The hottest Gadgets Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

[EVENT] Receipt Printer meetup TOMORROW!! 🧾

vrk loves paper • 39 implied HN points • 25 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. There is a Receipt Printer Meetup happening tomorrow in Brooklyn, NY, where people can learn about thermal printers. It's a casual event for those curious about printers, whether they know much about them or not.
  2. The meetup will feature a show-and-tell of various receipt printer projects, plus a chance to hang out with others who share this interest. Attendees can also see and try out different printers, including cat printers.
  3. Even though there won’t be snacks or drinks, it’s a fun, relaxed setting where people can connect. If anyone can't make it, there will be a recap in the next newsletter.

The Great Uncoupling™

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Many people feel too attached to their phones. It can be helpful to step back and rethink how we use these devices.
  2. Being overly reliant on smartphones can lead to issues like digital addiction. Finding ways to create space from our phones can improve our well-being.
  3. Exploring simpler devices and reducing phone usage is a good strategy. It helps to regain focus and brings balance back into our lives.

Dead phone

The Rectangle • 56 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  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.

Kuration #275 Week Recap

KURATION • 19 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Kuration #275 provided a recap of important tech and media headlines from the past week.
  2. The newsletter covered various topics including CES 2024, company layoffs, new tech releases, and startup news.
  3. Readers can catch up on what's happening in the tech industry by subscribing to Kuration.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Free, Bad Ideas

Autoscriptorium • 39 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The post presents a list of free, unique, and quirky ideas for products or concepts that are described as 'bad', but creative and intriguing.
  2. Ideas range from a vest that recirculates body heat to a device that detects moods through blood samples, offering unconventional solutions to everyday problems.
  3. These ideas showcase creativity, humor, and innovative thinking, encouraging readers to think outside the box and consider unconventional approaches.

Review: The Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II

Startup Strategies • 28 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The Das Keyboard 5QS Mark II is well-built and durable, making it a solid choice for keyboard lovers. It has a nice premium feel and doesn’t slide around on the desk.
  2. The keyboard features RGB-lit keys for notifications, which can be customized using special software, but this feature isn't very useful for most people.
  3. At $219, it’s on the expensive side compared to other keyboards with similar features. You might find better value by getting a cheaper keyboard and using a separate monitor for notifications.

GPT-4, Multimodal?

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. OpenAI is moving quickly to develop GPT-5, but there are concerns about the features of GPT-4, especially its promised multimodal capabilities.
  2. When GPT-4 was launched, it was said to include advanced image input options through a partnership, but these features are still not widely available.
  3. Currently, the multimodal features of GPT-4 are limited and not accessible through the usual API, leaving users wanting more updates and access.

Neat things I'm using

Aliveness Studies • 9 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Claude Code is a great tool for coding without needing a costly API key. It makes coding feel almost magical.
  2. Pi-Hole is a nifty DNS server that blocks ads on all your devices at home. It's a handy way to avoid distractions online.
  3. Jack’s Flight Club helps you discover random trips and great flight deals. It’s fun for dreaming about new places to visit.

Help! I need a power bank

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Having a power bank is really helpful when your phone battery is low, especially during long days out. It keeps you connected and helps you find your way around.
  2. New power banks can be really convenient, like the slim MagGo that charges wirelessly. It eliminates the need to carry extra cables, making life easier.
  3. You can choose between buying a new battery for your phone or getting a power bank. A power bank is often simpler and can charge multiple devices, which is a big plus.

Things more likely than Google paying Russia $2 undecillion

The Rectangle • 28 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Russia fined Google an outrageous amount of $2 undecillion for banning its propaganda channels. This fine is way more than the entire world's economy!
  2. Despite the crazy fine, Google isn't worried at all. They think these legal matters won't hurt their business one bit.
  3. There are many unlikely things that could happen, like batteries in all gadgets being easily replaceable or artists getting paid fairly by music streaming services.

Most Interesting Machine

DruGroup • 2 HN points • 11 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Using a portable email machine in the 90s was a unique experience. It allowed people to send and receive emails in a time when email wasn't very common yet.
  2. The process involved dialing a pay phone and using a device to send emails, making it feel high-tech for its time. It was a fun and eye-catching gadget that amazed people around.
  3. The email machine became outdated quickly with the rise of other technologies like BlackBerrys and smartphones. This shows how fast technology evolves and how we adapt to new tools.

November 2024 Update

Maker News • 22 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. There are many fun DIY projects you can try, like making a cheap ultrasonic humidifier or upgrading old tools with USB-C. It's a great way to learn and create something useful.
  2. A variety of innovative gadgets are available to buy, like a ZX Spectrum recreation that brings back nostalgic 8-bit computing. It can be a fun treat for anyone who loves tech.
  3. Exploring new technologies, like vocoders, can be exciting. Understanding how they work may inspire new projects and creative ideas in sound and music.

Addicted to earbuds

The Rectangle • 84 implied HN points • 03 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The convenience of true wireless earbuds like AirPods makes it easy to use them for all tasks.
  2. Constantly using earbuds may lead to feeling disconnected from the environment and hinder boredom, which can be beneficial.
  3. Tech's push for attention through gadgets like AirPods has made it easy to fill every gap in our lives with audio distractions.

The CBot

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The CBot is an important part of DNA sequencing, especially for older instruments like the HiSeq. It takes in samples and helps generate clusters, which are crucial for accurate DNA analysis.
  2. Even though the HiSeq was discontinued, the technology in the CBot goes back many years, showing that some designs can last a long time in the field.
  3. The CBot uses a unique fluidic system with a disposable manifold instead of a vacuum chuck, which makes it easier to handle but raises questions about why such a feature was needed.

