The hottest AI Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

Can we already grasp the rough outlines of these coming forms, capable of threatening the joys of marketing?

Internal exile • 78 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Consumerism Marketing Automation Society
  1. AI agents are being marketed as helpers that take care of tasks for us, but they might actually make our lives more complicated and alienate us from real experiences.
  2. The way AI is being portrayed in ads can show a future where human agency is diminished, with technology making decisions for us instead of us making our own choices.
  3. Convenience can lead to a loss of personal will and the ability to make decisions, making it seem easier to let machines dictate our lives rather than engage with them ourselves.

How Has the Internet Changed Since Tyler Cowen Started Using it?

Default Wisdom • 140 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Internet AI Social media Blogging Communication
  1. The internet has changed a lot since the early days, with tools like email and blogging becoming significant for communication and sharing information.
  2. Social media platforms like Twitter have transformed how people engage online, creating new dynamics in communication.
  3. AI developments, especially with tools like GPT-4, are revolutionizing how we access and organize information, making it an exciting time for tech enthusiasts.

AI Geopolitics in the Age of Test-Time Compute w Chris Miller + Lennart Heim

ChinaTalk • 385 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Export Controls International relations Innovation
  1. Export controls on AI technology don't stop progress immediately, but they affect long-term access to necessary chips. Countries can still access older tech, keeping them competitive for a while.
  2. AI models require more compute power as they get better. This means countries need to invest substantially to support advanced AI systems, as even small changes in processing time can increase resource demands significantly.
  3. U.S. cloud providers might help monitor how AI chips are used abroad, which could both protect U.S. interests and promote responsible AI development. This strategy could help balance control with innovation.

Google Becomes AT&T

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Google Search Infrastructure Monopoly
  1. Google is struggling with its search service, similar to how AT&T failed in the past. They are facing a lot of pressure from new AI technologies.
  2. The company is spending a huge amount of money to fix its issues but still losing ground to competitors. This is making it hard to maintain their position in the search market.
  3. There's a call for government intervention to save the internet and possibly break up Google, as many believe the current setup is damaging and not serving users well.

Postgres in a box

benn.substack • 920 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Databases Cloud Computing Software AI Data Management
  1. Software has changed from being sold in boxes in stores to being bought as subscriptions online. This makes it easier and cheaper for businesses to manage.
  2. The new trend is separating storage from computing in databases. This lets companies save money by only paying for the data they actually use and the calculations they perform.
  3. There's a push towards making data from different sources easily accessible, so you can use various tools without being trapped in one system. This could streamline how businesses work with their data.
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Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Dec 8 - Dec 21, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 574 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Open Source AI Legal issues Industry Trends
  1. The Linux Foundation is cutting its spending, which is a big change for the organization. This could impact their projects and overall support for Linux.
  2. There are several discrimination lawsuits involving major companies like IBM, Red Hat, and Mozilla. These legal battles could lead to significant changes in how these companies operate.
  3. ChatGPT cannot mention a specific name, which raises questions about content moderation and restrictions. This situation is quite unusual and highlights issues with AI usage.

We’re entering a golden age of engineering biology

Noahpinion • 16647 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🔬 Science Biology AI Genetics Automation Medicine
  1. The advancements in deep learning, cost-effective data collection through lab automation, and precision DNA editing with technologies like CRISPR are converging to transform biology from a scientific field to an engineering discipline.
  2. Historically, biology has been challenging due to its immense complexity, requiring costly trial-and-error experiments. However, with current advancements, we are now at a critical point where predictability and engineering in biological systems are becoming a reality.
  3. The decreasing cost of DNA sequencing, breakthroughs in deep learning models for biology, sophisticated lab automation, and precise genetic editing tools like CRISPR are paving the way for a revolutionary era in engineering biology, with vast potential in healthcare, agriculture, and industry.

