This section will discuss both consumer and experimental tech, including concept art and explanations wherever applicable.
Most likely the most important piece of consumer technology, the three-dimensional communicator (often shortened to threedim) is the pinnacle of mobile computing technology in the milky way galaxy. The device usually consists of a compute unit in the handle and a polycarbonate or glass surface to act as a background for the projections. In lower cost models, this sheet is missing and the projections just float in mid air.
The threedim's compute unit consists of an SoC that's connected to a logic board. Along with the compute unit, the battery is also found in the handle. On the back of this logic board, the circuitry for wireless charging and local wireless networking is found. The quantum grid to connect to the PlaNet is also found here.
The projection assembly is a very precise array of lasers and refractive sheets angled outward to project into the space around the device. Two rows of microscopic lasers (the density of which determines the resolution of the projector) are angled in such a way that they cross their laser beams, letting a dot (or pattern with a high enough refresh rate) hover above the projection assembly. However, this mid-air crossing projection is only possible through a filtering layer provided by a durite sheet. The material to make these sheets is rare to find, making the durite sheet the most expensive part to replace. Larger projectors like advertisement screens on buildings do not use durite, but a nano-textured refractive glass. Durite is only required for smaller assemblies.
Commonly referred to as the PlaNet/PLANET or simply the Net, the Planar Link Access Network over Expanding Threads is the framework connecting all the devices linked to one another over the Theotech Quantum Grid system. The PlaNet is self maintaining and infinitely upgradeable, as its centralised nature allows for the addition of theoretically infinite devices to the network.
Using the PTP (PlaNet Transfer Protocol), data is quickly transferred from and to servers and clients. These components of the PlaNet serve different functions: A server, usually located on a station or planet, commonly does not move and holds the resources required to display and interact with a PlaNet PAGE (Planar Access Grid Engram). A PlaNet client is whatever system accesses the resources connected to the PlaNet, be that a threedim, a terminal, an NVR headset (using the iNet suite of protocols), a virtual machine, a companion device, research systems or any other device capable of connecting to the PlaNet.
A very recent development in consumer electronics, NVR sets allow users to completely immerse themselves in a variety of constructed worlds and scenarios, regardless of the user's location. All that's required is an NVR headset and, if social features are desired, a PlaNet connection. However, offline programs can run without a link. Creation tools also run offline.
An NVR headset.
Using a series of electrodes and low-power/high-precision laser emitters, brain activity can be read and sent from and to a computer. Using efficient processors and neural networks, a basic "map" of the user's brain in created, which in turn makes it possible for the computer to overtake the user's sensory and motor functions.
To use an NVR headset, the user needs to be conscious and have a functioning visual cortex. Blind users are only able to use NVR after augmentation, and Varyn can not use NVR at all.
The headset is usually made of plastic and foam with a polycarbonate visor protecting the laser assembly. The sensing electrodes are built into the headband. In more expensive headsets, the headband can be moved to a more comfortable position independent from the compute assembly.
Once the headset is calibrated to the user's brain, it's common that the user sits or lies down when using the device. Once the system has established a neural link, the user's body becomes limp, as it's without motor functions. The basic autonomous body functions still work without any further input, but can be suspended by the headset. While there have been no instances where this function has been accessed from anyone without their express consent, there exist horror and erotic programs that briefly suspend the user's ability to breathe, however there is always a failsafe. As soon as blood oxygenation dips below 90%, the laser array's power is cut and the neural link is terminated.
The cost of these headsets ranges from 200 credits to up to 5000 credits. The precision of the laser array and resolution of the electrode assembly increase with the price, however you do get diminishing returns on higher priced models. The sweet spot for price to performance is the Theotech HeadSpace headset, priced at 1599 credits.
The Magneto-Inertial Fusion Drive (MIFD) is a subluminal and assistive spacecraft propulsion system that relies on magneto-inertial fusion as a source of plasma which is then expelled through the drive cone to provide thrust. When a system expels or accelerates mass in one direction, the accelerated mass will cause a force of equal magnitude but opposite direction, to be applied to that system. In practice, this causes a spacecraft to accellerate in a linear fashion, not only moving the craft but also providing gravity on the inside.
Magneto-inertial fusion (MIF) describes a class of fusion devices which combine aspects of magnetic confinement fusion and inertial confinement fusion in an attempt to lower the cost of fusion devices. MIF uses magnetic fields to confine an initial warm, low-density plasma, then compresses that plasma to fusion conditions using an impulsive driver.