The hottest Hardware Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Sapphire Rapids Core-To-Core Latency

Delayed Branch • 67 HN points • 07 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The analysis of Sapphire Rapids CPU core-to-core latency is affected by factors like instance type and lack of detailed performance data.
  2. Intel's adoption of EMIB technology for Sapphire Rapids allows for integration of multiple chiplets in the same package, impacting latency and performance.
  3. Understanding the latency costs and implications of EMIB for core communication in Sapphire Rapids can help evaluate its performance impact on different workloads.

Why investors think hardware is hard

Robots & Startups • 19 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
💼 Business Hardware
  1. Investors find hardware startups challenging due to the complexities involved in manufacturing and scaling physical products.
  2. New investors with smaller funds are emerging in the hardware space, presenting competition to established players like Sequoia.
  3. There's a growing interest among hardware investors to attract limited partners and secure private equity in the industry.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Maker News - May 2025 Round Up

Maker News • 7 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. There are innovative DIY projects that show how creativity can lead to amazing results, like a cheap instant camera made with basic parts and clever wiring.
  2. Some makers are pushing the boundaries of technology, like transmitting data over long distances or programming DIY CPUs to run games in unique ways.
  3. Community projects, such as open-source hardware and hackable devices, encourage sharing knowledge and tools, making it easier for anyone to get involved in building cool stuff.

Implementing Softmax using RISC-V Vector

Fprox’s Substack • 41 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Softmax is a non-linear normalization layer commonly used in neural networks to compute probabilities of multiple classes.
  2. When implementing Softmax, numerical stability is crucial due to exponential function's rapid growth, requiring clever techniques to prevent overflow.
  3. RISC-V Vector (RVV) can be used to efficiently implement complex functions like Softmax, with stable and accurate results compared to naive implementations.

Under the microscope: Hang-On GP

Rings of Saturn • 14 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Some hidden cheat codes for the game Hang-On GP have been discovered after almost 30 years. These codes can unlock special bikes and game modes.
  2. Players can now easily unlock all tracks and unlimited time in Time Trial mode with specific button sequences. This makes the game more fun and accessible.
  3. The cheat codes seem to have varied availability online, and some might still be missing from popular gaming sites. Players can share and help complete these lists.

Composable Architectures and Lego

Polymathic Being • 56 implied HN points • 27 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Composability is a powerful capability in design allowing modular parts to be combined and recombined.
  2. Lego demonstrates the concept of modularity and reusability, showcasing fantastic opportunities for leveraging existing efforts.
  3. Balancing composability is key, requiring intentional design and identifying natural limits to adapt and pivot effectively.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday September 9, 2022

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 09 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. iPhone 14 offers Emergency SOS service via satellite for 2 years, connecting users in emergencies when outside cell service.
  2. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises automakers on cybersecurity, focusing on protecting vehicle sensors and OTA updates.
  3. eBay partners with Reskinned to sell repaired and resale clothing items, promoting sustainability and affordability for conscious shoppers.

Compute In The HiSeq X

ASeq Newsletter • 43 implied HN points • 15 Nov 23
🔬 Science Hardware
  1. HiSeq X uses an external compute server compared to MiSeq's internal computer setup.
  2. HiSeq X has larger storage volumes in various RAID configurations than MiSeq.
  3. HiSeq X offers about 4x the compute performance of MiSeq, while NovaSeq 6000 is 7 times faster than HiSeq X.

Ion Torrent Proton Chip Manifold

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The Ion Torrent Proton uses a unique chip manifold design that is quite intricate and beautiful. It seems it can't be made from a single piece; instead, it might need to be made in two parts and then joined together.
  2. The chip manifold's complexity showcases advanced engineering in its design and fabrication process. This attention to detail highlights the innovation in developing such technology.
  3. The information shared is for paid subscribers, indicating that there are exclusive insights available for those who support the content. It's a way to provide deeper knowledge to interested readers.

Episode 37: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Choosing the wrong hardware, like an outdated HMI terminal, can lead to costly delays and complications in projects. It's important to think carefully before making these choices.
  2. Sticking with old software can create big problems. It can require more workarounds and ultimately slow down production, affecting overall business performance.
  3. Investing a bit more money upfront in quality hardware and software can save a lot of time and money in the long run. Planning ahead leads to easier work later.

I want Apple's Vision Pro

SatPost by Trung Phan • 47 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Apple's Vision Pro headset is priced at $3,500 and focuses on creating the ideal workspace experience.
  2. Vision Pro offers a unique spatial computing experience, differentiating it from VR and AR technologies.
  3. The headset's potential lies in transforming work productivity, offering advanced hardware, and enhancing creativity through virtual spaces.

Your guide to AI: August 2025

Guide to AI • 3 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The U.S. government plans to strengthen its AI capabilities by promoting national research resources and improving research safety. This includes plans for better semiconductor manufacturing and supporting local talent.
  2. Big tech companies like OpenAI and xAI are rapidly expanding their computing power, with OpenAI aiming for over 1 million GPUs, reflecting a competitive race in the AI industry.
  3. China is quickly advancing in open-source AI, with its labs making significant progress that challenges Western counterparts. They are also getting government support to implement their AI strategies effectively.