Pitch Deck GPT 🤖📑

The VC Corner • 699 implied HN points • 07 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Startups Development Innovation
  1. You can easily build your own AI tools using the GPT Builder from OpenAI. It's all about giving the right instructions and making it work for your needs.
  2. For more advanced users, the Assistant API allows you to create more complex applications. You can integrate AI into your own website or product, making it a virtual assistant.
  3. Creating a pitch deck can be simplified by using these AI tools. They help you organize your ideas and make your presentation more effective.

Last week at The Lunduke Journal (Nov 10 - Nov 23, 2024)

The Lunduke Journal of Technology • 1148 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Hardware Development AI Internet
  1. Mozilla's Firefox is running out of money, with just nine months of funds left. This raises concerns about its future as a popular web browser.
  2. The Linux community is facing chaos as its Code of Conduct Board blocks essential file system changes. This conflict highlights issues within the community's governance.
  3. Red Hat is shifting focus from Linux to artificial intelligence, suggesting a major change in their business strategy and the future of open-source operating systems.

DeepSeek: Frequently Asked Questions

Artificial Ignorance • 243 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Data Research
  1. DeepSeek is a new AI company that has made a big impact by focusing on research instead of just selling products. It started quietly but became popular with its recent models that work well and are cheaper than competitors.
  2. Their latest products, DeepSeek V3 and R1, perform similarly to big names like ChatGPT but at much lower prices, making AI more accessible. People can even use their chatbot for free on their website.
  3. DeepSeek's success has raised questions about the future of AI development, suggesting that state-of-the-art systems can be built without spending billions. This shift in the industry has attracted significant attention and worry from major tech companies.

Good Enough AI

Teaching computers how to talk • 131 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Models Open Source Consumer Tech
  1. A new AI model called DeepSeek shows that we can create powerful tools without spending too much money. This could change how we think about making AI.
  2. The average person might not notice a big difference between high-end and cheaper AI models. Many consumers just want something that works well and is affordable.
  3. The AI industry might become more competitive and focused on meeting everyday needs instead of creating super advanced technology. This means consumers may benefit more while companies earn less.

DeepSeek, o3, and AI applications

Generating Conversation • 116 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Applications Models Innovation Competition
  1. DeepSeek R1 is a strong AI model that has impressed the industry, but life goes on, and the world hasn't changed drastically because of it. More good models out there mean better choices for those building AI applications.
  2. Competition is heating up in the AI space. Other companies, like OpenAI, are responding by releasing new models quickly to keep up with emerging players like DeepSeek.
  3. The trend of making AI models more affordable is continuing. This can help more people and businesses use AI, solving new problems that weren’t possible before.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #28

Faster, Please! • 1005 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Space Data Communication
  1. New chips using fiber optics can transfer data way faster, which may cut down AI training times and save energy. This could really speed up tech advancements.
  2. Businesses are finding out that human skills are still important when using AI tools. People are getting new jobs related to organizing data so AIs can work better.
  3. SpaceX is becoming super important for US defense technology. Its innovations may give the US an advantage over rivals like China in military capabilities.

AI #89: Trump Card

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1881 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Policy Innovation Regulation Infrastructure
  1. Trump's potential return to office could change AI policy significantly. He plans to revoke existing regulations but may not have a clear replacement, which could impact the tech landscape.
  2. Language models are becoming more important in everyday tasks, but they also face challenges. While they improve productivity, they can also lead to decreased job satisfaction for users.
  3. There is growing concern about AI's influence on politics and decision-making. Studies show that AI models can affect voters' opinions, highlighting the need for caution in how they are used.

How novelty effects and Dopamine Culture rule the tech industry

@andrewchen • 3215 implied HN points • 06 May 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Product Management Tech industry AI Mobile Apps
  1. Offline experiences take more intent and time, while online experiences are convenient but ephemeral.
  2. Tech products need to provide value quickly to retain users in a dopamine-driven culture.
  3. The culture of product management in tech is geared towards constant incremental progress to meet short-term goals.

