They were too preoccupied on wether they could, they never stopped to question wether they should

Dogs really are the best people

Another good option on Windows is PDF XChange Editor, though I'm using an old version so I can't vouch for how much or little enshitification has happened in newer versions

Depending on what you need, you might get away with any old small PC (like 1 litre office PCs or old thin clients), or an SBC like Raspberry Pi.

For Operating system, instead of Android, try LibreELEC, or any Linux distro starting straight in to Kodi could work, for Firefox in Kiosk mode opening your Jellyfin.

Bazzite is a version of Fedora initially started as a steamOS alternative for the steam deck. So if you install the Deck version of Bazzite it boots straight in to Steam Big Picture intended for the TV.

KDE Plasma also has a Plasma Big Screen version, but I'm not sure how ready that is yet, or if it's easy to install.

What is the reason to use torx over Internal hex (Allen key)? Surely there must be a reason why it's used

When growing up it used to be that (internal) hex was for high strength but needed exact tool size, and Phillips/flat blade for low strength application with the benefit of any approximately sized tool will work.

Seems to me torx is in this awkward in-between where it's used for low-strength applications, but require exact tool size. Or it's used interchangeably with hex, requiring two sets of tools available at the work site (not fun if the work site is 30 meters up some ladders)

Like others said it's mostly just practice.

What helps is to align the (short) ends and hold them flat between your index finger and thumb. Use your free hand to get them in order. Once they're in order, keep holding them still between your index finger and thumb using one hand, then use your free hand to slot on the connector

Edit: also bending them back and forth a bit will soften them up and reduce them curling in all sorts of directions. It also weakens them, so don't overdo it (mostly only works for solid cable, the type meant for permanent installations like inside walls)

Like maxmal said, FreeCAD has an Architecture (and BIM) workbench, which is heavily developed by one of the main FreeCAD Devs. Try it out and see if it works for you

Calling the architecture workbench a plugin is technically correct, but a bit misleading, as all core features are technically plugins(workbenches). The Architecture workbench is a built-in default feature

Xchat with its sleek tab interface was the bomb

I agree after seeing the patent , there's nothing groundbreaking or novel there.

Replace video for audio then there's already prior art for both control and synchronization with Sonos (2005). And a plethora of Winamp web interface plugins.

For video there was already the XMBC web interface. Sure there was no "app", but the patent is vague enough that the web-browser on the smartphone accessing the web interface can be considered the app

After looking at the patent it's clear it's way too vague, generic and obvious. It should never have been granted. (I Am Not A patent Lawyer). For one the XMBC web interface from 2009ish is prior art.

Technically the Kodi remote control app would be in violation of the patent, except it doesn't use any "back end server system".

If you replace the words "display" and "video" with "speaker" and "audio" then the Spotify app would be in violation as well, as it allows changing the playback device to any of your logged in devices.

Come to think of it, if you use Firefox on mobile to access YouTube, then "send tab to other device", and send it to a desktop computer connected to a big screen, it could be interpreted as violating the patent as it's using Mozilla's "back end server" to relay the message

From the article (from original Maui's response):

a UI framework that as of today is still the first result in Google when searching for the term “Maui UI framework” but that due to the might of GitHub (another Microsoft subsidiary) and Microsoft own website (specifically, their blog) SEO that will change over time.

Exactly this has happened. On both Google and DuckDuckGo (partially Bing?) all the top results are Microsoft Maui, you have to scroll down for original Maui

I had one the other day too, playing Heavenly Bodies. Ran the game on my Kubuntu laptop (Nvidia GPU) , using steam in-house game streaming to my (old underpowered) Ubuntu desktop connected to the Big screen TV, and with 2 wireless Xbox360 controllers connected to the Ubuntu desktop

It Just Worked.

Gaming on Linux has gone from being a pipedream, to a niche, to being viable, and now to even being good