years of heists and escapes, she leaped down, scooping the tiny green creature into her arms. Dexter scrambled onto her shoulder, and before anyone could register what had happened, she was already bolting through the alleyways.

But she underestimated one thing.

The Mandalorian.

-----

“Dear Maker, even though I don’t know what species you are, you’re probably the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. No offense to you, Dexter.” 

Y/N L/N couldn’t help chuckle mischievously to herself as she cradles the small green weird looking foundling in her arms and even hands him some candies that she manages to steal from a nearby vendor. Well it seems like the little foundling is thoroughly entertained at the moment and was enjoying every candy given to him, completely unbothered by the fact that he’s getting kidnapped. Meanwhile Y/N’s monkey companion, Dexter, was perched on top of her shoulder, chittering excitedly upon the success of their mission.

At first glance, the child didn't look like much, small, green, big ears, but Y/N had stolen and traded enough rare creatures to know that appearances could be deceiving. If the rumors were true, this thing was worth more credits than she could count.

Sliding down the side of the building, she moved swiftly through the shadows, timing her steps with the hum of passing speeders. She continues to walk back to her own speeder to quickly flee the scene and return back to her employer and deliver the target so that she can finally get her hands on those credits she so desperately needs to buy those golden blaster guns she’s been eyeing on the market.

"Easy pickings." She murmured, reaching out to start her speeder…

And suddenly, a gloved hand clamped around her wrist.

A wave of alarm shot through her as she turned, coming face to face with a beskar-clad warrior. "You really don't want to do that." Came the modulated voice from behind the helmet.

Y/N barely had time to react before he wrenched her away from the speeder, twisting her arm just enough to make her loosen her grasp around the little green foundling in her arms.

"Ow, ow! Okay, okay!" She winced, glaring up at him. "Didn’t your mother teach you to be gentle with a lady?"

The Mandalorian said nothing, but his grip remained firm.

Grogu cooed, blinking up at her, and Dexter hissed from her shoulder, baring his tiny teeth and trying to swat at the bounty hunter in front of them.

The Mandalorian sighed. "You brought a monkey to steal from me?"

Y/N huffed. "He's more competent than half the bounty hunters I've met."

A tense silence stretched between them before Y/N attempted to yank herself free. No luck. "Look, no harm done, right?" She grinned, though she was already considering her next escape move. "Just a misunderstanding."

The Mandalorian didn't let go. "Who sent you?"

"Wouldn’t you like to know." She shot back. "Now, if you’ll kindly release me, we can both pretend this little incident never happened."

He didn’t reply. Instead, he reached for a pair of cuffs on his belt.

"Seriously?" Y/N groaned. "You’re gonna turn me in? You know, for someone with a shiny tin can for a face, I expected a little more fun."

The Mandalorian tilted his head slightly. "You tried to steal my kid."

"Hey! In my defense, I thought he was some rare treasure! And I was just following orders!"

The Mandalorian sighed, clearly unimpressed.

Y/N watched as he weighed his options. He could arrest her, sure, but she was slippery, she'd gotten out of tougher spots before. So she tried a different tactic. She then suddenly whistles at her monkey companion, who on cue immediately jumps onto the Mandalorian’s face to obscure his vision while she makes her escape from his grasp. Once free, Y/N secures the little foundling in her arms as she begins weaving her way through the crowds in the market to try and escape from the bounty hunter clad in beaker armor. 

The Mandalorian then grabs a hold of the small monkey by the scruff of its neck and holds him at arm’s length, as it continues to claw at him, trying to escape from his grasp. He then looks over the crowd, trying to spot wherever that sneaky little thief went with his kid. Good thing his tracker has already tracked down her location so he wouldn’t have a hard time tracking her down and wouldn’t escape with Grogu. With the struggling little monkey in his grasp, he gently puts him into his satchel and even gives him some biscuits to keep him occupied before chasing after its owner and getting back his son.

-----

“Seems like we finally lost that loser.” Y/N couldn’t help but chuckle to herself as she continues to worm her way through the crowd, even managing to steal a cloak to wrap her figure, in an attempt to blend in and hide the little foundling in her arms. 

“So, what exactly are you, huh?” She mused, gently tapping her fingers against the foundling’s forehead. But the small baby merely blinks up at her with his wide innocent eyes, continuing to nibble on the cookie that she handed to him moments ago before the Mandalorian found them. The little creature cooed in delight, nuzzling further into her warmth and comfort, clearly enjoying her company.

Y/N sighed, rubbing the back of her head. “Ugh, I dunno what I expected. Maybe some ancient relic? A legendary beast? But you’re just... a baby?” The foundling simply gurgled, reaching out towards her face with tiny fingers. “Great.” She groaned out. “You’re cute. That’s gonna make this harder.”

Y/N soon enters another secret hideout of hers as she tries to plan on how to get out of this damn planet and deliver wherever this foundling was to her employer and get her credits. She soon settles the little foundling on the worn out wooden table as she gives him the remaining bag of cookies to keep him occupied while she tries to pack whatever remaining supplies she has left hidden in the room. 

But before she could think too much about it…

BOOM.