ChatGPT’s Dark Mystery Revealed

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 25 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. ChatGPT Pro costs $42 a month, which seems odd as it's an even number. Most prices are set to make them look more appealing, usually odd numbers.
  2. The reason for the price of $42 is linked to a science fiction book called 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy'.
  3. In the book, 42 is humorously presented as the answer to the ultimate question of life, making the price choice fun and memorable.

ChatGPT or CheatGPT?

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Using AI tools like ChatGPT for invoicing is useful and doesn't feel like cheating. It can save a lot of time and effort.
  2. You can create a personalized invoice template just by asking ChatGPT for specific details about your company and billing needs.
  3. If you have back pain, using adjustable workstations like Altwork can help you work comfortably, even while lying down.

October 2024 Update

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. This October update includes fun Halloween-themed projects like a DIY smart pumpkin and an anti-social pumpkin.
  2. There are interesting articles to read about reverse engineering tech like a fighter plane's indicator and headphones.
  3. The update encourages sharing the newsletter with friends and highlights various tech projects to explore.

I can hack it. Can you?

My Home Office Hacks • 12 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. A community celebrates its evolution with a paid membership model.
  2. Options include monthly or annual subscriptions, with a special lifetime membership for founding supporters.
  3. Content offerings include free subscription and access to various home office hacks.

#27

The Nibble • 9 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Spotify introduced a new personalized collaborative listening feature called Spotify Jam.
  2. Deno, NodeJS, and Bun are in a race to optimize JS ecosystem performance.
  3. Google is discontinuing Google Podcasts and Google Jamboard.

Review: Freewrite Alpha

Freddie deBoer • 2 HN points • 07 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The Freewrite Alpha is a writing-only device with a focus on simplicity, typing experience, and lack of distractions. It caters to those who struggle with digital distractions.
  2. The build quality of the Alpha is great, with premium materials and sturdy construction. Its lightweight and portability make it easy to carry around.
  3. The device's unreasonably long battery life, instant power button function, and reliable WiFi syncing are standout features. However, the small screen size and some odd UI choices might be drawbacks for potential users.

Looking away

Internal exile • 2 HN points • 02 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Tech products often prioritize sustaining the tech industry over real necessity.
  2. AR/VR devices like Apple's Vision Pro can deepen the divide between mediated reality and actual experience.
  3. Memories and reality are more than just detailed visuals; genuine memories involve what is not recorded and preserved.

November Update

Maker News • 2 HN points • 30 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Exciting projects and thought-provoking reads in November roundup.
  2. Featured projects include turning prototypes into products and custom PCB creation.
  3. Join the maker community to explore technology and imagination fusion.

It's Chriiiiiiisssssttttmmmaaassss - 2023

Maker News • 1 HN point • 22 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The newsletter shares interesting projects and articles for the Christmas season in 2023.
  2. One of the highlights is a variety of videos to watch, from dissecting a Furby to exploring LED lights.
  3. There are also articles to read on topics like missile systems, fiber optic cables, and open source technology projects.

September 2023 Round Up

Maker News • 1 HN point • 29 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. September was a busy month with exciting videos and articles featuring DIY projects and technology tutorials.
  2. Highlights included learning about designing ASICs, fixing KiCad errors, and exploring how operating systems boot.
  3. Interesting reads delved into the history of programming languages, unique tech devices, and the evolution of coffee tools.

... basically the worst.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 30 Mar 15
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Living with electromagnetic hypersensitivity can be a challenging experience with no clear diagnosis or cure.
  2. Incorporating modern technology like smartphones and drones into literature presents a unique challenge for writers.
  3. AOL chatrooms were a significant part of many people's childhoods, especially experiencing crushes in them during the early 2000s.

Apple Vision Pro: Initial Thoughts

startupdreams • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. The Apple Vision Pro has impressive display quality with crystal clear images and sharp edges, along with natural hand and eye tracking.
  2. The device allows for immersive experiences, with the potential to revolutionize various activities like editing photos, shopping, and watching sports.
  3. Apple Immersive Video, featuring 8k content that fills 180 degrees of view, stands out as a killer feature that can transform content consumption.

New AI glasses — better than Ray-Bans?

Mike’s List • 0 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. New AI glasses, like Frames from Brilliant Labs, provide a unique twist with a screen built into one lens.
  2. 2024 is considered the Year of AI Glasses, indicating a significant advancement in face-computer technology.
  3. Early adopters and reviewers showcase the Apple Vision Pro glasses in various real-world scenarios like skiing, driving, and flying.

CanJam 23 NYC: What's Ahead in Headphones

Resiliency Tech • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. At CanJam, headphone enthusiasts are predominantly male, young, and willing to pay for small improvements in performance.
  2. Wireless Bluetooth headphones are improving but still lag behind wired models in performance.
  3. Headphone amplifiers are gaining popularity for driving hard-to-move drivers in headphones, yielding better performance at lower volumes.

Okay weirdo, here it is.

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jul 14
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. Comcast's customer service issues stem from the company's structure, not individual representatives.
  2. Using public computers, like those in hotels or airports, can expose you to the risk of keylogging software.
  3. The internet offers quirky and insightful content like accidental commentaries based on Google searches.

"Thirsty"

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 15
🕹 Technology Gadgets
  1. There is a rise in tracking every detail of one's life and health, from steps taken to how one sleeps, thanks to technology.
  2. Movies often depict the internet as a negative force that can harm relationships, mental health, and personal integrity.
  3. Interesting and unconventional connections can be made in unexpected ways, like using SoulCycle to communicate with Twitter's CEO, reflecting the concept of being 'thirsty'.