The hottest Product Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

One month of using Devin

Generating Conversation • 163 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology AI Tools Software Engineering Product Reviews User Experience Tech Innovation
  1. Devin is good for fixing small, specific coding tasks quickly, saving time for developers. It works best when given straightforward instructions on simple issues.
  2. However, Devin struggles with more complex tasks that require understanding and linking multiple components together. In those cases, it can produce confusing or unusable results.
  3. Although Devin shows promise in AI-assisted programming, it's still not at the level of a junior software engineer. There's definitely room for improvement as the technology develops.

#205: My TikTok Shop purchase history

Maybe Baby • 1214 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Consumer behavior Social media Lifestyle Product Reviews
  1. TikTok Shop has become a popular place for online shopping, making billions in sales since its launch. Many people, despite initial hesitations, are drawn to its simplicity and variety.
  2. While some purchases from TikTok Shop can be enjoyable, many items end up being low quality or unnecessary. It's easy to impulse buy when seeing products advertised by relatable users.
  3. Reflecting on buying habits can reveal a lack of thoughtful choices. Sometimes, the urge to shop online can lead to regret and a realization that we didn't really need those items.

Nothing Better About These Buns

Snaxshot • 399 implied HN points • 17 Apr 24
🍲 Food & Drink Food Quality Food Industry Food Tech Product Reviews
  1. There is controversy surrounding Better Brand's product misrepresentation, causing disappointment among customers and raising questions about company integrity.
  2. The company's growth and valuation do not seem to align with the quality of its products, leading to skepticism and disappointment among consumers.
  3. Issues like false advertising in the food industry showcase a disconnect between company growth goals and product quality, emphasizing the importance of maintaining honesty and quality in consumer products.

Report: Virtual & Augmented Reality Test Drive

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 153 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Virtual reality Augmented reality Product Reviews Tech Trends User Experience
  1. The Apple VisionPro has some cool uses like immersive video and creating a personal space during flights. However, it's not worth the high price for most people.
  2. Facebook's new AR glasses are just a prototype and not available for sale yet. This means they aren’t really ahead of Apple, which could quickly release a practical product when ready.
  3. Users want more efficient apps and features for AR experiences, especially those that work better than iPad apps. There's potential for amazing virtual experiences, but the technology isn't fully there yet.

A review of Brick, a little box that shuts down your phone

Startup Strategies • 71 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Gadgets Apps Media Product Reviews
  1. The Brick is a device that helps you stop using apps on your phone by locking them down until you tap it again. This makes it harder to scroll through social media mindlessly.
  2. Although it works well to keep you off distracting apps, it's not the cheapest option available. There are free apps like Screen Time that can do something similar.
  3. Some people might prefer making their own version of the Brick with cheap parts instead of buying one. It’s a fun project, but the Brick does its job of reducing screen time effectively.
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How Lon Seidman used his tech YouTube channel to build a huge affiliate business

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 149 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
đź’Ľ Business YouTube Product Reviews E-commerce
  1. Lon Seidman focuses on reviewing everyday gadgets that are not glamorous but sell a lot. This smart choice helps him reach a wide audience.
  2. He uses his YouTube channel to drive affiliate sales, earning money when viewers buy products through his links.
  3. Lon is also exploring decentralized platforms to share his content, which may help him connect with more viewers.

Ather Rizta Electric Scooter: No Fun

Kartick’s Blog • 17 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
đź•ą 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.

Ola S1 Pro Electric Scooter: Don't Buy

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Transportation Electric Vehicles Consumer Tech Product Reviews User Experience
  1. The Ola S1 Pro scooter has a problem with its user interface; it can be unresponsive and sometimes fails to load. This can make it frustrating to use.
  2. Customer service seems to be lacking, as the support staff may not help with issues and can dismiss complaints. People have shared negative experiences with getting assistance.
  3. There have also been reports of safety issues with the scooters, such as fires and general dissatisfaction, which makes it a risky choice for buyers.

Orxa Mantis Electric Motorcycle: Don't Buy

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Electric Vehicles Product Reviews Consumer Tech Transportation Gadgets
  1. The Orxa Mantis electric motorcycle is buggy and has issues like a long dashboard boot time and overheating.
  2. The actual range of the motorcycle doesn't match what is advertised, making it less reliable.
  3. It feels shaky when braking and is overpriced at 4 lakh; other options like Ather are recommended instead.

Vida V1 Pro: Crappy Scooter from a Crappy Company

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
đź•ą Technology Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics Product Reviews User Experience
  1. The Vida V1 Pro scooter has major design flaws, like mirrors that can't be adjusted properly and a poorly made handlebar.
  2. It has practical issues too, like the motor not stopping when braking and turn indicators that don’t function correctly.
  3. Customer service from the company was not good, suggesting that support might be worse after buying the scooter.