The door burst open.

A tall, armored figure stepped inside, blaster raised. The air practically crackled with tension.

“You made a mistake.” The Mandalorian said, voice laced with cold fury.

Y/N barely had time to react before a grappling cable shot out, wrapping around her wrist. With a yank, she was pulled forward, crashing onto the ground. "Ugh! Rude!" she hissed, rolling to dodge his next move. Whipping out her own blaster, she fired off a quick shot, but—pew!—it deflected harmlessly off his beskar.

"Seriously?" She groaned. "That's just unfair."

Dexter screeched once again in the Mandalorian’s satchel before leaping at his helmet and clawing at the visor to try and stop him from attacking his owner. The Mandalorian barely flinched this time. With practiced ease, he grabbed the monkey by the scruff and held him at arm’s length. “I’m getting tired of this.” He growled.

Y/N seized the distraction, kicking up at his legs and scrambling to her feet. She grabbed the little foundling from the table and held him close. "Okay, okay!" She panted. "Let’s not do anything crazy. Maybe we can cut a deal?"

The Mandalorian took a step forward. "There is no deal."

Y/N frowned, glancing down at the foundling. His big eyes stared up at her, completely trusting. She sighed, muttering under her breath, “Why do you have to be so cute?”

Then, much to her own surprise, she carefully held him out.

"Take him," she said reluctantly. "I wasn’t gonna hurt him anyway."

The Mandalorian hesitated. He hadn’t expected her to give up so easily. Slowly, he reached out, taking the foundling into his arms. The child cooed, grabbing onto the beskar plating of his armor.

For a moment, there was silence.

Then….

"You know, I could be useful to you." Y/N said smoothly. "I know how to get into places others can’t. I steal things for a living. And let’s be honest, one bounty hunter against the whole galaxy? Kinda lonely, huh?"

The Mandalorian was silent for a long moment. He then tilted his helmet slightly. "You tried to steal my kid."

"Eh." Y/N shrugged. "Semantics."

He sighed. This woman was trouble. But something told him he hadn’t seen the last of her. "You're coming with me." He tells her before settling the foundling back in his floating pram, tucking him in with his fluffy blanket. 

Y/N blinked in surprise. "Wait, what?" Her monkey companion, Dexter, soon escapes from the Mandalorian as he scurries towards her and climbs onto her shoulders to seek comfort after he was practically held hostage by the bounty hunter. 

"I could use someone with your... talents." He admitted.

She smirked. "Well, well. Guess I made an impression."

The foundling cooed again in his pram with a mouthful of cookies, and Dexter let out a triumphant chirp on her shoulder as he lightly tugs on her hair.

Y/N dusted herself off, picking up her blaster. "Alright, Mando, you got yourself a deal. But just so we’re clear, I'm not taking orders."

The Mandalorian turned and started walking with the pram following him in tow. "We'll see about that." And with that, he left the now wrecked hideout to walk back to the market to continue shopping for his supplies back in his space shuttle before taking on another bounty mission. 

Y/N watched him go, a slow grin spreading across her lips.

Maybe this job wasn’t a total bust after all.

-----

The twin suns of Tatooine still hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the bustling marketplace. Merchants called out their wares, Jawas scuttled about trading scraps, and the air carried the thick scent of roasted meat and engine oil. The Mandalorian, walked steadily through the crowd, Grogu nestled safely in his pram once more. His gloved fingers clenched slightly as he adjusted his belt, still irritated by the earlier encounter.

A lesser bounty hunter might have learned their lesson.

But Y/N?

She was not a lesser bounty hunter.

She had slipped out of her ruined hideout, strolling right alongside him like they were old friends. Dexter clung to her shoulder, his tiny hands fiddling with the ends of her hair. “So.” Y/N said casually, hands clasped behind her back. “How about this, you and me, partners in crime? No offense, Dexter.”

Dexter let out a tiny offended chitter before pulling on her hair.

Mando didn’t even spare her a glance. “Not interested.”

“Come on.” She nudged his arm, well, his beskar, so it was more like a light tap against steel. “We work well together! You tracked me down, I got a solid escape plan, sure, you ruined it, but let’s not dwell on the past.” 

“You stole my kid.”

“Okay, yeah, that, but hear me out. I was going to sell him…”

Mando stopped dead in his tracks. His helmet turned toward her in a way that screamed danger as he directed Grogu’s pram behind him and far away from her grasp just in case.

Y/N raised her hands. “Was being the keyword! But then I thought, ‘hey, he’s adorable, I can’t do that!’ So technically, I’m a good person.”

Silence.

“...Dexter, back me up here.”

Dexter let out a completely unhelpful snicker before pulling on her hair once more, making her wince in pain.

Mando sighed and kept walking.

Y/N groaned, jogging to keep up. “Okay, fine. You don’t wanna be partners? Then I’ll just have to steal Grogu again until you agree.”

That finally got him to stop.

A chill ran up Y/N’s spine when she realized she was suddenly very, very close to the barrel of a blaster.

“I wouldn’t.” Mando’s voice was dangerously low.

