The hottest AI Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

What would a $2,000-a-month ChatGPT look like?

Enterprise AI Trends โ€ข 168 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Pricing Enterprise Markets
  1. The future of AI will see two main pricing categories: low-end for general users and high-end for specialized, enterprise-focused users. There's not much room in the middle.
  2. High-end AI products will need to be built on strong industry knowledge and proprietary data to be successful. This means startups might struggle to compete.
  3. AI companies can charge a lot because their products provide immense value in competitive fields, where even a small advantage can lead to big profits.

#2: Search continues for someone with an opinion on AI

12challenges โ€ข 171 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Startups Digital Culture Innovation
  1. There's a lot of chatter around AI, and it can feel overwhelming with so many opinions coming from everywhere. Not everyone can be right, and sometimes itโ€™s nice to take a step back.
  2. The writer is working on making their tech publication more engaging, including designing a cool interactive button that enhances the reader experience. Adding fun elements can make a project feel exciting.
  3. Getting back into the habit of writing and sharing can be challenging, but it's important to push through and not aim for perfection. Staying persistent is key to finding your audience.

Breaking news: AGI is not imminent!

Marcus on AI โ€ข 4466 implied HN points โ€ข 20 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Digital Trends
  1. Many people believe AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is coming soon, but that might not be true. It's important to stay cautious and not believe everything we hear about upcoming technology.
  2. Sam Altman, a well-known figure in AI, suggested we're close to achieving AGI, but he later changed his statement. This shows that predictions in technology can quickly change.
  3. Experts like Gary Marcus are confident that AGI won't arrive as soon as 2025. They think we still have a long way to go before we reach that level of intelligence in machines.

The Engine

The Chip Letter โ€ข 8299 implied HN points โ€ข 05 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Computing Literature History Innovation
  1. Jonathan Swift's 'Engine' in Gulliver's Travels resembles a modern language model, using a setup to create phrases like today's AI would. It's an early version of computing that predicts how machines can generate language.
  2. The 'Engine' is set up to show how books can be made easier to create. It suggests that anyone could write on complex topics, even without talent, a concept similar to how AI helps people produce text now.
  3. Swift's work critiques the idea of replacing human creativity with machines. It humorously shows that while technology can produce text, true creativity still involves deeper human thought.

The state of B2B monetization in 2025

Kyle Poyarโ€™s Growth Unhinged โ€ข 520 implied HN points โ€ข 04 Jun 25
๐Ÿ’ผ Business Software Pricing Subscription SaaS AI
  1. Traditional pricing models like flat-rate and seat-based are losing popularity. Companies are now favoring hybrid pricing to better match value and costs.
  2. Hybrid pricing is becoming the go-to choice for software companies, providing flexibility and a better upselling opportunity while keeping it simple for customers.
  3. Outcome-based pricing is highly desired but rarely adopted because it's complicated. Most companies struggle with measuring and ensuring consistent results for customers.
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DeepSeek's Secret to Success

ChinaTalk โ€ข 1615 implied HN points โ€ข 30 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Innovation Labor relations Corporate Governance Entrepreneurship
  1. DeepSeek's success is due to its flat management style, which allows employees more freedom and collaboration compared to the typical rigid structure of Chinese tech firms. This supportive culture fosters creativity and innovation.
  2. Unlike many tech companies in China, DeepSeek was not funded by the government or large corporations. It was self-funded by a former hedge fund manager, allowing it to operate independently and avoid typical pressures.
  3. DeepSeek's hiring approach focuses on young talent, valuing passion and fresh ideas over years of experience. This strategy has helped the company innovate rapidly and challenge larger competitors.

While the West Hesitates China Marches Forward

The Algorithmic Bridge โ€ข 637 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Innovation Government Data Globalization
  1. China is rapidly adopting AI technology, using systems like DeepSeek across government operations to improve efficiency and decision-making. This shows their proactive approach to embracing innovation.
  2. DeepSeek has emerged as a competitive AI model that rivals established Western technologies, highlighting China's growing capabilities in the tech sector. China is focused on getting results, not just discussing ideas.
  3. The cultural mindset in China emphasizes efficiency and action, contrasting with the West's tendency to debate and regulate rather than implement. This difference in attitude could impact global technological leadership.

