PCom
PCom is a slang term for Personal Communicator among Imperials. First PComs were introduced to inhabitants of Limmea ca 942 AE, when the Empire was met with a need to produce means of rapid communication between civilians during the colonization of other planets. Together with being solution to the communication problem, PComs also became a robust mass surveillance and tracking tool and population tracking device in the hands of the Imperial state.
Construction and Functions
First models of PCom were as simple as a number pad with antennae, microphone and speaker. Connection between users was provided by the Imperial Communication Net that is segmented in regions with interregional calls needing a special permission. As technology rapidly progressed while driven by the War with Federation, late models of PCom gained functions of a small personal computer.
During 1070s AE, a PCom for an Imperial Citizen is almost as valued as their personal ID card, because this communicational device stores owners contact list and provides its user with essential applications like maps, dictionary and a calculator. Still, despite advancements in the hardware, the only peer to peer functions that a PCom can provide are audio calls and text messaging. This limitation is caused by information proliferation restrictions imposed by the Imperial government. For similar reasons, installation of any updates or applications require a physical connection between a PCom and a data terminal.
As part of initiative to spare resources, late generation PComs were built to last almost indefinitely and even possibly outlive their users. Viability of such approach was guarantied with a design that provides some generous possibilities for modification through external modules. This way, military personnel can use PComs with extended antennae that allows their signal to reach far beyond the ordinary coverage. PComs with a memory extension module can also host personal digital keys, and run a local assistant like an AMU-type model. The latter requires a special governmental permission though.
Sources
Imperial Informatorium
