Two Voice Devs

Allen and Mark discuss the architecture of Model Context Protocol (MCP)servers, using Allen's experience with "Vodo Drive" as a case study.They dive into critical considerations for building effective agents,focusing on security, managing API complexity, and enforcing businesslogic. The conversation explores how to move beyond simple REST APIwrappers to create high-level, context-aware tools that ensure safetyand efficiency.[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction[00:00:54] Lessons from Vodo Drive for MCP[00:02:54] The Importance of Security in MCP Servers[00:03:36] Managing API Complexity and Business Logic[00:05:58] Authentication and Authorization Challenges[00:07:37] OAuth Scopes and User-Controlled Access[00:10:48] Handling Complex APIs like Google Workspace[00:13:58] Designing High-Level Tools vs. Low-Level wrappers[00:19:35] Dynamic Tool Lists and Context Awareness[00:24:14] Agents Acting On Behalf of Users, Not As Users#MCP #ModelContextProtocol #AI #Agents #VodoDrive #Security #API#GoogleWorkspace #SoftwareArchitecture #TwoVoiceDevs

In this episode of Two Voice Devs, Mark Tucker and Allen Firstenberg dive into the world of GitHub Copilot. Mark shares his recent experience preparing for the GitHub Copilot (GH-300) certification and walks us through the various features and modes of the tool within Visual Studio Code. They discuss the differences between "Ask," "Edit," and "Agent" modes, how Copilot integrates with your workspace and terminal, and the power of using different AI models like Sonnet and Gemini. Whether you're new to AI coding assistants or looking to get more out of your current setup, this episode provides a practical overview of what GitHub Copilot can do today.[00:00:00] Introduction and updates[00:01:26] The GitHub Copilot (GH-300) Certification[00:02:30] GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code[00:03:44] Clarifying the different "Copilots"[00:04:29] Inline Chat and using "Explain"[00:05:46] Selecting different AI models[00:07:39] The Chat Window: Ask, Edit, and Agent modes[00:08:06] Using context variables (@workspace, @terminal, #files)[00:11:36] Demonstrating "Ask" mode[00:14:33] Demonstrating "Edit" mode[00:16:24] Demonstrating "Agent" mode[00:22:36] Custom instructions and specifications[00:25:42] How Copilot works behind the scenes (Proxy & Safety)[00:27:00] Conclusion#GitHubCopilot #VSCode #AIcoding #SoftwareDevelopment #TwoVoiceDevs #GH300 #Certification #DeveloperTools #Programming #TechPodcast

Mark Tucker and Allen Firstenberg dive into Microsoft Copilot Studio, alow-code tool for creating conversational agents with a focus onenterprise integrations. Mark demonstrates how to build a file uploadagent that summarizes invoices using a Large Language Model (LLM). Theyexplore the studio's interface, including topics, triggers, and thedesigner canvas, while comparing it to familiar tools like Dialogflow.The discussion also touches on the concept of autonomous agents, flowsthat can be triggered by events like emails, and Microsoft's strongpush for enterprise adoption.[00:00:00] Welcome and Introduction[00:00:49] Introducing Microsoft Copilot Studio[00:02:09] Creating a New Agent[00:05:08] Understanding Topics and Triggers[00:06:57] Testing the Agent: Greeting Topic[00:10:44] Building a File Upload Agent[00:12:37] Implementing the File Upload Logic[00:15:29] Summarizing Invoices with LLMs[00:17:08] Enterprise Tools and Connectors[00:19:00] Flows and Server-Side Triggers[00:21:33] Deployment and Channels[00:23:10] Agents vs. Bots: Autonomous Capabilities[00:24:44] Comparisons with Dialogflow and Google's Ecosystem#MicrosoftCopilotStudio #CopilotStudio #LowCode #AI#ArtificialIntelligence #Chatbots #ConversationalAI #EnterpriseAI#Dialogflow #CCAI #LLM #GenerativeAI #TwoVoiceDevs #Developer #TechPodcast

Allen and Mark return after a hiatus for their annual Thanksgiving episode. They reflect on a busy year, expressing deep gratitude for the community's concern and support. The conversation explores the vital importance of human connection in a tech-centric world, the impact of mentorship, and finding balance between passion projects and life outside of work.[00:00:00] Welcome back & addressing the hiatus[00:01:38] Professional gratitude & new projects[00:02:22] The kindness of the community[00:03:58] The importance of human connection in tech[00:05:40] Reflecting on family, friends, and blessings[00:07:48] The lasting impact of mentorship[00:09:12] Balancing technology and life#Thanksgiving #Gratitude #TechCommunity #Mentorship #WorkLifeBalance #HumanConnection #TwoVoiceDevs #VoiceTech #DeveloperLife

Join Allen Firstenberg and Noble Ackerson in a deep dive into the evolving world of AI agent protocols. In this episode of Two Voice Devs, they unpack the Agent-to-Agent (A2A) protocol, comparing it with the Model Context Protocol (MCP). They explore the fundamental differences, from A2A's conversational, stateful nature to MCP's function-call-like structure. The discussion also touches on the new Agent Payment Protocol (AP2) and its potential to revolutionize how AI agents interact and transact. Is A2A the key to unlocking a future of autonomous, ambient AI? Tune in to find out![00:01:00] What is the A2A protocol?[00:04:00] A2A vs. Model Context Protocol (MCP)[00:10:00] What does A2A bring that MCP doesn't?[00:15:00] Ambient and Autonomous Agents[00:19:00] A2A solves the "Tower of Babel" problem[00:24:00] The difference between A2A and MCP: stateful vs. stateless[00:27:00] Agent Payment Protocol (AP2)[00:33:00] What does A2A promise for autonomous agents?[00:38:00] Downsides and challenges of A2A[00:44:00] Google, Gemini, and the future of A2A#A2A #MCP #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #AgentToAgent #ModelContextProtocol #TwoVoiceDevs #TechPodcast #FutureOfAI #AutonomousAgents #AIAgents #AP2 #AgentPaymentProtocol #GoogleGemini #Anthropic