The hottest Consumer Tech Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Xiaomi

ChinaTalk • 474 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Gadgets Electric Vehicles Robotics Chips
  1. Xiaomi is moving from budget phones to more advanced technology like chips and electric cars. They believe this shift is necessary to compete with big brands like Apple and Samsung.
  2. Lei Jun, Xiaomi's founder, emphasizes the importance of hard tech, which includes advanced manufacturing and robotics. He thinks focusing on these areas will help build a stronger company.
  3. Xiaomi faced challenges when a fatal accident involving one of their electric cars raised safety concerns. This event highlighted their need to improve quality and public trust in their products.

Paid content: Against vacuum cleaning

Wood From Eden • 336 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Innovation Sustainability
  1. Technology isn't just about smartphones; we should think about other gadgets too. Getting rid of more tech can help simplify our lives.
  2. Vacuum cleaning might not be the best choice for keeping our spaces tidy. There are other, simpler methods to clean without using machines.
  3. It's good to question the tools we use daily. Sometimes, going back to basics can be healthier and more efficient.

Fuck the robots: I'm at war

Disaffected Newsletter • 3217 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
🕹 Technology AI Consumer Tech Telecommunications Customer Service Automation
  1. Many companies, like Comcast, make it hard to reach a real person for help. They use robots that can frustrate customers instead.
  2. Even experienced users might find it challenging to solve problems because the company's FAQ doesn't cover every issue.
  3. Customers deserve better service, especially when they are paying high rates. It's important to voice frustrations to push for change.

How I Use ChatGPT

The Ruffian • 663 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Software Consumer Tech Innovation Tools
  1. ChatGPT and Claude are popular AI tools, but users might find Claude to be more useful. Brand recognition plays a big role in which tool people choose.
  2. Many users are just starting to explore how to use LLMs (like ChatGPT and Claude) effectively. There's a lot of potential in these tools that many people are not fully tapping into.
  3. The author lists several ways they have used LLMs for various tasks, from troubleshooting tech issues to summarizing essays. This shows how versatile and helpful these tools can be in everyday life.

Apple Computer in Strategic Retreat? Is It Shifting from Its AI Fantasies to Its Old Religion of Usability-Focused Hardware-Software Integration?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 161 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Hardware AI Consumer Tech Innovation
  1. Apple is shifting its focus back to what it does best: making great hardware and software that work well together. This is a smart move for the company.
  2. By empowering developers and opening up new opportunities, Apple is creating more value and fostering better partnerships in the tech world.
  3. Instead of trying to chase new trends like AI, Apple is being more realistic and focusing on delivering solid products that people actually need.
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OSD 329: Take the pen

Open Source Defense • 66 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Software Development E-commerce Innovation Economic Impact
  1. Technology has made buying things much easier and faster than it used to be. For example, buying an astronaut pen today takes just a couple of minutes online, unlike the long process it used to take.
  2. This ease of transactions helps create new wealth in the economy. Rather than just selling products, it opens up opportunities for new industries and jobs, benefiting everyone.
  3. The efficiency improvements we see today, especially in fields like civilian defense, can greatly change how people learn and use new tools. This is just the beginning of what technology can offer in terms of efficiency and access.

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.

Drones

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1988 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Drones Surveillance AI Military Consumer Tech
  1. Drones are increasingly present in our lives, taking over both our skies and our privacy. It's unsettling how they surveil us and even interfere with our daily routines.
  2. Drones are being used in war zones in disturbing ways, like using sound to draw civilians out of hiding. This raises concerns about ethics and humanity in warfare.
  3. The rise of drones signifies a shift from nature to technology in our environment. This change is affecting our connection to the natural world and what it means to be human.

Consumer Investing Struggled Even in the Boom Times. 2023 Was Worse. Can AI Save It?

Newcomer • 1316 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
💼 Business Investing Startups AI Consumer Tech Venture Capital
  1. Consumer investing in 2023 struggled, especially in sectors like e-commerce and social media.
  2. Investors are looking towards AI-powered consumer startups for a potential resurgence in 2024.
  3. The focus is shifting towards AI tools that benefit hobbyists, workers, and small businesses, rather than consumer-facing AI apps.

AI Will Bloom When the Grifters Leave

The Algorithmic Bridge • 222 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Engineering Consumer Tech Productivity
  1. AI will improve when people who care about technology and helping others take over, rather than those focused only on making money.
  2. As AI becomes more common, it will naturally integrate into our lives just like other everyday technologies have.
  3. For AI to succeed, people need to build trust, work together, and take action rather than just hoping for the best.