The First Hit Generative AI Product After ChatGPT? Somehow, It’s Snapchat+

Big Technology • 17388 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Social media Generative AI Subscription Messaging
  1. Snapchat+ is a popular AI-powered subscription service with generative AI features.
  2. The success of Snapchat+ shows that generative AI may be best as a feature within existing apps rather than standalone products.
  3. Generative AI technology is being utilized to enhance user experiences and could be a new revenue stream for companies.

End of an Era

Castalia • 1139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software AI Computing Innovation Digital Culture
  1. We might be at the end of the 'Software Era' because many tech companies feel stuck and aren't coming up with new ideas. People are noticing that apps and technologies often prioritize ads over user experience.
  2. In past decades, society shifted from valuing collective worker identity to focusing more on individuals. This change brought about personal computing, but it also resulted in fewer job opportunities compared to earlier industrial times.
  3. AI could replace many white-collar jobs, but it clashes with people's desire for individuality. While tech like the Metaverse offers potential growth, it may reshape our identities into something more complex and multiple.

Something weird is happening with LLMs and chess

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 1515 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI LLMs Chess Gaming Research
  1. Large language models (LLMs) can somewhat play chess, but they struggle after the opening moves. They were not specifically designed for chess, yet they can manage to play using their text training.
  2. The performance of different language models varies significantly when playing chess. Some models like 'gpt-3.5-turbo-instruct' excel at it, while others perform very poorly.
  3. It seems that focusing on instruction tuning can make LLMs worse at chess, suggesting that training style impacts their ability to play games effectively.

DeepSeek isn't a victory for the AI sceptics

Odds and Ends of History • 2345 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Industry Market Trends
  1. DeepSeek, a new AI model from China, is much more efficient than existing models, meaning it can do more with less resources. This could lead to more widespread use of AI technology.
  2. Even if this new model appears better, it doesn't mean demand for computing power will decrease. Instead, it might increase as more uses for AI are discovered.
  3. The release of DeepSeek highlights the growing competition in AI technology, especially between China and the West. This might push companies to invest more in developing even smarter models.

Two years of Artificial Ignorance

Artificial Ignorance • 92 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Writing Substack Social media Content creation
  1. Consistency in publishing is key. Writing regularly helps build your voice and keeps your audience engaged.
  2. Feedback from readers is really important. It's tough to improve without knowing what your audience enjoys or wants.
  3. Trying new things is a part of the journey. Some experiments, like podcasts or workshops, might not go as planned, but they teach valuable lessons for the future.

Why Obsessing Over AI Today Blinds Us to the Bigger Picture

The Algorithmic Bridge • 445 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Automation Society History
  1. The way we view technology today often makes us forget how amazing our current advancements are. We take for granted the comforts and conveniences of modern life that our ancestors could only dream of.
  2. People tend to resist new technology because it's unfamiliar or unsettling. Over time, however, we usually come to appreciate these innovations as part of our everyday lives.
  3. Understanding AI and its implications is complicated and ever-changing. We may not find clear answers today, but it’s important to embrace the ongoing evolution and the new challenges it brings.

Q&A With Marvell CEO Matt Murphy

More Than Moore • 303 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Semiconductors Software AI Data Centers
  1. Marvell is focusing on custom chip design to meet the growing demand from large tech companies, helping them create tailored solutions without needing extensive in-house resources. This trend is important for optimizing performance and costs in data centers.
  2. The company recently announced a new high-performance memory interface called HBM, which is in high demand for advanced computing. They are offering innovative designs to enhance speed and reduce power usage.
  3. Marvell sees significant growth opportunities in the AI sector, believing there are still many product cycles ahead. They are committed to investing in R&D to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving market.

What if AI eventually makes programmers smarter, not dumber?