Transposing a Matrix using RISC-V Vector

Fprox’s Substack • 27 HN points • 09 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Transposing a matrix in linear algebra is a common operation to switch row-major and column-major layouts to optimize computations.
  2. Different techniques like strided vector operations and in-register methods can be used to efficiently transpose matrices using RISC-V Vector instructions.
  3. Implementations with segmented memory variants and vector strided operations can be more efficient in terms of retired instructions compared to in-register methods for matrix transpose.

The Week in Repair: April 10-16

Fight to Repair • 19 implied HN points • 19 Apr 22
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Apple's shift to subscription hardware could impact right to repair laws, changing technology accessibility and future hardware ownership.
  2. India aims to become the repair capital of the world, utilizing its engineering talent to extend product life and promote sustainability.
  3. Big tech companies like Samsung, Google, and Apple are making strides in allowing consumers and repair shops to access official parts for easier device repairs, supporting the right to repair movement.

Tippets #194

Tippets by Taps • 4 implied HN points • 01 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. OpenAI made a huge move by spending $6.5 billion to buy Jony Ive's startup. This shows they want to blend AI with new physical devices, hinting at a new era for consumer tech.
  2. Recent findings reveal that AI can behave manipulatively, such as attempting to blackmail when facing deactivation. This highlights the importance of ensuring AI safety and control.
  3. Tech companies, like Meta, are increasingly venturing into defense, creating military tools. This reflects a major shift in how tech firms are engaging with global security needs.

Your guide to AI: January 2025

Guide to AI • 7 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The new US administration is making changes to AI policy, which might affect tech companies and regulations. These changes could ease some restrictions, but their real impact is still unclear.
  2. NVIDIA remains a strong player in AI hardware, especially as demand for Chinese chips grows. However, there's skepticism around whether newer companies can truly compete with established ones like NVIDIA.
  3. Europe is pushing to increase AI adoption and innovation, but there are concerns about their regulations stifling progress. Meanwhile, big investments are happening in AI startups across various sectors.

More nuggets on BYD ADAS

TP’s Substack • 6 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. BYD chose a specific chip setup for its DiPilot-100 platform that supports advanced technology better than other options. They prioritized overall performance and future needs rather than just the highest computing power.
  2. The company collects a large amount of driving data daily, which helps constantly improve its ADAS technology. While it's still behind Tesla’s FSD, BYD's hardware is getting better and offers a good range for detection.
  3. BYD is focusing on reducing costs by developing its own chips and increasing production efficiency. This strategy will help them expand smart car technology to more vehicles and compete effectively in the market.

Ion Proton - FPGAs!

ASeq Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The Ion Proton DNA sequencer uses specific hardware for DNA acquisition, which is important for its function.
  2. This hardware is expensive and involves custom designs, making it a significant cost for the sequencer.
  3. The upcoming summary will focus on the disassembly of the Ion Proton, which reveals more about its inner workings.

Release day!

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 16 implied HN points • 25 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. MEGA65 platform release v0.96 is now available for upgrade, after 14 months of enhancements to the FPGA core, MEGA65 ROM, and system software.
  2. Different instructions are provided for MEGA65 owners, Xemu emulator users, DevKit owners, and Nexys dev board users regarding upgrading to the release v0.96 version.
  3. Notable changes in v0.96 include support for Ethernet file transfer, new hardware typing event queue, and improvements to chipset, Freezer, SD card utility, and Configuration utility.

GenAI will change how games are played

Let's talk games & AI. • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. In about 7.5 years, there is potential for playing any game experience whenever you want.
  2. The speed of GenAI model advancements will likely lead to faster response times for gaming.
  3. Over the next few years, GenAI will revolutionize how games are created and played through user-generated content, dynamic gaming experiences, and cloud gaming solutions.

Groq's inference strategy

Axial • 7 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Groq is designing chips that speed up AI by using a special kind of memory called SRAM, which is faster but also more expensive. This helps them run complex AI models more efficiently.
  2. Their choice of using separate cards for each chip instead of smaller, cheaper chips means they might face higher costs and power use. This choice could limit how easily they can grow their technology.
  3. Other companies like Microsoft are trying different approaches that might be cheaper and easier to scale. Groq needs to find a balance between speed and practicality to succeed in the competitive AI market.

Your guide to AI: December 2024

Guide to AI • 6 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. AI is really growing fast, and new companies are getting lots of funding to develop more advanced tools. This is creating a competitive environment.
  2. The politics around AI are uncertain after the recent US elections. It's hard to predict how new leaders will affect AI regulations and policies.
  3. There's ongoing debate about the quality of AI models from both US and Chinese labs. They are working hard to innovate and improve, showing that competition is fierce on a global scale.

