Agentic data science with the Data Agent Kit
cloud.google.com·6h ago
Data Science
Simon Willison's Blog·7d ago·5 min read
Quoting Felix Rieseberg
TL;DR
The new version of Cowork shifts model inference and the virtual machine (VM) to the cloud, enhancing performance and usability. This change addresses user concerns about local resource consumption and session continuity.
✦ Why It Matters
Consider migrating to the new Cowork version to improve your workflow and device performance.
Key Takeaways
- Migrate to the cloud version of Cowork for better performance.
- Utilize Cowork on mobile devices for increased flexibility.
- Leverage dedicated sandboxes for enhanced session security.
- Monitor resource usage to optimize your device's performance.
Full Summary
Cowork's previous iteration utilized a local VM for model inference, which, while powerful, drained device resources and halted operations when laptops were closed. The updated Cowork now runs both model inference and the VM in the cloud, providing each user session with a dedicated sandbox environment.
This architecture allows the desktop app to manage file access requests, ensuring that users can seamlessly interact with their files without the performance drawbacks of local processing. Users can now utilize Cowork on mobile devices, maintain ongoing work sessions, and enjoy the same capabilities without the battery drain associated with local VM operations.
This transition aims to enhance user experience and accessibility across devices.