My previous main instance got a pretty bad case of ded. 🥲
Launchers should do just that, to launch the game. Doing anything other than that is, before anything, a repurposing of the word.
And regarding this specific game, I didn’t see the whole struggle so I don’t even know which game it is, but in case it is officially sold anywhere DRM-free, I strongly suggest going for that, wherever it may be.
Previously, the site had some info on the project, but for some years now, it has been in this current “coming soon” state. Makes me wonder if Nintendo preemptively sued Piko Int./Bleem (sarcasm but not fully). But I also wonder, since this news piece has been released now all of sudden, if the Retro News people know something we don’t and, aligned to that, if perhaps Piko Int managed to sort whatever made them shut the site down in the first place and want to set some hype for a more definitive release.
Safest measure, from what I understand, is to completely replace the system for a vanilla one - that is, without any software from Google or related - and then install alternatives unrelated to the datahoarding companies.
[Copypasta of the other repost] While I know the situation described in the article can set a precedent, the title feels misleading at best, given the article describes a single case, and not (yet) a widespread practice.
On the joke, define “sane”. 😬
On a serious note, I think there are valid reasons to have several VMs other than “I was bored”. In my case, for example, I have a total of 7 VMs, where 2 are miscellaneous systems to test things out, 2 are for stuff that I can’t normally run on Linux, 2 are offline VMs for language dictionaries, and 1 is a BlissOS VM with Google programs in case I can’t/don’t want to use my phone.
I don’t make many calls, but I have observed the custom ROM I use, ArrowOS, has native screen and audio recording, so perhaps it also has call recording functions, and even if not, I imagine the screen/audio recording could be used for that purpose too.
VPN maybe?
Samsung’s been around for a while, some of their devices even have locks on hardware features if the bootloader is unlocked, e.g. the camera in those fold phones, so I ask, what devices exactly?
Step 1. Get your unique unlock code
(…)
Go to the dedicated page for the bootloader code.
Enter the IMEI 1 and serial number in the text fields of the form.
Click the blue button Get your unlock code.
You will then get your unique unlock code with further details.
Write down the code somewhere. You’ll need it later.
That sounds a lot like a form of external validation, so not really independent of third parties, and therefore not really an option for what I asked.
My current phone is a 2019 model, and it handles my demands decently.
Ooooooh
I’ll keep an eye to that phone. Thanks!
User GodlessCommie commented here in the post that Pixel phones use an online check, so maybe OnePlus is the same indeed.
Sadly it’s still a dependence on a 3rd party.
User over_clox commented here in the post that apparently a device known as Blu B131DL allows for the bootloader to be unlocked independently, so I’ll keep an eye for that.
Commerce of service and products is a relationship of exchange.
If people don’t have either, or both, skill and time to make what they need, but have the money, supporting monetarily what they use could cause a virtuous spiral, where the people with skill/time would be incentivized to produce more, allowing for more development in both the OSS and FOSS areas, and potentially bringing in more people as either consumers or maintainers.
But still worth noting words and actions walk side by side, so besides the consumer supporting developers, it’s good to rise awareness too, like how the article already does. I just would advise self-moderation regarding situations akin to “I use Arch btw”, as that can get annoying. e.e"
And lastly, a phrase I quite like: if everything was free, nothing would ever be made.
Also a few more since the emulators list is split in a weird way and I missed them:
Dunno what systems are made for the device, but checking a list of included emulators in a so called “Onion” operating system, I see a few other devices being listed, so if you don’t mind, here are some more:
Avoided all plot-heavy titles, even when they may have long sections low on plot.
Maybe Celeste Classic? Apparently someone made a homebrew port of it to the GBA.
There’s also Final Fantasy VI, which can be played kinda with the brain “on automatic” on quite a few sections as well as having overall plenty of places to save.
And since you’ll be emulating them, if your device has save states features, Shantae for the GBC could be a good pick too. It is harder and less save-friendly than FFVI, but with save states, it should be better as a pick and play title.
And although focused on speedrunning, the impression I got from the homebrew Augury Red Code is that it is also nice if playing without having to focus too much on it.
Metal Slug 1 and X, and also Gunbird, all 3 released in the PS1, also benefit from save states to be more “pick and play”.
Link for the platform: https://bandwagon.fm/
As much as GOG/CD Projekt have more than their fair share of problems, usually their versions of games work, can be preserved, don’t require as much bloat, launchers included, and usually don’t require 3rd party validation. And like others said, besides Wine and related, and installing through Steam as external games, you can also install stuff very easily through Heroic and the sort. So I’d say it’s the better option indeed.
The Royal Spanish Academy’s dictionary, most likely. While I can easily have conversations in Spanish, the similarities with my mother language every once in a while make me get words confused, specially in conjugation (why does B and V need to sound so similar…). I’ve had it for a while, and although it was a bit pricey, it has saved me quite a few times from awkward mix ups. Also bonus points for working completely offline (looking at you, Yomiwa dictionary…), and having no problems being sideloaded into vanilla Android systems.