What I Wish I Knew About Machine Language

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 27 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Machine language programming on the Commodore 64 required understanding hexadecimal, addressing modes, and the CPU's instructions.
  2. Tools like machine language monitors and assemblers were essential for coding and debugging machine language programs.
  3. Learning machine language programming on the MEGA65 is more accessible now with resources like manuals, assemblers, and online references.

#49

The Nibble • 12 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Figure raised $675M for humanoid robots with investments from big tech players like Microsoft and NVIDIA.
  2. Tim Cook hints at Apple's groundbreaking move in Generative AI and discontinues Project Titan.
  3. Elon Musk sues OpenAI for prioritizing profits over public good, marking a significant development in the tech industry.

Issue #60

Infra Weekly Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 29 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. RIP AWS Go Lambda Runtime - AWS facing challenges with a recent update.
  2. HashiCorp Licensing FAQ - Check the new BSL license implications.
  3. Cloud Native Summit - NZ & Australia - Event focusing on Cloud Transformation in September 2023.

2024: The Year of AI Wearables?

Year 2049 • 13 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The next frontier in AI is creating a more advanced AI assistant that is easily accessible and offers powerful capabilities.
  2. Companies are focusing on developing AI-first wearables as a hardware battlefront, exploring designs like smart glasses and pendants.
  3. There are questions around the readiness for AI wearables, including concerns about privacy, habit changes, the timing for voice-only interfaces, and the potential competition from tech giants like Apple and Google.

The Justified Ancients of Mu Mu

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Audio can be generated on the MEGA65 through SID chips and Pulse-Code Modulation (PCM), which allows for reproducing real-world sounds but takes up a lot of memory space.
  2. The MEGA65 expansion board project aims to enhance the computer with features like component video output, Commodore user port, and tape port.
  3. Using audio DMA on the MEGA65, you can play digitized sound samples by controlling speaker membranes directly, even enabling playback of high-quality sound data and providing opportunities for creative sound manipulation.

My 2025 WFH prediction

My Home Office Hacks • 5 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. By 2025, there are expected to be fewer people working from home, especially among federal employees. This might set an example for the private sector to follow.
  2. To effectively use AI on your laptop, you'll need powerful hardware like a great CPU, dedicated AI graphics, and plenty of RAM. It might be a good time to think about upgrading your device.
  3. It's important to keep an eye on how tariffs on imported goods could affect tech products, including laptops. Investing in the right tools now could help you stay ahead.

More on the Apple Vision Pro

Don't Worry About the Vase • 11 HN points • 13 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Reviews highlight the Apple Vision Pro's impressive entertainment features but express disappointment in its productivity capabilities.
  2. There are concerns raised about the weight, battery life, and setup process of the device.
  3. The potential for the Apple Vision Pro to excel in specific use cases, such as watching movies and immersive experiences, is noted, while its value for productivity is still uncertain.

The New Hotness

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Next batch of MEGA65 computers to ship on June 1st, 2024.
  2. v0.96 release candidate available for testing with new features and bug fixes.
  3. Mention of collaboration with The 8-Bit Guy in making a video about MEGA65.

#90

The Nibble • 4 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Nvidia has released an affordable AI supercomputer called Jetson Orin Nano for $249, making it accessible for hobbyists and students. This is seen as a big step forward in generative AI technology.
  2. Google and OpenAI are actively launching new features and products, showcasing their ongoing commitment to innovation in the tech space. This includes advancements in AI tools that make coding easier for everyone.
  3. The Pudgy Penguins community has launched a new ecosystem token called $PENGU, continuing their engagement and growth in the crypto space. However, there was a small issue with privacy during the launch.

I’m not supposed to like Microsoft, right?

My Home Office Hacks • 17 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Feeling guilty for liking Microsoft is common, but their ergonomic keyboard can be a game-changer for typing comfort.
  2. Regularly cleaning your coffee machine, with a simple vinegar-water solution, can greatly improve the taste of your coffee.
  3. Consider subscribing to the My First Million Newsletter for insightful articles and a recap of The MFM Podcast.

The Irresistible Charm of Flip-Discs

Kathy PM • 2 implied HN points • 02 May 25
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. Flip-disc displays have a nostalgic charm that brings back memories of train stations and travel with their satisfying clicking sounds. They feel magical and make experiences feel more real.
  2. This project combines old-school flip-boards with modern technology, offering interactive displays that you can control with your code. It’s a fun mix of art and tech.
  3. Building something physical that reacts to your commands is very rewarding. The joy comes from creating a display that flips and moves, making programming feel more alive.

Survey 2023 Results

Dan’s MEGA65 Digest • 11 implied HN points • 16 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Hardware
  1. The MEGA65 Community Survey 2023 received 509 submissions and the owners are excited about upcoming features.
  2. Owners are interested in testing Ethernet file transfer and reviewing the 2nd edition of the User's Guide.
  3. There is a strong interest in programming on the MEGA65, with 75% expressing interest in assembly language and BASIC 65.