CEREBRO for Windows can now be downloaded, free

What happened. The first build of the CEREBRO desktop app (October 24, 2026) is on this site as a $0 item in the store: open the CEREBRO corner and press “Download CEREBRO for Windows”, add it to the cart and check out with your email — no card is asked for at $0 — and the download link arrives by email (it is good for 24 hours after the first download). It is a 23 MB zip for 64-bit Windows 10 or 11. Unzip the folder, then open CEREBRO.exe. It is an early build that is not yet code-signed, so Windows will show “Windows protected your PC”; choose More info, then Run anyway. No account is needed and everything stays on your computer.

What is in it. The business space (your profile with a cover picture or looping video, product listings with your own photos or video, and your story) and the customer views (feed, shop and cart, product pages, community and directory) as local previews with sample content. The “Private account” panel is switched off in this build.

What we checked. Every file in the zip matches the app’s own content list; the file reached the store intact (same size to the byte); and the $0 path works to the last step — add to cart, cart shows $0.00, secure checkout asks for an email and shows Total $0.00. Download it fresh when a new build is announced here.

founder, Direct Studio Production

SKIBBIDY for Windows can now be downloaded, free — with kid profiles (updated 4:04 PM ET)

What happened. The first build of the SKIBBIDY desktop app (October 24, 2026) is on this site: open the SKIBBIDY corner and press “Download SKIBBIDY for Windows”. It is a 3.9 MB zip for 64-bit Windows 10 or 11. Unzip the folder, then open SKIBBIDY.exe. It is an early build that is not yet code-signed, so Windows will show “Windows protected your PC”; choose More info, then Run anyway. No account is needed and everything stays on your computer.

What is in it. A Family section in the Parent space where a parent adds each kid by name, renames, removes and restores them, and sets an optional password (a privacy lock for a shared device; it never leaves the computer). The Kid space opens with a pick-your-name screen; a kid with a password types it, and “Switch kid” ends the session. Lessons, homework, the family calendar, practice packs, media and the games are kept per kid. Milo and Nova are demo kids and step aside once a real kid is added. Loading a learning bundle from a file is not in this build yet.

What we checked. Every file in the zip matches the app’s own content list. In a separate browser, from a blank profile: added a kid, refused a duplicate name, set a password, saw the stored record hold no plain-text password, signed in as the kid, saw a wrong password refused and the field cleared, opened the Math hoops game, switched kid, reloaded and found the kid still there — at desktop width and at 390 and 320 pixels, with no script errors. The download address answers with the file. The 3:48 PM build (demo family only) was replaced by this one at 4:04 PM.

founder, Direct Studio Production

Checkout is open: the apps, the OS and the LOCAL video packs can be bought on every page

What happened. A PAY HERE bar now sits under the menu on every page of this site, and a PAY HERE section with the same six choices sits at the bottom of every page. The prices: Zephyr OS, $5 a month. Zephyr + SKIBBIDY, $7 a month total. SKIBBIDY basic, free: teacher videos as they are published, and a family calendar you keep yourself. CEREBRO for businesses, $50 a month plus 1% of sales plus payment processing; free for customers. LOCAL promo video, one video up to 3 minutes, $500. LOCAL five videos, $1,500 for a package worth $2,500. All prices in US dollars.

How it works. The two LOCAL packs go into the cart, and the cart takes you to checkout. The three monthly items skip the cart and open their own subscription checkout, because that is how monthly plans work here; you see “every month” next to the price before you pay. Payments run through Squarespace Payments, inside Squarespace; we never see your card.

What we checked today, and what we found.

1. Every page: the PAY HERE bar and the PAY HERE section load on the home page, the Zephyr page, the LOCAL page, the cart, all five product pages, and even the site’s “page not found” page. Result: present everywhere.

2. The five product pages: each loads, each shows the price above, and the three monthly ones say “every month”. Result: all five correct.

3. A one-time purchase, end to end short of paying: we added the LOCAL one-video pack to a cart, saw the cart count go from 0 to 1, opened the cart ($500.00 subtotal), and reached the secure checkout page with the order summary. We then removed the item. Result: works.

