A security mechanism that prevents a device from being downgraded to an older, vulnerable version of firmware by using hardware-based fuses or counters.
A network routing technique where the same IP address is broadcast from many physical server locations worldwide, automatically directing each request to the nearest one for minimum latency.
Apple's push notification service — a single persistent, system-level connection that lets servers wake a specific iOS app only when there's new data, instead of the app repeatedly polling on its own.
Android's classification system that sorts installed apps into tiers (Active, Working Set, Frequent, Rare, Restricted) based on usage frequency, limiting how often rarely-used apps can wake the CPU in the background.
The final server in a DNS lookup chain that holds the actual IP address record for a domain and returns it directly to the requesting resolver.
An OS feature that allows suspended apps to periodically wake the CPU to poll for new data, refresh caches, or check location — bypassing normal background freeze rules.
The immutable boot-time code burned into a chip at manufacture, responsible for the earliest stage of startup and for deciding whether to enter a diagnostic or download mode before the OS loads.
A standardized processor power state, ranging from fully active (C0) to deep sleep (C3/C4). Transitioning between states carries an energy cost independent of the actual work performed.
Battery capacity loss that occurs purely from the passage of time at a given voltage, independent of how many charge cycles the cell has completed.
One full unit of a battery's capacity moving in and out, whether completed in a single charge or accumulated across several partial charges that add up to 100%.
The system that translates human-readable domain names (like github.com) into the numeric IP addresses computers use to route traffic.
A protocol that encrypts DNS queries inside standard HTTPS traffic, making lookups indistinguishable from regular web traffic to anyone monitoring the network.
A protocol that encrypts DNS queries using TLS on a dedicated port, keeping the query content private while still signaling that DNS traffic is occurring.
An Android power-saving state that activates when the device is stationary and screen-off, batching all background network access and wake-locks into short scheduled maintenance windows.
A small helper program that a chip's BootROM temporarily loads into RAM during a flashing session to mediate reading and writing the main storage. Modern chips require this binary to be cryptographically signed by the OEM.
A low-level boot mode on Qualcomm chipsets that allows for direct communication with the CPU for unbricking and firmware flashing via a PC.
A microscopic hardware fuse within a chip that can be 'blown' once to store permanent data, such as security keys or device configurations.
Google's push notification service for Android — a shared, persistent system-level channel that lets servers wake a specific app only when new data actually exists, instead of constant polling.
A Google Android security feature that requires the previous owner's Google account credentials after a factory reset, preventing a stolen device from being wiped and resold.
A specific type of message authentication code involving a cryptographic hash function and a secret key, used extensively in RPMB authentication.
A hardware servicing technique that connects directly to a storage chip's data pins on the circuit board, bypassing the main processor entirely to read or write flash memory.
The reversible process of lithium ions inserting themselves into the layered structure of a battery's electrode material during charging and discharging.
The dominant rechargeable battery chemistry in consumer electronics, storing energy by moving lithium ions between a graphite anode and a metal-oxide cathode.
The server that receives your device's DNS query first and does the work of tracking down the final answer by consulting root, TLD, and authoritative servers on your behalf.
The first stop in a DNS lookup chain — it doesn't know the final answer but points the resolver toward the correct Top-Level Domain server based on the domain's ending.
A dedicated partition within eMMC/UFS storage that prevents unauthorized data modification by verifying every write command with a hardware-locked key.
A thin passivation layer that forms on a lithium-ion battery's anode surface. Its gradual, irreversible thickening under voltage and heat stress is a primary driver of long-term capacity loss.
The current charge level of a battery expressed as a percentage of its total capacity — distinct from "System on Chip", an unrelated hardware term that shares the same acronym.
A secure, isolated area of the main processor that runs sensitive operations (like biometric checks and encryption) separate from the main Operating System.
The final segment of a domain name (.com, .org, .io) which determines which TLD server is responsible for narrowing down the DNS lookup toward the correct authoritative nameserver.
A value set by a domain owner that tells resolvers how long they're allowed to cache a DNS answer before checking again — balancing lookup speed against how quickly changes propagate.
The modern high-speed flash memory standard used in most current smartphones, replacing the older eMMC standard.
A low-level signal an app sends to prevent the CPU from entering a deep sleep power state until the lock is released, typically used to complete a background task.