#i think this is just an android app problem but if it is let me into the project i will literally fix it for you

[wockys]

can this stupid website at least have the decency to switch the toggle back off when your 7 days of snoozing tumblr live are up -__-

[fashion-foxy]

EVER AFTER HIGH AND MONSTER HIGH MOBILE GAMES DOWNLOAD AND INSTRUCTIONS

CURRENT GAME LIST : Baby Dragons , Charmed Style , Tea Party Dash, Minis Mania, Monster Salon(it's a knockoff but still interesting), Ghouls and Jewels (for issues, warning, ect related to specific games, check the section I wrote on them)

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, PROBLEMS, CONCERNS, ECT DONT HESITATE TO DM ME

INSTRUCTIONS (Android only sorry Apple users but IOS is hard to work with)

Download the game(s) you would like to play. Then there will be a pop-up that asks if you want to open it with package installer, click yes.

Then it will tell you that for your safety, you can't install unknown apps by default. Go to settings and click allow. (Or if it doesn't come up go to setting search "unknown" then go down to unknown apps installer. Allow Chrome, My Files, and Drive to install. Then you should be good to go!

Also, some of the games relay on you running an old version of android to check what version your device runs on yo to settings and search "version," and it'll tell you.

ONCE YOU INSTALL A GAME, MAKE SURE TO DISABLE PERMISSIONS (some ask to see your contacts for dead social features.)

Most of the Content for these games are locked behind a paywall. Don't worry I'm working on it.

BABY DRAGONS INSTRUCTIONS :

This is an old outdated game. Here are the things that break it:

Upon leveling up, the game tries to display 2 items that don't exist. Pick the one that does, then check, then close the game.

Don't go to the chest armor tab in dress up or the game will lag and won't display any armor.

Don't close the game while you're playing a minigame, or when you open it back up, Braebryn will spawn inside the first egg and you'll have to uninstall the game to play the it again.

Don't open the shop button on the main menu. The game will lag really bad, and you'll lose control of the screen, close the game, and reopen to fix it.

The daily reward doesn't work I don't know why.

Don't try to buy anything with real money. You'll get scammed.

Ads don't play at all so you need to use gems to skip adventures.

CHARMED STYLE INSTRUCTIONS :

From what I can tell this one runs great! Just don't buy things (The game wont let you anyway).

TEA PARTY DASH INSTRUCTIONS :

The only real problem I've run into so far is that when you install it, it makes sure to tell you not once gut twice that it's not compatible with modern android. For the the android version I'm running, no issues but if you have above 14 (15 isn't out yet I don't think so don't worry about it quite yet) should be fine.

Just standard don't try to buy things and you should be fine

MINIS MANIA INSTRUCTIONS:

Prepare your ears for a nightcore remix of the frightsong being played on repeat. It has near identical game play to Tea Party Dash. Minis Mania was actually released after Tea Party Dash, so it is interesting that Mattel made an eah game before a mh one and remade it but monsterized.

MONSTER SALON INSTRUCTIONS:

OK, so unless you have an android device running 7 or less, the game won't even install, let alone run. The game asks you to connect to a server, and it is safe to connect to select connect. The game runs extremely slow and doesn't respond at times. Also, Draculaura does have a system for liking her hairstyle, but I don't know what hairstyle she wants.

GHOULS AND JEWELS :

This app was built for Android 8. It won't install if you have anything above that. Before you start, just make sure to turn off the game reading your contact list. This is a match 3 game so not the most interesting thing ever, but you do get to use the coins you make from matching to dress up your character and at some point get to use some of the g1 ghouls as avatar.

[stellaralignment]

After reading @kira-serialfaggot 's post about inaccessible menus and @butterfly-sapphire post about non-customizable menus figured I now had sufficient excuse to rant about how I hate how every big restaurant's ""solution"" to these two problems is somehow always the worst fucking app I've ever had to use in my life.

So, to clarify real quick. I agree with both previous posts. Places that serve food should have their menu easily accessible somewhere if they have an online presence, and places that let you customize your order need to have that as a feature of any digital ordering solution they implement. Good? Good.

So, a lot of places I've seen (Wendys, Taco Bell, and McDonald to name a few) Have tried to get around how fucking horrible the DD app itself is by making their own apps with DD integration for the actual ordering/serving of delivery orders. Great, this lets them provide their own menu customization options, serve discounts/coupons, and generally have more control over the user experience. Fantastic. As a bonus, this usually also allows you to just look at the menu whenever you want.

Small issue. All of these apps were written by the worst fucking programmers I have ever witnessed in my life. I havn't gotten angry enough to de-compile or try to reverse engineer one yet, but my user experience has been so consistently bad and I've encountered issues that, as a software engineer, I honestly could not tell you how fucked their system has to be in order to allow that to happen.

Allow me to tell you the worst of these. I'm trying to order delivery from a store. It's late, like 7pm, but I know the place is open till 10. I can confirm this on their website (I do later for reasons that will become apparent) and google maps. So I punch in my address, make my order, and go to checkout. Unfortunately, the app tells me "Your payment method failed. Please select a new method and try again". Which was odd, but not unimaginable. I've had issues with my bank in the past. So I swap cards and try again, thinking nothing of it.

Except, my other card doesn't work either. Nor does using PayPal, or Google Pay, or any of the other payment options I tried. I'm getting desperate. I buy some games on steam just to make sure some of these are working, which they are. I was worried, but now that I've confirmed all my money hasn't been siphoned away somehow, I'm just confused and getting annoyed.

So I start going insane. I buy digital gift cards from several different sites and try using them. No dice, payment failed. I try using the website instead of the app, on my phone and PC. Payment failed. I boot up an android studio instance with a brand new virtual phone, install the app on it, and try to order. Again. Payment failed.

I'm starting to wonder if their servers are just completely down. A friend in a different state can order with no problems. A friend in the same town can order with no fanfare.

But my roommates can't. They have the same issue

Payment failed.

So. I'm going insane. I've now spent almost 3 hours attempting to order food, and I'm starving. It is at this point that my anger finally overcomes my social anxiety, and I do the one thing I never thought I'd do.

I call the store in question.

Now, in all of this there was one crucial mistake I made. See, that friend in the same town? Lived on the other side of town. And there's 2 different stores of this franchise in town. We didn't control for this, because the app doesn't let you pick a store anyways when doing delivery. It's hard locked to whatever one is closest, which isn't a terrible thing to do. You need to get the delivery address anyways, and you know where all your store are, so it cuts out a step for me. But having to choose a store might've clued us in to what was going wrong.

Because the store? Was closed. Not just closed, like mega closed. It was being shut down. It hadn't been open for two weeks, and would never be open again. The order was failing because they'd already taken all the computer systems out, and it couldn't confirm to have received the order.

So there was nothing wrong with the payment. Literally nothing I could have done about this. I am just barred completely from ordering because the app defaults to the nearest location for orders, and my nearest location didn't exist anymore.

