support

The majority of ARES is implemented. Items are removed as they are finished, mostly from the top. Nothing on this list is set in stone or final. Names in square brackets are what system components are involved.

Things That Are In Limbo

These are to-do items that need to be done but, for various reasons, are annoying and keep getting put off. Exactly when they'll actually get done is anyone's guess.

Vox bugs: dot commands blocked, duplicated chat

finish core personas

consent request bundling; updatable alerts [security, variatype]

defensive low-power-masking

forget deleted scripts [kernel]

standard external menu HUD (AMenu)

ARES-to-ARES menu access [variatype + menu]

db backup, db load support for character streams (web sources) [db]

policies pt 2: curfew [policy]; distress beacon [power], IM policies [policy], owner radio policies and exceptions

Sexuality

Sexuality is the ARES equivalent of Companion's TESI add-on. It provides arousal, cryolubricant management, tactile sensors, and more. Sexuality is part of the same purchase package as TESI Complete.

Outstanding Sexuality implementation tasks:

Example furniture and devices

Voices

Orgasm nozzles

Fluid production

Reproductive Matrix

Friction

Installer

Wizard

Models

RLV outfit switching

Menu controls

Anim detect (head)

Prevent touch duration accumulation

Anim playback (pelvis)

WARRIOR

WARRIOR is an enhanced combat add-on for ARES that adds features originally slated for ATOS/CX. We hope to deliver it around the same time as Beta 1 and Sexuality.

Outstanding WARRIOR implementation tasks:

Targeted damage

Power malfunctions

Update VectorLogix, Arachne X8, ARC, and ExARC to detect and fix ARES power malfunctions

Beta 1 Targets

Once ARES hits Beta, we will retire the Supervisor controller, and ARES will start to become available on standard hardware.

begin updating old devices for ARES compatibility

Beginning of converting Companion controllers to new ARES versions, deliver ARES to people who bought those systems; end of availability for exclusive ARES supporter controller

DIAG

DIAG (short for diagnostics) is a software add-on experience for ARES that simulates malware and logic malfunctions. Its main purpose is to encourage roleplay around repair and maintenance, including a special tech support crew staffed by NS volunteers who help rescue stranded units in the field.

We expect to focus on DIAG after the Beta 1 rollout is finished.

Outstanding DIAG implementation tasks:

Implement main program

Update VectorLogix, Arachne X8, ARC, and ExARC to detect and fix DIAG problems

Update training course website

Organize tech crew

Beta 2 Targets

Spring Utilities replacement with new rental, proximity, and cron (scheduler) facilities

Hierarchy/XNMS compatibility [domain]—no server code changes anticipated

not implementing database overlays: this is a cut feature, as the db utility is already brimming

update remaining devices (those that previously depended upon the Companion "internal" message)

Cleanup:

shakedown of interference and security rules

shakedown of documentation completeness

shakedown of guest access

shakedown of announcer rules; second set of announcers

HCS: The new CSU

The CSU is a particularly design-intensive product that requires a complete overhaul. Many of its settings are no longer meaningful, as ARES soft-codes all of the power subsystems, so these can be changed without the CSU.

We would ideally like to replace the CSU with a "cyberware inventory" experience called the <b>Hardware Components System</b>, where you must go to your local ripperdoc (Arachne X8) to change load-outs.

HUDware

This is a generic server/client architecture for implementing multiple HUDs with a single attachment, a little like X Windows. For sanity and sanitation reasons we intend to implement HUDware first, then implement the HCS interface using HUDware.

Beta 3 and Beyond

implement stream-oriented API, adapt command-line pipes

Dive

In 2019 we demonstrated a somewhat-janky-and-laggy-but-viable pair of gadgets for remotely controlling other avatars' movements and camera using direct control input. Dive will package this as a telepresence add-on for use between NS units in the same region.

Uplink

myNanite Uplink has been a long-standing dream project at NS, intended to provide a web-based interface for accessing and managing units remotely via a subscription service. Implementing it will require a new payments system, and (hopefully) allow integration via our upcoming Patreon.