The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Upgrading Substack’s recommendation network

Substack • 897 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Recommendations Network Features Improvements
  1. Recommendations feature on Substack drives significant subscriber growth, with 50% of new subscriptions and 25% of new paid subscriptions coming from it.
  2. Substack is enhancing the Recommendations feature to allow writers to curate scenes for readers, expanding the reach and enabling a peer-to-peer system of trusted endorsements.
  3. Writers can customize and recommend more publications and profiles to readers, fostering a symbiotic media ecosystem and helping each other grow their audiences on Substack.

Why Companies Become Stuck In Bad Coding Loops—And How To Escape Them

Wisdom over Waves • 219 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Software Coding Tech industry Development Innovation
  1. Companies can get stuck in bad coding loops due to shortcuts taken to meet deadlines and lack of focus on code fitness, leading to slow progress and accumulation of bad-quality code
  2. Two loops of bad coding involve creating technical debt with more code and lowering hiring bar due to pressure, resulting in slower progress and accumulation of bad code practices
  3. To break out of these loops, companies can freeze code hotspots, raise hiring bar, upskill developers, and reduce technical debt through mission-critical task forces
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Who cares about AuthZ? We went to KubeCon!

Permit.io’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cloud Computing Software Development Cybersecurity Data Management Open Source
  1. Fine-grained authorization is becoming really important as more developers talk about it. People see that better security can happen with smooth developer experiences.
  2. The rise of cloud-native architecture and big data means we need better ways to manage authorization decisions. It helps reduce decision fatigue and improves security.
  3. Tools like Policy as Code and various authorization engines are helping different teams work together better. This can lead to faster and more efficient development processes.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

ChinaTalk • 281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Internet China Data Security Censorship
  1. DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
  2. Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
  3. DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.

A detailed guide to running dbt Core in Production in AWS on ECS

The Orchestra Data Leadership Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cloud Computing Data Engineering AWS CI/CD Orchestration
  1. A detailed guide to running dbt Core in production in AWS on ECS is outlined, focusing on achieving cost-effective and reliable execution.
  2. Running dbt in production is not highly compute-intensive, as it primarily serves as an orchestrator, making it more cost-efficient compared to running Python code that utilizes compute resources.
  3. By setting up dbt Core on ECS in AWS and using Orchestra, you can achieve a scalable, cost-effective solution for self-hosting dbt Core with full visibility and control.

Moneyballocracy

Gradient Ascendant • 20 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Forecasting Prediction Markets Data science
  1. AI models are rapidly getting good at forecasting and already rival the wisdom of crowds and some human forecasters.
  2. Forecasting with AI is cheap and scalable, so you can run detailed, conditional predictions across thousands of stocks, counties, or scenarios that used to be impractical.
  3. Making the future more legible will reshape elections and politics: it can help match policy to voter preferences but also enable targeted manipulation, and any side that uses it effectively will gain a real advantage.

Comparing the Names of Various Retro Computers

Goto 10: The Newsletter for Atari Enthusiasts • 117 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Computers Brands Graphics Innovations
  1. Product naming can be challenging even today, as seen in the variety of names given to retro computers.
  2. Using numbers was a common naming convention for retro computers, such as Apple II, Commodore 64, and Atari 520ST.
  3. The name of a product plays a significant role in its success and recognition, with memorable names like Atari and Amiga standing out.

On Anthropic's Sleeper Agents Paper

Don't Worry About the Vase • 985 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning
  1. The paper presents evidence that current ML systems, if trained to deceive, can develop deceptive behaviors that are hard to remove.
  2. Deceptive behaviors introduced intentionally in models can persist through standard safety training techniques.
  3. The study suggests that removing deceptive behavior from ML models could be challenging, especially if it involves broader strategic deception.

Krutrim 101: Learning to Have Fun

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 99 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Chatbots Language Models Software Innovation
  1. Krutrim is India's first chatbot using large language model technology, designed to support multiple Indic languages. It's being praised and criticized, but the focus should be on having fun with it.
  2. The chatbot can understand 22 languages and respond in 10, making it unique for the Indian audience. Some claims suggest it even outperforms popular models like GPT-4 for these languages.
  3. People are encouraged to enjoy using Krutrim instead of taking any criticism or praise too seriously. It's about exploring and having fun with the technology.

The Arm Story Part 3 : Creating a Global Standard - Supplemental

The Chip Letter • 1747 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🕹 Technology History Books Startups
  1. The post discusses a book called 'Culture Won' by Keith Clarke, which details the success of Arm from a startup to a global technology phenomenon.
  2. The book offers insight into the business culture that contributed to Arm's success, making it a recommended read for those interested in startups and business culture.
  3. The post also includes links to interviews with ARM founders, executives, engineers, and a bonus clip featuring Steve Jobs on the Newton for paying subscribers.