And you'd think that there would be some way to communicate this to the user when making the app. But for reasons I can only assume are profit motivated (Though I have no idea how the fuck this is more efficient/profitable), the app just defaults to saying the payment failed.

Now, I wouldn't be this mad if this was just "oops edge case lol" where I suffered the unfortunate consequences of some procrastinator forgetting to do the thing that removes stores from the database. Unfortunate but not really anyone I can blame for it. But no. This is just the most extreme example, and it's not even confined to the one app.

Almost every single app like this I've used defaults to saying the payment failed and to try a new payment method when anything goes wrong. No drivers out on DoorDash to actually move the order? Payment failed. You're trying to order a seasonal item that got dropped today? Payment failed. The companies servers actually are down? Payment failed. You're not connected to wi-fi like an idiot and there's actually something you can do to fix the issue that's not related to payment whatsoever? Payment failed.

What the fuck is up with this lazy ass programming? I seriously doubt there's enough technical debt from these apps to justify not having a robust error catching system that communicates with the user what the issue is. By the fucking stars these people love collecting intrusive data, I'm surprised they havn't used this as an excuse to harvest everyone's fucking location at all times and send "error data" back to central.

But just don't tell me my debit card was declined when I'm trying to order a burger and you closed that store two weeks ago.

[alex-rambles]

You were locked in your basement?? Btw, if you do move, perhaps hide your phone in like your clothes or pocket as you’re wearing them. Trust me, it’s easy and they won’t suspect to look through the clothes you’re wearing and if you have to change clothes or whatever, just hide your phone again in the current clothes you’re wearing or even inside of your shoe. If you have a binder, it’s perfect to hide your phone inside of there.

This is a very long post that I made to explain my situation + it's a vent

Nonono not locked. I just meant my parents made me be down there with them. Yeah no when I said "trapped in my basement" I just meant with my family cuz the tornado sirens were going off don't worry. It was just kinda annoying.

I appreciate the help, but my secret device is actually a tablet they got me a year ago, and FORGOT PARENTAL CONTROLS, because my stepdad was setting it up and he is not familiar with the type of tablet it is. They thought they threw it away (I had two of em. One was much more monitored because it was from when I was little. They are just these Amazon Fire Tablets, and they thought they threw both of em away, because when they were cleaning out the closet they couldn't find it, and just assumed they threw it away earlier. I got lucky).

Lucky for me, it was actually in my room. The one my stepdad set up. The unmonitored one where I can browse the internet as I please and check out whatever website I want. The only thing was that I couldn't download any apps I didn't already have, as my mom would get a notification because of how the Amazon App Store worked.

I can probably put it in a backpack, but the wifi would have to change and they'd probably notice the tablet on the plan or whatever, and the tablet doesn't use cellular data.

My actual PHONE is monitored. It's an android with this silly google family link thing on it, and my parents (technically my stepdad, he's the one in control) can easily go into the app on THEIR phones, and check my screen time, and every app I have on it (and I can't even download an app without my stepdads permission. If I try to get an apk from the internet and install it, the thing blocks it), as well as what websites I've gone too recently.

HOWEVER, on the subject of checking websites, they can only see what websites I browse on google chrome. My phone came with another Samsung Internet browser, and on THAT, I can open an incognito tab (dubbed Secret Mode). But I have to be sparing with that because my parents will notice I was using Samsung Internet a lot if I use it too much, and then whoops, that'll get monitored too.

So basically, if we move, I lose what is basically my only lifeline, the only reason I'm politically aware, and the only resources I have as a trans person (my parents have offered groups, but I'm too socially awkward. I absolutely prefer face-to-face communication, yes, but with people I know, thanks. If I don't know you, let's just chat through Tumblr or QuoteV, yeah?). That's a problem.

But it's fine, we live in an expensive area because we got lucky when we moved in two years ago. And they said they will only move if we can stay in the same school district. So, fingers crossed, everything is too expensive. Lots of houses going up for sale around here, but they're all too expensive or not the conditions my parents want or need.

TLDR I already have a monitored phone, my secret device is a tablet, my parents never allowed me on social media because 'it's not safe' and they think I can't take care of myself, and if we move I lose the social media because of needing to switch wifi, which is big bad because it has been supporting me and keeping me entertained

[walkingslowlytofastmusic]

I'm not a programmer but I have a feeling that things going "app based" or running on Android based platforms is causing way more problems than it solved. I'm told that they're easier to program and write stuff for than more refined purpose built software but this seems to lead to a quality drop across the board. Let me complain about the redundant GPS systems I use in my truck for a minute

The screen on the right is a brand new Rand Mcnally gps. The smaller one on the right is a 4 year old Garmin.

The Garmin is purpose built to be a GPS. I have no idea what it's specs are but they are enough to run the map program and reliably get me where I need to go. If I want to update the map, I plug it into my laptop and download the update. It's pretty simple. If I want it to factor in live traffic data, I can Bluetooth connect it to my phone but that's very much an option and not a requirement.

The Rand Mcnally is an android tablet with a map app that I'm pretty sure you can't get on the app store. The map is pretty good but it crashes more often than I'd like. It also needs a Wi-Fi connection to update the map and get live traffic, meaning that I'll need to leave my phone hotspot on all of the time or buy a separate hotspot and subscription for this thing to work the way I'd like it to.

I'm concerned that the Rand Mcnally isn't going to last as long as I'd like a $400 machine that does one (1) thing to given that it's brand new and already crashes sometimes while in use. I'm not sure if it's the App itself or the trimmed down version of android in the tablet but something isn't right here. The Garmin is slow to type on and the map's aesthetic is a little dated but it works. It actually fucking works. It reliably does what it says on the box and I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to use it indefinitely.

If you really want to get into it, the Qualcomm computer that came with my truck also has a nav system. It's from like 2006 and boy does it feel like it but it also works like new, I just don't have the patience to type addresses into it.