A note on Unreported Truths and AI-written stories

Unreported Truths โ€ข 40 implied HN points โ€ข 12 Jun 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Content creation Social media Digital marketing Email Marketing
  1. Some writers use AI to create many posts quickly, which can spam your inbox. This is seen as a bad shift in how content is created.
  2. Real engagement comes from genuine writing. The writer promises to share meaningful content without relying on AI or spammy tactics.
  3. The writer values the community built around their work and encourages everyone to support it by subscribing, ensuring quality over quantity.

How Super Apps & Platforms Are Turning AI On Its Head

High ROI Data Science โ€ข 79 implied HN points โ€ข 30 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Platforms Apps Business Models Consumer behavior
  1. Super apps in Asia grow by offering many services to a smaller customer base, unlike Big Tech that focuses on single services for many users. This helps them cater better to local needs.
  2. The advantages of super apps include faster product development, lower costs for data collection, and a unique competitive edge through exclusive data. They can quickly adapt to market changes too.
  3. Wrtn, a South Korean startup, shows how a super app can combine multiple AI services into one platform. This model offers better value to users and keeps them engaged with ads instead of multiple expensive subscriptions.

An Interview with Stratechery; A New Start

The Asianometry Newsletter โ€ข 2707 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology Semiconductors YouTube AI Manufacturing Asia
  1. The Asianometry Newsletter is now part of the Stratechery Plus bundle, so subscribers will have access to exclusive content like transcripts and audio feeds.
  2. Jon Yu, the creator of Asianometry, started his YouTube channel as a way to share his experiences in Asia, which has now evolved into a focus on technology and semiconductors.
  3. The semiconductor industry is complex and involves tightly-knit supplier relationships, with companies collaborating on process development while maintaining competition.

Thoughts on Lex Fridman's interview with Marc Andreessen

Machine Learning Everything โ€ข 1379 implied HN points โ€ข 29 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Interviews Immigration Social Issues
  1. Marc Andreessen discusses the H1B visa system and its flaws, pointing out that it benefits large tech companies while startups struggle to access this talent. He believes attracting foreign talent is great, but the system is being misused.
  2. He critiques the current education system for diluting academic standards, which affects the identification of talented American students. Andreessen suggests that the changes made to standardized testing like the SAT have made it easier to achieve high scores without necessarily indicating real talent.
  3. Andreessen connects the rise of identity politics to a form of ancestor worship, criticizing modern societal structures that focus on identity over personal merit. He believes that this could lead to divisive outcomes and lacks a sense of redemption.

No More Forms to Fill Out

In My Tribe โ€ข 318 implied HN points โ€ข 08 Jun 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Education Communication Innovation
  1. Filling out forms is a common part of life, but it often feels outdated. Instead of forms, we could use conversations with AI to make communication easier.
  2. Using AI like Claude, teachers can upload their syllabi and have an interactive conversation to turn their ideas into structured course content. This way, the process becomes more collaborative and flexible.
  3. This new method allows for ongoing adjustments and real-time feedback, leading to a stronger connection between the content and the user's needs. It's not just about filling out information, but working together to create something meaningful.

Was Zuck Right about Chinese AI Models?

Interconnected โ€ข 4751 implied HN points โ€ข 13 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Cloud Computing Data Privacy Censorship Global Competition
  1. Chinese AI models can answer sensitive questions when run locally, but they often censor answers in cloud settings. This shows a difference in behavior based on where the models are hosted.
  2. Censorship in AI models is more about the cloud platforms than the models themselves. This poses challenges for Chinese cloud providers wanting to compete internationally.
  3. Even though some see Chinese AI as censored, it can still be powerful and competitive. Users may prefer to download and run these models locally to avoid censorship and make the most of their capabilities.

Building a "Vertical Agent"

The Security Industry โ€ข 13 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Security SaaS Data
  1. Vertical agents are a new trend gaining interest for their potential impact in various fields. They utilize specialized AI to cater to specific industries or tasks.
  2. AI tools like HarvestIQ.ai can assist organizations in managing their security tools and processes. They can streamline research and decision-making by providing quick insights and analysis.
  3. The future may see AI agents that fully understand an organization's needs. These agents could help businesses choose the right tools and maintain compliance more effectively.

