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2024-10-24

Everything I built with Claude Artifacts this week

  • Simon Willison explored Claude's Artifacts feature to create 14 interactive Single Page Apps, showcasing its potential for rapid prototyping and problem-solving.
  • Projects included a URL to Markdown converter, SQLite in WebAssembly (WASM) demo, and a QR Code Decoder, highlighting the versatility of Artifacts.
  • Despite its ease of use, Willison noted limitations such as the inability to make API calls and plans to develop his own alternative, encouraging others to explore Artifacts for LLM-based projects.

Reactions

  • Integrating AI tools such as Claude Artifacts into existing codebases is challenging due to the need to maintain professional standards and conventions.
  • Developers often prefer writing code themselves to ensure quality and compatibility, although AI tools are increasingly used for tasks like code generation, refactoring, and API integration.
  • The reliability and correctness of AI-generated code are still concerns, particularly for complex or critical applications, despite potential productivity boosts.

Rider is now free for non-commercial use

  • JetBrains Rider is an integrated development environment (IDE) tailored for .NET and game developers, offering extensive support for various frameworks and game engines.
  • It supports .NET frameworks such as ASP.NET Core and MAUI, as well as popular game engines like Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot.
  • This makes JetBrains Rider a versatile tool for developers working across different platforms and technologies in the .NET ecosystem and game development.

Reactions

  • Rider, an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) by JetBrains, is now free for non-commercial use, coinciding with Microsoft's discontinuation of Visual Studio for Mac.
  • Rider is well-regarded for its integration with game development platforms like Godot, Unity, and Unreal, and is noted for its speed and features compared to Visual Studio, although some users report issues with intellisense in large projects.
  • The free availability of Rider, along with WebStorm and RustRover, aims to attract students and hobbyists, potentially expanding JetBrains' user base for future commercial licenses, despite some concerns about telemetry and data collection.

AWS data center latencies, visualized

  • AWS data center latencies have been reported to exceed 200 milliseconds, which is a significant delay for cloud services.
  • This latency data was provided by Ben and sourced from CloudPing, a tool used to measure latency to AWS data centers.
  • High latency can impact the performance of applications and services relying on AWS infrastructure, making this a critical issue for developers and businesses.

Reactions

  • AWS data center latencies are mapped to show data travel times between regions, crucial for system architecture and cloud migrations.
  • Discussions include theoretical data transmission limits, like the speed of light in fiber optics, and using satellite links to reduce latency.
  • Suggestions for improving the map visualization include adding a color-blind mode and a flat map option, while highlighting regional infrastructure challenges in achieving low latency.

Wall-mounted diffusion mirror that turns reflections into paintings

  • The discussion on AI's creativity often overlooks that art is about expressing one's inner world, not just technical skill.
  • AI-driven art forms are enabling non-artists to explore creativity, as demonstrated by the author's use of StreamDiffusion to transform webcam feeds into artistic visuals.
  • The author enhanced their AI art setup by building an LCD frame for a permanent display and improved performance using TensorRT, sharing the setup details for others interested in similar projects.

Reactions

  • A wall-mounted diffusion mirror transforms reflections into artistic paintings but faces challenges with low frame rates.
  • Suggestions for improvement include using Websocket protocol for efficient data transfer, eliminating JPEG compression, and batching input frames.
  • The project is lauded for its innovation, sparking discussions on art, technology, and potential developments like shared experiences, while also raising privacy and hardware concerns.

RF Hunter – Find hidden cameras and other devices

  • The project involves creating an RF Signal Scanner using an ESP32 microcontroller and an AD8317 RF detector to detect and measure radio frequency signals.- The detected signal strength is displayed on an OLED screen, making it practical for locating hidden cameras and wiretapping devices.- This project is notable for its application in privacy and security, offering a DIY solution for detecting unauthorized surveillance equipment.

Reactions

  • RF Hunter is a project utilizing an ESP32 microcontroller and an AD8317 RF detector to scan for RF signals, aiding in the detection of hidden cameras and wiretapping devices.
  • The project has generated discussions on alternative detection methods, such as thermal cameras and nonlinear junction detectors, and its effectiveness in electronics-heavy environments.
  • There is interest in pre-assembled versions and potential enhancements, including applications for drone detection and the use of phased arrays for improved detection capabilities.