Anyway all of that to say I don't think optimized programming is dead, companies just have to be willing to pay for the development.

we should globally ban the introduction of more powerful computer hardware for 10-20 years, not as an AI safety thing (though we could frame it as that), but to force programmers to optimize their shit better

[gizopedia]

Galaxy Tab S10 Plus Review Introduction So, what's the deal with the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus? Well, it’s Samsung’s bid to give you a tablet that ticks off everything: style, power, and performance. But, does it actually deliver on all those promises? If you're someone who's juggling between work, play, or a bit of everything, this review is gonna answer whether the Tab S10 Plus is your new daily driver. Design & Build Quality First off, let’s talk looks. The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus comes wrapped in a sleek, premium metal finish that just feels solid in your hands. It’s slim, light, and, honestly, just easy to carry around. If you're moving from room to room or tossing it in a bag, it’s not going to weigh you down. As for colors, Samsung gave us options like silver and black. Pretty safe choices, but hey, they look good. The thin bezels are a win, too. Less frame, more screen to enjoy. Daily use? It feels premium like it should at this price point, but it won’t win any creativity awards. Display Ah, the display. This is where Samsung flexes its muscles. It’s rocking a big ol' Super AMOLED screen, and trust me, the colors just pop. Whether you're watching movies or scrolling through socials, everything looks sharp and vibrant. And with the high refresh rate, it’s silky smooth. It’s not just another pretty face either. The brightness is solid enough to use outdoors without squinting. Comparing it to other tabs? Well, it’s honestly a step above. It's not budget tablet territory. It's where Premium lives. Performance Here’s where the magic happens. Inside, you’ve got some serious firepower with a fast processor and enough RAM to handle your multitasking moods. Streaming? No problem. Gaming? Oh, yeah, it handles it. Open a bunch of apps, switch between them? Not even a hiccup. It’s made for people who need to get stuff done but also sneak in a game of PUBG between meetings. And it doesn’t get too hot either. Samsung's cooling does a good job, so your lap won't be on fire if you're using it for hours. Software & User Experience Running on Android, with Samsung's One UI layered on top, this tablet has some pretty neat features to offer. You’ll notice things like split-screen multitasking that work well on a screen this big. Want to run two apps side by side? Go for it. Oh, and the S Pen. It’s included and does add to the experience. If you’re into sketching, note-taking, or just feel like navigating in style, it’s a nice touch. Pre-installed apps? Yeah, there’s a bit of bloatware, but nothing too in-your-face. You can ignore most of it. Battery Life Battery life is another big deal here. The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus packs a large battery, so you can push through a full day of use—streaming, browsing, note-taking, you name it. Now, if you're hardcore gaming or watching movies non-stop, expect that to dip, but it’s still impressive. Charging? It’s decent speed-wise, but not lightning-fast. You won’t be waiting forever, but it’s not the quickest charge around. Cameras Okay, I know what you're thinking: a camera on a tablet? Yes, it's not the thing you're buying this for. But for what it is, it’s pretty solid. Front and back cameras do the job well enough. Daylight shots? They’re crisp. Low light? Meh, don’t push your luck. It's perfect for Zoom calls, though, and maybe the occasional photo if you're desperate. Audio & Media Experience Now, let’s talk sound. The stereo speakers on the S10 Plus are seriously impressive. They’re loud, and clear, and give a nice bit of depth to whatever you're watching or listening to. No headphone jack, though. That’s right, Samsung’s keeping it wireless these days. Time to pull out the Bluetooth headphones if you haven't already. Connectivity & Extras As for staying connected, this thing’s packed with all the good stuff. Wi-Fi, LTE/5G if you spring for that model, Bluetooth, and USB-C for charging and data. It’s got a microSD slot, too, so storage worries? Not a thing.

You can also get a keyboard attachment if you’re planning to use it more like a laptop, but honestly, the on-screen keyboard’s pretty decent for most uses. Price & Value Here’s the part where wallets might cringe a little. The Galaxy Tab S10 Plus is up there in price, especially if you go for the higher-end model. But, considering the performance, display, and overall quality, you're getting a lot of tablets for your money. Is it worth it? If you’re a power user or someone who’s in the Samsung ecosystem. If you're just looking for something to casually browse on, it might be overkill. Pros & Cons Conclusion So, who should get the Galaxy Tab S10 Plus? Well, if you’re someone who needs a tablet that can keep up with you—whether it’s for work, entertainment, or creativity—it’s a beast. It’s powerful, stylish, and does everything you'd expect, and more. But, if you’re just after something simple, there are cheaper options out there. At the end of the day, the Tab S10 Plus is a solid all-rounder, but it’s aimed at those who plan to push it to its limits. So, is it your next tech buy? You tell me.

[vipul-dhok]

Hiring Mobile App Developers from India: What You Should Know

If you’re thinking to hire mobile app developers from India, trust me this is the smartest move you make for your business. With a booming tech ecosystem, highly skilled professionals, and competitive rates, India has become a go-to destination for businesses that are looking to develop high-quality mobile apps. But I get it—finding the right team can feel a bit overwhelming. After all, you're probably wondering about things like:

How do I know if I’m hiring the right developer?

What skills should I be looking for?

How can I manage a remote team effectively?

Don't worry—you’re not alone in these concerns. In this guide, I'll walk through everything you need to know to hire mobile app developers in India, so you can make an informed decision and get your project off the ground without the headaches.

Why Hire Mobile App Developers in India?

First things first, let’s talk about why hiring mobile app developers in India is a good choice for your venture. To start with, cost-effectiveness is a major factor in this case because when you hire developers in India, you can often get the same level of skill and experience at a fraction of the cost compared to hiring locally in countries like the US or UK. 

But don't let the lower price tag fool you—the quality of talent in India is impressive.

India has a huge pool of tech talent with developers who are well-versed in the latest technologies like React Native, Swift, Kotlin, and Flutter. Whether you're looking to build an iOS or Android app (or both!), you'll find developers who know the ins and outs of each platform.

Plus, with the time zone difference working in your favor, you can wake up to progress on your project that was made overnight. It’s almost like having your app built around the clock!

What Should You Look for in a Mobile App Developer

1. Technical Skills and Expertise

It is quite obvious that technical skills are non-negotiable when you’re looking to hire software developers for your project. You want developers who not only know how to code but understand how to code extremely well. The last thing you want is an app filled with bugs, slow load times, or poor user experience.

Here’s what you should be looking for:

Platform Expertise: Whether you’re developing for iOS, Android, or both, make sure the developers you hire specialize in the platform you need. If you’re going cross-platform, look for expertise in frameworks like React Native. 

Backend Skills: Mobile apps don’t just function on what the user sees. The backend—API integrations, databases, server management—needs to be solid too. I highly advice you to look for developers with strong skills in frameworks like Node.js. 

UI/UX Design: Great apps aren't just functional; they’re also attractive and easy to use. When you hire mobile app developers through outsourcing companies, don’t forget to ask them for their past work samples to understand if they understand user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) principles.

2. Check Their Experience in Your Industry

Have you ever hired someone and found yourself spending way too much time explaining industry basics? That’s why hiring a developer with experience in your niche can make a big difference. For example, if you're in e-commerce, healthcare, or fintech, look for developers who have built apps in that sector. They'll understand your specific needs faster, leading to a smoother development process.

You can also ask to see their portfolio or case studies to verify if they’ve handled similar projects. This will also give you a sense of the kind of apps they’ve worked on and how they’ve solved problems similar to yours.

3. Check Their Project Management Process  and Communication Frameworks

Let’s be honest: managing remote teams isn’t always easy. That’s why finding a developer (or team) with good communication skills is crucial for your dream project. If your developer is hard to get a hold of or doesn’t update you regularly, it can cause delays and miscommunications.