AGI versus โ€œbroad, shallow intelligenceโ€

Marcus on AI โ€ข 5019 implied HN points โ€ข 13 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Intelligence Robotics Data science
  1. We haven't reached Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) yet. People can still easily come up with problems that AI systems can't solve without training.
  2. Current AI systems, like large language models, are broad but not deep in understanding. They might seem smart, but they can make silly mistakes and often don't truly grasp the concepts they discuss.
  3. It's important to keep working on AI that isn't just broad and shallow. We need smarter systems that can reliably understand and solve different problems.

AI Agents: Hype versus Reality, redux

Marcus on AI โ€ข 4545 implied HN points โ€ข 15 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Innovation Data science
  1. AI agents are getting a lot of attention right now, but they still aren't reliable. Most of what we see this year are just demos that don't work well in real life.
  2. In the long run, we might have powerful AI agents doing many jobs, but that won't happen for a while. For now, we need to be careful about the hype.
  3. To build truly helpful AI agents, we need to solve big challenges like common sense and reasoning. If those issues aren't fixed, the agents will continue to give strange or wrong results.

Anthropic's Dario Amodei on AI Competition

ChinaTalk โ€ข 681 implied HN points โ€ข 05 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Competition Innovation Export Controls International relations
  1. The competition in AI between the US and China is becoming more intense, with new players like DeepSeek entering the market. Each country needs to stay ahead to maintain power and safety.
  2. Export controls are important for managing technology sharing and preventing potential misuse of AI by authoritarian regimes. This helps keep a balance while still allowing beneficial uses of AI.
  3. AI has the potential to support democracy and create fairer systems, but it's important to ensure safety and responsible use. The focus should be on how technology is used rather than just who creates it.

Introducing RunLLM: The first AI Support Engineer

Generating Conversation โ€ข 163 implied HN points โ€ข 24 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Product Development Customer Support Productivity
  1. RunLLM is an AI designed to help support teams by managing technical questions and documentation, making the process easier for both support staff and customers.
  2. One challenge for support teams is that technical products often create complex questions that can overwhelm them. RunLLM helps lighten that load by providing quick and accurate answers.
  3. Instead of just answering questions, RunLLM engages with users, helping to boost their confidence in seeking help and improving overall customer satisfaction.

โ€œLLMs amplify existing security risks and introduce new onesโ€

Marcus on AI โ€ข 3952 implied HN points โ€ข 16 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Security Ethics Society Innovation
  1. Large Language Models (LLMs) may increase security problems that already exist and also create new ones. It's important to be cautious as technology evolves.
  2. Keeping AI systems safe is an ongoing task that can never fully be completed. Security needs constant attention as risks change.
  3. Relying heavily on AI in everyday life could lead to serious problems. It's essential to consider the potential dangers before implementing AI widely.

DeepSeek: A Tragedy Foretold?

ChinaTalk โ€ข 1141 implied HN points โ€ข 31 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Open Source Innovation China tech Regulations
  1. DeepSeek is an open-source AI project in China that allows developers to use and build on its models for free. This supports the idea of sharing knowledge and innovation globally.
  2. Many Chinese tech leaders prefer closed-source models because they see open-source as less profitable. They believe itโ€™s often not worth the investment when considering the costs involved.
  3. The Chinese government supports open-source initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign software, but there are concerns about how powerful AI could be regulated to ensure safety and control.

Evo 2 Can Design Entire Genomes

Asimov Press โ€ข 490 implied HN points โ€ข 19 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Biotechnology Genomics Computing Research
  1. Evo 2 is a powerful AI model that can design entire genomes and predict harmful genetic mutations quickly. It can help scientists understand genetics better and improve genetic engineering.
  2. Unlike earlier models, Evo 2 can analyze large genetic sequences and understand their relationships, making it easier to see how genes interact in living organisms.
  3. While Evo 2 offers exciting possibilities for bioengineering, there are also concerns about its potential misuse. It's important to handle such powerful technology responsibly to avoid harmful applications.

The End of Search, The Beginning of Research

One Useful Thing โ€ข 2047 implied HN points โ€ข 03 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Research Software Innovation Automation
  1. New AI Reasoners can think better and solve tougher problems by producing thinking steps before answering. This makes them more effective than earlier chatbots.
  2. AI agents are being developed to autonomously pursue goals, but they currently face limitations when tackling complex tasks. They show promise with narrow, task-specific applications.
  3. OpenAI's Deep Research represents how specialized AI can work like a human researcher by engaging deeply with academic topics, paving the way for significant advancements in research efficiency.