Y/N swallowed, taking half a step back and raising her hands in defense to show she’s just kidding. “Suuuure. I totally won’t try again. Nope. Never. Forget I even said that.”She turned her head slightly. “Dexter, we’re not gonna try again.”

Dexter nodded.

Then crossed his fingers behind his back.

-----

Mando resumed his business, stopping by a parts vendor to inspect some ship components.

Y/N, meanwhile, was still following him.

“Listen, just think about it. You and me, two highly-skilled individuals who…"

“No.”

“...complement each other’s strengths…"

“No.”

“...Dexter makes three, we’re basically a dream team…"

“No.”

“Okay, why not?”

Mando finally turned to face her. “You’re reckless, impulsive, and untrustworthy.”

Y/N put a hand to her chest in mock offense. “Wow. Say it again but with some affection this time.”

Mando exhaled, clearly tired of her antics. Grogu, meanwhile, peered up from his pram and giggled, his tiny hands reaching toward Y/N, who thought was trying to comfort her when in reality the little foundling merely wants more cookies. Where are the cookies? Give him the cookies.

“Awww, he likes me.” She cooed. “See? Even the baby wants me around.”

Mando wasn’t convinced. He turned back to the vendor, exchanging credits for a spare part.

Y/N crossed her arms, tapping her foot impatiently. “Alright, fine. Since you clearly need more proof, let’s do a little test. We’ll have a contest.”

Mando didn’t even acknowledge her.

Y/N grinned. “We’ll see who’s better at stealing.”

That got his attention.

“Excuse me?”

“You heard me.” She pointed at a fruit stall across the way. “I bet I can steal something before you even notice.”

Mando stared at her, unimpressed.

And then she vanished.

For someone so chatty, Y/N was surprisingly stealthy. Mando’s visor scanned the crowd, his instincts sharp, but she was good.

Too good.

Grogu blinked, tilting his little head.

And then…

Something was missing.

He turned slightly and realized his belt felt lighter. His hand shot down. His credits were gone. And standing five feet away, holding them with the biggest smug grin on her face, was Y/N. Dexter sat on her shoulder, flipping a credit in his tiny hands.

Mando stiffened.

"See?" Y/N smirked, tossing the pouch up and down. "I told you we’d make a great team."

Mando took one slow, deliberate step toward her.

Y/N’s eyes widened slightly.

“Wait, wait, I was gonna give it back…”

In an instant, Mando moved.

Y/N practically screeched, ducking as he lunged for her. She bolted through the marketplace, weaving through the crowd, laughing like a maniac as Dexter clung to her back.

Mando was right behind her.

“Oh, come on!” Y/N called over her shoulder. “You’re really gonna chase me over a couple credits? I was making a point!”

Mando wasn’t playing games.

Y/N skidded around a corner, narrowly avoiding a fruit cart. “Fine! Fine! You can have ‘em back!” She tossed the pouch behind her. Mando caught it mid-air without slowing down.

But she was still running.

And Mando was still chasing.

-----

The chase ended when Y/N took a sharp turn into a narrow alley, only to come face-to-face with a dead end.

"Ah. Well, this is unfortunate." She muttered. She turned around just in time to see Mando blocking the only exit.

His blaster was already drawn.

Dexter let out a small nervous eep and hid behind her head.

Y/N raised her hands. "Sooo, we had fun today, huh?"

Mando took a slow step forward. "You’re not stealing from me again."

She sighed dramatically. "Alright, alright, I concede. No more stealing." She paused, then smirked. "From you."

Mando didn’t lower his weapon.

"Unless, of course." She continued. "I technically work with you?"

Mando tilted his head.

"I mean, think about it. You know I’m good. I’m sneaky, resourceful, and let’s be honest, you need someone who can handle the more… morally flexible side of things." She wiggled her fingers. "And I promise, I won’t even try to steal the kid again. Pinky swear."

Mando considered her for a long moment. Grogu cooed from the pram, peeking around the corner like he was waiting for Mando’s answer. Finally, he sighed, holstering his weapon.

"You follow my rules."

Y/N gasped dramatically. "Oh my stars, was that a yes?"

He ignored her and started walking back toward the main street.

Y/N grinned, skipping after him. "You won’t regret this, Mando."

Something in his silence told her he probably would.

-----

The Razor Crest rumbled to life, its engines flaring as it ascended from Mos Espa’s landing port. Inside, the dimly lit cockpit held an air of begrudging companionship. Mando sat in the pilot’s chair, focused on setting their course to Nevarro. Grogu was nestled in his usual spot, cooing happily as he clutched a small cookie pack that he practically had to use the Force to steal from Y/N’s satchel.

And then, of course…

There was Y/N L/N.

And Dexter.

Currently, Dexter was gleefully munching on a handful of dried meiloorun slices.

Meiloorun slices that Mando did not intend to purchase.

Y/N was reclined in the co-pilot’s seat, boots propped up, casually flipping through a handful of credits she’d somehow managed to swindle back from Mando after their little marketplace fiasco. “Y’know.” She drawled, flicking a credit between her fingers. “If you’re running low on credits, we should definitely get a bounty with a high payout.”

