DeepSeek Harness v0.2 preview adds Mac, Windows desktop apps

DeepSeek has just rolled out DeepSeek Harness v0.2, bringing packaged desktop apps for macOS and Windows. The update expands document and dev workflows, adds recurring task scheduling, and introduces a built-in plugin manager and creator mode.

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TL;DR

  • DeepSeek Harness v0.2 (preview): Packaged desktop apps for macOS and Windows; Linux via @deepseek-ai/dsh on npm
  • Document and dev workflows: Handles docs/spreadsheets/PDFs; modifies projects, runs code, supports development tasks
  • In-chat file review: Generated files and code diffs shown in conversation; sidebar previews, inspection, review, local open
  • Automation Task plugin: Schedules recurring work; run history, repeat schedules, editable task instructions
  • Plugin manager: Install by package name; disable/uninstall controls; descriptions and source information
  • Creator mode (experimental): Generates/configures plugins from written descriptions; auto-saved and listed in plugin manager

DeepSeek has released DeepSeek Harness v0.2 as a preview, adding packaged desktop applications for macOS and Windows. Linux support is available through the @deepseek-ai/dsh package on npm, according to a post from the company.

The release expands Harness beyond its existing tooling with a plugin manager, broader configuration options and a set of features aimed at document handling, development and recurring tasks.

Desktop apps and workflow updates

DeepSeek states that Harness can process documents, spreadsheets and PDFs, including tasks such as organizing information, analyzing data, generating charts and creating slides. It can also modify projects, run code and assist with development work.

Generated files and code changes appear within the conversation interface. A right-hand sidebar allows files to be previewed, code to be inspected and changes to be reviewed before further adjustments are requested. Files can also be opened in local applications.

The update includes Automation Task, a plugin for scheduling recurring work. Its management tools include run history, repeat schedules and editable task instructions. DeepSeek also describes new display options for agent steps and other conversation details.

Plugin management

Harness treats plugins as a central part of its design, with plugins covering individual tools as well as broader parts of the product interface.

The new plugin manager allows packages to be installed by entering their package names rather than using terminal commands. It also provides controls for disabling or uninstalling plugins, along with descriptions and source information.

An experimental creator mode can generate or configure plugins based on a written description of the required functionality. DeepSeek states that created plugins are saved automatically and listed in the plugin manager.

Planned features and usage claims

DeepSeek claims that Harness is currently its most widely used coding agent among users of the official DeepSeek API, measured by daily active users and daily sessions. The company also claims that approximately 60% of Harness users accessing models through the official API use third-party plugins. These figures are presented by DeepSeek and are not independently substantiated in the release.

Planned work includes improved sandbox capabilities and security, more effective agent teams, personalized long-term memory, browser and GUI automation, remote and mobile access, and session sharing and collaboration.

The company also plans to establish an official plugin marketplace and develop more stable plugin APIs. DeepSeek mentions compatibility improvements intended to reduce the maintenance burden for third-party developers as Harness evolves.

DeepSeek Harness v0.2 is available through the official download page. Linux users can install the @deepseek-ai/dsh package from npm.

Source: DeepSeek on X

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