Apple’s Virtual Reality Headset Arrives Amid CES Buzz...Khosla Ventures in the Spotlight...Fewer Startups Landing Seed Funding

Newcomer • 1061 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups Venture Capital Artificial Intelligence Virtual reality Consumer Tech
  1. Apple is releasing a new virtual reality headset, but there are doubts about its success compared to AI tech.
  2. Microsoft offers resources and funding to startups interested in AI through its Founder Hub program.
  3. There has been a significant decline in the number of new startups receiving seed funding in recent years.

AI Roundup 100: CES

Artificial Ignorance • 37 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Consumer Tech Gaming Software Innovation
  1. Nvidia announced exciting new AI technologies at CES, including a personal AI supercomputer and improved GPUs, which shows they are leading in AI development.
  2. Meta is testing AI-generated features that mimic users and create AI versions of photos, but many users are not happy about these changes.
  3. AI adoption among programmers is still slow and many doubt its effectiveness, but there is a lot of potential for improvement and speed gains.

Dead phone

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Mobile devices Gadgets Tech Trends
  1. Losing my phone made me realize how much I depend on it. I felt lost without it and realized that I need to make some life changes.
  2. To regain control over my tech use, I'm looking to separate my tasks across different devices. This way, I won't have everything tied to one phone.
  3. I'm excited to explore new gadgets and find a balance. Breaking free from my phone dependency feels refreshing and gives me a chance to enjoy other tech.

The next big thing in 2025 will be...

next big thing • 243 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Software Data Consumer Tech
  1. In 2025, we will see the rise of AI agents that can help automate tasks more efficiently and handle complex activities, making our lives easier.
  2. There will be a big shift in technology with AI becoming more integrated into our daily routines, making things like healthcare and language translation more personalized and seamless.
  3. Consumer healthcare will improve a lot as people gain more control over their health data, leading to a better experience and more trust in healthcare systems.

The big demo

Tabletops • 334 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Product Launch Spatial Computing
  1. Apple's successful retail experience is crucial for the launch of new products like the Vision Pro.
  2. Apple Vision Pro is a personal and unique product in the spatial computing category.
  3. The detailed and well-coordinated demo experience for Vision Pro at Apple Stores is a key factor in its success.

AI news roundup: You see what you want to see

The AI Frontier • 79 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Consumer Tech Market Trends Product Development
  1. Recent AI updates have sparked excitement and frustration; everyone interprets them differently, like a Rorschach test.
  2. The improvements in AI tech are impressive, particularly in multimodality, but their impact varies between consumer and enterprise applications.
  3. The AI market is growing rapidly, with hype increasing and many companies looking to innovate, but there are still big questions about the future and how to stay competitive.

Receipt, Please

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 79 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets Innovation Consumer Tech Software User Experience
  1. Many people are returning the Apple Vision Pro headset soon after buying it, citing discomfort. However, most returns are coming from YouTubers who likely intended to return it all along.
  2. The return rate for the Vision Pro isn't as high as it seems, even with media attention on the complaints. This suggests many buyers are satisfied with the product.
  3. Apple has been working on the Vision Pro for about ten years, and they're committed to changing how we interact with technology.

BYD bringing ADAS to everyone

TP’s Substack • 17 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Software Innovation AI Consumer Tech
  1. BYD has introduced its DiPilot-100 ADAS package for various models without raising prices. This means even lower-cost cars now have advanced driving features.
  2. The launch of DiPilot-100 has disrupted the market, putting pressure on competitors who can't match BYD's pricing or technology. BYD's advantage comes from its large data set and supply of necessary components.
  3. Features like automatic emergency braking and advanced parking modes make BYD's cars safer and more appealing. The continuous updates from their data will likely improve these systems over time.

Big Tech x Generative AI Q3 '24 Update (Part 2)

Tanay’s Newsletter • 44 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Consumer Tech Cloud Computing Open Source
  1. Meta is focusing on open-source AI with the Llama models, claiming they are the most cost-effective and customizable option for developers. They are set to release even better versions soon.
  2. Microsoft’s AI business is booming, especially through their Azure Cloud, with expected revenue surpassing $10 billion. They are integrating AI across many of their products, driving impressive growth.
  3. Both companies are seeing success in using AI to enhance user engagement and advertising effectiveness. Meta has increased user time on their platforms, while Microsoft's AI tools are helping businesses save time and improve efficiency.

Apple Calls for National Repair Law

Fight to Repair • 78 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Tech Policy Consumer Tech Sustainability E-Waste Legislation
  1. Apple is pushing for a national right-to-repair law in the US after California's legislation, aiming to balance repairability with product integrity, usability, and safety.
  2. Apple's announcement reveals a strategic shift to shape the national law and potentially exclude certain aspects by emphasizing safety and privacy concerns.
  3. The tech industry is exploring creating Memorandums of Understanding to navigate right-to-repair laws, aiming to standardize repair practices and influence legislation.

