Testing DeepSeek's coding chops, remote control your trailer, and wood storage tips
Plus, better Netflix on Vision Pro, GitHub Copilot doesn't fly, a homeowner fix, dogs communicate with buttons, and new Jack the Ripper evidence
I’m David Gewirtz. Welcome to this week’s Advanced Geekery newsletter. It’s been an exciting week. Let’s dive in.
My latest video
Here’s a quick video showing you my super-simple method of organizing my wood in the workshop. It’s easy and does the job surprisingly well.
My articles
Here’s a quick recap of the articles I published in the last week on ZDNET.
I tested DeepSeek's R1 and V3 coding skills - and we're not all doomed (yet): Are DeepSeek R1 and V3 the next big things in AI? How this Chinese open-source chatbot outperformed some big-name AIs in coding tests, despite using vastly less infrastructure than its competitors.
I tried Netflix on Vision Pro again, and now it's awesome - here's what changed: Still thinking of buying a Vision Pro? Netflix finally works seamlessly on Safari, offering a solid entertainment experience without the need for third-party apps. Here's how to watch.
I put GitHub Copilot's AI to the test - and it just might be terrible at writing code: It could have done better. But it also could have done worse.
This week’s project: a door latch fix
Because everyone wants to spend their Thursday fixing a broken door latch mechanism, I thought I’d tell you my little story. For years, I rented. When something like a door latch stopped working, all I had to do was call my landlord. They came and fixed it. They knew that if I were let loose to fix something on my own and without adult supervision, I’d make it just so much worse. So they often responded quickly when I asked for help.
But when you’re a homeowner, you have to do your own fixing.
The problem was that our front door latch wouldn’t fully retract the latch bolt when the latch was pressed. At first, I thought the door was stuck on the door frame, but our frame is solid, with good clearances. It’s just that no matter how far you’d push down on the latch, it only pulled the bolt in about half way.
Take a look at the image on the left. That’s the latch mechanism that was in my door. As the arrow points out, the metal itself had been worn away over time, so when the door latch pushed on it, there was only about half the throw distance there should have been. The image on the right is the replacement latch mechanism.
Once I replaced the mechanism, the door latch worked again. What are you working on? Remember, you can have your projects spotlighted in this newsletter. See below.
Robot of the week
Okay, I’ll admit I have absolutely no use for this thing. I don’t own any trailers. But this is so cool, it might almost be worth getting a trailer just to be able to play with it.
I’m talking about the Trailer Valet RVR-9, which is basically a battlebot repurposed to guide a trailer. You hook the trailer hitch onto this little beast and drive it around, tank treads and all. I know it’s pricey and very specialized, but dang if it ain’t cool.
Note: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
In the lab
This week, we have a new “In the lab” product. In this section, I spotlight interesting products that have come in for review that I definitely plan on covering. This way, you’ll get a heads-up on cool new products as they enter the full review process.
At 46 pounds, in the carton it came in, we thought it was another 3D printer. Turns out, it’s the Narwal Freo Z Ultra smart vacuum.
While there have been a lot of smart vacuum reviews for in-home use, I’m going to see if this thing can survive the workshop and Fab Lab. So far, I’ve tried six smart vacuums over the years and none has made it through its first run without getting hopelessly tangled up in wires or stuck under one of the 3D printer carts. The Freo Z Ultra is supposed to have some serious smarts and powerful sensors, so let’s see if it lasts more than 10 minutes.
Must-watch YouTube
Moving on, let’s queue up some interesting YouTube videos for your entertainment and edification.
It’s not that my dog doesn’t understand. He just won’t follow directions unless he’s sure there’s something in it for him. But for those owners with more cooperative pups, check out this research into the effectiveness of button boards.
Here’s a bit about how the director of the Wicked movie used the Apple Vision Pro as part of his production process.
Interesting reads
And now, some good stuff from around the Internet, well worth reading.
There might be new DNA evidence in the Jack the Ripper case.
ZDNET article about why learning and honing your relationship management skills will be critical in a world of machine intelligence.
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!