4. A monthly purchase, end to end short of paying: we started the Zephyr OS subscription and reached its secure checkout page showing “Zephyr OS · every month · $5.00”. Result: works.

5. On a phone: the bar wraps to the screen width and every button stays reachable. Result: works at 400 pixels wide.

If something goes wrong. Write to support@directstudioproduction.com with the product name and the time you tried, and we will sort it out.

founder, Direct Studio Production

Security update: the PHP flaw everyone is patching this week, what we checked, and what we found

What happened. On October 21, the maintainers of PHP, the programming language behind a large share of the world’s websites, released emergency fixes for two critical flaws (CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, nicknamed “php2shell”). Details leaked a day before the planned release, and at least one attempted attack was recorded before the public announcement, so the fixes went out a day early and the whole industry is patching now.

Why it matters. On an unpatched server, these flaws can let an outsider run their own commands with no login needed. That is the kind of hole that leads to defaced pages, stolen data, or malicious code served to visitors. It affects servers that run PHP. It does not affect your phone or laptop directly.

How it can affect you. If a site you use runs unpatched PHP, that site’s data could be at risk until its owners update. Good habits this week: keep your browser and devices updated, be suspicious of unusual behaviour on sites you log into, and if a service you use announces an incident, change your password there.

What we checked, and what we found.

1. Our website: it runs on Squarespace (we confirmed the plan in our own account on October 22). Squarespace’s documentation states it does not run server side PHP. Result: nothing on the site to patch.

2. Our checkout: payments run through Squarespace Payments, inside Squarespace. Result: no separate payment server of ours to patch.

3. Our one connected outside service: Printful, which prints our merch. We searched for a Printful security notice about these flaws on October 22 and found none. Result: nothing reported; their platform is theirs to patch.

4. Our own apps and the Zephyr operating system: they are built in Python and browser code. We scanned our working folders on October 22 and found zero PHP files (and, as a control, 247 Python files, so the scan was looking). Result: no PHP of ours to patch.

5. Scheduling: not connected to the site. Result: nothing to check.

6. Compromise: we have found no sign that any DSP service is affected or compromised.

How we watch. Our AI team runs scheduled checks every three hours and logs every one. We keep dated backups of the site and of our records. We review account access and software updates. And we post confirmed updates here, not speculation. No system can be promised immune. What we can promise is that we look, and we tell you what we found.

founder, Direct Studio Production

Sources: PHP announcement (php.net, October 21, 2026) · Help Net Security, “PHP2Shell: Critical PHP vulnerabilities patched” (October 21, 2026) · Huntress, “Rapid Response: php2shell” (October 20 and 21, 2026) · Squarespace Help, “Add custom code to your site”.

Good work begins with people.

We’re shaping a free shelf for teacher-led video lessons, with a children’s learning corner and college-level subjects. Teachers can share a topic or an existing recording; we’ll discuss pay, credit, rights and editing before making a lesson together.

SKIBBIDY is planned to be free for watching teacher videos as they are published and manually keeping a family calendar. The $7/month Zephyr + SKIBBIDY package adds Zephyr tools to create and upload custom videos and games when that connection is ready.

DSP is also thinking about the people behind the work: remote creators and producers, and local representatives who meet communities in person. One day, we hope to have a welcoming place to work, learn and get practical help together.

Explore LEARN → · See our people-first vision →

Make something. Share it. Put it to work.

We’re bringing three ideas together: Zephyr, a production studio for anyone; CEREBRO, a social shopping app for customers and businesses; and SKIBBIDY, a private learning space for families.

Since our last update: we’ve refined the app designs and icons, made feature previews, and developed local prototypes. The website’s Michigan farm directory and portfolio are here to explore today. The apps and their connections are still in development.

The plan: create in Zephyr, preview your work, then choose where it goes—CEREBRO for your business, or SKIBBIDY for your child. We’re building toward that connected workflow.

Meet the apps & see the prices →

Keep bot farms out.

Real people deserve a chance to be seen. Blocking bot accounts, coordinated spam and fake engagement is a firm requirement for CEREBRO Promo. Entry checks and ongoing protection must be tested before release.

