Holopad future features

[chromiumboy]

Here's a general list of features/changes to consider for holopads in the future. Any bugs or other issues should be directed to #33986

Code refactoring

• Use the view subscription system to preload entities into the AI player's PVS when they get a summons from a holopad
• Use the device network system to send message packets between connected holopads (allows for message interception and tampering)

Additional functionality

• Introduce a system to personalize AI holographic avatars (see Station AI customizations #34501)
• Give holopads the ability to change the color of the holograms they project as well as to those to which they are connected (e.g., a syndicate holopad which turns the holograms of linked holopads red)
• Integrate a system for naming holopads into the units themselves, rather than using labellers / label components
• Introduce a system for conference calling, where more than two holopads can all be connected together and their users can all converse with each other

UI improvements

• Add a text-based filter at the top of the contacts list so users can quickly narrow down a search for specific holopads (see UI improvements for holopads #34055)
• Add additional controls to the 'in-call' UI, such as a mute toggle and a speaker mode (i.e., change the listening range of the holopad) toggle (possibly unnecessary, should reassess later)
• Include the name of the holopad that is transmitting a call alongside the caller ID on the 'receiving call' UI (see UI improvements for holopads #34055)
• Add a toggle to mute the holopad's ringer on its UI (this should wait until we see how the holocall meta works out. We don't want players ignoring them too early)

Sprite work

• Add new/distinct sprites for long-range, quantum entangling, and bluespace holopads (see [Draft] Different holopad sprites for each type #34012)

Misc changes

• Have speech relayed from the holopad holograms rather than the holopad unit itself (see Speech is relayed by holopad holograms #33978)
• Simplify the name of the speaker that prefixes holopad messages from <Device name> (<Speaker name>) to <Speaker name> (holopad) (see Speech is relayed by holopad holograms #33978)
• Add holopad based station events (e.g., the spawning of holographic monsters)

[spanky-spanky]

Is there any chance we could have emotes transmitted through holopads? Mime communication is very quiet otherwise.

[chromiumboy]

Is there any chance we could have emotes transmitted through holopads? Mime communication is very quiet otherwise.

The current chat system doesn't support it unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the refactor is done

[spanky-spanky]

Is there any chance we could have emotes transmitted through holopads? Mime communication is very quiet otherwise.

The current chat system doesn't support it unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the refactor is done

Interestingly enough emotes through the emotes menu (Y) work.

[ScarKy0]

Interestingly enough emotes through the emotes menu (Y) work.

Funnily enough, thats the only type of emoting that the chat system supports that works for holopads

[chromiumboy]

Is there any chance we could have emotes transmitted through holopads? Mime communication is very quiet otherwise.

The current chat system doesn't support it unfortunately, we'll have to wait until the refactor is done

Interestingly enough emotes through the emotes menu (Y) work.

Oh yes, I added support for standard emotes. I thought you meant custom emotes, my bad

[Bomjojuk]

Are there any plans to realise the "detached mode" For ai hologram similar to the one that ss13 paradise has?

[Errant-4]

Are there any plans to realise the "detached mode" For ai hologram similar to the one that ss13 paradise has?

What does that do? Allow the hologram to walk around it within range?

[ScarKy0]

What does that do? Allow the hologram to walk around it within range?

Allows AI to walk around in a small area around the holopad

[chromiumboy]

Are there any plans to realise the "detached mode" For ai hologram similar to the one that ss13 paradise has?

No, no plans. I'm not a fan of it. The AI already has unrestricted movement in its free roam mode. Being anchored at the holopad gives its physicality contrast to that freedom

[ASTRALIXIX]

Is it possible to use the AI's general camera vision when it uses holopad in the future?

[chromiumboy]

Is it possible to use the AI's general camera vision when it uses holopad in the future?

It's certainly possible, but I don't plan on changing it