Pretty.c

  • Pretty C is a new scripting language designed to enhance C programming by adding dynamic typing, generic iteration, and resource tracking, while maintaining compatibility with C and its libraries.
  • Inspired by languages like Lua, Python, JavaScript, and Lisp, Pretty C introduces features such as type inference, generic printing, and enhanced for loops to simplify C programming.
  • The language is easy to integrate into existing C projects, requiring only a single header file, and offers utilities like type aliases, new operators, and macros for common operations and error handling.

Reactions

  • Pretty.c is a GitHub project by aartaka that introduces syntactic sugar to C, making it more similar to languages like ALGOL, with the goal of simplifying C code for beginners.- The project includes macros and functions to maintain compatibility with existing C libraries, sparking discussions about scripting languages, typing, and macro usage in C.- While some users find the project intriguing, others question its practicality for serious projects, as it draws inspiration from languages like Lisp to offer a fun, alternative way to write C code.

Playstation Vita Architecture (Part 1)

  • The PlayStation Vita, released between December 2011 and February 2012, combines video gaming with mobile technology, competing against multifunctional devices.
  • Sony introduced three variants: the original PSVita, a Slim model with an LCD screen, and the PlayStation TV, each with distinct features.
  • The PSVita is powered by an ARM Cortex-A9 CPU and a PowerVR SGX543MP4+ GPU, supporting advanced processing and multimedia capabilities, including backward compatibility with PSP and PS1 games.

Reactions

  • The PlayStation Vita, despite having advanced hardware features like an OLED screen and dual analog sticks, was hindered by Sony's decisions, including costly proprietary memory cards and insufficient game support.
  • The console faced tough competition from smartphones and Nintendo's 3DS, leading to its commercial failure, yet it remains beloved by enthusiasts for its portability and unique offerings.
  • The homebrew community continues to thrive, providing emulation and custom firmware, and many users credit the Vita and its predecessor, the PSP, for sparking their interest in programming and homebrew gaming.

2048 turned 10 this year, I built an updated version to celebrate

  • Gabriele Cirulli, the creator of the viral game 2048, has decided to focus on updating the game full-time, leaving his previous job.- New updates include the addition of powerups in collaboration with Prime Gaming, while still maintaining a Classic mode for traditional players.- Cirulli expresses gratitude for the game's continued popularity and seeks feedback from the community on these developments.

Reactions

  • Gabriele Cirulli, the creator of the viral game 2048, celebrates its 10th anniversary with an updated version, adding new features like powerups while retaining the classic mode.
  • Originally developed in just five days, 2048 became a comforting sensation for many, despite debates over its originality compared to the game Threes.
  • Cirulli expresses gratitude to the community for their support and invites feedback on the new version, highlighting the game's enduring popularity and unique identity.

NetGuard – rootless Android outbound per-app OSS firewall, like LittleSnitch

  • NetGuard is an Android firewall app that allows users to block internet access on a per-application basis without needing root access.- The app is open-source, supports Android 5.1 and later, and emphasizes privacy by not tracking user data.- Pro features, such as traffic logs and network filtering, can be accessed through in-app purchases or donations, with no reliance on Google services.

Reactions

  • NetGuard is a rootless Android firewall that blocks app connections, highlighting the extensive tracking conducted by apps and allowing users to block connections to Google servers.
  • Users note limitations such as the requirement for Android's VPN service, which can impact battery life and conflict with other VPNs, prompting discussions on alternatives like RethinkDNS and LineageOS's network permissions.
  • Some users prefer rooted solutions like AFWall+, and there are discussions about iOS alternatives and the absence of built-in Android firewall APIs.

Goodbye from a Linux Community Volunteer

  • Serge Semin, a Linux community volunteer, announced his departure after being removed from the official kernel maintainers list by Greg Kroah-Hartman, citing compliance requirements without detailed justification.
  • The lack of explanation for the removal has caused frustration and disappointment among developers, highlighting concerns about the handling of such situations and its potential negative impact on the community.
  • Despite his departure, Serge expressed gratitude to colleagues, shared his past contributions, and offered assistance to those needing information on his work, while also mentioning his future plans.

