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Vale.Rocks

Website of front-end developer, designer, and writer Declan Chidlow, containing thoughts, musings, and otherwise unhinged ramblings.

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Web Browsers on Video Game Consoles

A comprehensive history of web browsers on video game consoles. From the CD-i to modern systems, exploring the evolution of the web on consoles in detail. Covering bespoke iterations, releases by PlanetWeb and NetFront, contemporary engines across Sega, PlayStation, Nintendo, and Xbox platforms, and other details.

"UI/UX""gaming"

Overview of Digital Accessibility Technologies

A high-level compilation of various digital accessibility technologies and systems used by people with disabilities to facilitate computer use. Covering both output and input methods, from widely known technologies such as screen readers to lesser-known tools such as sip-and-puff devices.

The Internet Is Going To Change Everything

A naïve dreaming of a web of the future from the past of another present. Ideation of an internet that could have been. One which brings power to the people, thwarts exploitative capitalism, and elevates each and every person to extract their best.

IndieWeb/SmallWeb

There Isn't A Microchip Under Your Skin Tracking You

Debunking the idea of subdermal implants containing trackers that phone home and maintain a constant log of your location, as seen in popular media. Exposing flaws in the idea from perspectives of technology, biology, and logic.

Lessons From Tech Support

Details and knowledge pertaining to providing tech support for people on a professional basis. Various tips and tricks, as well as advice on effectively communicating with clients to effectively provide help with minimal confusion and without needless effort, while ensuring a smooth and productive outcome.

The $25 MacBook Pro

Buying a second-hand 2020 MacBook Pro for twenty-five dollars, upgrading from Catalina to Sequoia, and identifying the problems with the laptop's non-functional screen and Touch Bar. Diagnosing and troubleshooting the issues causing the problems, which is hopefully of value to others.

AI Terminology is Poorly Defined and Oft Misused

Words and terms used when describing artificial intelligence are often misused, inaccurate, or generalised to the point of losing all meaning. How terms like 'LLM', 'Agent', and 'AGI' have lost meaning and turned into semantically meaningless buzzwords that are applied liberally without care or appropriate intent, leading to unnecessary confusion and unnecessary need for clarification.

It's All Just Trees With Web Origami

Thoughts on the wonderful Web Origami project, which can be used as a static site generator but is also capable of very much more. It can be used in the shell to handle all sorts of data transformations and interactions, making it a valuable part of any developer's toolbox.

The Regulated Reality of China's Gaming Industry

China's extremely developed and ginormous gaming industry and how it has been shaped by regulations and restrictions to become a growing international powerhouse. Covering restrictions, alternate Chinese versions, censorship, internet cafés, e-sports and a great deal more.

China’s Parallel Web Behind the Wall

The unique web and internet of China, largely cut off from the rest of the world by the Great Firewall, yet not completely isolated. The climate and history that shaped the censorship and regulations which formed China's domestic internet, which operates largely independently of the interconnected global network known by many. Looking at topics subject to censorship, different services used, culture, and the growing impact of artificial intelligence.

Beyond the Square and Under the Rug

The Tiananmen Square protests and massacre that occurred on June 4th, 1989, with emphasis on the context surrounding the event and the Chinese government's aggressive censorship. Also clearing of misconceptions surrounding Tank Man.

Stay Away From Accessibility Overlays

Accessibility overlays are poor solutions to accessibility issues and in the majority of cases, inflict more problems than they solve. They don't provide legal protection and overall harm the usability of websites. They should not be used and must be avoided, with focus instead being placed on addressing the core problems.

accessibilitydevelopment