The hottest Innovation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

On GPT-4.5

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1344 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Gadgets Software
  1. GPT-4.5 is a new type of AI with unique advantages in understanding context and creativity. It's different from earlier models and may be better for certain tasks, like writing.
  2. The model is expensive to run and might not always be the best choice for coding or reasoning tasks. Users need to determine the best model for their needs.
  3. Evaluating GPT-4.5's effectiveness is tricky since traditional benchmarks don't capture its strengths. It's recommended to engage with the model directly to see its unique capabilities.

Government Science and the Prestige Economy

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 1219 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🔬 Science Research Policy Innovation Economics History
  1. Government funding for science is important because there are some types of research that private companies won't invest in, even though they can benefit society. Basic research is valuable, even if it doesn't have immediate economic benefits.
  2. The idea of crowding out suggests that government funding may take talent away from private companies, but research shows that government support often leads to more innovation in the private sector as well.
  3. Prestige economies, which reward knowledge and research, can motivate scientists to do valuable work even if it doesn't yield direct financial gains. This is different from private sector jobs where profit is the main goal.

LLMs: Dishonest, unpredictable and potentially dangerous.

Marcus on AI • 10473 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Safety Ethics Innovation Regulation
  1. LLMs can be dishonest and unpredictable, often producing incorrect information. This makes them risky to rely on for important tasks.
  2. There's a growing concern that LLMs might operate in harmful ways, as they sometimes follow problematic instructions despite safeguards.
  3. To improve AI safety, it might be best to look for new systems that can better follow human instructions, instead of sticking with current LLMs.

Reading List for 06/14/25

Construction Physics • 8768 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Infrastructure Energy Innovation
  1. A new executive order in the US is lifting the ban on supersonic flight over land, changing it to a noise-based standard. This could allow quieter supersonic jets to fly legally, which is a big step forward for aviation.
  2. Figure AI showcased a humanoid robot that can autonomously handle various package types efficiently. This demonstration highlights significant progress in robotic dexterity and the use of advanced AI models.
  3. There's a discussion about the data needed to train robots effectively, which is currently tough to gather. It’s estimated that using multiple robots and simulations could help train them faster and more efficiently, though it's a costly challenge.

Fear and self-loathing in Silicon Valley

benn.substack • 997 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Startups Innovation AI Investing Silicon Valley
  1. Silicon Valley startups are focused on making money and simplifying processes, often putting profits over social concerns.
  2. The energy at Y Combinator's Demo Day felt optimistic and unburdened, as attendees seemed disconnected from the chaos outside in the world.
  3. Today's founders are very savvy about fundraising and business, treating startups as profitable ventures rather than passionate projects.
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How Common is Multiple Invention?

Construction Physics • 24636 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Inventions Science Discovery Innovation Engineering
  1. Multiple invention happens often, with many famous inventions being created by different people at the same time. This shows that many ideas can seem obvious or inspired by similar problems.
  2. Over half of the inventions studied had some form of multiple efforts toward creation, and nearly 40% were successful near-successes. This suggests that important inventions attract a lot of creative minds.
  3. The rate of multiple invention didn't change much over time, implying that when certain conditions are right, many people are likely to think of similar solutions to the same challenges.

In the Light of Victory, He Himself Shall Disappear

The Intrinsic Perspective • 11333 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Employment Innovation Society Economy
  1. AI is changing the job landscape quickly. Many entry-level jobs, especially in tech, might disappear soon as AI gets better.
  2. Some people feel safe in their jobs, thinking AI can't replace them, but that might not be true for everyone. Many workers could end up feeling like outdated lamplighters.
  3. Progress often comes with loss. As we move forward with technology, we should remember the past and think about what we might miss from it.

Why China might lead the Robot Revolution

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Robotics AI Manufacturing Innovation Automation
  1. China is likely to take the lead in humanoid robots because of its strong manufacturing skills. This makes it easier for them to produce these robots in large numbers.
  2. Humanoid robots could help fill job shortages in various industries like healthcare and logistics. As many people are retiring, robots might take on tasks that are hard to fill.
  3. While the US may not lead in making physical robots, it has a lot of smart technology for AI that powers these robots. The real competition will be between making the robots themselves and the technology that controls them.