Reactions

  • A Linux community volunteer from Baikal Electronics, associated with the Russian military, was removed from the Linux kernel maintainers list due to sanctions compliance.
  • This action has ignited debate over the legal and ethical implications, questioning the alignment with open-source principles.
  • The situation underscores tensions between legal obligations and the open-source community's values, raising concerns about the impact on contributions from sanctioned countries.

TSMC cuts off client after discovering chips sent to Huawei

Reactions

  • TSMC has terminated a client relationship after discovering that chips were sent to Huawei, breaching international sanctions.
  • This incident has initiated discussions on the feasibility of tracking chips and the difficulties in enforcing sanctions within the global market.
  • The situation underscores the complexities of international trade and the geopolitical tensions involving technology exports, especially among the US, China, and Taiwan.

iOS 18.2 Lets EU Users Delete App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera and Photos

  • iOS 18.2 introduces a feature allowing EU users to completely delete core apps such as the App Store, Safari, Messages, Camera, and Photos, aligning with the EU's Digital Markets Act.
  • The Phone and Settings apps remain non-deletable, but deleted apps can be reinstalled through the "App Installation" section in Settings.
  • In contrast, users in the U.S. and other countries can only hide these core apps, not remove them entirely.

Reactions

  • iOS 18.2 introduces a feature allowing EU users to delete default apps such as the App Store, Safari, and Messages, in compliance with EU regulations.
  • The update sparks debate on why similar regulations are not applied to game consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, emphasizing the role of digital access and the influence of major tech companies.
  • Opinions are divided, with some viewing the EU's actions as a boost for economic opportunity and consumer choice, while others worry about the potential negative effects on user experience and market dynamics.

Satoshi9000 analog BTC key generator (mechanical)

  • A machine has been developed to generate trustworthy Bitcoin keys using analog randomness, which is then converted to digital, ensuring high security and reliability.
  • The machine is air-gapped, meaning it is isolated from networks to prevent unauthorized access, and is designed to be simple and mechanical for ease of use.
  • Potential applications include randomized clinical trials, non-technical management, estate planning, and any scenario requiring an intuitive understanding of randomness.

Reactions

  • The Satoshi9000 is a mechanical Bitcoin key generator designed to produce secure keys using analog randomness, ensuring trustworthiness.
  • It is air-gapped, meaning it operates without a direct connection to the internet, enhancing security by preventing remote access.
  • The device's simplicity and intuitive design make it accessible for various applications beyond cryptocurrency, such as randomized clinical trials and estate planning, appealing to users of all ages.

Which Animal Shares Your Body Fat Percentage?

  • The author created a project comparing their body fat percentage to various animals, using data transformed into a JSON file.- They utilized ChatGPT to develop a user interface (UI) and deployed the project on Netlify, showcasing the ease of building projects with large language models (LLMs).- The project highlights the rapid development capabilities enabled by modern AI tools, even for spontaneous and personal projects.

Reactions

  • A user developed a project comparing human body fat percentages to animals, using AI-generated images and hosting it on Netlify, inspired by a YouTube video.- The project initiated discussions on the accuracy of body fat data and measurement techniques, with some users suggesting the use of real animal photos for improved relatability.- The creator made the project's GitHub repository available for further contributions, encouraging community involvement.

Skyvern (YC S23) – open-source AI agent for browser automations

  • Skyvern is an open-source tool designed to automate browser-based workflows using Large Language Models (LLMs), offering an alternative to traditional solutions like UI-Path or Selenium.
  • The tool has been enhanced with features such as real-time action viewing, livestreaming browser instances, authenticated sessions, and cached workflows, and has seen an 80% reduction in token costs.
  • Skyvern has successfully onboarded customers for diverse applications, including generating insurance quotes, job applications, and automating e-commerce purchases, and offers $5 credits for new users to explore its capabilities.

Reactions

  • Skyvern, a Y Combinator Summer 2023 startup, offers an open-source AI tool that automates browser workflows using Large Language Models (LLMs), aiding in tasks like generating quotes and fetching invoices.
  • Key features include real-time action tracking, browser instance livestreaming, and workflow chaining, with the flexibility to choose preferred models due to its open-source nature.
  • Despite reduced token costs, Skyvern remains costly, but new users receive $5 credits to explore its capabilities, and further information is accessible on GitHub and their website.