Starfleet Academy news, getting Launchpad back in MacOS 26, new AI coding tools
Plus, my Sora 2 special report, the hazards of button batteries, pets in bookstores, a USB hub that actually works, and Stephen Colbert...in space.
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
Advanced Geekery is published weekly on Substack and LinkedIn. Same content. Choose your favorite delivery method. Back Issues.
BREAKING NEWS: Sora 2 Special Report
Stay tuned to ZDNET. Shortly after this newsletter goes live, I’ll be posting my special report on the creativity, rights, and reputation implications of OpenAI's Sora 2 . It’s an important read, so please check back after it’s published.
My articles
Here’s a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
Google’s new Jules Tools is very cool - how I’m using it and other Gemini AI CLIs: Jules Tools has quietly joined Gemini CLI and GitHub Actions in Google’s lineup. Here’s how these command-line agents differ.
ChatGPT’s Codex just got a huge upgrade that makes it more powerful than ever - what’s new: OpenAI has fully launched Codex, and it comes with new tools for developers, including Slack integration and more.
Miss Launchpad in MacOS 26? I found a way to restore it for free - here’s how: Two free utilities can recreate Apple’s removed feature and restore your workflow faster than Spotlight’s messy app grid ever could.
Must-watch YouTube (NY Comic Con Edition)
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification. This week, we’re all about the newly posted Star Trek announcements and trailers.
Mark January 15 into your calendars. Because that’s when Star Trek: Starfleet Academy premieres. And here’s the first trailer for the series.
We can only hope Season 4 of Strange New Worlds is better than Season 3. Here’s a new clip, mercifully without puppets.
Finally, in a voice casting triumph(?), Stephen Colbert (yep, the late night guy), will be the “digital dean of students” at Starfleet Academy. He’ll be joining Maris Crane, Vera Peterson, Mrs. Wolowitz, Orson from Ork, Robin Masters, Mrs. Columbo, Mr. Wilson, and Charlie Townsend as a character that’s heard, but never seen. Post in the comments below if you recognize any of these characters and the shows they’re from.
Product of the week
This is the Anker USB hub we’re using in our new scanning station. The reason I’m sharing this with you is that, unlike every other USB hub we’ve tried, this one allows all the devices to connect into it, rather than needing to go directly into the computer. That even includes the scanners.
Up until now, we had to use a machine with more USB ports, because some of the devices just wouldn’t work through a hub. But this one works. It’s also very budget friendly. The Amazon Associates program has a bit of a ban-tantrum if you post actual prices, so you’ll have to click in to find out how much it really costs.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth checking out.
ZDNET’s Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is back with the hidden danger in button batteries. Who knew?
Here’s a sweet article about pets in bookstores. Who’s a good kitty? You’re a good kitty. Yes, you are.
Archeologists think that stone blocks lifted from the sea may have been from one of the seven ancient wonders, the Lighthouse of Alexandria.
Send in your 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.
Both my EPs are now streaming
Available on all your favorite streaming services.
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!