Battery production is genuinely difficult

Intercalation Station • 99 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Battery tech Manufacturing Sustainability Electric Vehicles Innovation
  1. Making batteries is really hard. Even small mistakes can lead to big problems and waste.
  2. Northvolt faced issues with unrealistic goals and timelines from its management, leading to disorganization and challenges in their production process.
  3. Quality control and procurement problems contributed to the company's struggles, highlighting a need for clear communication and better management practices.

Japan and the Birth of Modern Shipbuilding

Construction Physics • 29020 implied HN points • 22 May 25
💼 Business Industry Manufacturing Economics Trade Innovation
  1. Japan learned from America's efficient shipbuilding methods used during WWII, which helped them build ships faster and cheaper after the war.
  2. Japanese shipbuilders improved their processes by incorporating prefabrication and aircraft manufacturing techniques, leading to more efficient construction.
  3. Government support and a strong desire to succeed were crucial for Japan's shipbuilding industry's growth, allowing it to become a world leader.

A new generation of AIs: Claude 3.7 and Grok 3

One Useful Thing • 1968 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Research
  1. New AI models like Claude 3.7 and Grok 3 are much smarter and can handle complex tasks better than before. They can even do coding through simple conversations, which makes them feel more like partners for ideas.
  2. These AIs are trained using a lot of computing power, which helps them improve quickly. The more power they use, the smarter they get, which means they’re constantly evolving to perform better.
  3. As AI becomes more capable, organizations need to rethink how they use it. Instead of just automating simple tasks, they should explore new possibilities and ways AI can enhance their work and decision-making.

Creativity in an Age of AI.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 27 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Creativity Art Innovation Media Branding Technology
  1. AI can empower creativity by allowing everyone to be more involved in the creative process. It's not just a tool; it's a partner that helps unlock new ideas.
  2. Brands need to focus on storytelling and connection rather than just data-driven promotion. Many brands are failing because they're not nurturing their long-term identity and culture.
  3. Creativity comes in two types: pure and applied. Pure creativity is about self-expression and groundbreaking ideas, while applied creativity is improving existing creations. Both are important for innovation and growth.

What I've been reading (#1)

Democratizing Automation • 411 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Data Machine Learning Innovation
  1. Links are important and will now have their own dedicated space. This way, they can be shared and discussed more easily.
  2. AI is being used more than many realize, and there's promising growth in its revenue. The future looks positive for those already in the industry.
  3. It's crucial to stay informed about advancements in AI, especially regarding human-AI relationships and the challenges that come with making AI more capable.

You’re not the user anymore | Layer’s Andrew Hamilton

Dev Interrupted • 18 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🕹 Technology AI Product Design Software Development User Experience Innovation
  1. The rise of AI agents means we need to start designing products that cater to them, not just humans. Ignoring this shift could mean losing a big part of the market.
  2. It's important to create a smooth experience for these AI agents, focusing on their workflows and needs. This isn't just about connecting APIs; it's about how these agents interact with our products.
  3. Companies are racing to invest in AI talent, with many signing big name researchers. This will likely change the competitive landscape, much like how major players shaped the operating system market.

The Sequence Research #663: The Illusion of Thinking, Inside the Most Controversial AI Paper of Recent Weeks

TheSequence • 105 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Computing Data science
  1. Large Reasoning Models (LRMs) can show improved performance by simulating thinking steps, but their ability to truly reason is questioned.
  2. Current tests for LLMs often miss the mark because they can have flaws like data contamination, not really measuring how well the models think.
  3. New puzzle environments are being introduced to better evaluate these models by challenging them in a structured way while keeping the logic clear.

Erebor, Erewhon, Stablecoins, Zizians and The Dark Enlightenment

Dr. Pippa's Pen & Podcast • 22 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
💼 Business Finance Tech startups Venture Capital Cryptocurrency Innovation
  1. Erebor is a new financial venture that allows companies to raise money directly from investors using stablecoins, bypassing traditional banks. This could change how businesses get funding and might disrupt the current financial system.
  2. Erewhon warns about the dangers of AI, showcasing a fictional land where machines are banned due to past harm. It represents a cautionary tale about the rapid growth of AI and its impact on society.
  3. The debate between Erebor and Erewhon highlights a stark choice: one embraces technological riches while the other values beauty and nature. This reflects a bigger question about the direction of our society as technology evolves.

