I picked Task Manager 'to see how ready AI is for primetime… or if it would just degrade to slop' – OG dev talks to The Reg
Original author of legendary 1996 system utility tries to answer the question: 'How would I do it today?'
The creator of the original 1996 Windows Task Manager has released updated versions for Windows, Mac, and Linux, explaining to The Reg that the project began as a means to determine whether vibe coding could yield something valuable. Former Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer introduced the project as a simpler target to gauge the readiness of AI for primetime.
The AI's performance largely depends on the tasks performed, the testing and instrumentation used, and the user's requirements. The updated version offers more detailed insights, such as exotic metrics, and matches the aesthetics of current Windows Task Manager and 1990s media player skins. Users can customize the font, theme, color scheme, and visual effects, including a slider for bloom and saturation.
Plummer began with a 107-page specification that he passed to Fable, and after a three-and-a-half-hour initial review, the first iteration was produced. The application utilized native UI code, with Swift for Mac, Direct2D/DirectComposition for Windows, and Qt for Linux. This cross-platform design, instead of the Electron approach, allowed the app to respond quickly and efficiently.
The Windows version examined was about half the size of Microsoft's version and used half the RAM. Currently, the code remains proprietary, and a Pro version with additional features is in development, although its pricing has not been announced. This updated Task Manager showcases the possibilities of imagination, vibe coding, specification, and prompt engineering, but is not intended as a direct challenge to Microsoft.
Written by urgent.news from The Register Science's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
