The hottest Reviews Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

10 must-read books

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Reading a good book can bring joy for a long time, not just for a special occasion. It's about enjoyment and lasting value.
  2. The recommended nonfiction books are all easy to read and informative, making them great for casual reading.
  3. These books are not a fleeting trend but rather timeless choices that continue to provide pleasure over the years.

Customer reviews: bop or flop?

Mehdeeka • 3 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Reviews
  1. Reviews can be a powerful marketing tool for branding, pipeline growth, and higher conversions.
  2. To get more reviews, consider running campaigns, both by G2 and vendors, and use passive review strategies.
  3. Reviews have the most impact in the middle of the sales/marketing funnel and can be amplified across marketing assets like websites for increased trust and conversions.

Booksbooksbooks 02/2024

GOOD INTERNET • 3 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. The novel 'The Trees' is a dark allegory on racism and lynchings in the US, told with humor and ghostly elements.
  2. The book 'Morals: The Invention of Good and Evil' explores the history of moral psychology, discussing cultural evolution and societal paradoxes.
  3. In 'When We Became Cities,' urban avatars fight alt-right tentacle monsters in an entertaining but occasionally wokism-filled story.

Lunch Eater: An Update

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Lunch Eater book release on October 31 in ebook and paperback formats
  2. Paid subscribers get early access to ebook version, while free copies available upon request
  3. Author asks for help promoting and supporting indie book release

The Journey of DC Rainmaker

The Healthtech Initiative • 3 implied HN points • 23 Aug 23
🎾 Sports Reviews
  1. DC Rainmaker started as a triathlete and tech enthusiast, creating a blog to share insights on sports gadgets.
  2. DC Rainmaker is known for thorough and unbiased reviews of sports technology products, earning trust in the sports tech community.
  3. He goes beyond product reviews to explore trends, engage with his audience, and collaborate with sports tech companies.
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A Tale of Two Restaurant Types

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2 HN points • 21 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Reviews
  1. Older restaurants are often selected for and reward repeat business, so trying them in your area could be valuable.
  2. Exploration and discovery of restaurants are easier and more rewarding in the review era compared to the pre-review era. Online ratings can be valuable but may not fully replace personal exploration and judgment.
  3. Yelp and DoorDash ratings may not always accurately identify exceptional dining experiences, so personal exploration and validation remain important.

Welcome, nonfiction writers and readers

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 2 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Terry Freedman's newsletter is for nonfiction writers and readers, covering a range of topics from book reviews to experimental writing.
  2. The newsletter offers a mix of free content and a paid tier for those interested in deeper techniques and technology insights from the writer.
  3. The content includes personal reflections, book reviews like 'The Comfort of Strangers,' and experimentation with different writing styles.

November Update

Maker News • 2 HN points • 30 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Reviews
  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.

A Movie and A Book

Olshansky's Newsletter • 1 HN point • 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. A Movie: Barbie & The Art of Learning - The movie Barbie delivers a serious message with humor and has a powerful cast.
  2. On Feminism: The Barbie movie advocates for feminism and equality without being 'in your face'.
  3. The Art of Learning Book: Quality of learning hours matters more than quantity - focus, attentiveness, and persistence are crucial.

What can you do in PlayStation VR2?

Worldish • 1 HN point • 23 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. PlayStation VR2 has eye-tracking technology for a better social VR experience
  2. Games like Switchback VR and Kayak VR use creative features like eye-tracking for immersive gameplay
  3. Titles like Horizon Call of the Mountain and Gran Turismo 7 offer visually stunning experiences and thrilling gameplay

#OpenSourceDiscovery 2023 year in review

#OpenSourceDiscovery • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. In 2023, the author discovered and shared 7 open source projects that they still use.
  2. The top discoveries include tools like RudderStack for customer data management and Node-RED for workflow automation.
  3. The author plans to continue experimenting and reviewing open source projects in 2024.

The Best Best Picture

Aerial Shot • 0 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The Academy expanded the number of Best Picture nominees between 2009 and 2021 based on voting percentages.
  2. Yorgos Lanthimos' film 'Poor Things' is praised for its bizarre and offbeat nature.
  3. Greg Gottfried ranks 'Oppenheimer' as the best movie of 2023 and recommends watching it in theaters before the Oscars.

