The hottest Innovation Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

✨⏩ AI acceleration: the solution to AI risk

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Security Research Innovation Policy
  1. AI development is racing forward, and the first to achieve superintelligence could have a big edge in power and resources.
  2. Speeding up technological progress may actually reduce risks of disasters because it limits the time we stay exposed to dangerous phases of development.
  3. We should focus on managing AI risks through better safety measures instead of slowing down its progress, as slowing down might lead to bigger problems.

DeepSeek V3 and R1

From the New World • 188 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Computing Innovation Data science
  1. DeepSeek has released a new AI model called R1, which can answer tough scientific questions. This model has quickly gained attention, competing with major players like OpenAI and Google.
  2. There's ongoing debate about the authenticity of DeepSeek's claimed training costs and performance. Many believe that its reported costs and results might not be completely accurate.
  3. DeepSeek has implemented several innovations to enhance its AI models. These optimizations have helped them improve performance while dealing with hardware limits and developing new training techniques.

China's Deepseek is NOT as smart as ChatGPT-o1

Maximum Truth • 231 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Competitiveness Innovation Data
  1. Deepseek performs on par with free AI models but does not reach the intelligence of OpenAI's paid models. It can exceed or match free AIs like Claude and ChatGPT-4o, but falls short against the more advanced paid versions.
  2. When tested with IQ questions only found offline, Deepseek does better than free models but still trails behind OpenAI’s paid models. Its results imply it may have leveraged internet data for online IQ tests, thus affecting its offline performance.
  3. Despite being competitive, the US maintains a lead in AI intelligence. Deepseek shows promise but faces challenges ahead, especially with the restrictions on technology that China experiences.

Declining trust in Zeus is a technology

Experimental History • 20553 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🔬 Science Research History Technology Innovation Experts
  1. Randomized-controlled trials are a relatively recent method in the history of scientific evidence.
  2. Challenging old beliefs, such as trust in ancient gods like Zeus, can lead to important scientific advancements.
  3. There is a need for more transparency and accessibility in expert knowledge to earn public trust in institutions and experts.

Will China squander its moment in the sun?

Noahpinion • 21647 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics China Government Control Economic Growth Innovation Cultural influence
  1. China is at the peak of its relative power and effectiveness, with impressive economic and scientific achievements surpassing other major world powers at this moment.
  2. There are concerns about a slowdown in China's growth due to economic challenges and lack of focus on what the people truly want, resulting in a potential squandering of the nation's potential.
  3. China's system seems to inhibit breakthrough innovation, limit artistic and cultural influence internationally, and restrict freedom and autonomy of its people, perhaps hindering the nation's overall greatness.
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Subscribe to This Book?

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation History Economics
  1. Technology is changing really fast, making it hard to keep track of everything. Books can't keep up, so there's a need for ongoing updates.
  2. The author wants to create a subscription model for readers to get continuous updates on technology's history. This way, readers can have the latest information and not just a single snapshot.
  3. There's a concern that current AI technologies may not scale well and could lead to a tech crash, similar to past tech bubbles. Real human intelligence still has a unique edge over artificial intelligence.

✨☢ A (pricey) Manhattan Project for AI Safety?

Faster, Please! • 456 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI safety Regulation Innovation Research Security
  1. AI safety may require a huge investment, like $250 billion, to ensure we can manage its risks effectively. This is much more than what was spent on the atomic bomb during World War II.
  2. Researchers believe that speeding up technological progress can actually help reduce risks from advanced AI. The idea is that the faster we move forward, the less time we have for potential dangers to develop.
  3. Many experts suggest that the U.S. government might need to take charge of AI development to ensure safety and security, creating a major project similar to the Manhattan Project. This would involve merging AI labs and improving defenses against foreign threats.

The Sequence Research #553: Self-Evaluating LLMs Are Here: Inside Meta AI’s J1 Framework

TheSequence • 63 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Research
  1. LLMs are now used as judges, which is an exciting new trend in AI. This can help improve how we evaluate AI outputs.
  2. Meta AI's J1 framework is a significant development that makes LLMs more like active thinkers rather than just content creators. This means they can make better evaluations.
  3. Using reinforcement learning, J1 allows AI models to learn effective ways to judge tasks. This helps ensure that their evaluations are both reliable and understandable.

The Sequence Opinion #552: Seriously, What is an Agent?

TheSequence • 70 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Automation Ethics
  1. The term 'AI agent' can mean many things, and different experts have different definitions. This shows that there is still a lot of discussion about what really makes an AI an agent.
  2. Some people think an AI agent should be able to plan and act on its own, while others see it as any system that uses language models or performs tasks. There is no clear agreement on this.
  3. The lines between traditional AI models and agents might be blurring, suggesting that future AI systems could include features of agents directly within them.