Mando tightened his grip on the ship’s controls. “I wouldn’t be running low if you hadn’t…”

“...practically forced you to buy treats for Dexter?” Y/N finished, not looking the slightest bit guilty. “Yeah, yeah. But look at him! Look how happy he is.”

Mando did not, in fact, look.

Y/N turned her head toward the monkey on her shoulder. “Aren’t you happy, Dex?”

Dexter made a very satisfied little noise, stuffing another piece of fruit into his mouth.

Y/N smirked. “See? Worth it.”

Mando sighed. Loudly.

“I don’t even know why I let you come.” He muttered.

“Oh, Mando~” Y/N sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. “You act all gruff, but deep down, I know you’d miss me if I wasn’t here.”

He absolutely would not.

Because he just met her.

Like just this morning.

And he barely knows her.

She grinned, clearly not believing his silence.

Mando flipped a few switches, preparing for hyperspace. “Nevarro has jobs. We’ll grab a bounty and get moving.”

Y/N perked up. “Finally. Action! Excitement! Danger! Money!”

Mando turned toward her. “You’re not getting paid.”

The lady thief’s jaw soon dropped in bewilderment. “Excuse me?!”

“You’re the reason I need another bounty in the first place.”

“Oh, come on! I’m basically your co-pilot at this point!”

Mando glanced at her boots still resting on his control panel. “You’re not my co-pilot.”

She huffed, dropping her feet to the floor. “Fine. But we are splitting the next bounty.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Mando activated the hyperdrive without another word.

The stars outside the viewport stretched into streaks of white as the Razor Crest jumped into hyperspace.

And just like that, the journey to Nevarro began.

Fifteen minutes into the flight, Y/N got bored.

Really, really bored.

She started by tapping her fingers against the dashboard. Then she started humming. Then she kicked her legs back and forth.

Then…

She leaned over into Mando’s personal space.

“So.” She said.

Mando ignored her.

“So.” She repeated, dragging out the word.

Silence.

“So, you got any fun stories about bounties gone wrong?”

No response.

Y/N pouted. “You suck at conversation, y’know that?”

Still nothing.

She huffed and got up, wandering toward the back of the ship.

The second Y/N was left unsupervised, she started poking around.

And by poking around, she meant touching everything.

She flipped switches she probably shouldn’t.

She pressed buttons that definitely looked important.

She opened compartments that most certainly weren’t meant to be opened.

“Oooh, what’s this?” She muttered, pulling out some random device. “Dex, is this a bomb?”

Dexter tilted his head.

Y/N shrugged. “Only one way to find out.”

She lifted a finger to press it…

“Put that down.”

She yelped, nearly tossing the device into the air.

Mando loomed over her, arms crossed, his helmet practically radiating disapproval.

Y/N cleared her throat. “Pfft. I knew you were watching me.”

“I wasn’t.”

“Liar.”

Mando snatched the device out of her hands and shoved it back into the compartment.

The lady thief grinned. “You should lock these things up better, y’know. What if an enemy sneaks aboard? Or a really, really nosy bounty hunter?”

Mando’s helmet tilted. “I have weapons.”

“...Fair point.”

She turned and continued snooping.

Mando groaned.

Y/N poked her head into what she assumed was Mando’s sleeping quarters. It was small. Barely any personal belongings. A few weapons. Some spare armor pieces. It was so empty. She turned around, hands on her hips. “You really don’t decorate, huh?”

Mando said nothing.

“Like, I get the whole ‘mysterious warrior’ vibe, but come on, not even a pillow with a cool design? A rug? Maybe a cute little space plant?”

Nothing.

Y/N smirked. “You do sleep, right?”

Still nothing.

“...Or do you just stand in a dark corner like a creep until morning?”

Mando turned away.

She snickered mischievously.

Y/N’s snooping eventually led her to a closed storage compartment. Naturally, she opened it because she’s a nosy little shit and because why not. And what she found made her gasp.

“Oh. My. Stars.”

She turned, eyes gleaming with mischief.

“MANDO!”

He barely reacted. “What.”

She held up a very, very familiar-looking old, ragged cloth.

A brown cloak.

Specifically, a Jawa cloak.

“DO YOU COLLECT TROPHIES?!” Y/N practically shrieked.

Mando stiffened. “Put that back.”

Y/N giggled like a maniac. “Oh, this is great. What else you got? A Trandoshan tooth? A Rodian ear?”

“Put. It. Back.”

She did not.

Instead, she dramatically flung the Jawa cloak over herself.

“Oh wow, it really brings out my eyes.”

Mando looked one second away from ejecting her into space.

Dexter, of course, chittered in approval.

Eventually, Mando had enough. He marched straight up to her, grabbed her by the back of the cloak, and dragged her out of the storage room and back to the cockpit.

Y/N flailed, ready to throw a tantrum like a brat. “Wait, I was having fun!”

Mando ignored her and tossed her onto one of the passenger seats.

“You stay here.”

Y/N pouted.

Dexter pouted.

Even Grogu let out a small whine, like he was slightly disappointed that the entertainment was over.

Mando sighed.

It was going to be a long flight to Nevarro.