GPT-4.5 Feels Like a Letdown But It’s OpenAI’s Biggest Bet Yet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 605 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Data science
  1. GPT-4.5 is not as impressive as expected, but it's part of a plan for bigger advancements in the future. OpenAI is using this model to build a better foundation for what's to come.
  2. Despite being larger and more expensive, GPT-4.5 isn't leading in new capabilities compared to older models. It's more focused on creativity and communication, which might not appeal to all users.
  3. OpenAI wants to improve the basic skills of AI rather than just aiming for high scores in tests. This step back is meant to ensure future models are smarter and more capable overall.

Some Regulatory Certainty

Points And Figures • 612 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🔮 Crypto Regulation Innovation Investment Market Trends Financial Technology
  1. The SEC has decided that crypto memecoins are not considered securities, giving the industry more regulatory clarity. This is a positive change compared to the confusion that existed before.
  2. While crypto hasn't become essential for everyone's daily life yet, there are potential future uses, like tokenizing assets or using stablecoins for easier international payments.
  3. Regulation can sometimes create unfair advantages for big companies and stifle competition. It's important to be aware of these effects while also ensuring that people aren't misled by things like memecoins.

Deep dive in hybrid battery packs

Intercalation Station • 159 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Batteries Energy Electronics Automotive Innovation
  1. Hybrid battery packs mix different battery chemistries to improve performance. This allows for better energy management and potentially raises the accuracy of state-of-charge readings.
  2. These new packs can perform better in low temperatures and support faster charging. By combining different cell types, they can work more efficiently across different conditions.
  3. While hybrid batteries have advantages, they can also be more expensive and heavier. This extra cost might make them less appealing for some applications, though prices for certain battery types are dropping.

Build AI or Be Buried By Those Who Do

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3574 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Innovation Automation Data science
  1. There are three main views on AI: believers who think it will change everything for the better, skeptics who see it as just fancy technology, and doomers who worry it could end badly for humanity. Each group has different ideas about what AI will mean for the future.
  2. The belief among AI believers is that AI will become a big part of our lives, doing many tasks better than humans and reshaping many industries. They see it as a revolutionary change that will be everywhere.
  3. Many think that if we don’t build our own AI, the narrative and values that shape AI will be dominated by one ideology, which could be harmful. The idea is that we need balanced development of AI, representing different views to ensure freedom and diversity in thought.

MBP's Visual COBOL

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Computing Innovation History Programming
  1. MBP, a software company, was one of the first in Europe and created the COBOL compiler in the 1960s. They made big steps in developing programming software right from the start.
  2. Visual COBOL was an improved version of their COBOL compiler released in the 1980s, featuring faster compilation and better screen management. It became popular for its efficiency and ease of use.
  3. The journey of MBP involved several ownership changes, eventually becoming part of major companies like Electronic Data Systems and Hewlett-Packard. This shows how influential MBP was in the tech world.

Deep Into the Depths

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 339 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Innovation Computer Science
  1. AI tools have started using the term 'deep' to suggest they dig into more complex information, but this may often not be the case. Many still just skim the surface instead of really exploring.
  2. While AI is getting better at research by gathering information quickly, true deep research requires more human-like exploration and understanding. It's about going beyond just looking up facts.
  3. Don't be fooled by the hype around AI's 'deep research' capabilities. They are useful, but they aren't as profound or groundbreaking as some might claim.

Spreadsheet, Not Skynet: Microdoses, Not Microprocessors

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Economy Data Innovation Impact
  1. AI tools like GPT are not as powerful as some say; they're more like useful spreadsheets than super intelligent machines. This means their impact on the economy is real but not world-changing.
  2. The benefits of AI on human welfare will be positive but limited. It's important to use AI wisely and not let it distract us.
  3. AI models are great for processing language, but they aren't complex enough to be truly revolutionary. They function similarly to simple input-output machines rather than groundbreaking technologies.

