Connectivity and devices

[Tassu]

Communicator
A device that upon activation transmits the user’s speech to another communicator within range and within an approved network. In practice this means that:

Any local samurai may seek the number of any other local samurai and contact them.
Everyone else must ask for the other person's contact information in order to contact them.

Communicator can send text messages as well as make phone calls. Additionally it can access the local low level governmental network for information, but you cannot upload anything besides your queries. Local characters have deeper access and can upload things within certain limitations and delays.

Communicator does have a low quality camera, though the in-built protocols mean that every image sent is stored on the local servers and the recipient has to authorize the image transfer before an image can be sent. In effect, the UI of the system asks the recipient if they want to receive an image file from the sender before the file is actually sent.

Densai
Isawa Industritech's recent invention is essentially a large capacity holoslate encased in a small neosteel frame, which boasts greater durability and lacks issues the flimsier holoslates have had with creases in their plastic matrix eventually degrading quality. All models come with a standard digital copy of the Tao of Shinsei, thanks to Phoenix policies.

Densai can run simple applications (e.g. Okashi Crush Legends) and it can be used to watch local broadcasts and access local low level governmental network for information, but you cannot upload anything besides your queries. Local characters have deeper access and can upload things within certain limitations and delays.

As densai can hold files, it can also hold music and a simple program to play it. You will however need headphones to listen to it as the internal speakers mostly manage bleeping sounds. Headphones cost 1-3 bu depending on the model.

Densai can run Fantasy Fight at low graphic settings and without many of the impressive sound effects the dedicated console has. Some argue that the game has to be experienced through the console for the 'full experience' but as such consoles are exceedingly hard to find, vast majority of the player base plays the game on densai.

Portable Computer
Portable and relatively light (8-12 pounds, depending on the model) version of the ubiquitous consoles found at most work desks in the Empire. For reasons of security, portable computers have limited connectivity, usually only ever able to establish wireless connection to the local networks of the manufacturer’s clan, though most models allow the user to tap into any broadcasts available.

A skilled programmer can establish a virtual personal tether (VPT) to other networks (Use Computers / Intelligence at TN 20) as long as they can find a socket to plug their computer into. Generally such sockets can be found by stationary consoles. It should perhaps be noted that plugging your portable computer to an ATM or other public consoles might raise questions.

When combined with a communicator, the device can be usually used to access the lowest-level communication networks, though the operator should be wary that the network's bots are likely to infiltrate his or her hardware for 'security reasons' if they connect their machine to the network in such a direct fashion. Again, visitors cannot really upload anything while the locals have limited access.

Contacting other worlds
A character may request a diplomatic connection to their home world if they want to send a message home. However, even if such communications use cipher, everyone knows that the intelligence agencies can break any cipher given enough time and so usually very little sensitive information moves though diplomatic channels. Such connection happens always through a console (available at embassies) to ensure that the local authorities can access every byte sent.