-----

The Razor Crest soon descended through Nevarro’s atmosphere, breaking through the thick clouds before settling onto the dusty landing zone with a heavy thud. Inside the cockpit, Mando powered down the ship’s systems, fingers gliding over the controls with practiced ease. Beside him, Y/N was already bouncing in her seat, grinning like a kid about to cause trouble. Or just a kid experiencing another episode of mad sugar rush.

“Finally!” She exclaimed. “Time to stretch our legs, huh, Dex?”

Dexter chittered in agreement, clambering onto her shoulder.

Mando, already exhausted from dealing with her on the flight over, exhaled sharply. “Stay out of trouble.”

Y/N smirked. “Mando, sweetie, trouble follows me everywhere.”

That was exactly what he was afraid of.

With a hiss, the ramp of the Razor Crest lowered, and the crew stepped out into the bustling streets of Nevarro. The city was alive with activity, merchants shouting, citizens bustling about, and bounty hunters lurking in the shadows. Mando walked ahead, Grogu nestled in the crook of his arm, his little ears twitching at the sounds around him.

And right behind him?

Y/N.

And Dexter.

Who were very obviously following him.

Mando glanced over his shoulder. “You don’t have to follow me.”

“Oh, but I do.” Y/N said, clasping her hands behind her back. “I still need to convince you to let me be your partner in crime, remember?”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Mando groaned and kept walking.

Y/N flashed a triumphant smirk before skipping to keep pace with him.

Dexter, meanwhile, was eyeing the marketplace like it was a buffet of potential theft.

Mando was not dealing with this today.

They soon arrived at the Guild’s headquarters, a grand stone building with blaster scorch marks still burned into the walls from past fights. Inside, the air was thick with tension, bounty hunters scattered around, nursing drinks and exchanging grim stories about their latest kills. At the center of it all, sitting behind a sturdy table stacked with pucks and credits, was Greef Karga.

The moment he looked up, his friendly expression froze.

His smile vanished.

His hand went straight for his blaster.

Y/N barely had a second to react before…

PEW!

A blaster bolt sizzled through the air, narrowly missing her head.

“KRRIFF!” Y/N yelped, lunging behind Mando, grabbing his cape and using him as a human (Mandalorian?) shield. Dexter screamed in alarm and buried himself in her hair.

Mando barely flinched, his armor taking the brunt of whatever shock Y/N was experiencing.

Karga, seething, was already aiming again. “YOU!” He barked. “You slimy, no-good, backstabbing, credit-stealing LITTLE SHIT!”

Y/N peered out from behind Mando’s shoulder. “Aw, Karga, you do remember me!”

Another blaster shot.

Y/N yanked Mando in the way again.

Mando finally raised a hand. “Enough.”

Karga glared. “You’re protecting HER?!”

Mando tilted his helmet slightly, then slowly turned his head toward her. Who was still clutching his cape. And very much hiding behind him like a coward. He sighed. Loudly.

Karga holstered his blaster but did not sit down. “You’ve got some damn nerve showing your face here, girl.”

Y/N grinned. “What can I say? I’m a woman of surprises.”

Karga scowled. “You’re a woman of making me almost go BANKRUPT!”

Mando turned his helmet to her again. “What did you do?”

Y/N twiddled her fingers like a child being scolded. “Ehh… Well, funny story…”

Karga slammed his hands on the table. “This THIEF…” He jabbed a finger toward her, “...worked for me. Once. ONCE. And in the span of TWO WEEKS, she taught that little MONSTER on her shoulder how to pickpocket me!”

Dexter, sensing that he was being talked about, hissed at Karga. Clearly offended that he called him a monster. Karga pointed a trembling finger. “That thing stole THOUSANDS from me. THOUSANDS!”

Y/N made an innocent face. “I mean, in my defense, you should’ve watched your pockets better.”

Karga actually looked like he was going to explode.

Mando, meanwhile, was now processing this information.

Slowly, very slowly, he turned his head toward Y/N again. “You stole from Karga?”

“Technically…”

“You taught your monkey to steal from Karga?”

“Again, technically…”

Mando sighed.

Karga rubbed his temples. “Mando, whatever business you have with her, do yourself a favor and drop her off a cliff.”

Y/N gasped. “RUDE.”

Dexter threw a meiloorun slice at him.

Karga dodged it. Barely.

Mando just… stood there.

Questioning every decision he had made since landing on this planet. Finally, finally, he spoke. “Do you have a job or not?”

Karga narrowed his eyes at Y/N. “She better not be getting a cut.”

“She won’t.”

Y/N scoffed and folded her arms across her chest and pouted like a brat.

Karga sighed. “Fine. I’ve got a high-priority target on the Outer Rim. Big bounty. Payout is generous. You in?”

Mando gave a curt nod.

Karga tossed the bounty puck onto the table. A hologram flickered to life, displaying a rough-looking Trandoshan with a fat bounty on his head.

Y/N whistled. “Ooooh. That’s a lot of credits.”

Mando grabbed the puck. “We’ll take it.”

Karga’s gaze drifted back to Y/N, then to Dexter, then back to Mando.