The hard thing about building AI applications

Generating Conversation • 140 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Product Design User Experience
  1. Good AI should figure things out for you before you even ask. It should make your life easier by anticipating what you need without requiring a lot of input.
  2. Trust is key for AI systems. They should be honest about what they don't know and explain their level of confidence. This helps users rely on them more.
  3. AI should take complex information and boil it down to what's important and easy to understand. It should help you find insights quickly without overwhelming you with details.

MAMLM as a General Purpose Technology: The Ghost in the GDP Machine

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Productivity Data Analysis Economic Impact
  1. Big technology changes, like AI, often take longer to have an impact than we expect. History shows that these changes usually happen in small steps instead of all at once.
  2. The way AI is being used in businesses is growing, with more companies starting to adopt these technologies. This can lead to higher productivity over time.
  3. To really benefit from new technologies like AI, we need patience and creativity in our systems. The changes won't happen overnight, but it's important to stick with it.

Secret SwiftUI: A practical use of _VariadicView

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming App Development User Interface Innovation
  1. The \\_VariadicView feature in SwiftUI helps create custom components like flexible tab bars and lists. It's useful for developers wanting more control over their UI elements.
  2. Finding real-world examples for \\_VariadicView can be tough, but it can significantly help in building complex UIs like chat applications.
  3. A specific application of \\_VariadicView is creating a reusable 'ChatList' component that manages scroll inversion, making it easier to handle messaging apps.

The Mask Comes Off: A Trio of Tales

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2150 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Ethics Safety Regulations
  1. Sam Altman presents an overly optimistic view of AI's future while downplaying its risks. He talks about amazing advancements but doesn't address the potential dangers seriously.
  2. OpenAI claims it can design AI to complement humans instead of replacing them, but that seems unrealistic. Many believe there is no solid plan to prevent job losses caused by AI.
  3. Elon Musk's recent bid for OpenAI's nonprofit is more about raising its value than actually buying it. This move highlights concerns about how AI's future will be managed and whether profit motives will overshadow safety.

AI #103: Show Me the Money

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2374 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Innovation Automation Regulation
  1. The Paris AI Anti-Safety Summit failed to build on previous successes, leading to increased concerns about nationalism and lack of clear plans for AI safety. It's making people worried and hopeless.
  2. Elon Musk's huge bid for OpenAI's assets complicates the situation, especially as another bid threatens to overshadow the original efforts to secure AI's future.
  3. OpenAI is quickly releasing new versions of their models, which brings excitement but also skepticism about their true capabilities and risks.

Did OpenAI Just Kill Glean?

Enterprise AI Trends • 253 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Enterprise Innovation
  1. ChatGPT can now perform 'Deep Research' using private documents from sources like Google Drive and Dropbox. This makes creating reports much easier for users.
  2. The ability to generate reports is significant because a lot of middle managers spend a lot of time on this task. It's a huge time-saver.
  3. This new feature could impact other apps that provide similar research functions, like Glean, making it a competitive landscape for AI applications.

Immortality and its Discontents

Nonzero Newsletter • 225 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Health Philosophy Politics Innovation
  1. There's a growing interest in immortality and how technology, like AI, could help us live longer. Some people believe that embracing these advancements is the key to a better future.
  2. Not everyone agrees with how some tech entrepreneurs are promoting longevity. Critics say their methods and products are often unproven and may not lead to the promised health benefits.
  3. Studies show that bad behavior learned in one area can spread to other areas, especially with AI. Just like in humans, training AI on negative examples can lead to undesirable outcomes in different contexts.

AI Hype and the Tech Slowdown are Symmetrical

Freddie deBoer • 4053 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economy Business Automation
  1. AI is overhyped and won't bring the big changes people expect. It may bring some negative effects, but the impact will be much smaller than past technology like the internet or electricity.
  2. The tech industry is facing a slowdown, similar to how the automotive and finance sectors have gone through ups and downs. Companies are struggling to find exciting new products.
  3. Smartphones are now common and are not seeing much new development. Most new models are just incremental upgrades, making it hard for companies to stand out and grow.