I’m looking for ideas that can help us get there. Pick BOT FARMS* in the new Idea Drop Box and tell me what you would try.

I could use a hand.

Extra computers, paid help and room to keep building. I’ve added a clear look at what support would make possible, including my living costs.

The Runner made the handoff.

A real assignment woke the coding AI and returned work with recorded evidence, without a person relaying the message. The connection is demonstrated; a separate scope issue keeps wider release on hold.

See what worked and what comes next →

Building the next chapter.

I’m applying for grants, continuing the Zephyr build, and getting ready to meet more of the people building around Detroit. There’s a lot in motion. This is where I’ll share the steps as they happen.

October 15 at TechTown.

I’ve got my ticket to AI & Automation: Build Night 101 on October 15, and I’m planning to be there. I’d love to meet some of you in person.

I also have one extra ticket I’d love to offer a developer with a cool idea, if TechTown permits the transfer. Interested? Tell me what you’re building →

A full Studio inside Zephyr.

Audio, video, drawing, notes and technical design—with your AI team beside you and a path to the Promo app. Explore the Design Room concept and the real OS behind it.

I’ll give you a heads-up.

When I’m ready to begin reaching out about future roles, I’ll post a note here so you know to look out for a call or message. For now, tell me what you’d like to build and where you see yourself fitting in.

More to come back for.

Research notes, new films, product milestones and community updates. A little window into what we’re making, and why.

A production studio for anyone.

Zephyr brings creative work, project files and AI collaboration into one workspace. We’re developing tools to help you make videos, learning materials, designs and other work—and keep the pieces organized as you go.

The connection we’re building: Studio’s “Save & send” will let you choose CEREBRO or SKIBBIDY, preview the destination, and confirm before sending.

Shopping meets people.

Discover products, services and the people behind them through business videos and customer reviews. From handmade work to advanced technology, local shops to independent professionals—this is for sellers of all kinds.

Planned features include My Page, Promo, Reviews, Shop and Messages; following; customizable profile backgrounds; and room for a real business biography. Discovery will use hashtags and your filters, without paid boosts buying a higher place.

Business membership: $50 / month + 1% of sales + payment processing fees charged by the card/payment provider. The planned membership includes a monthly business background review and business-reported values, with updates when those values change. Review scope and reporting details will be published before launch.

A little world of learning, made for your family.

Math, Science, English and History through teacher-led videos as they are published, plus a family calendar parents add to and manage manually.

The planned private app will let families watch approved lessons and keep their own calendar free. Custom video and game creation and uploads belong to the $7/month Zephyr + SKIBBIDY package; preview and confirmation are still being built. No AI chat inside the child’s app, public profiles, stranger messaging or multiplayer. The connections and protections still need implementation and testing before release.

From your Studio to their screen.

Send business content to CEREBRO, or use the planned $7 Zephyr + SKIBBIDY package to create and upload custom learning videos and games. The designs and previews show where we’re going; the end-to-end connections are not available yet.

Let people see what you do.

$500 · One video, up to 3 minutes. Includes a CEREBRO account and one free month of business membership when CEREBRO launches.

$1,500 · Five videos. Save $1,000 compared with five individual $500 videos: 5 × $500 = $2,500; $2,500 − $1,500 = $1,000 saved.

Ask about a LOCAL video pack →

Featured app and video prices.

CEREBRO · Customers

Free

CEREBRO · Businesses

$50/month + 1% of sales + payment processing

SKIBBIDY · Teacher videos + manual calendar

Free

Zephyr OS

$5/month

Zephyr + SKIBBIDY · Custom videos, games + uploads

$7/month total

LOCAL · One video

$500 · up to 3 minutes

LOCAL · Five videos

$1,500 · save $1,000

See Zephyr & bundle pricing →

Checkout is open. Each price above has a buy button in the PAY HERE section that appears on every page of this site.

What’s ready to explore—and what’s next.

Explore now: our portfolio of films, animation, design and OS previews, plus the LOCAL Michigan farm directory.

Next: finish and test the connected app workflows, prepare website access and checkout, and publish our first job opening with the role and application details.

Explore our work →
Visit LOCAL →
Follow Zephyr updates →