The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Newsletter 21: To keepdims or not to keepdims!

Decoding Coding • 1 HN point • 19 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Deep Learning Software Development Data science Artificial Intelligence
  1. Understanding the 'keepdims' parameter in tensor operations is important for getting correct results in PyTorch. If you set 'keepdims' to True, the dimensions are preserved, which helps with broadcasting correctly.
  2. When summing tensors, if 'keepdims' is False, it can lead to incorrect calculations because the tensor's shape changes. This can result in dividing values incorrectly, leading to unexpected outputs.
  3. It's crucial to be careful with tensor shapes and broadcasting rules in machine learning models. Even a small oversight can cause models to produce wrong predictions, so always double-check these details.

On Social Media, Demand Slopes Upwards

Never Met a Science • 66 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Social media Economics Algorithms Producers Consumers
  1. In the attention economy of social media, demand can increase as supply increases, leading to an unsustainable positive feedback loop.
  2. The attention economy operates differently from traditional market economies, with attention being a key commodity rather than money.
  3. Consumers, producers, and algorithms play unique roles in driving the positive feedback loop of the attention economy, which can have far-reaching implications.

AI and the Future of War (even in Ukraine)

Phillips’s Newsletter • 57 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI War Drones Military Innovation
  1. Uncrewed aircraft have significant operational and cost advantages over crewed aircraft, making them likely to dominate future warfare.
  2. Uncrewed aircraft can fly longer, make maneuvers that stress the human body, and be more flexible due to not needing to support human life onboard.
  3. The absence of human pilots reduces decision-making pressure, operational limitations, and costly training needs, giving a strategic advantage in warfare.

In search for ideal CDP for B2B SaaS

nonamevc • 24 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology SaaS Data Management Cloud Computing Digital Infrastructure
  1. Customer Data Platforms (CDPs) are becoming important for B2B SaaS companies by helping them unify data from different sources. This makes it easier for teams to work together and drive better marketing and sales efforts.
  2. There are two main types of CDPs: packaged and composable. Packaged CDPs are more like ready-made solutions, while composable CDPs allow for customization to better fit a company's specific needs.
  3. B2B companies might not need a standalone CDP as many existing tools are starting to include features traditionally offered by CDPs. This means businesses can often get what they need from tools they are already using.

Why Are Teams So Slow to Adopt Simple Continuous Delivery?

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 19 implied HN points • 11 May 23
🕹 Technology Software Development Continuous Delivery
  1. Releasing high quality features sooner is emphasized with trunk-based development, feature flags, and frequent deployments.
  2. Coaching teams on accelerating adoption of minimum quality controls like trunk-based development is crucial.
  3. Signing the MinimumCD movement shows commitment to advancing team practices in continuous delivery.
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UX Roundup: AI Research Window | AI Skill Substitution | World Economic Forum Predicts More UX Jobs | AI-UX Consultant | Bad Bird Lip-Synch

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 19 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI UX Design Job Market Research Consulting
  1. There is a limited time to study how people use AI since soon everyone will have experience with it. Right now, researchers can still compare results between people who use AI and those who don't.
  2. The introduction of AI is changing job markets significantly. Some jobs, like translation, are declining, while others, like web development, are booming because AI helps workers be more productive.
  3. The World Economic Forum predicts that UX jobs will grow by 50% in the next five years. While there's some skepticism about job predictions, there is a general agreement that UX roles will keep increasing as AI continues to evolve.

The Week In Repair: May 8 - 14

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 16 May 22
🕹 Technology Repair Right-to-repair Apple Microsoft Automakers
  1. Efforts are being made to protect the medical right to repair by hospitals, repairers, and public health groups to ensure competition in the industry.
  2. Caterpillar is pioneering the practice of refurbishing old engines, thereby promoting sustainability, reducing costs, and boosting revenue from services.
  3. Microsoft's closure of physical stores has impacted its repairability efforts, showing the importance of accessible repair centers for customers to learn, seek help, and fix devices.

Newsletter #12: System Design for Machine Learning - Part II

Decoding Coding • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🕹 Technology Machine Learning Data science System Design Case Studies Software Development
  1. Airbnb uses a special tool called Zipline for feature engineering in their Customer Lifetime Value model, which helps them pick and create over 150 features needed for predictions.
  2. Chicisimo built a recommendation system based on user data, which includes both objective and subjective features, to give personalized fashion advice using their Social Fashion Graph.
  3. Case studies provide valuable lessons in applying frameworks to real-world projects, showing that you need both a good framework and experience from past projects to succeed.