(Slightly More Than the) Year in Review

Wigs on the Green • 0 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🎾 Sports Reviews
  1. Pace of play is a complex issue in golf with many factors to consider beyond individual playing speed.
  2. Exploring unique topics like North Korea's golf course can generate interest and discussion.
  3. Critically analyzing and learning from feedback is important for growth and improvement in writing and content creation.

Apple Vision Pro: Initial Thoughts

startupdreams • 0 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  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.

Do Not Research: Bang Reviews

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. The post is about 'Do Not Research: Bang Reviews' by Donotresearch on Substack.
  2. The post was shared multiple times on various platforms like Facebook and email.
  3. The main focus seems to be directing readers to the Donotresearch Substack account.

A Provisional Re-sequencing of the White Album

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 21 Oct 10
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The White Album's song ordering is not optimal, and side 3 feels especially disjointed. Many listeners might not notice this because they've heard it so many times.
  2. A fresh re-sequencing of the album could significantly improve the listening experience. Sometimes a random shuffle can even work well.
  3. The author suggests removing two songs from the album and starting and ending with different versions of the same song to give it more structure.

Weekender

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🎙 Podcasts Reviews
  1. There is a new weekly post for paid readers that shares thoughts and recommendations for the weekend. It's a casual way to explore new ideas and get suggestions.
  2. Feedback from readers is encouraged to help improve the content. The writer wants to refine their projects based on reader input.
  3. Many previous posts are available to browse, and there's an option for a free trial to access full content.

Weekender

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🎙 Podcasts Reviews
  1. New posts come out every Friday for paid readers, offering thoughts and recommendations for the weekend. It's a way to enjoy fresh ideas and suggestions each week.
  2. Feedback is important! Readers are invited to share their thoughts to help improve the content and direction of the posts.
  3. Most of the content remains free for everyone. Subscribing provides access to exclusive recommendations and topics while keeping a lot available for non-subscribers.

Weekender

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📚 Literature Reviews
  1. Every Friday, you'll get fun thoughts and weekend reading or podcast suggestions. It's a more relaxed way to share ideas.
  2. The recommendations are meant to be informal, focusing on what’s new and interesting in different projects.
  3. Feedback on these posts is really wanted, so feel free to share your thoughts or ideas.

A (little late) Roundup (May 2023)

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 19 Jun 23
🎙 Podcasts Reviews
  1. Podcasts and reading recommendations are a great way to discover new ideas and projects. They can expand your knowledge and introduce you to interesting people.
  2. Personal updates, like getting married, can highlight important life changes and celebrations. Sharing these moments connects you with others.
  3. Exploring new tools and tips helps improve productivity and creativity. Staying updated can make a big difference in how you work and learn.

A Roundup (February 2023)

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🎙 Podcasts Reviews
  1. There are great podcasts to check out, like The Tim Ferriss Show, which features interesting guests and topics. It can be a fun way to learn something new while relaxing.
  2. The post includes recommendations for books and projects that might inspire you. Finding fresh reads or unique projects can make your month more exciting.
  3. Personal updates and insights shared in the post can show a more relatable side. It’s nice to see what others are discovering in their lives and interests.

New EP from Dr. Dog's Toby Leaman

polymathematics • 0 implied HN points • 24 Oct 22
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Toby Leaman, a member of Dr. Dog, has released a new EP called 'Military Applications.'
  2. The EP features six tracks that have a sound similar to Dr. Dog, with catchy synths and harmonies.
  3. Fans of Dr. Dog may really enjoy this new music since it captures the band's vibe well.

The iPhone 15 has a better mic than the 11 Pro

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The iPhone 15 has a better microphone compared to the iPhone 11 Pro. It captures audio more naturally and clearly.
  2. When using the iPhone 15, you can hear subtle details in voices, making recordings sound more lifelike.
  3. You don't need a fancy microphone to record good audio; the iPhone 15 is great for podcasting right out of the box.

Speaker Quality Compared

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The best speaker tested is a TV, which surprised me because I thought TV speakers would be bad.
  2. The laptop actually sounds better than the Echo Dot, which shows that not all small devices perform poorly.
  3. When buying small speakers, focus on the overall sound quality instead of stereo features, as separation doesn't matter much in that size.