Google and Stage Two of the AI Boom

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future โ€ข 39 implied HN points โ€ข 30 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Cloud Computing Data Business
  1. Nvidia's rise marked the start of the AI boom, with companies heavily buying chips for AI tools. This growth continues, and Nvidia is now a leading company.
  2. Google's cloud revenue is growing quickly at 35%, while overall revenue growth is slower at 15%. This shows strong demand for AI services from Google.
  3. Despite revenue growth, Google's search revenue isn't doing as well, rising only 12%. This could mean they are losing some of their search market share.

Why reasoning models will generalize

Democratizing Automation โ€ข 1504 implied HN points โ€ข 28 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Natural Language Processing Computing
  1. Reasoning models are designed to break down complex problems into smaller steps, helping them solve tasks more accurately, especially in coding and math. This approach makes it easier for the models to manage difficult questions.
  2. As reasoning models develop, they show promise in various areas beyond their initial focus, including creative tasks and safety-related situations. This flexibility allows them to perform better in a wider range of applications.
  3. Future reasoning models will likely not be perfect for every task but will improve over time. Users may pay more for models that deliver better performance, making them more valuable in many sectors.

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Marcus on AI โ€ข 8378 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Data Research Innovation
  1. Many experts feel that the recent test called ARC-AGI should not have been labeled as such. It wasn't a proper test for Artificial General Intelligence.
  2. The presentation was confusing and didn't clearly show what the AI was tested on. This left people with the impression that the AI performed better than it actually did.
  3. There's a need for more scientific scrutiny of the results. Until we get that, we can't really compare the AI's performance fairly with humans.

Dario Amodei + DeepSeekโ€™s New Burdens

ChinaTalk โ€ข 518 implied HN points โ€ข 06 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Geopolitics Business Models Government Relations
  1. DeepSeek is facing challenges in managing corporate partnerships while maintaining its research-focused culture. They might have to balance getting support from big tech companies with staying true to their values.
  2. As DeepSeek becomes more popular, it risks losing its talented employees to other companies offering better pay. This could change the company's culture and innovation approach.
  3. If DeepSeek forms closer ties with the Chinese government, they could get funding and resources, but it may come with scrutiny and reduced independence. They need to navigate these relationships carefully.

Seven Predictions for Tech in 2025

Big Technology โ€ข 7380 implied HN points โ€ข 20 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Social media Startups Trends Innovation
  1. Some companies might decide that generative AI isn't right for them, leading to at least one big name publicly quitting it in 2025. It's important for businesses to find what works for them.
  2. Social media may start feeling less relevant as platforms focus less on real news and engage more with content they think will grab our attention. This shift could make important global events seem distant.
  3. Brain-computer interface technology could gain more attention in 2025 as it continues to develop, possibly helping people with disabilities. This could spark new conversations around its potential benefits.

This Rumor About GPT-5 Changes Everything

The Algorithmic Bridge โ€ข 4788 implied HN points โ€ข 16 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Software Development Data science Tech industry
  1. There's a belief that GPT-5 might already exist but isn't being released to the public. The idea is that OpenAI may be using it internally because it's more valuable that way.
  2. AI labs are focusing on creating smaller and cheaper models that still perform well. This new approach aims to reduce costs while improving efficiency, which is crucial given the rising demand for AI.
  3. The situation is similar across major AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic, with many facing challenges in producing new models. Instead, they might be opting to train powerful models internally and use them to enhance smaller models for public use.

AGI isnโ€™t coming in 2025, and GPT-5 probably isnโ€™t either.

Marcus on AI โ€ข 4189 implied HN points โ€ข 09 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Computing Data science Machine Learning Software
  1. AGI, or artificial general intelligence, is not expected to be developed by 2025. This means that machines won't be as smart as humans anytime soon.
  2. The release of GPT-5, a new AI model, is also uncertain. Even experts aren't sure if it will be out this year.
  3. There is a trend of people making overly optimistic predictions about AI. It's important to be realistic about what technology can achieve right now.

