The hottest AI Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics
Transhuman Axiology 39 implied HN points 11 Oct 24
  1. Aligned superintelligence can be created. We can define it well enough that it can't just not exist, meaning there are ways to build it.
  2. Modern AI can mimic human thinking tasks effectively. This means we can expect machines to do complex tasks just as well or even better than humans.
  3. AI alignment isn't just possible, but it might be easier than we think. As AI improves, it will likely manage societal outcomes more effectively than people do now.
Faster, Please! 456 implied HN points 07 Dec 24
  1. AI is changing research and development by making it faster and cheaper. It helps in designing products quickly and may even improve their performance significantly.
  2. Neuralink is working on a new study that allows people to control robotic arms using only their thoughts. This could really help those who have disabilities.
  3. A startup called Kairos Power is building safer nuclear reactors that use molten salt instead of water. This new technology aims to provide clean energy by 2030.
Not Boring by Packy McCormick 106 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. Sana Biotechnology has made a huge step by transplanting insulin-producing cells for diabetes patients without needing drugs to suppress the immune system. This could change diabetes treatment for the better.
  2. Recent research shows that even non-brain cells can have memory-like processes, suggesting that memory might not be exclusive to the brain. This could lead to new ways of treating diseases by training our body's cells.
  3. A new AI model called METAGENE-1 can analyze wastewater to detect pathogens and monitor health risks. This technology could help us better prepare for pandemics in the future.
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Year 2049 4 implied HN points 23 Feb 25
  1. Open-source AI means anyone can access and modify the software. This makes it easier for innovation and collaboration among developers.
  2. Using open-source AI has both benefits and drawbacks. It promotes transparency but can also lead to misuse of the technology.
  3. There are specific criteria that define what makes an AI truly open-source, ensuring it meets certain standards of accessibility and control.
Product Identity 753 implied HN points 03 Jul 24
  1. Smartphones were supposed to make our lives easier, but now they often feel overwhelming and unhelpful. Many people want to focus on simpler uses for their devices instead of getting caught up in unnecessary features.
  2. There's a trend of 'dumbification' where people are choosing less complicated devices and apps to reduce distractions. Instead of seeking out the latest tech, people want tools that help them focus and connect better.
  3. This movement might not be mainstream yet, but it's growing. Many are looking for ways to minimize their screen time and simplify their digital lives to find more balance.
From the New World 26 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. AI hardware has evolved significantly, from early specialized chips to powerful GPUs and TPUs. These advancements make training AI models much faster and more efficient.
  2. The design of algorithms, especially with transformers, has greatly improved AI's ability to understand and generate language. These models can now learn complex patterns that were hard to capture before.
  3. Building and maintaining large AI systems requires careful planning and practices. Companies need efficient workflows and monitoring systems to manage data, hardware, and software effectively.
Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence 244 implied HN points 26 Dec 24
  1. The traditional CV might become outdated as AI changes how candidates are matched with jobs. Instead, more creative and personalized profiles may take their place.
  2. Imagine a future where jobs aren't the focus anymore. Instead, people might find new ways to create value and purpose without the traditional job structure.
  3. AI will allow people to build their own digital workforce. This could change productivity and how we think about work by using AI to assist in tasks.
Good Better Best 3 implied HN points 14 Feb 25
  1. Monday.com has introduced an AI credit model that charges users based on successful tasks completed by AI. This encourages teams to try out AI features without fear of wasting credits.
  2. The AI features include automations, dynamic data processors, templates, and specialized assistant apps, all aimed at making workflows more efficient and productive.
  3. This credit-based pricing model allows for flexibility and predictability in costs, but can also add complexity that companies must manage.
Astral Codex Ten 2408 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. You can join weekly open threads to discuss anything or ask questions. It's a great way to interact with others.
  2. There are various events and conferences coming up that focus on AI and social skills, which you might find interesting.
  3. If you entered a book review contest, make sure to check if you've received your prize. Email if you think you missed out.
The Algorithmic Bridge 647 implied HN points 11 Nov 24
  1. AI companies are hitting limits with current models. Simply making AI bigger isn't creating better results like it used to.
  2. The upcoming models, like Orion, may not meet the high expectations set by previous versions. Users want more dramatic improvements and are getting frustrated.
  3. A new approach in AI may focus on real-time thinking, allowing models to give better answers by taking a bit more time, though this could test users' patience.
Data Science Weekly Newsletter 219 implied HN points 08 Aug 24
  1. Camera calibration is crucial in sports analysis. It helps track players' movements accurately by mapping video frame positions to real field locations.
  2. Understanding the context of data is important for responsible data work. Datasets need good documentation and stories to highlight their historical and social backgrounds.
  3. There's a new, free encyclopedia for learning about cognitive science. It offers easy-to-read articles on various topics for students and researchers.
Adjacent Possible 553 implied HN points 21 Nov 24
  1. A new AI feature can turn a whole book into a fun audio conversation, making learning more engaging. This feature has caught a lot of attention online and even received media coverage.