Ather Rizta Electric Scooter: No Fun

Kartick’s Blog • 17 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Electric Vehicles Product Reviews Automotive Innovation
  1. The Ather Rizta electric scooter has a low maximum speed of 80kph and slow acceleration, making it less enjoyable to ride compared to the Ather Apex.
  2. While it has some benefits like a smooth suspension and more storage space, it lacks features like a touchscreen and has rear drum brakes.
  3. Ather as a company offers modern features and updates, showing they are more innovative than older brands, but the Rizta model isn't fun enough to buy.

What I'm preparing for in 2024

next big thing • 120 implied HN points • 01 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Startups Venture Capital Artificial Intelligence Cryptocurrency Consumer Tech
  1. 2024 might see a fundraising frenzy in the venture capital world with many companies trying to raise capital.
  2. Many late-stage companies are working on becoming IPO-ready, focusing on strong financial performance and management teams.
  3. AI will be a major focus in 2024, with advancements in AI-enabled products, but also facing challenges like lawsuits and safety concerns.

In praise of small weirdos

Sunday Letters • 139 implied HN points • 05 Jun 22
🕹 Technology Innovation AI Product Development Consumer Tech Startups
  1. New tech often starts out messy and complicated, not neat and finished. Most of the time, we see these products when they are already established.
  2. It's important to look for 'small weirdos', which are early-stage ideas that not many people understand or use yet.
  3. Being aware of these small weirdos can help innovators find new opportunities and stay ahead in technology development.

Why I don't like (some) smart devices

Fulton’s ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Smart Devices Consumer Tech Internet of Things Tech Trends Data Privacy
  1. Smart devices with practical uses enhance lives, like doorbells or thermostats.
  2. Be cautious of useless smart features that can lead to unnecessary data collection.
  3. Companies are adding non-essential smart features to products to charge extra and surveil users; consumers can push back by being selective in purchases and expressing opinions.

Why OpenAI is forced to enter the search business

Enterprise AI Trends • 13 HN points • 15 May 24
🕹 Technology AI Search Market Trends Competition Consumer Tech
  1. OpenAI is entering the search market because they need to compete with Google and Meta, who are offering similar AI features for free. This means OpenAI has to find new ways to keep users interested.
  2. The company is facing challenges in both the enterprise and consumer markets, as competitors are closing the technology gap quickly. This makes it harder for OpenAI to maintain its lead and attract enterprise customers.
  3. If OpenAI wants to succeed in search, they need to keep things simple and avoid copying Google's strategies. Partnering with companies like Apple could help them become more relevant and popular.

Apple Secrets: A Glimpse Into Silicon Valley’s Most Exclusive Roadmap

The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. • 4 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Wearable Tech Smart Devices Artificial Intelligence Patents
  1. Apple is looking to upgrade the Apple Watch with smart fabric bands that can track health metrics like blood pressure and ECG readings. This could change how we monitor our health with wearable tech.
  2. A new patent suggests Apple is considering a modular iPhone design, allowing users to swap out components like batteries or cameras. This would make phones more customizable and easier to repair.
  3. Apple is working on enhancing Siri with advanced AI to have more natural conversations. This could improve how people interact with their devices and compete with other smart assistants.

Thoughts across technology and investing

Ben’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 02 Jun 21
💼 Business Investing Consumer Tech Consulting Startups Technology
  1. Investing in technology can be tricky, but it's important to stay informed about trends and changes. Keeping up with tech news helps you make better investment choices.
  2. Consumer tech companies are a big focus for investors today. These companies often drive innovation and have a huge impact on our daily lives.
  3. Understanding the background and experience of a founder can give insights into a company's potential success. A strong team can make a big difference in the growth of a startup.

Jeep Compass: Overpriced and Worse than the Creta

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Reviews Consumer Tech Engineering
  1. The Jeep Compass is deemed overpriced compared to the Creta, with major discomfort and driving flaws that make it less appealing.
  2. Although the interior quality is acknowledged as high, issues like cramped space and a firm suspension diminish overall comfort.
  3. While it has unique features like cooled seats and good digital connectivity, its complex climate controls and some digital limitations reduce usability.

Cards! Cards! Cards

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Advertising Marketing Digital Media Consumer Tech History
  1. Cards can be a fun collectible, and having one or two can add to the excitement. It's nice to have unique cards that stand out.
  2. Computer ads from the past remind us of how marketing has changed over time. It’s interesting to see how design and messages have evolved.
  3. Subscribing to services can offer free trials, helping people decide if they want to continue. It's a nice way to test things out before making a commitment.