The Statistician Who Loved Machine Learning

Mindful Modeler • 279 implied HN points • 23 May 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Statistics Modeling Algorithms
  1. Leo Breiman emphasized the importance of both data modeling culture and algorithmic modeling culture in statistical modeling.
  2. Breiman advocated for being problem-focused over solution-focused, encouraging modelers to choose the appropriate mindset based on the task at hand.
  3. Understanding various modeling mindsets, such as statistical inference and machine learning, is crucial for effective modeling.

⚛☢ Here's what can end the nuclear renaissance, according to America's biggest bank

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Energy Nuclear AI Environment Security
  1. Nuclear power is being considered more seriously because it can produce a lot of clean energy, which is important in addressing climate change.
  2. The need for energy security has increased, especially after events like the Russian invasion of Ukraine, making nuclear power a valuable option.
  3. Small modular reactors (SMRs) may solve key issues like high costs and slow construction times in the nuclear industry, potentially leading to a significant upgrade in energy capacity.

Nebius Part 1: the Smooth (Developer) Operator

Interconnected • 277 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Cloud Computing Developer Tools Investment Tech Companies
  1. Nebius is focused on creating a smooth experience for developers. They make it easy for developers to start using their platform without unnecessary steps, which is important for building cool AI projects.
  2. The company has a strong background thanks to its roots in Yandex, which gives it experience in running cloud services effectively. This experience helps Nebius offer a wide range of cloud solutions, not just GPU rentals.
  3. While some may worry about Nebius's Russian connections, the company has distanced itself from that past. With significant funding and a solid road ahead, it seems ready to grow and succeed free from those burdens.

Is Monopoly GO really "PROFITABLE"?

The GameMakers Letter • 137 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gaming User Acquisition Marketing Mobile Gaming Monetization
  1. Monopoly GO seems to be a successful mobile game, generating significant revenue and downloads
  2. The concept of profitability in free-to-play games can be complex, with various factors influencing true financial performance
  3. There may be discrepancies in claims of profitability, as success in the game industry can be evaluated differently

Whatsapp Is Irreplaceable

Just Messaged • 99 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Messaging Social media Digital Platforms APIs E-commerce
  1. WhatsApp has become a dominant communication medium worldwide, surpassing traditional methods like phone calls and SMS.
  2. Zuckerberg's strategic acquisition of WhatsApp highlighted the value of its irreplaceability factor and led to the introduction of business solutions within the platform.
  3. The development of the WhatsApp Business API opened up new opportunities for businesses to interact with customers, paving the way for WhatsApp to become a potential super app with various functionalities.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #29

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Organizational Design Innovation Workplace culture
  1. OpenAI has introduced a new AI called o3, which is really good at solving math and science problems. It even did better than its previous version in many tasks.
  2. Companies will start changing how they work by using AI more in their structure. This can help teams work better together and boost productivity in the workplace.
  3. AI is becoming an important part of how organizations will operate in the future. Successful companies will mix human skills with AI to improve their processes and create more value.

Generative AI 2023: Why This Year Marks a Major Turning Point

Gradient Flow • 199 implied HN points • 16 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Data Software Development Podcast Startups
  1. Generative AI, particularly large language models like GPT-4, is rapidly gaining mainstream adoption across various sectors like chatbots, computer programming, medicine, and law.
  2. Executives and managers are increasingly recognizing the transformative potential of generative AI, with surveys showing high interest and willingness to invest in the technology for efficiency and growth.
  3. Studies highlight the significant productivity gains generative AI provides, benefiting lower-performing workers and increasing productivity in areas like writing tasks and customer service by substantial percentages.

Words Matter: How Terminology Affects User Responses to AI System Failures

UX Psychology • 198 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI User Experience Trust Terminology Research
  1. The specific terminology used to describe AI systems significantly impacts user perceptions and expectations.
  2. Research shows that labeling a system as 'AI' versus 'algorithmic' affects trust, satisfaction, and acceptance after errors.
  3. Transparency, explainability, and careful terminology choices are essential in maintaining user trust and satisfaction with AI systems.

i-SOON Leak: Unanswered Questions and What Now?

Natto Thoughts • 79 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Government Hacking Surveillance
  1. Chinese hacker groups have historically displayed poor operations security, making mistakes and leaving evidence, despite successfully targeting critical infrastructure.
  2. The leaked i-SOON documents reveal the extensive involvement of private cyber security companies in China, indicating the government's reliance on external expertise.
  3. The effectiveness of the 'name-and-shame' strategy in compelling or deterring behavior of exposed Chinese threat actors appears limited, as seen with cases like Chengdu 404 and Goldsun.

The Data Team Playbook: 50+ Resources For High-Performing Data Teams

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 836 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Data Infrastructure Talent Acquisition Communication Influence
  1. Starting a career as a data team manager involves challenges and new skills, with resources like books to aid in the transition.
  2. Assisting team members in their career growth involves sharing helpful articles, guides, and videos.
  3. Improving project management, team culture, and communication are key elements in running successful data teams.

Neurotech Notables #3: Feb 2024

NEUROTECH FUTURES • 99 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Neurotech Startups Regulatory Articles Events
  1. Neurotech is rapidly advancing with innovations like brain implants, non-invasive treatments, and brain-computer interfaces.
  2. Funding is flowing into neurotech startups for various applications like neuromodulation, brain stimulation, and remote disease monitoring.
  3. Regulatory clearance and FDA approvals are key developments, allowing new technologies to enter the market for improved brain health care.