Then, in the most tired, defeated voice he’d ever used, he muttered…

“Get them the hell out of my sight.”

Y/N beamed in delight as she waves goodbye at him while Dexter throws another meiloorun slice at him again. “Pleasure doing business with ya, Karga!”

Karga nearly shot her again.

Mando was silent as they walked through the city streets, the bounty puck secured in his belt.

Y/N, completely unfazed, walked beside him, hands folded behind her head.

Dexter happily chomped on another stolen snack.

Grogu cooed as the little monkey shared his stolen treat with him.

Then…

“So…” Y/N piped up. “Are we officially partners now?”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

Mando sighed.

Again.

It was going to be a long, long partnership.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

As renewable energy demand rises, mining for minerals in the Amazon is at a critical point

Illegal mining for critical minerals needed for the global renewable energy transition is increasingly driving deforestation in Indigenous lands in the Amazon.

In recent years, these illegal miners, who are often self-employed, mobile and working covertly, have expanded their gold mining operations to include cassiterite or “black gold”, a critical mineral essential for the renewable energy transition. Cassiterite is used to make coatings for solar panels, wind turbines and other electronic devices. Brazil, one of the world’s largest exporters of this mineral, is now scrambling to manage this new threat to its Amazon forests.

The need for developing countries such as Brazil to conserve their forests for the collective global good conflicts with the increasing demand for their resources from international markets. To complicate matters further, both the renewable energy transition and the conservation of the Amazon are urgent priorities in the global effort to arrest climate change.

But escalating deforestation puts these forests at risk of moving from a carbon sink – with trees absorbing more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release – to a carbon source, whereby trees release more carbon dioxide than they absorb as they degrade or are burnt.

Continue reading.

[icqmuseum24]

🌐 In an effort to bring instant messaging on the go, ICQ developed a client for PalmOS. This move allowed users to stay connected even while away from their desktops. The PalmOS ICQ client featured the core functionalities that made ICQ popular: sending and receiving messages, changing statuses, and managing contact lists.

📲 PalmOS was known for its simplicity and efficiency, making it a favorite among mobile users. It offered a unique combination of a touch interface and a physical keyboard, which made typing messages quick and easy. Bringing ICQ to PalmOS meant tapping into a growing market of mobile professionals and tech enthusiasts who valued portability without sacrificing functionality.

✨ Key Features of ICQ for PalmOS:

➡️ Messaging on the Go: Stay connected with friends and colleagues by sending and receiving instant messages.

➡️ Status Updates: Let your contacts know if you’re available, busy, or away with easy status updates.

➡️ Contact Management: Easily add, remove, and manage your ICQ contacts.

➡️ Portable Communication:** Enjoy the flexibility of ICQ’s messaging capabilities right from your PalmOS device.

🔒 One of the standout features was the security ICQ provided. Even on PalmOS, ICQ maintained its standards for protecting user data, ensuring that conversations remained private and secure.

💾 ICQ’s expansion to PalmOS was a significant step in the evolution of mobile messaging. It showcased the potential of mobile devices to support full-fledged communication platforms, paving the way for the sophisticated mobile messengers we use today.

[definitely-zen-browser]

fuckin hate when people say the software thay're promoting is "available for PC and mobile" but they really mean "available for windows 10/11 x86, iOS, and android"

there's more than 3 fucking operating systems.

are devices running linux not PCs?

what about Macs?

How about KalibriOS? do you support that?

And HarmonyOS? that has roughly the same market share on mobile that linux does on desktop.

can it run on ARM or RISC-V?

if it does support linux, what package managers can you install it with?

and for fucks sake if it costs money at least say how much

if you mean windows 11 x86 then just fucking say windows 11 x86, it's not that hard.

[dentalseomarketingagency]

Dental SEO Marketing Agency

In today's competitive healthcare landscape, having a well-designed website is no longer enough to attract new patients. With most individuals turning to online search engines to find dental services, securing a strong position in local search rankings is essential for growth.

A dental SEO agency specializes in optimizing a practice's digital presence to ensure it appears prominently in search engine results, making it easier for potential patients to discover and choose their services. Through strategic SEO services for dentists, practices can improve online visibility, increase website traffic, and convert visitors into long-term patients.

Understanding the Importance of Local SEO for Dentists

Local SEO improves a website's ranking for searches conducted in a specific geographic area. For dental practices, ranking well in local search results can significantly impact patient acquisition and retention.

An SEO agency employs targeted strategies to help practices secure top positions in search results, including:

Optimizing Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) for enhanced local visibility

Utilizing location-based keywords to attract relevant searches

Managing online citations and directories to ensure consistent business information

Encouraging patient reviews and reputation management to establish trust

Enhancing website performance and mobile responsiveness for improved user experience

By implementing these key tactics, SEO services for dentists improve a practice's digital reach and ensure it remains competitive in the local market.

How a Dental SEO Agency Improves Local Search Rankings

1. Optimizing Google Business Profile for Increased Visibility

A fully optimized Google Business Profile is essential for appearing in Google's “Local Pack"; the top three business listings displayed for local searches. A dental SEO agency ensures this profile is accurate and includes relevant keywords, updated business hours, high-quality images, and engaging patient reviews.