IT'S HAPPENING

How the Hell • 792 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Robotics Software Innovation Research
  1. Researchers have created a new simulation engine called Genesis, which could enable the development of general-purpose robots. This means robots might soon be able to perform a wide range of tasks like humans.
  2. Recent advancements in AI, particularly in reasoning models from companies like OpenAI and Google, are pushing us closer to achieving advanced AI capabilities. This includes AI that can think logically and solve complex problems effectively.
  3. The rapid progress in AI, especially with the latest models, has led to a genuine feeling of hope for the future. People believe we could soon see robots, AI scientists, and even ambitious projects like colonizing Mars becoming a reality.

Last Week in AI #290 - OpenAI's massive VC round and DevDay, Flux 1.1, NotebookLM

Last Week in AI • 139 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Software Development Venture Capital Tech news Innovation
  1. OpenAI raised a massive $6.6 billion in funding, making it one of the most valuable tech companies. This will help them expand their research and computing power.
  2. At OpenAI's DevDay, they introduced a new Realtime API for developers, allowing nearly instant AI-generated voice responses for apps. Developers are excited about the new possibilities they can create.
  3. Black Forest Labs released a faster and improved version of their image generation model, Flux 1.1 Pro. This could change the game for how quickly and effectively images are created using AI.

🌞☁️ Pro-growthers are having a moment. But so are degrowthers

Faster, Please! • 548 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Ideologies Tech Policy Energy Policy Innovation
  1. There is a growing movement called 'Up Wing' that focuses on progress and abundance. This movement includes people from both sides of the political spectrum who want to see technological advancements.
  2. Factors like AI, nuclear energy acceptance, and competition with China are helping this movement gain strength. These elements create a push for new tech and policies that encourage innovation.
  3. However, there are still strong opposing views known as 'Down Wing', which challenge the focus on growth and progress. This resistance shows that not everyone agrees on how to approach the future.

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.

Shrinking Hierarchy

David Friedman’s Substack • 224 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Economics Entrepreneurship Remote work Innovation
  1. Agoric institutions are where most people are self-employed and work together more like a community of entrepreneurs. This helps reduce reliance on traditional companies.
  2. Technological advancements are making it easier for individuals to create and share their work without the need for companies, like self-publishing or AI helping in content creation.
  3. As technology improves, it reduces costs and complexities of doing business. This means more people could work independently in the future, even if big companies still exist.

Future is Lean, Mean, and Scary for UX Agencies

Jakob Nielsen on UX • 50 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology UX Design AI Impact Productivity Innovation
  1. UX agencies are facing tough times because more companies are building their own in-house UX teams. This means less need for outside consultants.
  2. AI is changing the UX game by making work more efficient. With AI tools, one UX professional can do the work of three, leading to smaller, more effective teams.
  3. The future of UX will split into two paths: high-end firms offering specialized strategic consulting and low-end providers using AI to deliver basic design services. Mid-sized agencies may struggle unless they adapt.

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.

How Sony Mastered the Transistor

The Asianometry Newsletter • 1607 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Innovation Manufacturing History Engineering
  1. Sony started from nothing after World War II, but two determined founders, Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka, worked together to create innovative products like radios using new technology.
  2. They took a big risk by licensing transistor technology from Western Electric, believing it could change the way they made electronics, especially portable radios.
  3. Through trial and error, they learned how to produce reliable transistors and eventually created one of the first successful transistor radios, leading to the company's iconic brand name, Sony.

That's a wrap!

atomic14 • 692 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Products Innovation Development Community
  1. The speaker has had a busy year filled with exciting projects, including working on small tech boards and experimenting with new materials.
  2. They recently launched the ESP32 Rainbow project, which is fully funded and aimed to be a product soon, with interesting development challenges along the way.
  3. The speaker thanks their supporters, including Patreons, and looks forward to sharing more content and projects in the new year.

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.

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.

✨ Life in an AI utopia: A Quick Q&A with futurist and philosopher Nick Bostrom

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Futurism Philosophy Ethics Innovation
  1. It's often easier for people to imagine a bad future, like in movies, than a good one. This can affect how cultures think about their future.
  2. When thinking about a perfect world, many people share similar ideas, like having peace and cleanliness. But if everything goes perfectly, we might miss out on challenges that give our lives meaning.
  3. The future of artificial intelligence could be really bright or really dark. We need to prepare for both possibilities because we are entering a new era with big changes ahead.

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.