Meta Motivo behavioral foundation model, Multimodal AI Agents, Gemini 2.0 Flash, Real-time Video and screen-sharing in the Multimodal Live API and ChatGPT, Phi-4, Sora, TRELLIS, Deep Research & more

AI Brews • 22 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Hardware Innovation Research
  1. New AI tools and models are being constantly developed by major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Meta. These include models that improve reasoning and create high-quality 3D assets.
  2. There are exciting features like real-time video and screen-sharing for AI applications. These advancements help make interactions more dynamic and engaging.
  3. Various new products aim to simplify tasks and enhance creativity. This includes tools for preserving stories, creating AI characters, and comparing AI performance easily.

Issue 19: American S-Bahn

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Urban planning Health tech Energy Policy Regulatory reform
  1. Cities can improve public transport by building small tunnels to connect existing train lines, making systems more efficient without huge costs.
  2. New Zealand's unique approach to controlling inflation changed how many countries handle their economies, showing that bold ideas can lead to widespread change.
  3. Lead poisoning is a big global issue that can be mostly solved with actions that have worked in wealthier countries, like testing and regulating sources of lead.

Google Developer shares How to become a 10x Engineer[Storytime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Engineering Productivity Career growth Skill development Interdisciplinary
  1. 10x engineers focus on mastering tools they know, but balancing that with exploring new technologies can lead to career growth.
  2. Being a good coder isn't just about coding more; thoughtful consideration, communication, and engaging with stakeholders are vital.
  3. Avoiding constant context switching, deep work blocks, and using the F.R.E.E framework (Focus, Results-Oriented, Efficiency, Empathy) can boost productivity.

Tech Debt

The Weekly Gazette • 26 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Development Technical Debt System Architecture Internet Infrastructure
  1. Software systems, like the one behind HealthCare.gov, often fail due to poor planning and shortcuts taken during development. This can lead to major issues when many people try to use the system at once.
  2. Cybersecurity programs can unintentionally cause widespread problems. For example, a failed update from a security company led to major outages and millions of dollars in losses.
  3. Technical debt accumulates when programmers prioritize quick solutions over solid code. While it can't be completely avoided, it's important to understand and manage it to prevent future issues.

November 2024 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology DIY Projects Gadgets Engineering Electronics Software Development
  1. There are many fun DIY projects you can try, like making a cheap ultrasonic humidifier or upgrading old tools with USB-C. It's a great way to learn and create something useful.
  2. A variety of innovative gadgets are available to buy, like a ZX Spectrum recreation that brings back nostalgic 8-bit computing. It can be a fun treat for anyone who loves tech.
  3. Exploring new technologies, like vocoders, can be exciting. Understanding how they work may inspire new projects and creative ideas in sound and music.

Open Source has my Whole Heart

Sung’s Substack • 3 HN points • 08 May 24
🕹 Technology Open Source Data Engineering Data Tools
  1. Open source is a beautiful pursuit that allows people to solve problems they love while connecting with others.
  2. Career paths can evolve, leading to new opportunities and self-discovery in pursuing work that aligns with personal values and passions.
  3. Improvements in data tools and workflows, like understanding SQL deeply and prioritizing statefulness, can revolutionize data work and make processes more intuitive and efficient.

Metricalypse Now

davidj.substack • 107 implied HN points • 15 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Data Management Analytics Software Integration BI Tools Commercialization
  1. Two approaches to metrics layers: wide datasets without defined data models vs. defined data model for more powerful metrics.
  2. Importance of new semantic layer by dbt Labs acquiring Transform for a universal standalone analytics solution.
  3. Opportunity for data consumption vendors to integrate with new dbt semantic layer for a ubiquitous solution.

August Open Thread and Data Leak Update (2025)

The Corbett Report • 6 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Data security Privacy Internet Membership Communication
  1. There's been a major data leak affecting some users, but luckily no financial info or passwords were exposed. Only names and email addresses were involved.
  2. The response to the leak has been slow, with limited media coverage and the organization behind the service not treating it with the urgency it deserves.
  3. The membership sign-up process is being updated, and there will be new resources released soon on how to better manage email privacy.