2. Implementing Targeted Keyword Strategies

Effective SEO relies on identifying and incorporating the right keywords. A top-ranked SEO agency conducts thorough keyword research to determine patients' search terms when looking for dental services.

These keywords are strategically placed in website content, meta descriptions, blog posts, and service pages to improve rankings. Examples of high-intent keywords include:

“Family dentist in [city]”

“Emergency dental care near me”

“Teeth whitening services in [location]”

By leveraging SEO services for dentists, practices can attract more qualified leads actively searching for dental care.

3. Building a Strong Backlink Profile

In backlinks, links from reputable websites to a dental practice's site are crucial ranking factors. An SEO agency works to acquire high-quality backlinks from authoritative sources such as industry blogs, dental directories, and local business associations. These backlinks enhance a website's credibility and improve its position in search rankings.

4. Enhancing Website Performance and User Experience

Website speed and mobile responsiveness are key factors in search engine rankings. Slow-loading websites or those that are not mobile-friendly can lead to higher bounce rates, negatively impacting SEO performance.

Through professional SEO services, websites are optimized for:

Faster loading times

Mobile compatibility across all devices

Intuitive navigation and user-friendly layouts

Clear call-to-action (CTA) buttons for appointment scheduling

These enhancements improve search rankings and create a seamless user experience, encouraging potential patients to engage with the practice.

5. Managing Online Reviews and Reputation

Online reviews are critical in patient decision-making and search engine rankings. Google prioritizes businesses with frequent, high-quality reviews, as they signal credibility and trustworthiness.

A dental SEO agency helps practices implement effective reputation management strategies, including:

Encouraging satisfied patients to leave positive reviews

Responding professionally to patient feedback

Addressing concerns promptly to maintain a positive online reputation

These efforts contribute to higher local rankings and increased patient trust in the practice.

The Long-Term Benefits of SEO for Dental Practices

SEO is not a one-time solution but an ongoing process that yields long-term results. Unlike paid advertisements that stop generating traffic once the budget is exhausted, SEO continues to drive organic traffic and patient inquiries over time.

Investing in SEO services ensures:

Higher website traffic and improved patient conversion rates

A competitive edge over other dental practices in the area

Sustainable online growth with minimal reliance on paid advertising

Increased brand authority and credibility in the dental industry

By partnering with a top-ranked SEO agency, practices can maintain strong search rankings, adapt to evolving SEO trends, and consistently attract new patients.

Conclusion: Strengthening Digital Presence with Professional SEO

For dental practices seeking to expand their patient base and improve online visibility, a strategic approach to SEO is essential. With expert guidance from a dental SEO agency, practices can enhance their local search rankings, increase website engagement, and build a strong digital presence.

Through tailored SEO services for dentists, practices can optimize their websites, attract targeted traffic, and convert online searches into real-world appointments. By investing in long-term SEO strategies, dental professionals can ensure continued growth and success in an increasingly digital landscape.

[thatseventiesbitch]

Fictober 4 - "No, we're not doing that"

"Do we need one of these?"

Donna glanced across the aisle at Eric. He was holding one end of a brightly colored, octopus-shaped crib mobile. It had some bells attached to the top, and they jangled as Eric shook it at her.

"No. Put it down."

Eric did, but as soon as he let go of the mobile he snatched up something different from the shelf.

"What's this?" he wrinkled his nose, utterly confused as he turned the gadget over in his hands. Hoping to make her laugh, he set the cone-shaped end on his head like it was a party hat, and posed.

He succeeded. Despite her somewhat sour mood, Donna lifted a hand to stifle her laugh.

"That's a breast pump," she informed him.

Eric's face widened with horror, and he whipped the breast pump off his head, dropping it like it was made of burning coals.

"Yech."

"Stay focused," Donna reminded him, grabbing his elbow now to guide him down a different aisle. "We're here to look for a crib."

"But do we - do we need one of those?" Eric's voice pitched into his squeaky-voice. He still glanced unsurely over his shoulder, at the breast pump. "It looked like some kind of medieval torture device - "

"That's breastfeeding, honey. It's not for the faint of heart."

The voice behind them was familiar... too familiar. The hair on the back of Eric's neck prickled.

Fenton.

He whirled around, and his worst fear was confirmed. Standing just a few feet away behind the register was none other than Fenton, and he wore a blue lanyard that declared him a FLOOR MANAGER. Because of course. Of course Fenton worked at the baby furniture store.

"Fenton." Eric crossed his arms, greeting the annoying menace with a firm, no-nonsense tone.

Fenton mirrored his pose. "You," he snarled.

Donna, however, was unphased. "Oh, great." She waved Fenton over towards them. "We could use some help."

"That's exactly what I'm here for." Fenton practically danced over to them, and then extended forward into an awkward sort of bow. "Floor Manager Fenton, at your cervix." He giggled while Eric and Donna looked uncomfortable. "Oops. I mean - at your service."

Donna looked like she didn't know whether to laugh or to run. "Um. Okay. We're looking for a crib."