  2. The ability of the AI to handle large amounts of text—up to 1.5 million words—makes it much more useful for users, allowing for better, more detailed interactions.
  3. Long context models can help organizations make better decisions by recalling important documents and past experiences, adding a new kind of intelligence to team discussions.
Data Science Weekly Newsletter 139 implied HN points 22 Aug 24
  1. When building web applications, using Postgres for data storage is a good default choice. It's reliable and widely used.
  2. A new study shows that agents can learn useful skills without rewards or guidance. They can explore and develop abilities just from observing a goal.
  3. The list of important books and resources in Bayesian statistics is being compiled. It's a way to recognize influential ideas in this field.
Big Technology 4753 implied HN points 08 Mar 24
  1. Elon Musk's lawsuit against OpenAI revealed that the company's open promise was more of a ploy for recruitment than a true dedication to open-source.
  2. OpenAI's deal with Microsoft has created a situation where it must balance being close to AGI for profits while keeping its research proprietary, as Musk's lawsuit claims AGI has been reached.
  3. Musk's case against OpenAI showcases his concerns about Google's AI advancements and his efforts to shape the narrative around his relationship with OpenAI.
Faster, Please! 913 implied HN points 16 Oct 24
  1. Nuclear energy has remained a stable part of America's energy mix for decades, but the vision of it being the main power source faded after the 1970s. People once imagined a future where almost everything was powered by nuclear energy.
  2. Amazon is investing in new nuclear technology called small modular reactors. This move is aimed at meeting its growing energy needs, especially for its cloud services and to support its goal of being carbon neutral.
  3. The revival of nuclear energy could mean a shift in the way we think about power sources. Companies like Amazon are taking steps to explore innovative solutions to energy challenges.
DARK FUTURA 2869 implied HN points 17 Jan 24
  1. AI plays a significant role in tracking and manipulating consumer behaviors to maximize profits for corporations.
  2. The development of full-time AI agents as personal assistants is the next phase of AI innovation, focusing on handling daily tasks and expenditures.
  3. DARPA is exploring the development of human-presenting AI agents for influencing social and behavioral systems, indicating potential dangerous implications.
Interconnected 138 implied HN points 03 Jan 25
  1. DeepSeek-V3 is an AI model that is performing as well or better than other top models while costing much less to train. This means they're getting great results without spending a lot of money.
  2. The AI community is buzzing about DeepSeek's advancements, but there seems to be less excitement about it in China compared to outside countries. This might show a difference in how AI news is perceived globally.
  3. DeepSeek has a few unique advantages that set it apart from other AI labs. Understanding these can help clarify what their success means for the broader AI competition between the US and China.
SemiAnalysis 7475 implied HN points 16 Mar 24
  1. CXL technology was once thought to revolutionize data center hardware, but many projects have been shelved in favor of other advancements.
  2. CXL is not likely to be the go-to interconnect for AI applications due to limitations in availability and deeper issues in the era of accelerated computing.
  3. The main challenges with CXL include PCIe SerDes limitations, competition from proprietary protocols for AI clusters, and the need for improvements in chip design for bandwidth efficiency.
Fintech Radar 4 implied HN points 13 Feb 25
  1. Kraken has started a new crypto payments service, helping businesses accept digital currencies. This could revive interest in crypto payments, especially as the regulatory environment improves.
  2. Brazil's Pix payment system is expanding its features with recurring payments, potentially opening up a $30 billion opportunity. This makes Pix a stronger competitor against traditional payment networks.
  3. Bud launched an AI-powered search tool for financial transactions, helping banks better understand customer data. This could change how banks manage data and improve services like lending and fraud detection.
Big Technology 10258 implied HN points 11 Aug 23
  1. Artificial intelligence is used by companies to increase productivity without reducing jobs.
  2. There was a fear that many professions would be automated by AI, but it hasn't happened as quickly as expected.
  3. Individuals can access full articles on Big Technology with a 7-day free trial.
Democratizing Automation 404 implied HN points 21 Nov 24
  1. Tulu 3 introduces an open-source approach to post-training models, allowing anyone to improve large language models like Llama 3.1 and reach performance similar to advanced models like GPT-4.
  2. Recent advances in preference tuning and reinforcement learning help achieve better results with well-structured techniques and new synthetic datasets, making open post-training more effective.
  3. The development of these models is pushing the boundaries of what can be done in language model training, indicating a shift in focus towards more innovative training methods.
Jakob Nielsen on UX 40 implied HN points 08 Feb 25
  1. AI tools like OpenAI's Deep Research can make research tasks much faster and easier. This lets users get valuable insights quickly, which is great for decision making.
  2. Having AI ask follow-up questions before starting research helps users clarify their needs. This means the final output is more likely to match what they were actually looking for.
  3. Investing in AI tools for design teams can save money and improve work efficiency. It's cheaper than hiring extra help and helps teams stay updated with the best technology.
C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. 30 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. Crypto mining uses a lot of electricity and computing power, more than many realize. It may not be just about making money with cryptocurrency, but could also be benefiting big tech and military interests.