When you hire mobile app developers in India, ensure they are comfortable using tools like Jira, Slack, Google Meet, etc. to facilitate smooth communication. 

4. Problem-Solving Ability

It’s not just about coding. Unexpected challenges will come up—whether it's a last-minute feature change or a bug that wasn’t caught in testing. Your mobile app developers need to be great at problem-solving too.  During the interview process, give them a real-world scenario and ask them to explain how they would handle it. This will give you a clear understanding of how they approach problem-solving and whether they can think critically under pressure.

Common Pain Points When Hiring Mobile App Developers (And How to Solve Them)

1. Lack of Transparency

One of the biggest concerns when you hire remote developers is transparency. How do you know what’s going on with your project? Will you be left in the dark until the deadline?

To solve this issue, you must set clear expectations from day one. Before you hire mobile app developers, try to ensure you establish regular check-ins—whether it’s daily stand-ups, weekly progress reports, or bi-weekly sprint reviews. Be upfront about wanting detailed reports on milestones, roadblocks, and next steps. This ensures you’re never left guessing where your project stands.

2. Time Zone Differences

The time zone gap between India and countries like the US or Europe can be a blessing if you manage them properly. The key here is to overlap work hours. You should try to make sure the developers you hire are willing to adjust their schedules for a few hours of overlap in order to sync with your in-house team efficiently. This allows you to have real-time discussions without the frustration of playing email tag for days. Software development outsourcing companies like Resourcifi provide you with top-tier Indian talent that works on your time zone. In addition, what I love about them is that they also provide dedicated project managers to your project so that you can reach out to them in case of any urgency. 

3. Security Concerns

When you’re building a mobile app, especially one that deals with sensitive user data (think financial apps, healthcare apps), security is a major concern. How can you ensure that your app is secure when you sign up for software development outsourcing. 

Solution: Ask potential developers about their knowledge of app security protocols. They should be familiar with the security compliances in your home country so that you’re rest assured. Don’t be shy about requesting a security plan or asking how they handle data breaches. A good developer will surely prioritize user security and will have solutions in place to protect your app and its users.

How to Find the Right Developers in India

Now that you know what to look for, the question becomes: where do you find top-notch mobile app developers in India? For larger projects or if you want a full-fledged development team, software development outsourcing companies in India might be a great option for you. These companies often offer staff augmentation and end-to-end mobile app development services. So you can hire mobile app developers from India by partnering with them. They can help you find the perfect fit for your business and onboard them within days. Companies like Resourcifi also provide you with a free one-week trial so that you’re rest assured that their expert software developers seamlessly fit into your needs. You’ll also have the advantage of working with a dedicated project manager who’ll make your project progress faster.  This will definitely take off pressure from your shoulders. 

The Interview Process: Questions You Should Ask

Once you’ve shortlisted a few candidates, it’s time for you interview the developers you wish to hire. This is where you’ll get an opportunity to dig deeper into their technical abilities, communication skills, and how well they understand your project needs. Here are a few key questions you can ask them: 

What mobile app projects have you worked on before? Can you show me examples? This gives you an idea of their experience and the quality of their work.

How do you approach mobile app testing? A good developer will have a clear plan for testing, including both unit tests and user acceptance testing (UAT).

How do you handle app updates post-launch? Your app will need updates and improvements, especially after user feedback starts rolling in. Make sure your developer has a plan for ongoing maintenance.

What’s your experience with data security and privacy protocols? Security should be top of your developer’s mind, especially if your app handles sensitive data. Ensure they’re familiar with encryption and data protection best practices.

Final Thoughts

Hiring mobile app developers from India can be a game-changer for your business. It can offer you high-quality development at a fraction of the cost when you hire local talent in your home country. But as with any hiring process, it’s essential to do your homework. Focus on finding developers with the right technical skills, experience in your industry, and a proven ability to communicate effectively across time zones.

Whether you’re a startup building your first app or an established company looking to scale your mobile presence, Indian developers offer a great talent pool that can help you achieve your goals without any hassles. 

[linkfandos]

WARNING: Hard boiling Xiaomi/

Yup that's a very controversial title but let me explain. Also it's not COMPLETELY shit you'll see.

So the begining

Basically, my old phone died recently. So rest in peace Samsung Galaxy J6 2018 Custom rommed that did a boot loop he never recover from-

So the thing is I destroyed my wallet and bought a new one. Saw good reviews online, so came to a store and chose it. First mistake.

The first shit

So it's a Xiaomi Redmi Note 13. It's a pretty decent phone in term of specs with cool cpu and 8GB of RAM and 256 of ROM… Like it's OKAY. It came with MiUI. Which is basically their own OS.

I immediately updated to HyperOS, which was the new version of MiUI. After that i just… used it like a normal person UNTIL!

The day i got ads for changing my wallpaper.

I changed. My wallpaper. By the way it was a drawing of Atlas my beloved moth Squidinu i love you kfjddjfdkfjdkf

So like… Opened Google photo, selected it, got "Set as wallpaper" and then SURPRISE M.THER F.CKER. (Was for temu btw)

I was like "bro what" Cause' i thought i had opened something weird or anything well NOPE The app was "Themes". Then it just randomly closed that's an issue too.

So! Opened settings, got in "Themes and look" THEN SURPRISE ANOTHER AD!

Useless to add that, for some reason, THEMES WHERE PAID. EVERYTHING IN THIS (duck) (butt) APP STORE WAS 1€. (Nope it's not made by Electronics Arts.)

I said (duck) off imma made my own one. So downloaded KLWP (which is some cool app to make custom animated wallpapers and stuff) and enabled it. Didn't work. Why? AUTHORIZATION """""refused""""" for my """"""security""""""

We're talking about reading the number of notifications i have.

So yea that didn't work either.

So, duh, imma try to remove the bloatware.

Spoiler i can't it just says "nuh uh" and pops out some random error.

XDA forums.

So! Since this thing was going to kill me! I decided i should install a GSI! (Cause' for some reason no custom roms were out yet you'll see why later)

SO! Unlocked OEM, Check Installed SHIZUKU, Check Downloaded LeafOS, Check Bootloader unlocked, HUH OH! NUH UUH!!

Usually to unlock the bootloader, you have to use a app for Microsoft Windows, which is already a problem since i use linux and i can only imagine what kind of things OSX (Mac) users have to go through, then you plug it in, open fastboot, (Which is an mode on android that allows you to edit partitions using commands) and then "Error! unauthorized!"

Well the issue was easy, i had to open settings and link my developer account to the phone to unlock bootloader!

The result: Nope.

I think you might have expected it but that didn't worked. At all.

The page in settings shows up some error in Chinese. Which apparently translated (Thanks Gemini) says something like "You need to validate your account on community app"

So i tried.

