always-online
Constantly internet-tethered
Always-online describes software, games, or devices that require a constant internet connection to function, even for features that don't inherently need it.
The term often carries criticism—users resent being locked out of single-player games during server outages or in areas with poor connectivity: The always-online requirement killed the game for me.
Interconnected computer systems
- Wi-FiWireless network standard
- broadbandFast internet access
- connectedJoined to another
- networkInterconnected system
bandwidth · streaming · cloud · router · hotspot · cellular · 5G · wireless
Involving multiple participants
- serverOne who attends tables
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- MMOHuge shared gaming world
- matchmakingArranging romantic connections
leaderboard · DRM · anti-cheat · updates · patches · microtransactions · seasons · co-op
Handheld connected computer
- notificationsAutomated messages announcing events
- scrollingMoving display content vertically
- checkingAct of verification
- refreshingPleasingly restorative
doom-scrolling · FOMO · hyperconnected · plugged-in · wired · accessible · reachable · available
Monitoring location over time
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- cookiesSmall sweet baked goods
- telemetryDistant automated data collection
- analyticsSystematic examination of datasets
privacy · spyware · metadata · fingerprinting · profiling · advertising · geolocation · keystroke
Distant or controller
- SlackBusiness communication software
- emailDigital written communication
- ZoomVideo call platform
- availabilityState of being obtainable
telecommute · asynchronous · collaboration · productivity · burnout · overtime · on-call · messages
internet
Interconnected computer systems
network · bandwidth · streaming · cloud · router · hotspot · cellular · 5G · wireless · ethernet
multiplayer
Involving multiple participants
- serverOne who attends tables
- persistentContinuing despite difficulty
- MMOHuge shared gaming world
matchmaking · leaderboard · DRM · anti-cheat · updates · patches · microtransactions · seasons · co-op · PvP
smartphone
Handheld connected computer
- notificationsAutomated messages announcing events
- scrollingMoving display content vertically
- checkingAct of verification
refreshing · doom-scrolling · FOMO · hyperconnected · plugged-in · wired · accessible · reachable · available · responsive
tracking
Monitoring location over time
- monitoringOngoing observation of something
- cookiesSmall sweet baked goods
- telemetryDistant automated data collection
analytics · privacy · spyware · metadata · fingerprinting · profiling · advertising · geolocation · keystroke · behavioral
remote
Distant or controller
availability · telecommute · asynchronous · collaboration · productivity · burnout · overtime · on-call · messages · meetings
- copy protectionDRM, content protection, digital rights, digital watermark, CSS
always-onlineoffline
Not internet-connected
standalone · disconnected · single-player · local · self-contained
always, online, ways, line, lined, lines, lining, liner, offline