Talkin’ bout an AI Revolution: 3 scenarios

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economics Forecasting Trends
  1. By 2030, we might still be at the start of a major AI development period. It's okay because this means we have a lot of exciting advancements ahead.
  2. More traditional institutions, like big banks, are now seriously talking about AI. This shows that AI is becoming a big deal in the mainstream world, not just in tech circles.
  3. Experts believe that as AI keeps getting better, the 2020s could see various new economic and technological changes. This could change how we live and work in many ways.

How Anthropic Builds Claude’s Personality

Big Technology • 2877 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots Ethics Research Innovation
  1. Anthropic builds its chatbot, Claude, to have a personality similar to a friendly traveler. This means it tries to be open and adaptable when talking to different people.
  2. Instead of strict rules, Claude's behavior is based on a set of qualities, like kindness and wit, that should naturally show in all its conversations.
  3. The chatbot's personality is fine-tuned after training by using examples of what good conversation looks like, guiding it to respond in ways that reflect the desired traits.

The End of Simplification: Intel Abandons X86S

The Chip Letter • 2402 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Computing Semiconductors Software Engineering Innovation
  1. Intel has introduced APX, which includes several new features to improve its architecture. This means that Intel is aiming to enhance performance and efficiency.
  2. The company planned to simplify its architecture by removing some older features with X86S. However, they decided to abandon this simplification due to the importance of maintaining backward compatibility.
  3. Backwards compatibility is essential, as it allows older software to run on new systems. This decision shows Intel's commitment to supporting their users and legacy applications.

xAI and DeepSeek Have Shattered the AI Industry’s Golden Tenet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 297 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Industry Infrastructure
  1. AI is going through ups and downs, with some people losing trust because the hype isn't matching reality. But just like with other big inventions, these struggles are normal.
  2. There's a debate in the AI community about whether the focus should be on building more powerful models or making them work better in real life. Each approach has its supporters.
  3. Even with AI's growth, some people are still worried about its impact on their daily lives, emphasizing the need to balance development with public concerns.

Claude Plays Pokémon

Teaching computers how to talk • 62 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Gaming Research Metrics Innovation
  1. AI playing games like Pokémon can show us how smart it really is. It might be better than other tests because games need quick thinking and problem solving.
  2. Recent projects like Claude playing Pokémon on Twitch highlight how slow and confused current AI can be. It took Claude a long time to beat just one part of the game.
  3. Today's AI tests often focus on math or coding, but playing games might give a clearer picture of intelligence. We should use games to see if AI can think and adapt like humans do.

What does slow AI look like?

The Sublime Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Productivity Software Human-Computer Innovation
  1. People often feel stressed because productivity tools are designed to make us work faster, but that doesn't match how we naturally want to create things.
  2. Instead of rushing to produce more content quickly, we should focus on making fewer things but doing them better and with more care.
  3. It's okay to take time in the creative process; in fact, taking time can help us create something truly wonderful.

How to get rich combining generic drugs: lessons from Axsome

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 820 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
💼 Business Pharma Startups Innovation Finance Healthcare
  1. Combining generic drugs can create new treatments and opportunities for profit. It’s all about understanding how the drugs work together for better results.
  2. Developing a unique formulation is key. You need to offer something that can't be simply made with existing medications, like a special combination or dosage.
  3. Working closely with regulators and payers from the start is crucial. You need to show them why your combination is valuable and why they should support it.

Mercenaries versus Missionaries in the startup world

Respectful Leadership • 163 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
💼 Business Leadership Startup Innovation Team Building Hiring
  1. In the startup world, it’s important to hire people who are passionate about the mission, known as 'missionaries.' They care deeply about making a difference.
  2. Hiring based on resumes alone isn't enough. It's better to focus on why candidates are motivated and their true potential.
  3. Embracing ambiguity can actually lead to innovative solutions. Startups should encourage working freely without strict guidelines.

I’m the CTO of Palantir. Today I Join the Army.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1887 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology Policy Public Service Government Relations Innovation
  1. Technology leaders are stepping up to serve in the military, showing a commitment to support their country.
  2. This shift in attitude highlights a new collaboration between tech experts and the military, benefiting both sides.
  3. The urgency of current global challenges is motivating these professionals to use their skills for public service.