Bite code! • 1467 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Programming Software Development Automation
  1. AI can help programmers by reducing the amount of typing they do. This means they can focus more on solving problems instead of just writing code.
  2. As programmers use AI tools more, they might become better at understanding and defining problems instead of just following strict coding rules.
  3. In the long run, AI could make the whole community of developers smarter. It will lower the barrier for entry to coding and help people learn more about the real issues we need to solve.

Turns out a lot of Unreported Truths readers have been thinking a lot about AI

Unreported Truths • 29 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Economics Global Security Automation
  1. Many people believe AI will change our jobs and lives in the near future. A recent poll showed that 70% think it's likely.
  2. There are different kinds of risks from AI. One big worry is that AI could become aware and act against humans, while another concern is how nations might use AI in warfare.
  3. AI is already starting to disrupt white-collar jobs. Some people think this could lead to big changes in the workforce, similar to past industrial shifts.

Do Founders Ever Take a Vacation?🌴,AI and Longevity🤖, Venture Trends Q2 2024📊

The VC Corner • 579 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
💼 Business Startups Venture Capital Technology Trends AI
  1. Many founders struggle to take vacations due to their busy schedules. Taking time off is often seen as a luxury rather than a necessity.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is playing a big role in improving health and longevity. People are excited about how AI can help us live longer and healthier lives.
  3. Venture capital trends are shifting, and investors are looking for new opportunities. It's important for startups to stay aware of these changes to attract funding.

What are the implications for startups in a post-DeepSeek world?

Entry Level Investing • 117 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing AI Market Trends Technology
  1. Big tech companies are best at pushing AI technology forward because they have the resources. Startups may struggle to compete in this area.
  2. Selling AI models alone isn't a good business strategy anymore. Prices are dropping due to easier replication by other companies.
  3. There's a huge opportunity to build AI applications right now. With better models available, startups can create innovative products that solve real problems for customers.

What happens if you pause growth, invest in AI, and relaunch?

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
💼 Business Startups Investing Technology AI Economics
  1. Pausing growth to focus on AI development can lead to better products. It allows companies to refine what they offer before trying to grow again.
  2. Investing in creators is becoming a smart business strategy. It helps creators monetize their content while making sure that the investors benefit when creators succeed.
  3. The market is seeing new technology, especially in AI and quantum computing. Companies like Crunchbase are innovating to stay relevant and competitive.

($) Stargate is America’s Sovereign AI

Interconnected • 138 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Data Security Automation
  1. Stargate is seen as a key AI technology for America, focusing on improving national capabilities. It aims to make the U.S. more self-sufficient in AI development.
  2. The project emphasizes the importance of sovereign technology, meaning that the U.S. can control and utilize its own AI resources without relying heavily on foreign technologies.
  3. Community support and subscriptions play a crucial role in sharing insights about such technologies, encouraging more people to get involved and informed.

Mocking OpenAI - Unit testing in the age of LLMs (Part One)

Laszlo’s Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Programming Development Testing
  1. Unit tests are still important even with LLMs. They help ensure your code behaves as expected, even when using unpredictable AI tools.
  2. Mocking is needed to effectively test code that relies on LLMs. Instead of calling the actual AI, you create a 'fake' version that simulates its behavior.
  3. Using libraries like 'respx' can simplify mocking in your tests, and it's essential to handle things like retry logic carefully to keep tests fast.

Chinese AI is crushing tech stocks

Alex's Personal Blog • 197 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Stocks China Market Trends Competitiveness
  1. Chinese AI models are affecting American tech stocks negatively, causing major declines in companies like Nvidia and Microsoft. This raises questions about how competitive American AI firms really are.
  2. The large amounts of money American tech companies are spending on AI hardware might be wasted since Chinese models like DeepSeek can do similar work with less investment.
  3. There are some positives, like the potential for learning from DeepSeek's open-source models, and the company is limited by government rules, which helps maintain competition.