"But of course. Aisle 13." With a flourish, Fenton led them towards the other end of the store. As they got closer, Eric could see the dozens of different cribs on display.

"Great," he said. "We've got it from here."

"Oh, but don't you want my personal recommendation?"

Eric eyed him wearily. "Is that like your personal recommendations on breastfeeding? Because I think we'll have to pass - "

"Sure," Donna interrupted him. She looked to Fenton. "What are the most popular models?"

"I'm so glad you asked."

Fenton leapt in front of a massive crib. It had a mahogany frame and intricate, detailed carvings on the head and foot boards.

"This is our Little Sleeper Deluxe. It has - "

"Yeah, we're not in the market for the Deluxe," Eric interrupted impatiently. "How about your Bargain line?"

"Eric - " Donna elbowed him in the ribs. It hurt, and he rubbed the spot.

"What? Donna, there's no way in hell we're getting that up two flights of stairs to our apartment - "

"Or there's always the Sweetest Dreamer." Fenton had already moved on. Now he directed them to a white crib a few feet away. "Look at the sleek, modern design." He stroked one of the bars of the crib in a way that felt overtly sexual. Eric grimaced.

"Uh huh. And what's the price tag on this little number?"

"Well it's on sale right now," Fenton boasted, puffing his chest forward. "For just a small, small payment of $185." He lowered his voice considerably and added, "Over twelve months."

Eric rolled his eyes. "No, we're not doing that." He put a hand on Donna's back, and started to guide her towards the door. "C'mon, Donna. Let's finish our shopping somewhere else."

"But - wait!" Fenton called desperately after them. "Can't I interest you in our Elm collection? The Rockford glider? This changing table shaped like a swan?"

They were almost to the shop entrance. Fenton got a gleam in his eye.

"Perhaps this Star Wars Heirloom quilt?"

Eric paused, his hand hovering over the door handle. Then he glanced at Donna.

"You know, he has a point. We could make the nursery Star Wars themed. That would be worth the investment - "

Donna shoved him forward and out into the parking lot.

"You have a problem, Eric, you know that?"

[mariacallous]

The communication app TeleMessage Signal, used by at least one top Trump administration official to archive messages, has already reportedly suffered breaches that illustrate concerning security flaws and resulted in its parent company imposing a service pause this week pending investigation. Now, according to detailed new findings from the journalist and security researcher Micah Lee, TM Signal's archiving feature appears to fundamentally undermine Signal's flagship security guarantees, sending messages between the app and a user's message archive without end-to-end encryption, thus making users' communications accessible to TeleMessage.

Lee conducted a detailed analysis of TM Signal's Android source code to assess the app's design and security. In collaboration with 404 Media, he had previously reported on a hack of TM Signal over the weekend, which revealed some user messages and other data—a clear sign that at least some data was being sent unencrypted, or as plaintext, at least some of the time within the service. This alone would seem to contradict TeleMessage's marketing claims that TM Signal offers “End-to-End encryption from the mobile phone through to the corporate archive.” But Lee says that his latest findings show that TM Signal is not end-to-end encrypted and that the company could access the contents of users' chats.

“The fact that there are plaintext logs confirms my hypothesis,” Lee tells WIRED. “The fact that the archive server was so trivial for someone to hack, and that TM Signal had such an incredible lack of basic security, that was worse than I expected.”

TeleMessage is an Israeli company that completed its acquisition last year by the US-based digital communications archiving company Smarsh. TeleMessage is a federal contractor, but the consumer apps it offers are not approved for use under the US government's Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, or FedRAMP.

Smarsh did not return WIRED's requests for comment about Lee's findings. The company said on Monday, “TeleMessage is investigating a potential security incident. Upon detection, we acted quickly to contain it and engaged an external cybersecurity firm to support our investigation.”

Lee's findings are likely significant for all TeleMessage users but have particular significance given that TM Signal was used by President Donald Trump's now-former national security adviser Mike Waltz. He was photographed last week using the service during a cabinet meeting, and the photo appeared to show that he was communicating with other high-ranking officials, including Vice President JD Vance, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and what appears to be US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. TM Signal is compatible with Signal and would expose messages sent in a chat with someone using TM Signal, whether all participants are using it or some are using the genuine Signal app.

Lee found that TM Signal is designed to save Signal communication data in a local database on a user's device and then send this to an archive server for long-term retention. The messages, he says, are sent directly to the archive server, seemingly as plaintext chat logs in the cases examined by Lee. Conducting the analysis, he says, “confirmed the archive server has access to plaintext chat logs.”

Data taken from the TeleMessage archive server in the hack included chat logs, usernames and plaintext passwords, and even private encryption keys.

In a letter on Tuesday, US senator Ron Wyden called for the Department of Justice to investigate TeleMessage, alleging that it is “a serious threat to US national security.”

“The government agencies that have adopted TeleMessage Archiver have chosen the worst possible option,” Wyden wrote. “They have given their users something that looks and feels like Signal, the most widely trusted secure communications app. But instead, senior government officials have been provided with a shoddy Signal knockoff that poses a number of serious security and counterintelligence threats. The security threat posed by TeleMessage Archiver is not theoretical.”