Installed the VERY sketchy "Mi !NEW HOME! Community App" (that's the actual name on the G Play store.) and logged in, settings, "Unlock boot loader".

Yup… Umm…

"You… " erm. "You have to wait until 8/8 (mm/dd) at 00:00 (UTC+8) to try again."

So i did.

"You have to wait until 8/9 (mm/dd) at 00:00 (UTC+8) to try again."

…Seriously?

Waited 2 days. For nothing.

You see why nobody makes custom rom? Cause' xiaomi is so buggy that you can't even unlock boot loader with THEIR OWN TOOLS.

Honestly, i'm not the kind of person to usually roast something like this, but… Seriously. I didn't even mentioned the translation errors everywhere, the app icons, the bloatware… Even the whole OS looks like ripped off Apple iOS!

So yea. Sorry Xiaomi but right now, i hate you.

So i'll try again tonight and check if that works, even if right now i need a tall buff guy to hug me from behind and hold me in place so i dont use PSI Teleport ß into their office and kill everyone using Sharpshooter and Ricoshots. (P rank)

[thunderboltfire]

The cited comments are in technobabble, are completely bonkers considering the context, and sound pretty condescending. Throwing terminal commands randomly at people won't help anyone. But considering the tags and the discussion in the notes I thought I may speak up as someone who's used Ubuntu as my main OS for a few years. It definitely has its upsides and downsides, it's not for everyone and honestly its maintenace is a steep learning curve, as in case of all tech-related things (I'm not a tech specialist, my only legitimate tech education is high-school level computer literacy).

I thought maybe I'll list what to me personally are the advantages of linux over windows, as well as the reverse (as a relative tech noob, who used the most beginner-friendly type of unix OS on PC - Ubuntu):

Upsides:

relatively lightweight (Ubuntu can run without issue on old laptops, and very outdated PCs, my original PC had less memory than my phone has and I don't personally believe it could carry windows 10 without issues, but ubuntu has let me squeeze a few more years of use out of it).

(related) it doesn't gather Your data as much, there's no AI assistant or conflating internet and file search in the system.

simpler, easier to understand file locations (Documents folder isn't hidden somewhere in a weird place, the file paths are usually short and straightforward. It's very easy to separate system files and your personal files.) Makes no difference in day-to-day use, but it makes it less tedious to find particular files in the long run.

faster file search - I find default file browser of Ubuntu to be easier to use, with a file searcher much faster than windows file explorer's.

doesn't update anything without permission (this one's dedicated to times when an automatic update in Windows 10 broke something on my laptop)

personally I like the interface, it's something in-between Windows and Mac. (that's just my opinion. That being said, it's also possible to customise it.)

Terminal use in many cases is optional. The interface in Ubuntu makes it so You don't really need to use a terminal during its regular use, and in many cases, you don't even need it to install and update the applications. It has an app manager similar to the app store on android. You can use the terminal if You want and in case of some more niche apps you may need to use it to install them, but the app developers usually provide a step-by-step instruction on how to do it and You don't need to use terminal to run them afterwards. There were times when I haven't opened terminal for months, bc I didn't need to.

cheap (literally for free, compared to like a 139$ for Windows OS, and should You need to update Ubuntu OS to a next version, the process is pretty straightforward).

downsides:

Doesn't support all programs. If You're desperate there are ways to install them and some of them will run well (I managed to get Clip Studio Paint to work) but don't get Your hopes up, if an app doesn't have an official linux version, you may not be able to get it to work. If You ever consider switching to Linux, make a list of apps You absoluetly need and check in advance if there's a way to make them work on Linux. Apart from official linux/unix OS support for certain apps, there exist compatibility layers, such as WINE and PlayOnLinux that basically trick the app into thinking it's launched on a different OS, but they may be a bit tricky and require time to set up. The compatibility issues unfortunately involve the majority of games and commercial programs (like Microsoft Office, Corel Draw, and probably Adobe CC - Ubuntu doesn't vibe with many live services).

in case of problems, you have to fix them yourself. I can't stress this enough, I found it generally easier to fix a problem in linux than it is to fix a problem in windows, but You have to get your hands dirty. Many tech service centres don't handle problems with linux at all. In case of linux it took me quite a bit of time, finding and following guides and typing things I didn't understand into the console, but I ended up fixing the issue. In case of windows, it's sometimes straight up impossible to fix some things at all with help of internet guides, you don't have this type of access. Think of it as you being a designated mechanic in case of linux, and the system having majorily automated diagnostic systems in case of windows. It's pretty rare in my experience for Ubuntu to break in any major way, but if it happens, you have to be prepared for the possibility You'll have to do something with the problem.

The live CD creation is complicated. The installation of the system itself is simple and has a step-by-step guide, but the process to burn a live CD which is needed for installation may be daunting to someone unfamiliar with it.

I didn't have any major problem with drivers, but You sometimes need to install the drivers manually (esp. in case of printers, graphic tablets and so on).

All in all, I'd say that the setup and settings are time consuming and unfortunately (largely due to limited program support) the OS is not universally versatile.

However, I found it very pleasant to use, and I still use it (my older laptop which with time became unusable under Win10 is working like a charm under Ubuntu 22), it's worth having in the back of mind as an alternative. Also, IMHO it serves to show in what aspects windows really could be better.

I swear to god computer people talking online about how easy computers/linux are are just that xkcd comic about experts in a field overestimating a layperson’s knowledge (“surely the average person must only know 2-3 feldspars”), over and over again. I felt this firsthand back when I was asking for advice when buying my desktop PC. When a casual computer user reads something like this, at least speaking from personal experience, it is nearly incomprehensible. It is wonderful to want to help the less technologically-fortunate, but you have to break things down more than this. You are speaking wingdings at people.

[haveyoureadthisfantasybook]

hey hey, i've been trying to look at the list of books queued, but both the link in your pinned faq post and the profile header seem to take me to the faq post. apologies if i'm just looking in the wrong place but i think the link might be broken?

hello! it’s not broken as far as I know — based on past experimentation, it has worked fine on desktop, iOS, and some Android devices. (if you’re having trouble on desktop or iOS, let me know and I’ll do more troubleshooting, but having just tested it on both my laptop and my phone I don’t know what I can do since I can’t reproduce the issue.)

as the FAQ post says, if you’re on an Android device where it doesn’t work, you’ll need to open the link in your phone browser rather than through the tumblr app — the Android app apparently has difficulty on some devices with the in-app browser.

I don’t have an Android phone, but I’m assuming it works similarly to iOS in this respect. on iOS the way to open it in the browser app is:

scroll to where the link is

tap and hold the link

—> I get a little pop-up asking me what I want to do with the link (share, copy, open in Safari)

choose “open in [browser]”

on iOS it won’t let me do this with the link in the blog description (this just opens automatically in the in-app browser even if I tap and hold), but it works fine with the link in the body of the FAQ post.

if you’re unable to open the list link in your mobile browser at all, please let me know, and also probably submit a bug report to tumblr, because that’s a problem I can’t fix. for that matter, please consider submitting a bug report to tumblr anyway!

