Microsoft Notepad.exe is overpowered now… and 13 other major updates for devs

Summary

In this video, the latest advancements in developer tools and AI technologies are explored, highlighting groundbreaking updates like GitHub Copilot's support for multiple AI models, Microsoft’s integration of AI into classic software like Notepad and Paint, and innovative tools such as Bolt and Spark that make app development accessible for non-programmers. The video also covers exciting developments in frameworks like Next.js, Deno, and Flutter's new fork, Flock, as well as the rise of cross-platform game development. From free IDEs to browser-based solutions, the landscape for developers is evolving rapidly, and these changes are making a significant impact on how we build and create in the tech world.

Takeaways

• 😀 Notepad, a staple of Windows since 1985, is being updated with AI features to generate and rewrite text, marking a significant change to a tool that has remained largely unchanged for 40 years.
• 😀 Adobe's Project Turntable introduces the ability to rotate 2D vector graphics into 3D, simplifying the process for non-artists to create dynamic visuals.
• 😀 Google’s Gemini 9 Nano now runs in Chrome browsers, allowing developers to interact with LLMs using JavaScript directly in the browser, with more AI functionality at their fingertips.
• 😀 GitHub Copilot has expanded to support multiple AI models (GPT, Gemini, Claude), giving developers more flexibility in their code generation, while introducing a new tool, Spark, to create and deploy apps using natural language prompts.
• 😀 StackBlitz's new Bolt tool combines web containers and AI to enable developers to build and preview full applications directly in the browser with minimal setup and a single prompt.
• 😀 Next.js version 15 brings major updates, including un-cached routes by default for better flexibility and performance in web apps, making it a more developer-friendly framework.
• 😀 Deno 2.0 improves the JavaScript development experience, making it a viable alternative to Node.js and providing a more efficient way to build modern web applications.
• 😀 Tauri 2.0 enables the creation of lightweight, native cross-platform apps using frontend JavaScript tools, with significant improvements for mobile app development on iOS and Android.
• 😀 The Flock project is a fork of Flutter, created to address development bottlenecks and speed up updates, catering to the growing demand of over a million developers who use Flutter.
• 😀 Apple’s M1 and M2 Macs can now run AAA games thanks to Aahi Linux, a custom Linux distro that makes it possible to emulate x86 on ARM and translate DirectX to Vulkan, unlocking a new gaming experience on MacBooks.
• 😀 JetBrains is now offering WebStorm and Rider IDEs for free for personal use, providing indie developers with access to some of the best development tools without the financial burden.

Q & A

What was the primary purpose of Microsoft Notepad when it was first released in 1985?

Microsoft Notepad was designed to promote the use of the mouse and allow people to write text and code without relying on keyboard-based tools like VI. It was introduced as a simple and user-friendly text editor.

What recent change did Microsoft make to Notepad in November 2024?

Microsoft added an AI language model (LLM) to Notepad, enabling it to generate and rewrite text, marking a significant departure from its traditional, simple functionality.

How did Adobe contribute to the use of AI in design tools recently?

Adobe introduced 'Project Turntable', which allows users to rotate 2D vector graphics into 3D and view them from different angles. This tool simplifies the creation of custom graphics and animations, potentially reducing the need for human artists.

What notable AI-related feature was added to Google Chrome in 2024?

Google added Gemini 9 Nano to Chrome, which allows developers to access AI models directly in the browser through JavaScript, enabling on-device AI processing.

How has GitHub Copilot evolved in terms of AI model support?

GitHub Copilot now supports multiple AI models, including GPT, Gemini, and Claude. This expansion broadens the tool’s capabilities and strengthens its position against AI-based code editors.

What is GitHub Spark, and how does it benefit non-programmers?

GitHub Spark is a tool that allows non-programmers to build mini applications using natural language. It automatically generates the code for these apps and also hosts and deploys them, making it easier for people without coding skills to bring their app ideas to life.

What is the purpose of the Bolt technology developed by StackBlitz?

Bolt combines StackBlitz's web container technology with AI to enable the development and preview of full applications directly in the browser with a simple prompt. This allows users to quickly generate applications and download the source code.

What was the major update in Next.js 15 regarding caching?

Next.js 15 introduced changes to caching behavior, opting to leave routes uncached by default instead of applying aggressive caching. This change aimed to improve flexibility and performance in web development.

What is the significance of the Dino 2.0 release for JavaScript developers?

Dino 2.0 improves JavaScript development by offering better performance and enhanced features, positioning itself as a strong alternative to Node.js and making JavaScript development less painful.

How has Flutter been affected by its new fork, Flock?

Flock is a fork of Flutter created by Matt Carroll, who became frustrated with the slow pace of updates in the official Flutter project. The fork aims to speed up development and address issues caused by the limited resources of the Flutter team.