The Seltos is a Marginally Worse Creta

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The Seltos and Creta are very similar cars, with 95% of their features being the same. If you like one, you'll likely enjoy the other.
  2. The Creta offers a smoother ride and feels lighter when driving, making it easier to accelerate with less effort compared to the Seltos.
  3. While both cars have great features, the Seltos has some quirks, like a less comfortable headrest and a tendency to overreact with safety features, which may frustrate some drivers.

The M.G.Windsor Obsoletes Fossil Fuel-powered Clunkers

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The M.G. Windsor is a new electric vehicle that stands out for its great design and features. It's been said to offer a smoother driving experience than many other cars.
  2. While early technology can be rough and expensive, this car represents a significant improvement in electric vehicle technology, making it much more appealing than older options.
  3. Although the Windsor has limitations, like range and seat comfort, it is seen as a sign of how electric cars will get better and become more common in the future.

Scorpio N: Only for SUV Usage

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Reviews
  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.

Toyota Fortuner: Buy Scorpio N Instead

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The Toyota Fortuner is a true SUV, but it costs over double the price of the Scorpio N, which offers similar features and capabilities.
  2. Both vehicles have the same seating and safety features, but the Fortuner doesn't provide enough comfort or modern design to justify its higher cost.
  3. Choosing the Scorpio N could save you money, allowing you to afford additional vehicles or upgrades while still getting a capable SUV.

The Kia Carens Is the Best 3-row Vehicle

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The Kia Carens is considered the best 3-row vehicle, especially for those needing extra space.
  2. It offers useful features like ventilated seats and a cooled cup-holder, but has some comfort issues like limited legroom in certain seats.
  3. If you don't require a 3-row vehicle, options like the Creta may provide more comfort and features, making them a better choice.

The Toyota Hyryder / Grand Vitara is actually a Mediocre Vitara

Kartick’s Blog • 0 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Reviews
  1. The Toyota Hyryder and Grand Vitara have poor comfort and driving features compared to competitors like the Creta and Seltos. Many aspects like seat comfort and engine sound were disappointing.
  2. The car has some good features like various cameras and a remote AC start, but it lacks important safety features like side airbags and lane departure warning. This makes it feel incomplete for the price.
  3. Overall, both the Hyryder and Grand Vitara feel similar but offer limited benefits. Buyers may find better options in other cars for the same price.

Consumer Guide: March, 2023

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The post discusses music recommendations from different parts of the world.
  2. It mentions the backlash Adele receives and the reasons behind it.
  3. Some content in the post is available only to paid subscribers.

Consumer Guide: May, 2023

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Consumer Guide for May 2023 includes music reviews and cultural commentary.
  2. The post features 25 songs discussing various topics like street life, racism, and ice cream.
  3. Paid subscription is required to access the full content.

Let's Just Hang Out For A Bit

Aerial Shot • 0 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture Reviews
  1. Substack allows freedom in content creation and expression.
  2. Different movies reviewed with personal opinions and recommendations.
  3. Highlights include 'Air', 'Beau Is Afraid', and 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3'.

Consumer Guide: June, 2023

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 14 Jun 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Consumer Guide for June 2023 by Robert Christgau includes different music genres like semba, merengue, kompas, and soukouss.
  2. Paid subscription is needed for access to the full content of the post.
  3. The post features Lovestruck avowals, stealth-ethical jokers, Black pop standards, and smart lovers who understand worse scenarios.

Three By Steve Anderson

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. This post consists of reviews of music by Joan Jett, Slowdive, and the Ramones from the Village Voice, showcasing a rich cultural reach.
  2. Steve Anderson's writing style was diverse and unique, with a mix of cultural references and engaging storytelling.
  3. The Ramones' music is celebrated for its enduring spirit and belief in the lasting impact of short, powerful songs, exemplified in their album 'Acid Eaters'.

Dean's List: 2023

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. Dean's List: 84 best albums of the past year.
  2. Significant number of artists aged 50 or over on the list.
  3. Focus on songwriting, vocals, and melodies in music evaluation.

A Duller Bang: Robert Christgau on the Rolling Stones

And It Don't Stop • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎶 Music Reviews
  1. The Rolling Stones have a long history of producing classic albums but experienced a decrease in quality post-1972.
  2. Their latest album, 'Hackney Diamonds', received mixed reviews, with some praising it and others critiquing it.
  3. Despite their legacy, some albums like 'Hackney Diamonds' may not match the excitement and quality of their earlier work.