(also, if the process is significantly different on Android, I’d appreciate it if someone could let me know so I can give more specific instructions!)

let me know if you have any other issues!

[netscapenavigator-official]

I FEEL you so hard. Have had my iphone XR since 2019 and it works ok (battery life is still ok and it doesn’t crash ALL the time) but i can’t wait until it’s practically a brick so i can switch to an android without guilt. The faceID kills me and I’m practically never using it (got a thin scratch in the glass above the selfie camera 2 years ago, so i have to make sure no light is randomly bouncing on the scratch when I unlock my phone, or the halo blocks everything) and it’s like having a babysitter version of a phone. I’m not allowed to use any applications not vetoed by Apple Inc. and almost all features are so much less customisable… sure, and iphone is great in some regards (5S and XR have been surprisingly good models in my experience) but for the past 3 years I’ve felt soo limited by Apple’s philosophy

Well, good news (or bad depending on how long you want to keep that phone), the iPhone XR is most likely next on Apple's chopping block of support. The iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X were all dropped with the release of iOS 17, last September. If Apple keeps on their linear path, this September, with the release of iOS 18, the iPhone XR, XS, and XS Max will all be dropped. Apple usually gives phones two years of security patches after they're dropped, however, so it depends on what you consider a "brick." I, unfortunately, have an iPhone 12-series phone, so I've got at least two more years of updates left, four if I wanna push my goal to the security update deadline.

Also, for the Face ID issue, idk if you've tried this, but try doing a rescan. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode, and click "Set Up an Alternate Appearance." I don't know if all iPhones have this. I think they may have added it for the iPhone 12-series and newer, but if you have it, give it a try and see if it helps smooth over Face ID. By teaching it what you look like with the scratch interfering, it may be able to better compensate for it. If you're phone doesn't have that, you could always try tapping "Reset Face ID," too, to force it to re-scan. Although, with damaged glass, I don't know if it'll let you.

The App Store is another point of contention for me, too. I have a 2011 MacBook Pro that's been "obsolete" since 2017, when macOS High Sierra stopped getting updates. I wiped the drive clean and put Linux (Zorin OS) on it, and it's actually been really great. It runs like it's native. The problem, though, is that using Linux has opened my eyes to just how few free & open-source apps support iOS because of Apple's bullshit App Store requirements and $99/year developer fee. A lot of the apps I use on this computer are great, and they support Android, but they don't support iOS. It's a real bummer, and I'm just tired, in general, of not being able to do the things I want with my phone, so unless Apple decides to get really cool, really fast, this will certainly be my last iPhone. (Especially with iOS 18 coming with RCS Message support, almost entirely eliminating the difference between iMessage and Android to iPhone messaging.)

And I'm not trying to shit on Apple too much because Google is worse in plenty of ways. I have plenty of Apple devices from an iPhone, to an M1 iMac, to an Apple TV, etc. Apple makes really good hardware (with the exception of its repairability). Their problem is that they hold themselves back with their own greed. We've seen it with plenty of devices. The Apple Vision Pro is a great example. Apple thought they could use their brand image to make the device successful, but they recently had to cut production in half because demand fell off so steeply. If VisionOS was open and easy to develop for, then I'm sure it could've been a success, but Apple's desire to control everything has gotten in its way. I mean, who wants to develop for a $3,500 headset where you have to pay $99/year for a developer account, and then $400 for an Apple Vision Proprietary Port to USB-C adapter?

The Mac is honestly in the same boat. I saw a YouTube Short of a developer explaining why they dropped Mac Support, and it makes sense. To make an app on each platform you have to:

Windows

Have a PC

Code the app in any application of your preference.

Compile for Windows

Linux

Have the same PC

Code the app in any application of your preference.

Start a Virtual Machine and open the project inside it.

Compile for Linux

macOS

Buy Mac hardware ($600 for the base model Mac mini)

Pay Apple $99/year for a developer account

Code the app in Apple's Xcode

Acquire and add a Code Signature to the app so that macOS doesn't throw a fake error when attempting to open it.

Compile for macOS

If you want to upload your app to the Mac App Store, get Apple's blessing that it follows their guidelines.

Wait at least 24-hours before updates are published so Apple can approve them.

Give Apple a 15-30% cut of any money made from the App.

I used to thing that macOS had shit app support because developers just didn't want to support a niche market, but now I know it's the opposite that is true. Even if Linux has an even smaller market, it's as easy as clicking another button or booting up a free Virtual Machine and then clicking said button. You can use all the same hardware and programs. It's literally free to compile for Linux, and it expands your user base.

Meanwhile, for macOS, you have to spend a minimum of $700 just to make the app. Then, if you're not an A-List developer, you have to give a portion of your proceeds to Apple so you can put your app on their App Store for the exposure. Who the fuck would wanna do that?

Apple's death grip on their products worked for the iPhone and Apple Watch because they were both relatively new products to their respective category, but in a market where technology is starting to plateau, I'm simply no longer interested in supporting this behavior, mostly because I want to be able to use my favorite FOSS on all my devices, not just the non-Apple ones.

[temporalbystander]

Guys.... I don't know who else needs to hear this. Or who else is also suffering like I am right now... But can we STOP with the reliance on computers!!!! Just..... *Sighs* bad language and lots of rage under the cut...

I'm not talking about technology, would be hypocritical, I mean keyboard and mouse, full package material computers. Why am I beyond fucking pissed right now? Well I'll tell you.

Yesterday I mentioned how I discovered Yu-Gi-Oh Tag Force was a thing. Today, I discovered that all 6 can be downloaded onto a PSP emulator. And that said emulator is easily installed through the app store. So far so great right? Oh no. What's the first thing that pops up when you click "where do I get games?" It takes you to your phone/tablets browser and essentially goes. "If you're on Android, download the file on your computer and transfer it to your device."

Hehehe.... Heres a crazy thought? If all it needs is a .iso file? Which it does. And those files are easily downloaded through the same browser you just opened up.... Which they are.... And, I can't stress this enough, if you're going to make an emulator available on Android devices.... WHY THE FUCK WOULD YOU TELL ME TO USE MY COMPUTER!!!

Seriously! Don't you think that if I had the ability to open these files on a computer that I would... Oh I don't know.... USE THE EMULATOR ON THE FUCKING COMPUTER!!! There's one available, I saw the link right above the description of what to do on Android.

"But blog owner?" I hear you ask, "didn't you say you could download the files on your phone anyway?" Indeed I did. "Well then what's the problem?"

Very good question my friends. You see... There wouldn't be a problem. Files downloaded fine, emulator runs them fine (well unless it's a USA based file instead of a Europe one... Not sure what the issue with that was and didn't really have time to look into it before I got mad at the other problem.) But here's the thing... Yu-Gi-Oh Tag Force? Suffers from this little issue I label "English speakers are either cheap. Or stupid."

