Episodes from Simonwillison

Unlocking GPT-5: Features, Pricing & More

In this episode of Tech Talk Today, we delve into the groundbreaking GPT-5 model from OpenAI. Join our host and expert as they explore the unique characteristics that set GPT-5 apart, including its hybrid model functionality that seamlessly switches between fast answering and deeper reasoning tasks. Discover how the real-time router enhances user interactions and what the competitive pricing structure means for developers and businesses. We also discuss the newly introduced mini and nano versions that make GPT-5 accessible to a broader audience without sacrificing performance. Tune in to learn about invisible reasoning tokens and get insights from two weeks of hands-on experience with this advanced AI model!

AI Insights: Pelicans, Bicycles, and Hybrid Reasoning

In this episode, we delve into the whimsical yet insightful benchmark of 'a pelican riding a bicycle' with AI expert Simon Willison. Discover how this unique prompt challenges generative AI models and what it reveals about their creative and technical capabilities. Simon explains the latest advancements in AI, particularly the GLM-4.5 model from Z.ai, which showcases hybrid reasoning—an innovative approach that balances computation and creativity. Learn how this model excels in coding tasks and its implications for the future of artificial intelligence. Join us for a fun and enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between playful creativity and serious technological advancements!

Revolutionizing Coding with Phoenix.new by Fly.io

In this episode of Tech Talk Today, we explore Phoenix.new, Fly.io's groundbreaking platform for prompt-driven app development. Host and expert Kurt discuss how Phoenix.new simplifies the app creation process by allowing users to describe their desired application through simple prompts, automatically generating a complete Phoenix application. We dive into the significance of Phoenix as an Elixir-based web framework, its integration with Fly.io's distributed architecture, and the challenges of using Elixir. Learn how large language models and innovative sandboxing technology make app development more accessible and risk-free, opening up opportunities for developers of all skill levels. Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of AI-assisted programming!

Reviving CGI: Serving 200M Requests Daily

In this episode of Tech Time Talk, we explore the unexpected revival of CGI (Common Gateway Interface) with expert Jake Gold. Once considered outdated, CGI is making a comeback thanks to modern programming languages like Go and Rust, which enable rapid processing. Jake shares his experience running a CGI program on a 16-thread AMD 3700X, serving over 2400 requests per second—equating to more than 200 million requests a day! Discover how advancements in hardware and software have transformed CGI from a performance bottleneck into a viable web development solution. Join us for an insightful discussion that challenges the notion of old technology being obsolete and inspires innovative thinking in web development.