Nexon EV 45 Review: Don't Buy

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Automotive Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics Product Reviews Engineering
  1. The Nexon EV 45 has many flaws, making it hard to recommend. It's cramped and lacks good driving features, leading to a lack of confidence while driving.
  2. While the car drives smoothly and has modes for different driving styles, it has serious stability issues at high speeds and pulls to the left, which is dangerous.
  3. The digital features are lacking, with poorly located ports and unreliable tech like voice assistants. Additionally, the stereo and overall comfort can be improved significantly.

Expedited Vote for the February 2025 + Post Topic

Computer Ads from the Past • 0 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
đź•ą Technology Computers Advertising History Innovation Product Reviews
  1. The post mentions that there will be a poll for the next topic, and it's only open for three days. Make sure to participate quickly if you have a topic in mind.
  2. There is a reminder about an upcoming post on the Speedcal Laser Color Computer that should be delivered soon. It's important to stay engaged with future content.
  3. A free trial is offered for new subscribers, allowing access to the full post archives for a week. It's a good way to explore the content before committing.

Mercedes EQS SUV: The Best Chauffeur-Driven SUV

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
đź•ą Technology Automobiles Electric Vehicles Consumer Electronics Luxury goods Product Reviews
  1. The Mercedes EQS SUV is best for people who want to be driven rather than drive themselves. It offers a super comfortable and luxurious experience in the back seat.
  2. While the car has many high-tech features, some of them can be annoying or don’t work well, like the overly sensitive braking system and unreliable air conditioning.
  3. If you're looking for a fun self-driving experience, the EQS SUV might not be great. Other cars like the Volvo EC40 or Verna might give you better driving enjoyment.

Headphone Comparison

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
đź•ą Technology Audio Equipment Consumer Electronics Product Reviews
  1. The Audio-Technica headphones are the best for listening to music, providing clear and rich sound, but they can be uncomfortable for long periods.
  2. AirPods are great for comfort and are useful for casual listening, but they have many connectivity issues and may not be the best choice if you use different devices.
  3. Next time, prioritize comfort over brand and look for wired headphones with USB-C ports for better compatibility with modern devices.

The Bose Portable Smart Speaker Is Excellent

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
đź•ą Technology Audio Devices Consumer Electronics Product Reviews Smart Home
  1. The Bose Portable Smart Speaker is highly portable, fitting well in a backpack and being easy to carry around with a handle. It can handle light rain and bumps, making it suitable for travel.
  2. The sound quality is impressive for its size, offering rich and full audio, with strong bass that can enhance movies and music. It outperforms many bigger speakers, making it a great choice for enjoying audio on the go.
  3. While it lacks wired connections and isn't the best for podcasts or as a smart speaker, it excels as a portable audio option. If you prioritize sound quality in a compact design, it's a solid choice.

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

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
đź•ą 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.

The XUV 400 Is a Buggy Car with Short Range

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
đź•ą 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.

Why You Should Buy Tower Speakers

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Audio Equipment Consumer Electronics Product Reviews
  1. Floorstanding speakers, or tower speakers, provide better sound quality compared to bookshelf speakers. If you care about listening to high-quality audio, these are a great choice.
  2. Bookshelf speakers often need additional equipment like a subwoofer and stands, making them more complicated and potentially more expensive. Floorstanders offer a simpler all-in-one solution.
  3. Even though floorstanding speakers might cost a bit more upfront, they save you money in the long run because you won't need extra equipment to achieve good sound.

Thar Roxx Review: Only for SUV Usage

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Automobiles Product Reviews Consumer behavior
  1. SUVs like the Thar Roxx are designed for off-road use and towing. If you don't plan to do those things, a crossover might be a better choice.
  2. The Roxx isn't as comfortable or smooth as other cars meant for city driving, like the Creta. It can be noisy and the ride isn't very smooth.
  3. If you're looking for an SUV, make sure it fits your needs. Buying one just for city use is like getting a TV for listening to music; a dedicated speaker will do better.

Mahindra XUV 700 Review: Cramped and Cheap

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
đź•ą Technology Automotive Product Reviews Consumer Technology User Experience Digital features
  1. The Mahindra XUV 700 feels cramped and cheap, making it uncomfortable to drive. It's missing many features that are expected in this type of car.
  2. The interior has a lot of plastic and it lacks good quality finishes compared to other cars. It also doesn't offer some convenient features like auto wipers or a 360-degree camera.
  3. For better options, consider the Creta for a 2-row version or the Carens for a 3-row setup. They might be more comfortable and have better features.