You see. Tag Force has these wonderful little cuts everytime your opponent sets a card or draws or gets attacked. Lovely little immersion bits. However... When the review I watched said "They even got the Japanese voice actors, too bad they couldn't do the same for English." I assumed, like most probably would, that they DIDN'T get the GX voice actors to record those lines.... And well... They didn't.... They didn't get ANYONE to record those lines! So here I am, speeding through the duels because all I'm hearing is clicks and explosion like sound effects while reading, as if I turned off the voice volume somehow.

But okay, that's fine, no biggie. I'll just use the Japanese voices... Oh wait. I can't. Because, instead of letting the players listen to SOMETHING while reading the translations, they just coded the voice volume at zero... And here... Here's where I got even more pissed. Because there are fixes for this online, of course there is it's the internet. Even ones that are extra helpful and include the program you need to do the patching yourself so I'll just tap on that and.... Oh yeah. It's a .exe file. Android can't run executable files.

Putting aside WHY we need an OS to rub a single type of file, when most phones now are capable of running games that required multiple discs 10 years ago, not a single person. Not a one. Ever considered how you'd do this on an Android device. Even putting the word android into the search engine didn't help! Which wouldnt be so bad... If, as I JUST said, it weren't for the fact IT EXISTS ON THE FUCKING APP STORE!

But again... That'd be fine... Quick search to see if there's anything on the app store thatd run these files and... Oh would you look at that? I already have it installed. So, I decide to make things as easy for me as possible. Download all the .iso for all the games. Download all the patches to turn the voices on, as well as a translation for the game that wasn't released outside Japan, and I spend the better part of an hour or two waiting for the files to download. Extracting the files. Patching the files. Deleting the non patched files and the downloaded zip folders so it's not a complete mess. And then I open the first game again. It opens fine. Runs like before. Overwrite the old save data, enter my name again and.... The character models are now black squares.

At that point I deleted everything. Said fuck it all and permanently erased it, emptied the bin, everything. Now... Should I have only done it one game at a time? Probably. Should I have taken it slow and saw if it worked? Yes. But... And I can't stress this enough... When theres an app that exists (that you can buy an upgrade for btw, didnt even bother checking what that includes) and is known as the ONLY emulator that works for PSP games. And all these files need is to be downloaded... And ran... I don't think I'm at fault for assuming it would work...

Even if I'm not on A FUCKING COMPUTER THAT I SHOULDNT FUCKING NEED FOR SOMETHING THIS FUCKING SIMPLE!!!!

[soundofcar]

Rev Up Your Ride with Wireless Car Play Stereo

Hey there, folks! If you're a car enthusiast like me, you'll know the joy of hitting the open road with your favorite tunes. But what if I told you that you could take your car audio experience to the next level? That's right, we're talking about Wireless Car Play Stereo systems, and they're changing the game in the world of in-car entertainment.

In this post, we're going to dive deep into the world of wireless car audio, exploring the latest trends and tech that can elevate your driving experience. Buckle up and get ready to learn all about the convenience and style of wireless Car Play stereos.

The Road to Wireless Freedom

You're on a road trip, and your phone's connected to your car stereo. You're navigating through traffic, answering calls, and queuing up your favorite Spotify playlist. But there's one annoyance - those pesky cables cluttering up your dashboard. Enter Wireless Car Play.

Cutting the Cord

Wireless Car Play is the wireless connectivity feature that allows your iPhone to communicate with your car's infotainment system without needing a physical connection. No more fumbling with cables - it's all about seamless, cable-free integration.

Setting Up Shop: How it Works

Let's break it down. Your car's infotainment system and your iPhone get cozy via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Once they've shaken hands, your phone's interface is mirrored on your car's display. This means all those handy apps are right at your fingertips, accessible through your car's touchscreen.

The Apple Touch

Car Play is an Apple product, so you'll need an iPhone to enjoy this wireless wonder. But don't worry Android users; we've got a surprise for you too.

Smooth Sailing with Wireless Car Play Stereo

Here's the deal - a Wireless Car Play Stereo is the gadget that brings this magic to life. It's a head unit installed in your car that's compatible with Apple Car Play. Once your iPhone is paired up, you're in for a treat.

Infotainment Upgrade

These stereos are all about upgrading your car's infotainment system. You get a sleek, user-friendly interface that's easy to navigate. You can use Siri to make calls, send messages, and even control music without lifting a finger from the steering wheel. Safety first, right?

No iPhone? No Problem!

Now, let's talk about our Android friends. You might be thinking you're out of the loop when it comes to Wireless Car Play. Not so fast! Say hello to Android Auto.

Android Auto: Your New Co-Pilot

Just like Car Play, Android Auto lets you connect your Android smartphone to your car's infotainment system. It's all about making your drive safer and more enjoyable. You can use voice commands, access your apps, and get directions without taking your eyes off the road.

What to Look for in a Wireless Car Play Stereo

So, you're sold on the idea of a Wireless Car Play Stereo. What's next? Well, choosing the right one, of course.

Compatibility Matters

Make sure your chosen stereo is compatible with your car model and year. You don't want to end up with a fancy gadget that doesn't fit in your dashboard.

Screen Size

Bigger isn't always better, but when it comes to the screen on your Car Play Stereo, size matters. A larger screen means better visibility and easier navigation.

Audio Quality

Don't forget the sound! A good Wireless Car Play Stereo should deliver top-notch audio quality. Look for models with built-in amplifiers and support for multiple audio formats.

The Future of In-Car Entertainment

Wireless Car Play Stereos are the future of in-car entertainment, folks. They're all about convenience, style, and, most importantly, safety. No more tangled cables or distracted driving. It's a win-win.

Whether you're an Apple aficionado or an Android enthusiast, there's a wireless solution for you. So, get ready to hit the road with your favorite tunes and stay connected like never before. It's time to upgrade your ride with a Wireless Car Play Stereo and enjoy the drive like never before. Safe travels, my fellow road warriors!

[lizeon]

ugh ok so i made a post about it before but i don't think i got any answers, ill have to check though

but anyway, because the tumblr app has a tendency to just randomly refresh and lose my place, ive been using the mobile web version on the android firefox app. works great. problem is, i have firefox set to play audio and video on wifi only, but for some reason this does not apply to tumblr. most of the time this isn't a problem because i am usually on wifi, but i noticed this month i've used a lot more data than i usually do. im not sure it's just tumblr but it still should not be playing videos when i have it set not to.

i have checked tumbler's settings to see if there's something there i can turn off but found nothing. every time i try to search a solution, even if it put "android" in the search, like all the results have posts about using about:config to make sure auto play is off, which is not a thing on the mobile app.

its not even ads that are doing it, it's regular video posts! they don't autoplay on desktop tumblr nor do they autoplay on tumblr's mobile app, so why is it just mobile firefox tumblr???

im making another post to try again and see if anyone else has found a solution, or can let me know something i missed with what i tried to find so far. if nothing else, i guess ill reach out to firefox support and see if they have an answer for me

[loredwy]

I may sound old af complaining about this, but you know what? Imma do it anyway

SINCE WHEN is it fucking normalized to have so much update patches and so frequently?