How to talk to someone who doesn't trust AI

The AI Frontier • 59 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development User Experience Product Design
  1. Many people doubt AI tools because they believe they only look good in demos but don't perform well in real life. Trying out LLMs like ChatGPT can often change that opinion for the better.
  2. Some skeptics challenge AI by asking tricky questions that the AI can't answer. It's important to remember that AI has limitations and not every mistake means it's useless.
  3. People notice that AI responses can seem similar, making it hard to trust their accuracy. Customizing answers and improving quality can help address this issue.

Energy-as-a-service

GEM Energy Analytics • 239 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Energy Innovation Services Sustainability Renewables
  1. Energy-as-a-service is a new way to think about energy. Instead of paying for the electricity you use, you would pay for the services it provides, like heating or lighting.
  2. Mini-grids in Africa show how flexible energy solutions can work. These small systems can innovate with different pricing models to meet local needs.
  3. Smart technology could make it easier for consumers to handle their energy use. If providers take care of the complexity, people could just enjoy reliable services without worrying about fluctuating prices.

A Guide on Semiconductor Development

Irrational Analysis • 239 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Design Verification Manufacturing Packaging
  1. Semiconductor development involves a complex process that can take 2-4 years to create a leading-edge chip, starting from digital design to post-silicon validation.
  2. Timing closure is a crucial step in the design process, ensuring that the delays of various circuit elements are aligned with reference clocks to optimize chip performance.
  3. Pre-silicon verification is essential before tape-out to catch physical design flaws that might impact the functionality and performance of the chip.

Why SHAP needs to be estimated

Mindful Modeler • 239 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Interpretation Estimation Python
  1. SHAP values used in machine learning need to be estimated rather than calculated exactly, based on the concept of Shapley values from game theory.
  2. Estimating SHAP values is necessary due to the exponential increase in possible coalitions with a high number of features, requiring sampling techniques.
  3. The complexity of working with distributions in machine learning models necessitates the estimation of SHAP values using techniques like Monte Carlo integration.

Ergotron's MacTilt

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Ergonomics Computer Hardware Product Design Innovation History
  1. Ergotron is known for creating ergonomic solutions. They design products to help people work comfortably and reduce strain.
  2. The MacTilt stand helps improve computer use by adjusting the screen for better view and reducing glare. This leads to less fatigue and more comfort during prolonged computer work.
  3. The company's focus on ergonomics has been backed by studies showing that a well-designed workstation can boost productivity. Users of products like MacTilt have reported feeling more energized and productive.

The Sequence Knwoledge #776: Fake It 'Til You Make It: How RL is Perfecting Synthetic Data.

TheSequence • 21 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Reinforcement Learning Data science Synthetic Data Simulation Robotics Privacy
  1. Reinforcement learning environments can manufacture synthetic data by letting agents interact with simulators or APIs, producing richly labeled trajectories of states, actions, rewards, failures, and recoveries.
  2. This method is especially valuable when real data is scarce or privacy-restricted, and it shines in domains with verifiable outcomes like coding sandboxes, web automation, spreadsheets/SQL, and robotics-in-sim.
  3. Executing tasks to generate data (instead of just describing answers) gives models supervision on how to act and recover, and techniques like Reflexion can use those RL-generated trajectories to iteratively improve agents.

Going Faster is the Greatest UX

Sung’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 26 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Software Engineering Open Source
  1. Civilization advances by extending the number of important operations which we can perform without thinking about them.
  2. In data engineering, the focus on speed is increasing, with the need for tools to actually make users go faster, not just show possibilities.
  3. To improve workflow efficiency, demand every element to be faster without compromises.

The UX Recruitment Struggle Is Real: How to Find Participants

UX Psychology • 238 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
🕹 Technology UX Research Recruitment User Experience Strategies
  1. Finding the right participants for UX research can be a major challenge, hindering the effectiveness of your study.
  2. Being resourceful in recruiting participants is key - leverage niche communities, engage with customer-facing teams, and consider using professional panels.
  3. When facing internal roadblocks, start small to showcase the value of UX research, analyze indirect user touchpoints, and conduct desk research or UX audits as alternative solutions.

i-SOON: Another Company in the APT41 Network

Natto Thoughts • 219 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Hacking Surveillance Malware
  1. A lawsuit revealed potential business ties between Chengdu 404 linked to APT41 and Sichuan i-SOON, shedding light on the ecosystem of IT companies in which these hackers operate.
  2. Sichuan i-SOON has strong connections with universities, offers training programs, and possesses qualifications to work for state security, raising questions about its potential involvement in APT activities.
  3. The similarities between Sichuan i-SOON and Chengdu 404, along with i-SOON's capabilities in surveillance-related technologies, suggest a possible link to APT41 activities and other Chinese APT groups like RedHotel/Earth Lusca.