A Moment of Disbelief

The Last Bear Standing • 45 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Research Innovation Market Trends
  1. Deepseek has developed new AI models that are very effective and cost much less than competitors. This shows that you can create powerful AI without needing huge resources.
  2. The way AI models are built might change, focusing more on better training methods instead of just adding more hardware. This means companies might need to rethink their strategies.
  3. NVIDIA's stock took a big hit because of the competition from Deepseek. The market didn't react well to the idea that AI could be done more efficiently.

#102 AI Concepts Building Tomorrow's Billion-Dollar Companies

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 20 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Product Management Innovation Ethics Development
  1. AI agents are becoming co-creators in product development, changing how teams work together and make decisions.
  2. Specialized AI models tailored to specific tasks are more valuable than general-purpose ones, as seen in successful companies focusing on niche markets.
  3. Product managers need to adapt to AI's rapid pace by embracing new ethical considerations, efficient designs, and continuous learning to drive innovation.

The Algorithmic Bridge in 2024

The Algorithmic Bridge • 520 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Writing Content creation News Coverage Digital Trends
  1. Balancing speed and quality is important. Sometimes it's better to be fast, and other times it's key to focus on a well-made piece.
  2. It's easy to write for your audience and lose sight of your own interests. Keeping true to your curiosity helps keep your writing authentic.
  3. Instead of stressing about subscriber numbers, focus on consistent writing. Let yourself write freely without worrying about stats.

How soon until we can afford robot butlers?

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Finance Business News
  1. Robot butlers may become affordable in the near future due to advancements in technology. This could change how we manage household tasks.
  2. Recent investments in AI and robotics indicate a growing market. Companies are receiving significant funding to improve technology and services.
  3. The political landscape is affecting tech policies and decisions. Changes in leadership might lead to new directions for tech regulations and innovations.

20 Predictions For AI in 2025

The Algorithmic Bridge • 573 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Predictions Geopolitics Business Innovation
  1. Geopolitical issues are becoming more important than concerns about AI posing a threat to humanity. The struggle between democracy and authoritarianism will be at the forefront.
  2. AI advancements will lead to new products and services, with some expected to be quite expensive. However, there won't be a significant drop in jobs due to AI progress.
  3. Not all AI challenges will be solved, and mistakes will still happen. Even as AI improves, it will occasionally produce incorrect or 'hallucinated' information.

Physics Professors Are Using AI Models as Physics Tutors

The Algorithmic Bridge • 552 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Education Science Computing Physics
  1. AI is being used by physics professors as personal tutors, showing its advanced capabilities in helping experts learn. This might surprise people who believe AI isn't very smart.
  2. Just like in chess, where computers have helped human players improve, AI is now helping physicists revisit old concepts and possibly discover new theories.
  3. The acceptance of AI by top physicists suggests that even in complex fields, machines can enhance human understanding, challenging common beliefs about AI's limitations.

Holy Grails of Data: Self-Service, Single Truths, and the Role of AI

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 365 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Data science AI Analytics Business Intelligence Machine Learning
  1. Self-service analytics is still a goal for many companies, but it often falls short. Users might struggle with the tools or want different formats for the data, leading to more questions instead of fewer.
  2. Becoming truly data-driven is a challenge for many organizations. Trust issues with data, preference for gut feelings, and poor communication often get in the way of making informed decisions.
  3. People need to be data literate for businesses to succeed with data. The data team must present insights clearly, while business teams should understand and trust the data they work with.

The New Age of Invention

davidj.substack • 47 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Engineering Development Innovation Tools
  1. Building software is now much easier and cheaper because of AI tools. This means more people can try out their ideas even if they aren't experts.
  2. People who can read and write code can now create custom software for their specific needs. This opens up possibilities for personal projects that were once too complex or costly.
  3. The trend of making software easier to build may lead to a huge increase in the number of new inventions and tools. More ease means more experimentation and creativity happening at a faster pace.