Pathfinder’s Tech Snacks – Issue #10
Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google drop major AI updates—plus a local CI/CD pro tip.
👋 Hello again, Pathfinder!
Welcome to the 10th edition of Tech Snacks—your curated dose of the most exciting updates from the world of tech, AI, and software engineering. This week, we’re diving into major announcements from Microsoft Build and Google I/O, exploring Anthropic’s latest AI model, and checking out a handy tool for local CI/CD testing with GitHub Actions.
Let’s snack on some tech! 🍿
🧪 #DevOps #CI/CD
Test GitHub Workflows Locally with ACT
🔧 Microsoft’s Azure team highlights how the open-source tool ACT can simulate GitHub Actions locally using Docker. This enables faster feedback loops, offline testing, and cost savings by avoiding unnecessary commits and GitHub Actions minutes. A must-read for developers working with Azure CI/CD pipelines.
🕒 Read time: 7 minutes
🧠 #AI #Claude
Claude 4: Anthropic’s Most Capable AI Yet
🚀 Anthropic has launched Claude 4, including Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 models, pushing the boundaries of AI agents and coding capabilities. These models can handle hours of complex tasks, making them ideal for enterprise use and advanced reasoning. Claude 4 is now available via claude.ai and API.
🕒 Read time: Medium (approx. 1,500 words)
🔗 https://www.anthropic.com/news/claude-4
👨💻 #MSBuild #GitHubCopilot
GitHub Copilot Goes Open Source + Agent Mode Arrives
🧠 At Microsoft Build 2025, GitHub Copilot was announced as open source in VS Code, with new features like Agent Mode, PostgreSQL integration, and app modernization tools. Copilot now supports autonomous task execution and deeper IDE integration, making it a true AI teammate.
🕒 Read time: Medium (approx. 1,400 words)
🔗 Full: https://news.microsoft.com/build-2025-book-of-news
🌐 #AI #GoogleIO
Google I/O 2025: Gemini Everywhere, AI Mode in Search, and More
✨ Google unveiled Gemini 2.5, new AI-powered tools like Flow for filmmaking, and AI Mode in Search that brings real-time, conversational capabilities. From XR glasses to agentic shopping and data visualization, Google is embedding AI into every layer of its ecosystem.
🕒 Read time: Long (approx. 2,000+ words)
🔗 Short: https://www.wired.com/story/everything-google-announced-at-io-2025/
🔗 Full: https://blog.google/technology/developers/google-io-2025-collection/
That’s a wrap for this week’s Tech Snacks!
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Until next time, keep exploring and stay curious! 🚀