Contrasting Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Sam Altman

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 1197 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Entrepreneurs Startups Innovation Investing Leadership
  1. Peter Thiel challenges popular beliefs, often promoting ideas that flip conventional wisdom upside down, like seeing monopolies as goals to strive for.
  2. Sam Altman taps into current trends and enthusiasm to fuel new developments, believing in a balance between capitalism and social good, like universal basic income.
  3. Elon Musk focuses on building and scaling projects, taking big risks when he sees potential, emphasizing a survival mindset for humanity's future.

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.

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.

What Is To Be Done? Investing Where It Matters.

Breaking the News • 654 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
💼 Business Investing Economics Innovation Manufacturing Market Trends
  1. Investing in advanced technology manufacturing is gaining momentum in the US. This is a positive sign for the economy, showing growth and innovation.
  2. It's important to focus on what truly matters when making investments. This could mean supporting industries or ideas that have the potential to make a significant impact.
  3. Documenting progress and sharing stories of innovation can inspire others to get involved and contribute to meaningful change. It helps to keep the momentum going.

GDC 2025 is here! Get amped for the ultimate Game Development Conference!🔥

$5.vc • 1 implied HN point • 20 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gaming Conferences Development Innovation Networking
  1. GDC 2025 is from March 17 to 21 in San Francisco. It's a great event for game developers to connect and learn.
  2. There will be over 700 sessions and 400 exhibitors, making it an awesome opportunity to discover new ideas and technologies.
  3. The alt.ctrl.GDC exhibition will showcase games using unique controllers, allowing visitors to interact with innovative projects.

What's Behind the SynBio Bust?

Rough Diamonds • 72 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Biotechnology Manufacturing Innovation Startups Economics
  1. Synthetic biology and biomanufacturing can be expensive. It's usually cheaper to make simple chemicals using traditional methods than using living organisms.
  2. Biomanufacturing startups need to focus on products that can only be made with biological processes. If they try to compete on common products, they will struggle.
  3. Successful biomanufacturing requires good teamwork between design and manufacturing. Companies that only focus on one part of the process often face big problems.

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.

A Capacitor Will Stop That... Right?

filterwizard • 19 implied HN points • 30 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Engineering Electronics Innovation Research Education
  1. Capacitors are used to manage electrical noise and improve stability in circuits. They help smooth out fluctuations in voltage.
  2. Understanding electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) can prevent interference between electronic devices. This is important for maintaining performance and reliability.
  3. Decoupling is a key technique in design to isolate different circuit parts. It helps reduce noise and improves the overall functionality of the system.

🚀 What did they take from us, exactly?

Faster, Please! • 731 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Innovation Regulation Progress Digital Economics
  1. Innovation has faced many challenges due to strict regulations and negative attitudes towards progress. This has slowed down our technological advancements and kept us from realizing exciting future possibilities.
  2. There were two major periods of optimism in history that drove technology forward—after World War II and during the digital revolution. During these times, people felt hopeful and invested in new ideas and inventions.
  3. To bring back that spirit of progress, we need to focus on supporting innovation and overcoming barriers that limit potential. It's important to keep believing in a better, more advanced future.

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.

The Great Reset: From Startups to What's Next

European Straits • 60 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Startups Finance Economics Innovation Global Markets Entrepreneurship
  1. Europe has struggled to create big tech companies like those in the US and China. It's due to issues like culture differences and less investment, which make it harder for companies to grow big.
  2. The US has certain advantages, such as a large market and easier access to funding, that help companies succeed. In Europe, money tends to be concentrated with a few wealthy families, making startups struggle.
  3. Even if startups seem to be fading, there's still a chance for new tech and ideas to emerge, especially with things like AI. Companies are likely to focus on efficiency rather than just rapid growth.

Review: The Klydo Clock, a wild and very fun wall clock you've probably seen on Instagram

Startup Strategies • 57 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Design Innovation Consumer Electronics Reviews
  1. The Klydo Clock is not just a regular clock; it's a fun and animated gadget that makes timekeeping more exciting.
  2. This clock adds a stylish touch to any room, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
  3. It’s a great example of how a simple everyday object can be transformed into something cool and enjoyable.

The Chronicles of GND, Part 1

filterwizard • 39 implied HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Engineering Innovation Simulation
  1. Voltage is always measured between two points, not at a single point. You need to connect both leads of a voltmeter correctly to get accurate readings.
  2. Kirchhoff's Madness refers to thinking you can measure voltage with just one lead, leading to misunderstandings in circuits. Always define where both leads are connected.
  3. Current doesn't just disappear when it flows to ground; it travels in a closed loop. Misunderstanding this can cause problems in circuit design and analysis.

($) 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.