The hottest Apps Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

How Super Apps & Platforms Are Turning AI On Its Head

High ROI Data Science • 79 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  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.

Lots to Be Thankful For

Freddie deBoer • 8972 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Apps
  1. A creative work reaching readers and earning recognition can be a powerful consolation when professional opportunities are limited. That success matters even amid negative reviews and lingering reputation problems.
  2. Small pleasures — apps, podcasts, books, online classes, cozy content, and an easygoing session beer — bring steady joy, mental stimulation, and comfort in everyday life. They help offset stress and keep curiosity alive.
  3. Family and supportive readers or subscribers are central sources of gratitude and meaning, providing perspective and practical support that outlasts career ups and downs.

Substack is your corner of the internet

Substack Blog • 1668 implied HN points • 02 Feb 26
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Apps will show custom themed views for Substacks (starting on iOS), so tapping a publication brings you into its branded space with the newest post and a feed of that Substack’s notes and posts.
  2. Creators will soon be able to include community contributions and recommended Substacks in their feeds with optional controls and moderation, letting a Substack be a solo voice, a salon, or a broader community hub.
  3. Substack’s aim is to give creators both independence and scale: you can keep your own branding and relationships while still benefiting from discovery, recommendations, and network effects.

Introducing the Substack TV app, now in beta

Substack • 2027 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Substack launched a TV app (beta) for Apple TV and Google TV so subscribers can watch creators' video posts and livestreams on the big screen.
  2. Creators don’t need to do anything — videos appear automatically for signed-in subscribers, and both free and paid users get access matched to their subscription level, though paid-content previews for free users aren’t supported yet.
  3. The app starts with essentials like a For You row and dedicated subscription pages for reliable, high-quality viewing, and Substack plans to add audio/read-alouds, search, paid previews, in-app upgrades, and show sections over time.

Why Platformer is leaving Substack

Platformer • 12755 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Platformer has decided to move off of Substack and migrate to a new website powered by Ghost
  2. The decision was influenced by concerns over how Substack moderates content and promotes publications
  3. Substack faced controversies over hosting extremist content, leading to Platformer's decision to leave for a platform with more robust content moderation policies
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OpenAI is an App Company Now

Big Technology • 13260 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. OpenAI is focusing more on building apps rather than just creating AI models. This shift reflects a need to stay competitive and profitable in the changing AI landscape.
  2. The market for AI applications is growing, and OpenAI's ChatGPT is performing well, far ahead of its competitors in earnings. This positions OpenAI favorably as it continues to innovate its products.
  3. While OpenAI aims to develop artificial general intelligence, it faces challenges as competition increases and cost structures change in the AI industry. Staying ahead will require continuous product improvements.

A prediction market for shortform content

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 955 implied HN points • 09 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Social media users often leave informal predictions on short-form videos, like betting a clip will reach a certain number of likes or views.
  2. Two college students built Spike, an app that turns those predictions into a formal prediction market where people can bet on whether TikToks will hit specific milestones.
  3. Spike was created at a Harvard hackathon and specifically targets short-form platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels by letting users wager on likes and view-count milestones.

High Performance SwiftData Apps

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The app developed for Comic-Con was popular for its cool features but struggled with performance issues. As I used it, the app got slower, draining the battery and eventually crashing.
  2. I needed to improve the app's performance by optimizing how it used SwiftData without losing the cards I had already created. It was important to keep my collection safe while fixing the issues.
  3. This experience highlighted how vital it is to focus on app efficiency and data management to avoid frustration for users and devices alike.

The RedNote honeymoon won't last

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4986 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. RedNote, a new app, is gaining popularity as users look for alternatives to TikTok. It focuses on social shopping and creating content about products.
  2. Despite its rapid rise, RedNote might struggle long-term because it has a language barrier and isn't as globally popular as TikTok.
  3. As users enjoy RedNote now, conflicts may arise as happens on most social media platforms. This could change users' perceptions of the app over time.

Meta unspools Threads

Platformer • 3518 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Meta released Threads, a new app challenging Twitter, with a focus on content moderation and decentralization.
  2. Threads is a text-based messaging app similar to Twitter, allowing easy following of Instagram users with limited features.
  3. The success of Threads will depend on cultivating a vibrant community and continuous improvements to user experience.