Sam Altmanโ€™s GPT5 Tweet: Line by Line Analysis

Enterprise AI Trends โ€ข 295 implied HN points โ€ข 14 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Product Business Innovation Market
  1. GPT-5 will simplify how users interact with AI by combining different models into one. This means users wonโ€™t need to learn about what each model does, making it easier for everyone to use.
  2. There will be different levels of intelligence that users can access by paying more. This 'pay-for-sophistication' model allows users to get better answers while also helping OpenAI make more money.
  3. GPT-5 will act like a smart assistant that decides how to process user requests. This means better performance and less complexity for developers, as the AI will automatically choose the best way to respond.

Marissa Mayer: I Am a Software Girl

Magic + Loss โ€ข 238 implied HN points โ€ข 23 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Entrepreneurship Women in Tech
  1. Marissa Mayer sees AI as a bright and helpful force in our lives, rather than something dangerous or negative. She believes it can enhance family and social experiences.
  2. She has a strong opinion against feminism, feeling it is too militant and not focused on merit. She thinks being a geek is more important than gender roles.
  3. Mayer enjoys various topics like fashion and art, showing that she has a diverse range of interests outside her tech career.

You canโ€™t build a moat with AI (redux)

Generating Conversation โ€ข 256 implied HN points โ€ข 20 Feb 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Applications Data User Experience
  1. Using AI like LLMs isn't unique anymore. Just having AI in your product doesn't really set it apart from competitors.
  2. To really stand out, focus on making a great user experience and integrating your product into how users already work. This makes your tool more valuable and hard to replace.
  3. Data is crucial for AI. It's not just about having lots of data; it's about using it smartly over time to improve your product and understand your users better.

o3, AGI, the art of the demo, and what you can expect in 2025

Marcus on AI โ€ข 6481 implied HN points โ€ข 21 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Ethics Research Economics
  1. OpenAI's new model, o3, was shown in a demo, but we can't be sure yet if it truly represents advanced AI or AGI. The demo only highlighted what OpenAI wanted to show and didn't allow public testing.
  2. The cost of using o3 is really high, potentially making it impractical compared to human workers. Even if it gets cheaper, there are concerns about how effective it would be across different tasks.
  3. Many claims about reaching AGI might pop up in 2025, but those claims need to be taken with caution. True advances in AI should involve solving more foundational problems rather than just impressive demos.

Which AI to Use Now: An Updated Opinionated Guide

One Useful Thing โ€ข 2229 implied HN points โ€ข 26 Jan 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Data Models Applications
  1. When choosing an AI, consider using a paid version for better features. Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT are the top choices right now.
  2. New AI advances include live interaction and reasoning capabilities. This helps AIs understand and respond more naturally, making them feel more human.
  3. Privacy is now better handled by major AI models, and you can customize them for your specific needs. Explore different AIs to find one that fits your style.

Generative AIโ€™s Continuing Copyright Problems, an Essay in Memory of Suchir Balaji, 1998 - 2024

Marcus on AI โ€ข 7035 implied HN points โ€ข 14 Dec 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Copyright Ethics Legal issues Innovation
  1. Generative AI is raising big questions about copyright. Many people are unsure if the way it uses data counts as fair use under copyright laws.
  2. There have been cases where outputs from AI models were very similar to copyrighted material. This has led to lawsuits, showing that the issue isn't going away.
  3. Speaking out against big tech companies can be risky. There needs to be more protection for those who voice concerns about copyright and other serious issues.

Last Week in AI #292 - Meta's AI Artifacts, Perplexity's billions, xAI API launch

Last Week in AI โ€ข 238 implied HN points โ€ข 22 Oct 24
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Machine Learning Research Startups Innovation
  1. Meta's AI research team released eight new tools and models to help advance AI technology. This includes new language models and tools for faster processing.
  2. Perplexity AI is seeking a $9 billion valuation as it continues to grow in the AI search market, despite facing some plagiarism accusations from major media outlets.
  3. Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, launched an API for its generative AI model Grok, allowing developers to connect it with external tools like databases and search engines.

Open Thread 382

Astral Codex Ten โ€ข 1170 implied HN points โ€ข 19 May 25
๐Ÿ•น Technology AI Software Innovation Startups Research
  1. There are meetups happening this week in Oxford, Shanghai, and Austin where people can connect and share ideas.
  2. A few fellowships are available for those interested in AI safety and reasoning, with opportunities to work and collaborate in the Bay Area.
  3. Grants are being offered for projects that explore how AI can support open inquiry, encouraging creative and innovative approaches.