Episode 517 starts with a light chat about AI avatars and new text‑to‑speech deepfakes before diving into LLM “thinking” modes—what baked‑in planning actually does, why it multiplies token costs, and when it helps or hurts. James and Frank give concrete dev advice: try low‑thinking settings, use big models for creative planning then smaller ones to execute, leverage harnesses/system prompts, and beware quantized local models often do better without thinking.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

517: Plan First, Think Less: Save Tokens, Improve Code

James and Frank unpack AI-driven development shifts—agent SDKs, session management, and the rise of agent-first UIs like Google’s anti-gravity and GitHub Copilot—showing how VS Code’s Agents window, worktrees, sub-sessions and tunnels help manage multi-repo cloud and local workflows. They share practical takeaways—why SDKs are essential, when to stay code-first, how subsessions and remote tunnels protect your machine, and what to watch for in sandboxing and integration gaps.

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 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

516: Evolving Agent Session Management

James and Frank share thrift‑store monitor triumphs (and a retro Wii audio nightmare) before diving into a no‑nonsense guide to buying displays: what ports, VESA mounts, and speakers really matter. They demystify HDR, mini‑LED vs OLED, refresh‑rate math (why 40/120Hz divides matter), and modern upscaling—plus the surprising developer headaches of getting HDR to actually work. Practical tips and geeky fun for anyone shopping or building.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

515: Mini-LED, IPS, and the Great Monitor Rabbit Hole

In this episode James and Frank dive into running AI coding models locally versus in the cloud—BYOK/Open Router, VS Code’s chat/agent harness, model runners (Olama, vLLM), and the practicality of 27B models on a 3090 using 4‑bit quantization. They share hands-on takeaways—how recent engineering (MT/MTPLX) boosts inference to usable token rates, when auto model selection makes sense, cost and hardware trade‑offs, and why local models can liberate your workflow while still needing smarter, unified tooling.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

514: Running Local LLMs in VS Code

James and Frank explore the future of developer workflows powered by AI agents, revealing how developers are shifting from coders to testers and product strategists. They dive into new research-planning-implementation cycles, GitHub's usage-based pricing changes, and why developers must think strategically about model choices and token costs. Plus, reflections on Apple's leadership transition and the need for bold hardware innovation.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

513: Agents Over Chat: The Future of Developer Workflows

After a quick round of Apple dev updates, James and Frank dive into Matter — why Frank went from skeptic to devotee and why it’s poised to fix IoT chaos. They break down how Matter (an app-layer protocol running over Wi‑Fi/IPv6) and Thread (an open mesh transport) simplify secure onboarding with QR/Bluetooth, enable true interoperability across Apple/Google/Amazon, and make DIY devices easy to build and integrate.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

Links:

 * List of currently defined spec device types — Matter documentation [https://project-chip.github.io/connectedhomeip-doc/ids_and_codes/spec_device_types.html]
 * project-chip/connectedhomeip: Matter (formerly Project CHIP) creates more connections between more objects, simplifying development for manufacturers and increasing compatibility for consumers, guided by the Connectivity Standards Alliance. [https://github.com/project-chip/connectedhomeip]
 * arduino-esp32/libraries/Matter/examples at master · espressif/arduino-esp32 [https://github.com/espressif/arduino-esp32/tree/master/libraries/Matter/examples]
 * Amazon.com: 5pcs Type-C ESP32-C3 Development Board ESP32 C3 Mini WiFi Bluetooth 160MHz Running Frequency 2.4GHz Wi-Fi & Bluetooth 5.0 ESP32 C3 Super Mini for Arduino : Electronics [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0FQ9VTL9K/mergeconflict-20]

512: Does Matter Really Matter?

In episode 511 James and Frank dig into audio gear (why impedance matters and the pros/cons of hardware DSP and headphone high‑power modes), explore GitHub Copilot CLI's new Remote Sessions for mobile access to your local dev environment, and reveal a clever hack: MIDI‑over‑USB turns modern iPhones into reliable wired controllers for embedded hardware and robotics. Tune in for practical tips, safety notes on power/latency, and real‑world developer workflows.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

511: Terminals, Remote Sessions, No More Watches!

James and Frank dig into the messy world of AI agents—Claudes, Copilots, “claws”—and why now is the wrong time to over-box these tools. They debate GUI vs. CLI futures, explain when AI should be invisible and baked into workflows, and warn about AI-produced “slop” and long-term maintenance. Plus, James’ Light Phone/e-ink experiment adds a practical take on simplicity and real-world tradeoffs.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

Links:

 * Light Phone [https://www.thelightphone.com/shop?ref=njm0yzm]
 * Mint Mobile [https://fbuy.me/m3Y86]

510: AI Agents: Claws, Copilot, GUI vs CLI Debate

In this episode Frank and James riff on everything from accidental source‑map leaks (yes, even Apple slips up) to using Copilot and multi‑agent AI workflows to triage issues, write PRs and even plan trips. They share hands‑on tips—use “plan mode” and deep research, turn plans into issue artifacts, run multi‑model code reviews, cap concurrent agents (~3), and babysit agents—to boost productivity while avoiding chaos and burnout.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

509: How AI Fleets Fixed 31 Issues in Two Days

At MVP Summit we dig into Agentic Workflows — write Markdown prompts that drive AI agents to run CI, open PRs, and automate cross‑repo tasks — and MAUI DevFlow, which lets agents interact with native UIs to click, screenshot and validate designs. Listen for practical takeaways on ditching brittle YAML/scripts and automating tedious maintenance and testing, plus the real caveats: security front‑matter, a compile/lock step and token costs.

Follow Us

 * Frank: Twitter [http://twitter.com/praeclarum], Blog [http://praeclarum.org], GitHub [http://github.com/praeclarum]
 * James: Twitter [http://twitter.com/jamesmontemagno], Blog [https://montemagno.com], GitHub [http://github.com/jamesmontemagno]
 * Merge Conflict: Twitter [http://twitter.com/mergeconflictfm], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mergeconflictfm], Website [http://mergeconflict.fm], Chat on Discord [https://www.mergeconflict.fm/discord]
 * Music : Amethyst Seer - Citrine by Adventureface [https://soundcloud.com/adventureface]

⭐⭐ Review Us [https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/merge-conflict/id1133064277?mt=2&ls=1] ⭐⭐

Machine transcription available on http://mergeconflict.fm

Support Merge Conflict [https://www.patreon.com/mergeconflictfm]

508: Agentic Workflows - Markdown Automation for GitHub Actions

Merge Conflict is a weekly discussion with Frank and James on all things development, technology, & more. After years of being friends, Frank and James finally decided to sit down and start a podcast about their lives as mobile developers using C#, Xamarin, and .NET MAUI. Much more than just another mobile development podcast, Merge Conflict, reaches all areas of development including desktop, server, and of course mobile. They also cover fun things happening in the world of technology and gaming and whatever else happens to be on Frank's and James' minds.

James

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