One feed to rule them all

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3045 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Tapestry is a new app that combines multiple social media feeds into a single view, making it easier to keep track of updates. Users like that it is chronological and ad-free, offering a smooth browsing experience.
  2. There are other timeline apps besides Tapestry, like Reeder and Unread, which aim to help users organize their online content better. These apps reflect a shift from traditional RSS readers to modern feed solutions.
  3. The challenge with timeline apps is making them user-friendly for a variety of content types, such as videos and podcasts, while also allowing interaction like liking or commenting on posts.

Briefing: Super Google Sheets, Netflix’s app snub, Finding Nimo

Department of Product • 1238 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Notion integrates Indie calendar Cron into a new standalone Calendar app for sharing with stakeholders.
  2. Numerous plugin enhances Google Sheets with generative AI for tasks like creating formulas and translating text.
  3. Netflix's decision not to build a dedicated app for visionOS is a setback for Apple, while Nimo gains popularity as a lighter AR alternative.

The Free Press App Is Here!

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1080 implied HN points • 17 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The Free Press has launched a new app for easy access to all their content. You can find everything from articles to podcasts in one convenient place.
  2. The app allows you to listen to articles, watch video podcasts, and get notifications on topics you care about. It's designed to keep you updated with the latest stories.
  3. You need to be a paying subscriber to access all content, but you can still read some free articles. The app is available for download on the Apple Store and Google Play Store.

Now anyone can pay for a Substack subscription in iOS

Substack • 775 implied HN points • 18 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Substack now allows in-app purchases on iOS, making it easier for users to subscribe directly within the app.
  2. Over 30,000 Substack publications have this feature, helping to increase paid subscribers due to simpler payment options.
  3. Apple takes a cut from in-app purchases, but Substack adjusts prices to ensure creators earn about the same as they would from web-based subscriptions.

What really makes the dating app monopoly dysfunctional

Offline: dating that works • 219 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Dating apps lack an optimal balance between exploration and exploitation, crucial for decision-making in relationships.
  2. The current dating app market is monopolized by a dysfunctional swiping protocol that hinders successful exploration and relationships.
  3. Dating apps prioritize superficial attraction and short-term connections over meaningful, committed relationships, shaping user behavior and limiting relationship potential.

The Substack app is now the most powerful growth machine for creators

Substack • 1455 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The Substack app is growing quickly and is now the top way for creators to gain subscribers. This means more people are discovering and enjoying their work.
  2. The app combines features from social media with long-form content, making it easier for readers to connect with creators. Users can interact, share, and explore new voices all in one place.
  3. Creators have full ownership of their content and subscriber lists, which gives them more control. Unlike other platforms, the app focuses on meaningful connections between creators and their audience.

Make your social apps pop with LinkPresentation

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 874 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. You can easily improve your social apps by adding better link previews. This makes sharing more visually appealing and user-friendly.
  2. Building support for hyperlink features in your app can be quick and simple. Many times, you can get it done during a lunch break.
  3. If you're in a fast-paced environment, it's often easier to create a proof of concept and refine it later. Don't be afraid to just jump in and start making changes.

Introducing a new way to publish from the Substack app

Substack • 1669 implied HN points • 25 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The Substack app now has a new mobile editor that lets you write and publish posts directly from your phone. This makes it easier to reach your audience anytime and anywhere.
  2. You can create simple text and image posts, which is perfect for quick updates or sharing casual moments. The app saves your drafts automatically too.
  3. Currently, there are still some limitations, like not being able to edit published posts in the app. More features, like video posts and scheduling, are planned for the future.

Vision Pro And The Second Screen Experience

The Quadrilateral • 235 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Golf offers a rewarding second screen experience with different venues and stories.
  2. PGA Tour and Apple are collaborating to enhance viewer experience with new technology.
  3. Apple's Vision Pro could revolutionize sports viewing by providing immersive and interactive options.

🤖 Internet is Beautiful

internetisbeautiful • 412 implied HN points • 26 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Jaisal Rathee shares interesting websites in a free weekly newsletter called Internet Is Beautiful
  2. Lungy is a mindful breathing app that helps you feel happier and less stressed
  3. Trivai is an AI-powered website that generates trivia questions on any topic

[TI-07] my homecooked apps

spencer's paradoxes • 314 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Many homecooked apps created for specific personal desires and rituals
  2. Desire for better tools to make, curate, and maintain small data collections
  3. Experimentation with creating unique digital spaces for personal use and social interactions

Swarm Deserves a Redemption Arc

Mind Meld • 294 implied HN points • 09 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Swarm is more than just a check-in app, it reflects deeper aspects of people's lives and desires.
  2. Foursquare pivoted to a successful B2B platform leveraging its vast location data.
  3. There's potential for Swarm to evolve into a more meaningful social networking platform based on users' check-in history and preferences.