Like, I understand yeah, cybersecurity, bugs fixed, new features whatever

But do you KNOW how much storage all that shit eats up

BITCH I HAD A PHONE LIKE, what, 5 years ago at most, and you know how much base storage did it have? 10gb

10 FUCKING GB, and yeah, I wont say I didnt struggle with storage at that time too, I had an sd card to add more. But you know how much the system occupied? with base apps and such? Like 6gb, maybe 7.

It was hell, yes, but I could still have two or three apps installed in my base storage, and with my sd card, I could transfer the rest of the apps data there. So I used my phone with no problems. Phone, videos, extra apps, etc all to my sd card.

Do you know how much space all that shit takes now?

20 fucking gigabytes, the system. If I had my old phone I couldnt even have the android system. (I had an android 8 oreo, and looking it up rn, it seems it even got discontinued a year ago, and doesnt receive updates anymore lmao. It got windows xp treatment.)

And the apps? You know how many of them I could have nowadays in my old phone? Not even HALF of them. Not even with an sd card. And you know why? Its not even because of the storage

Its because 80% of the apps thought it was a good idea to not let you change where you storage the app data! 🥰

So, while I moved as much apps as I could to my sd card, that is how much space they would let me move (vs the 46.30gb on the internal storage, shown before)

Beautiful.

And yeah, I have a lot of shitty apps like genshin which, honestly, are known to take up as much space as they can like a sport, but. For reference:

These three apps, default apps, are 300+mb each. The 3 of them together is 1030mb -> which is 1gb. Three apps.

You know what else takes 1/3gb?

And from all of them, you can change the storage location of:

Just this one :) (Which only moves the data, not the installed app itself, meaning you only moved 75.12mb by doing this, sadly)

So, congratulations‼️

You made a 5 years old phone unusable by modern technology standards :)

Do you all think that those who cant change their phone for a new one every 4 years, or buy actually modern phones (by which I mean, decent ones, instead of the cheapest) can even use half of the apps out there?

Like, you all could at least TRY to maintain some compatibility, or at least be a little more friendly for those who cant afford all this, you know. Like some apps did by having a "lite" version. Which also showcases how much useless stuff this apps have, that one could remove and still be able to use them properly, but whatever.

I DO have space now, but I used to not have this much storage not so long ago, so watching all this +200 mb updates every week just make me so incredibly angry.

I hate technology consumerism, for real.

[stevensaus]

Beeper -- A Universal Chat App, Built On Matrix, That Is Darn Good.

I am very much enjoying my experience using Beeper, a Matrix-based chat application to tie all your chats together. Particularly the way that they have managed to actually bridge iMessage so that I can respond to it natively from my Android or Linux machine. Beeper is a universal chat app. It's a single app to chat with friends on 15 different chat networks. We've added chat superpowers that make it the best chat app on earth. -- Beeper It does exactly what it says it's going to do on the tin -- allows me to have a unified app to message across most major chat applications. The setup is pretty user-friendly, though I will mention that it will load all your past messages from some services (Facebook Messenger in particular) on initial setup, so just be ready for that. It's a one-time inconvenience, and I think the opposite behavior -- not pulling in old messages -- would be an even bigger problem. If you'd like to give Beeper a spin, I have a referral link right here (it's good for five invites a day): https://refer.beeper.com/iX38q6 At present, there's really only two concerns that most folks might have. The service is free which, let's face it, cannot continue forever. However, the quality of the service and the responsiveness of the team is such that I would be perfectly happy paying a subscription for the service. On their jobs page it says "We charge our users a $10/monthly paid subscription service. Our pricing model allows Beeper to deliver a great product and service, while eliminating any need to profit by monetizing user data." I think that when they switch to that model, the service is actually worth it. Secondly, it is piping all of your communications through a central point. While 2FA must be enabled for all bridges that support it (including iMessage) and as much encryption is employed as possible, there is a possibility of a man-in-the-middle attack or snooping where the bridges interface between services. For the vast majority of my messaging, this is not a problem; YMMV. You can, if you like, self-host your own Matrix server and connect to rooms, host bots, and the like from there as well. Beeper open-sourced all of their bridges, so if you'd like to set it all up on your own, you can definitely give it a go yourself. But the improvements Beeper has made to the experience are rather nice. Files upload and show up properly on the far end of the bridge, not as links to the homeserver. Suddenly I am able to get decent-resolution videos from my Apple-brainwashed (er... using) friends and significant others ... on my phone and on my desktop and show up as "blue bubbles" for those who care about that sort of thing. The UI of both their desktop and Android client are slightly different from stock Element (an interface for "regular" Matrix), but in ways that I think are going to make it more appealing to "regular" users. And perhaps most importantly, I do not have to handle all the fiddly bits myself. Their team has been rolling out updates on a regular basis with new features and making the whole experience smoother. If you'd like to give Beeper a spin, I have a referral link right here: https://refer.beeper.com/iX38q6 . The code is good for five invites each day. A few technical notes for those of you who may be edge cases like me. For those of you using bauh to manage your AppImages, beeper's built-in updater breaks the symlink. (Their tech support says this isn't a problem if you use AppImageLauncher, and I agree, having switched to that solution for other reasons.) If you'd like to stick with bauh's management of AppImages, I wrote a quick little bash script that simply checks the symlink and recreates it if a new AppImage is found where bauh installs them; it's at https://gist.github.com/uriel1998/da34848e2cbd3d3d1169d9a2a77d4127 For those of you who are intrigued by that iMessage option but are not Apple users, you will find out something pretty quickly: Native iMessage support also means HEIC formatted images. To enable support for this format in Xviewer, Eye of Gnome, GPicView, PCMan File Manager, Nemo, and a bunch more, sudo apt install heif-gdk-pixbuf will enable support (for those on Debian or Debian-derived systems like Ubuntu and MXLinux). If you're determined to view HEIC images in something like feh (which I do), you can use something like this script: https://gist.github.com/uriel1998/402bebb02d071039032d77f286b2c40d. It uses both heif-convert and gifview to handle the formats that feh doesn't natively. For converting HEIC images to something else, I use this script: https://gist.github.com/uriel1998/71a94220feb2b9f159ff4126839163c0 which uses both heif-convert and imagemagick to quickly convert images. The usage is pretty simple: convert_images filename output_format , such as convert_images MyPicture.heif jpg or convert_images input_format output_format , such as convert_images heif jpg Read the full article