Undecidability Isn't So Bad

Bzogramming • 22 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Programming Computing Algorithms Mathematics Software
  1. Some problems in computing are called undecidable, which means we can't find a definite solution for them. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t approach them creatively and get some useful results.
  2. When working with programs, understanding their behavior can often reveal hidden bugs. If a program doesn't behave the way we expect, it might be a sign that something is wrong in the code.
  3. There are smarter ways to analyze code than just throwing our hands up and saying it’s impossible. Advanced tools are already in place in many programming environments, but they often work behind the scenes without us being aware of them.

Should We Let AI Art Rewrite History?

Teaching computers how to talk • 52 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Image Generation Ethical AI
  1. AI tools like Gemini attempted to rewrite history by injecting race and gender diversity into historical images, leading to inaccuracies.
  2. Current AI technology struggles to distinguish between historical accuracy and general requests, highlighting a need for improvement in the system.
  3. To address issues like harmful stereotypes and overrepresentation in AI-generated images, there's a necessity for more transparent, fair, and responsible development in AI technology.

What is Sarah's Newsletter?

Sarah's Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Data Tech
  1. Sarah's Newsletter focuses on starting conversations about trends in data and tech, led by Sarah Krasnik Bedell, a data engineer and thought leader.
  2. The newsletter covers topics like data engineering, analytics, and diversity in the tech industry beyond Silicon Valley.
  3. Sarah started the newsletter to connect with smart individuals and discuss interesting ideas in the tech community.

Software Supply Chain Attack Types

Resilient Cyber • 39 implied HN points • 24 Dec 22
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Software Supply Chain Software Development Malware
  1. Software supply chain attacks can happen in many ways. It’s important to understand the different attack types to protect against them effectively.
  2. Negligence in software practices can lead to serious problems. Simple mistakes like not checking dependencies can let bad code slip into your projects.
  3. Using digital signing helps ensure software integrity, but it’s not foolproof. It's vital to use additional security measures to keep systems safe from multiple vulnerabilities.

AI Roundup 053: Bye bye Bard

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Deepfakes Regulation Tech Companies AI Applications
  1. Google rebrands AI product line Bard to Gemini, introducing multiple tiers including a paid plan powered by Gemini Ultra.
  2. Initiatives like the C2PA aim to address deepfake content issues, with companies like Google and OpenAI joining efforts for content authentication.
  3. FCC deems robocalls with fake AI-created voices as illegal, showcasing government agencies taking action on AI regulation independently.

I, Token

Nothing Human • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Philosophy
  1. Tokens are like bits of language that help us express thoughts and feelings. They connect our emotions and experiences across time and space.
  2. The story of survival, like the mother warning her child about the snake, shows how important communication is for human beings. They have always used sounds and symbols to protect and connect with each other.
  3. Now, we create tokens using machines, but they still need human creativity. While technology can produce many tokens, the unique insights and connections come from people.

Beta 1.0 Is The Loneliest Number

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 9 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Social Impact Human Interaction Loneliness Digital Communication
  1. AI friends are becoming popular, but they might not help loneliness. Many people are feeling isolated, and relying on robots for companionship could be harmful.
  2. Loneliness is a serious health issue and affects many people, leading to problems like depression and lower well-being. It's becoming clear that social connections play a big role in our health.
  3. Strong social ties are important for economic success. Having friends can help in finding jobs and building career networks, showing that friendships have real value beyond just companionship.

AI-First in 2025: Hype, Reality, and Your Next Move

Rémi Ounadjela • 6 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Automation Product Development Data science Software Engineering
  1. AI can be useful in many areas of a company, but it's important to choose the right tools carefully. Think about the problems you want to solve first.
  2. There are different levels of AI tools, ranging from basic productivity helpers to complex systems that can perform tasks on their own. Each level comes with its own benefits and risks.
  3. As you use more advanced AI tools, remember that higher risks come with higher rewards. Make sure to set up good guardrails and track how well things are working.

Watermark the world

escape the algorithm • 59 implied HN points • 18 Mar 22
🕹 Technology Internet Ownership Privacy Ethics Data
  1. Google Street View is made up of images from various sources, including everyday people, blended together to create a seamless representation of the world.
  2. Watermarks added to Google Street View images are intentional, potentially highlighting the hidden labor behind the scans or symbolizing colonialism by claiming ownership of public spaces.
  3. Question arises: Is the act of watermarking in Google Street View a way to show presence or a form of staking a claim on territory?

