[Dev. Blog #7] Femmeware 0.2 | Dev Notes

So, I’ve successfully closed all my technical debt before the end of 2024 and am ready to continue developing the application. Here are some details.
In a recent poll, Femmeware emerged as the winner, so I started to work on:

1. Migrating Femmeware from Windows Forms to WPF

After working on Virtual Chastity and another project that will remain under wraps for now, I realized that developing apps using the WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) framework for C# is far more efficient in terms of both time and resources compared to Windows Forms.

WPF is more flexible when it comes to creating custom user interfaces and is less resource-intensive for tasks like building video overlays or displaying images. Additionally, it’s a more convenient tool for development, which will ultimately speed up the process of implementing additional features.

Given these insights, the main priority for the next update will be yet another and hopefully final migration of the project to a new engine foundation. This transition should significantly improve the app’s performance, flexibility, and scalability, paving the way for smoother future updates.

2. Bug Fixes

Femmeware is a fascinating application, but it’s not without its flaws. You’ve already pointed out some bugs and issues, so I consider it my duty to address them before implementing new features. Here’s what I plan to fix:

• Remove the lag from the spiral animation during the "Hypno Event"
  The spiral currently causes noticeable performance drops. I’ll optimize its behavior to ensure a smoother experience.

• Automatically start the spiral animation after launching the app
  The spiral will play immediately for 10-15 minutes after launch, without waiting for the event timer to trigger. After that, the Event Manager will schedule the next event within an hour.

• Completely terminate the Wallpaper Engine process during Femmeware's session
  The app will force close Wallpaper Engine and prevent it from restarting while Femmeware is active. I’m also considering a more extreme option: permanently blocking Wallpaper Engine from launching unless the app’s effects are deactivated.

• Fix the autostart issue
  I already have a working solution based on Virtual Chastity, which I’ll integrate into Femmeware. This fix will ensure the app starts automatically upon system boot, without manual intervention.

3. Warnings, User Agreement, and Additional Settings

Since Femmeware might behave like a virus from the user’s perspective, I’ll add a few critical elements to make things clearer and more transparent:

• A warning message about the app’s behavior
  This will explain that the app is designed to take control of certain system functions and may exhibit behavior that resembles malware.

• User Agreement element
  Users will be required to accept the app’s terms and conditions before using it.

• Custom startup logo with a progress bar during extraction
  A boot-up screen will be added to indicate that the app is being extracted and initialized.

• A dedicated settings window
  This will allow users to manage certain “malicious” features, such as:

  • Enabling or disabling autostart

  • Enabling or disabling the block on wallpaper changes

  • Most importantly: adding a custom audio file for the Hypno Event, replacing the default sound with something more personal.

Once I’ve completed these three key areas, I’ll release version 0.2.0 of the app.

At that stage, I’ll create a new poll for Patreon tiers 2 and 3, featuring ideas I consider the most important for future development. Together, we’ll choose the most suitable direction for Femmeware’s evolution!

Supporter List and Recognition

I’ll also create a Google Sheet where you can register your name, nickname, or social media tag to be added to the Supporters section inside the app. This will allow you to permanently mark your involvement in Femmeware’s development.

The Supporters List will be open to all Patreon tiers, but lower tiers will need to meet a certain minimum number of support months to qualify. I haven’t finalized the criteria yet, but I’ll share more details once it’s ready.

Release Date and Personal Notes

Well, time to get to work!

As for the release date, I’m not announcing one just yet. I’m currently struggling with severe depression — both due to personal issues and the project’s low financial returns. Unfortunately, I’ve had to dedicate more time to my main job to cover rent, food, and other basic needs, leaving less time for the project.

But giving up is not an option. Even if the income drops to zero, I have no intention of abandoning Femmeware. That said, I think you’ve noticed that the development pace has slowed down compared to what it was before. Sadly, that’s something I can’t change right now… but we’ll push through it!

I hope you’ll enjoy the upcoming update, and in the meantime, I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments section of this post for a name for the upcoming 0.2 release! Let’s make this next step memorable together! 💜