Hiding all your tabs, I broke Google's AI (again), and Vision Pro ordering tips
Plus, the home library of my dreams, why ChatGPT lost its mind, where to go from Twitter, Neanderthal secret weapons, and why everyone is so angry
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
My articles
Let’s kick it off with a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
I have 100 Chrome tabs open, but you'd never know it with this sneaky trick: Struggling with too many open tabs? Here’s a clever way to conceal them and streamline your browsing experience instantly.
How to order Apple Vision Pro: Tips, tricks, and my secret to a good face scan: For a hassle-free headset purchase, read my step-by-step buying advice before you start - especially if you order online or wear glasses. With lots and lots of screenshots.
Gemini Advanced failed these simple coding tests that ChatGPT aced. Here's what it got wrong: Google charges $20/month for this? From WordPress plugin creation to simple coding fixes, see where Google's AI falls short. Yeah, I broke another one.
Also, I updated this piece from last summer to include more on the X factor, as well as some updated information on the various socials. Might be worth another look:
I tried replacing Twitter with Bluesky, Threads, and Mastodon: What I found: More and more ex-Twitter/X users are seeking new online homes. I kicked the tires on these three nascent services. Here's what you need to know about them.
It’s here
Stay tuned to ZDNET for my ongoing coverage. The Apple Vision Pro is here. As you might imagine, nothing pleases me more than strapping a 1.4 pound high-tech sneaker to my face. I’ll have lots of how-tos, objective observations, and subjective opinions. I know. You can’t wait. It will be glorious! (*)
*My grandmother once told me she didn’t approve of my tendency to sarcasm. She had no idea it would wind up being a big part of how I make my living.
Must-watch YouTube
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification.
They’re turning the super-popular PC shooter Borderlands into a video game and there’s a trailer. You know what they say about movies based on video games, but this one has some A-list actors, and it does look like a ton of fun. We’ll see.
I wouldn’t be overselling it to say that this hidden home library is the room of my dreams.
For this week’s blast from TV’s past, did you know that John Travolta wanted the part of Fonzie? Did you know that Micky Dolenz of The Monkeys was up for the gig? Here’s the backstory.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth reading.
Why is everyone so pissed off? This article has an in-depth look at our current “outrage culture” and why it’s so prevalent.
40,000 years ago, Neanderthals made an adhesive that made their weapons more capable. This is the full story.
Remember when ChatGPT went bonkers last week? SJVN has the answer in his ZDNET analysis.
Reader projects
I’d like to regularly spotlight a reader project or two here. Your project doesn’t have to be a big Kickstarter launch. If you’ve built something cool, it has some pretty pictures, and you’re proud of it, I might be able to share it here.
If you have a photogenic reader project, send an email to me at david@zatz.com with the subject “READER PROJECT,” a few pictures, and a short one-paragraph description. If you have a social media link or a link to the project, include that, too.
More clicky
I’ve got a lot happening all over the web. Here are links to my various stuff:
House of the Head: home for my published music
ZATZ Labs: where I host my published software projects
Feel free to dig around, visit, and say hey!
Leave some comments
Substack supports comments, so feel free to leave some. I promise to read them. Just, please, let’s keep our personal politics out of any discussion.
That should do it for this week. This newsletter is really starting to pick up subscribers. Please help it out by sharing links on all your socials.
Have a great week!