🚀 Launching Chief AI Officer

New World Same Humans • 21 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Digital Transformation
  1. A new community called Chief AI Officer has been launched for people in creative and knowledge work to talk about AI. It aims to help professionals understand and adapt to changes brought by AI.
  2. The first conversation features David Rowlands from KPMG, who shares how his company is embracing AI by involving their employees in learning and innovation.
  3. More discussions with other AI leaders will follow, and the community will offer resources like briefings and events to support professionals in their AI journey.

Why IT has Become the Sweet Spot for Generative AI

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 21 May 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Software Cloud Computing Enterprise Solutions Innovation
  1. Generative AI is becoming an essential tool for IT because it can help solve many business problems.
  2. Companies like NVIDIA are focusing on creating specialized AI to improve IT productivity and capabilities.
  3. The partnership between tech firms highlights the importance of IT as the core system for enterprises in various industries.

Better AI Creative Writing?

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 23 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Creative Writing Machine Learning Natural Language Processing User Experience
  1. The latest version of ChatGPT showed some improvement in creative writing over the past year, especially in children's stories. It produced longer stories with more engaging content.
  2. When it comes to writing poetry, the changes were minor. The recent poems didn't stand out much compared to last year's efforts.
  3. Overall, while there's some progress in AI writing skills, it's still quite limited. Bigger advancements are expected in the next generation of AI models.

How much does AI impact development speed?

Engineering Enablement • 8 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Development Productivity Engineering Research
  1. AI coding tools can help developers work about 21% faster. This means with AI, tasks that took longer can be done in less time.
  2. Developers who code more each day see bigger benefits from using AI. This might be because they are better at fixing mistakes the AI makes.
  3. Factors like how senior a developer is or how much they’ve used AI before don’t really change how much faster they work with AI tools.

Adopting AI: patterns and tensions in the wants/needs of software company’s leaders and their teams

Nadia’s Substack • 1 HN point • 17 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Development Leaders Artificial Intelligence Productivity
  1. Technical leaders are feeling pressure to adopt AI tools to improve operational efficiency and reduce costs.
  2. There is a disconnect between the expectations of AI capabilities and the reality of using AI for software development, leading to concerns about proper utilization and potential issues.
  3. Despite challenges, there is excitement about AI code generation tools for accelerating software creation and a focus on improving software development processes through tools like software simulation.

Security Is Not An Encryption Problem

Security Is • 1 HN point • 17 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Cybersecurity Encryption Cloud Computing Data security Compliance
  1. Encryption is important, but it's often treated as a checkbox in cloud environments. Many people believe that encryption at rest and in transit fully secures their data, but this isn't always the case.
  2. In cloud settings, especially with services like AWS, anyone with the right permissions can access data regardless of whether it's encrypted at rest. This means encrypting data on the storage level may not offer as much protection as people think.
  3. Instead of focusing heavily on encryption, businesses should prioritize their access controls and permissions. Properly managing who can access what data is often a much more critical aspect of security.

The Market As A Superintelligence + 3 Reasons To Believe AGI Is Possible

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 05 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Market Theory Cognition Economics Innovation
  1. The market acts like a superintelligence by combining the knowledge and skills of all participants. This creates a system that is more efficient than what any single person or organization could achieve.
  2. There are signs that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) could be possible, such as the ability to recreate simple behaviors in artificial neural networks. This suggests we could eventually model more complex human behaviors as well.
  3. AI systems already show capabilities similar to human thinking in language and problem-solving. This means we might not need special biological processes to achieve human-like intelligence.

New World Models, World's smallest vision language model, o1 Pro Mode, Luma Photon, Largest Open-Source video model, Amazon Nova, PaliGemma 2, Fish Speech 1.5, LTX Video and more

AI Brews • 22 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Models Software Development Machine Learning Video Generation Open Source
  1. Google DeepMind has developed Genie 2, which creates interactive 3D environments from a single image. This a big step in making virtual experiences more engaging.
  2. Tencent's HunyuanVideo is now the largest open-source text-to-video model, surpassing previous models in quality. This can help content creators make better videos easily.
  3. Amazon has launched a new AI model series called Amazon Nova, aimed at improving AI's performance across various tasks. This will enhance capabilities for developers using Amazon's Cloud services.