The Rise of Offline Apps

In Bed With Social • 336 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The mobile app landscape is shifting with a decrease in app downloads and counts on platforms like the App Store and Play Store.
  2. Apps like Breeze and Soon are introducing 'offline dating' experiences that prioritize face-to-face interactions over virtual connections.
  3. There is a rising trend towards digital consolidation and possibly a shift towards a 'super app' revolution to balance tangible experiences with digital connectivity.

🛸 Space Elevator

internetisbeautiful • 255 implied HN points • 17 May 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The newsletter shares interesting online resources
  2. Featured website: Philosophy Bro simplifies complex philosophical ideas
  3. Space Elevator is a unique website for exploring the concept of a space elevator

Why you need a Morning Phone

DeFi Weekly • 255 implied HN points • 29 May 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Consider using a separate phone for your morning routine to avoid distractions
  2. Design systems to shape your behavior and become the person you want to be
  3. Create a morning phone with essential apps like music, calendar, and meditation, while avoiding social media and other distracting apps

January 2024

Product Composition • 117 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Alex Vilinskyy is looking for specific roles to fill in his ventures like Payment Integrationist, Email Expert, and Head of Design.
  2. He's also seeking partners interested in addressing issues in the Future of Work, Communication, Computing, Entrepreneurship, and Media.
  3. The post shares info about the authenticity of Instagram, upcoming plans for new products, and recommends cool apps like PhotoStudio and Factorio.

The Open Road

Podcasting 2.0 • 98 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Podcasting is experiencing a winter phase, with struggles in monetization and platform acquisitions.
  2. Apple's embrace of RSS-based podcasting with features like episode transcripts signals a commitment to open collaboration.
  3. Podcasting 2.0 focuses on enhancing RSS feeds with new features in an open and community-driven manner.

I Wrote a Guest Post for Emerge Tools!

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 656 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The blog post compares the Twitter and X iOS app binaries, revealing insights like extra app icons and heavy use of dynamic libraries.
  2. Emerge Tools offers valuable solutions for mobile engineers to monitor their app's size and performance.
  3. The author recommends subscribing to Jacob's Tech Tavern for more insightful posts and to show support for the work.

How the written internet died

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Pocket is shutting down, marking the end of an era for how people save and read articles online. It was a popular tool for many who wanted to keep track of interesting content.
  2. The rise of video content on social media platforms shifted focus away from writing. This change has made the internet feel different, with more people consuming short videos instead of reading articles.
  3. With Pocket’s closure, it seems like the written internet is fading away. Many feel nostalgic for when writing was a central part of the online experience.

An algorithm for quality

Substack Blog • 774 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. Algorithms can serve to feed the basest version of ourselves
  2. Technology platforms should aim to serve the best version of the user
  3. Reading with agency and curating your attention can lead to a more fulfilling experience

The Monday Media Diet with Sophia Smith Galer

Why is this interesting? • 542 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Apps
  1. Sophia curates her news from social media like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, finding content that aligns with her interests.
  2. She enjoys leisurely reading the weekend papers and is a fan of Private Eye, read in a unique way as a family tradition.
  3. Sophia recommends reading Megha Mohan's journalism and mentions Reverso Context as a great language app.

Introducing a new front page for Substack

Substack Blog • 724 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. The new Home experience on the Substack app aims to boost growth for writers and offer readers a universe of great writing.
  2. The reading queue in the app helps readers keep up with their favorite subscriptions and never miss new content.
  3. The explore feed and inbox features are designed to enhance discoverability and customization for users within the Substack ecosystem.

Concept design in three easy steps

Subconscious • 711 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🕹 Technology Apps
  1. View software design as shaping functionality, understand what it should do first before how it does it or how it looks.
  2. Break down app functionalities into modular concepts, each with its own behavior and actions, combine existing concepts creatively.
  3. Design concepts to function independently, sync actions to ensure smooth interaction, focus on how concepts fit together to improve usability.