The XUV 400 Is a Buggy Car with Short Range

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Product Reviews Consumer Tech
  1. The XUV 400 has a poor range and is mainly suitable for city driving. It struggles to cover long distances without needing frequent charges.
  2. The car is plagued with bugs, including issues with features like Android Auto and unreliable performance that can make driving frustrating.
  3. Buying the XUV 400 can be risky due to its high cost and the troubling history of recalls from Mahindra, which suggests a lack of reliability.

Tesla: A Follow up

Musings on Markets • 0 implied HN points • 06 Sep 13
💼 Business Investing Valuation Market Trends Corporate strategy Consumer Tech
  1. Tesla could really change the car industry, similar to how Amazon and Apple changed their markets. If they succeed, they could have high sales and profits.
  2. Tesla's stock price might be more about hype than actual company value. Investors often react to news and trends rather than the company's long-term success.
  3. Big car companies might want to buy Tesla to stay competitive in the electric car market. This could lead to them paying a lot more than Tesla is actually worth.

iPhone 16 Lineup to Feature Same A18 Chip, Leaked Backend Code Indicates

Apple Wire • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Tech Mobile devices Electronics Gadgets Software
  1. All iPhone 16 models will use the same A18 chip, which is different from past versions where higher-end models had better processors.
  2. While they share the same chip, the performance might still vary due to differences in cores or other specifications.
  3. This change suggests Apple is focusing on better overall performance across all models, especially for features related to Apple Intelligence.

Please Don’t Throw Your Smartphone, Yet

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
🕹 Technology AI Smartphones Software Innovation Consumer Tech
  1. Apple has added smart AI features to its new devices, like the iPhone 15 and Series 9 Watch. This includes a more advanced Siri that can work offline.
  2. Experts believe that AI could improve how smartphone keyboards function, making things like autocorrect smarter and more accurate. This means typing on phones could become easier for everyone.
  3. Despite the cool new technology, older smartphones still have value and shouldn't be thrown away. They can still perform well for many everyday tasks.

Is Apple the Next Blackberry?

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 0 implied HN points • 28 Nov 23
🕹 Technology AI Smartphones Software Innovation Consumer Tech
  1. Apple is struggling to improve Siri, which is falling behind newer AI technologies. While they plan a new version soon, competitors like OpenAI are already winning users over.
  2. Many iPhone 15 Pro users are using a button for ChatGPT instead of Siri, showing a shift in user preference. This suggests people are looking for better AI options.
  3. Users trying to mix ChatGPT with Siri are often disappointed, indicating that Siri may not meet modern user expectations anymore. This raises questions about Apple's future in the AI space.

Just don't go there

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 17 Feb 15
🕹 Technology Internet Social media Virtual reality Consumer Tech
  1. Snow days have evolved with technology - it's less about taking the day off and more about working with slower internet speeds.
  2. YouTube has transformed from a rebellious platform to a dominant force in pop culture, raising questions about its impact.
  3. Virtual reality is emerging as a significant trend in the porn industry, blending futuristic technology with adult content.

Honda Elevate: Big on the Outside, Small on the Inside

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Engineering Product Reviews Consumer Tech Innovation
  1. The Honda Elevate feels cramped inside despite its big exterior size. The low seating and limited legroom make it uncomfortable for taller drivers.
  2. It lacks some modern features like a 360-degree camera and USB-C ports, which are common in newer cars. This can be a drawback for tech-savvy users.
  3. While it has some good safety features, it misses out on important ones like a multi-collision brake and pretensioners for seat belts, making it less safe than other options.

My Requirements for a Car

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Automotive Consumer Tech Gadgets Transportation Innovation
  1. It's important to write down your car requirements clearly. This helps to avoid forgetting anything important during the decision process.
  2. Understand the difference between 'must-have' features and 'nice-to-have' features when making your list. This can help you focus on what really matters.
  3. Keep evaluating your requirements as you test drive cars. Sometimes what you thought was essential turns out to be less important when you consider the whole picture.

Scorpio N: Only for SUV Usage

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Automotive Gadgets Reviews Innovation Consumer Tech
  1. SUVs are built for specific purposes like going off-road or towing. If you don’t need to do those things, you might want a different type of vehicle.
  2. The Scorpio N has many features, but it can be uncomfortable, especially with poor legroom and noise while driving. It's not the best choice if you want a smooth ride.
  3. When comparing the Scorpio N to the Roxx, the Roxx offers better comfort and less body roll. If you want a better driving experience, the Roxx might be the better option.