  2. There are concerns that mining is being used to fake advancements in AI, tricking people into thinking it's more advanced than it really is. This raises questions about the true purpose of energy and computing resources in the crypto space.
  3. Chinese tech has made a significant leap with an open-source AI tool called DeepSeek, which outperforms existing tech. This suggests that open-source projects could lead to better innovations compared to military-controlled or proprietary systems.
Mule’s Musings 372 implied HN points 21 Nov 24
  1. Nvidia's recent earnings report showed lighter-than-expected guidance, meaning some investors were disappointed but it also indicates the company is stabilizing as it grows larger.
  2. The focus is now on Nvidia's new product, Blackwell, which is expected to greatly impact revenue, and there's anticipation about how successful it will be as it ramps up.
  3. Networking sales have surprisingly dropped as a percentage of revenue, even though overall networking demand is still strong, raising questions about the reasons behind this change.
Marcus on AI 4703 implied HN points 17 Feb 24
  1. A chatbot provided false information and the company had to face the consequences, highlighting the potential risks of relying on chatbots for customer service.
  2. The judge held the company accountable for the chatbot's actions, challenging the common practice of blaming chatbots as separate legal entities.
  3. This incident could impact the future use of large language models in chatbots if companies are held responsible for the misinformation they provide.
peoplefirstengineering 7 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. AI is changing how we work, making some jobs easier and others riskier. Engineers will need to adapt to new tools that can boost their productivity and may even replace simpler tasks.
  2. For society to thrive with AI, we need to focus on developing skills that enhance human creativity and judgment. It’s important to promote environments that help people learn and grow alongside technology.
  3. As AI takes on more responsibilities, companies will benefit from creating workplaces that support both human and machine collaboration. Fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose will lead to better outcomes for everyone.
Platformer 4461 implied HN points 19 Sep 23
  1. Platformer has experienced significant growth in subscribers over the past year, thanks to various factors like talented staff, impactful stories, and the Substack recommendations engine.
  2. The broader tech media ecosystem is facing challenges with layoffs and diminishing vitality, prompting journalists to consider the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to independent journalism.
  3. Platformer's plans for the future include expanding the team with new hires, experimenting with newsletter ads, and potentially supporting independent journalism through investments or grants.
New World Same Humans 31 implied HN points 02 Feb 25
  1. AI is becoming more like electricity, meaning it will be everywhere and very useful for things like robots and smart devices. This will make intelligence widespread and accessible.
  2. On the other hand, AI is also like magic, creating amazing content and automating complex tasks that used to be just for humans. This aspect makes AI feel special and creative.
  3. The real money won't be in creating AI but in using it to deliver great experiences. Companies with lots of user data and reach, like Meta and Google, will likely benefit the most from this trend.
Data Science Weekly Newsletter 219 implied HN points 01 Aug 24
  1. Data science and AI are rapidly evolving fields with plenty of interesting developments. Staying updated with the latest articles and news can really help you understand these changes better.
  2. Effective communication is key in data science. Using intuitive methods and visuals can make complex concepts easier to grasp for everyone.
  3. Using tools and methods like quantization can help make large models more accessible. It's important to find efficient ways to work with vast amounts of data to improve performance.
The Lunduke Journal of Technology 574 implied HN points 21 Oct 24
  1. Debian Linux is facing controversy for allegedly not wanting straight white men involved. This has sparked debates about inclusivity in tech.
  2. Winamp's source code has been deleted, which raises concerns about software preservation and availability.
  3. There's a crazy idea about AI solving CAPTCHA using nuclear power, showing how advanced tech discussions can get.
The Grand Redesign 19 implied HN points 15 Oct 24
  1. We should not limit AI too much. Trying to control it too tightly can backfire and prevent it from being truly helpful and innovative.
  2. AI should be trained on the best human data, not just average or flawed examples. The quality of what we put into AI will shape how it helps us.
  3. AI development should be open and transparent. Working behind closed doors can lead to issues, while open collaboration allows for better improvements and wider benefits for everyone.
Artificial Ignorance 58 implied HN points 31 Jan 25
  1. DeepSeek is a new Chinese AI company making big waves in the tech world with its advanced models. Other companies are quickly trying to integrate or copy what DeepSeek has done.
  2. DeepSeek's rapid growth is causing worries for US AI firms, pushing them to seek more domestic investment and tighter regulations on foreign tech. This competition could change the landscape of the AI industry.
  3. There are concerns about DeepSeek's chatbot, which has a high failure rate on news prompts. Some companies are blocking it due to data leaks and privacy issues, raising alarms about user safety.
The Algorithmic Bridge 148 implied HN points 07 Jan 25
  1. ChatGPT Pro is losing money despite its high subscription cost. This shows that even popular AI tools can face financial troubles.
  2. Nvidia has introduced an expensive new AI supercomputer for individuals. This highlights the growing demand for advanced AI technology in personal computing.
  3. More artists are embracing AI-generated art, sparking discussions about creativity and technology. This signals a shift in how art is produced and appreciated.