The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

On GPT-4.5

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1344 implied HN points • 03 Mar 25
🕹 Technology AI Computing Innovation Gadgets Software
  1. GPT-4.5 is a new type of AI with unique advantages in understanding context and creativity. It's different from earlier models and may be better for certain tasks, like writing.
  2. The model is expensive to run and might not always be the best choice for coding or reasoning tasks. Users need to determine the best model for their needs.
  3. Evaluating GPT-4.5's effectiveness is tricky since traditional benchmarks don't capture its strengths. It's recommended to engage with the model directly to see its unique capabilities.

Firmware Vibing

atomic14 • 346 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Gadgets Hardware Software Coding Innovations
  1. There's a new one-button keyboard that makes coding simpler and fun. It's designed just for 'vibe coding'!
  2. The keyboard uses advanced technology to manage power efficiently, making it more effective than older designs.
  3. Creating low profile keys was tricky due to size differences, but it worked out in the end, making for a unique typing experience.

Hardware discovery: ACPI & Device Tree

Blog System/5 • 330 implied HN points • 01 Mar 25
🕹 Technology Hardware Software Operating Systems Embedded Systems
  1. Hardware discovery is the process where a computer's operating system recognizes the devices connected to it, like printers or keyboards, and finds the right drivers to make them work.
  2. ACPI and Device Tree are two methods that help the operating system understand what hardware is present; ACPI is used mainly on PCs, while Device Tree is often used for embedded devices like Raspberry Pi.
  3. For the system to function properly, it's important to load the correct configuration for these hardware descriptions at boot time, which helps the kernel know how to interact with the hardware.

Seven replies to the viral Apple reasoning paper – and why they fall short

Marcus on AI • 16836 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Data science Computing Software
  1. Large reasoning models (LRMs) struggle with complex tasks, and while it's true that humans also make mistakes, we expect machines to perform better. The Apple paper highlights that LLMs can't be trusted for more complicated problems.
  2. Some rebuttals argue that bigger models might perform better, but we can't predict which models will succeed in various tasks. This leads to uncertainty about how reliable any model really is.
  3. Despite prior knowledge that these models generalize poorly, the Apple paper emphasizes the seriousness of the issue and shows that more people are finally recognizing the limitations of current AI technology.

Apple’s $20 Billion Ticking Time Bomb

Big Technology • 5504 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Big Tech AI Software Internet Antitrust
  1. Apple relies heavily on payments from Google, which are about $20 billion a year. If these payments disappear, Apple's services revenue could significantly drop.
  2. The potential loss of Google's payments is a serious risk for Apple, especially since its services segment is its only growing revenue source right now.
  3. If the court decides to cut Google's payments, Apple may struggle to find a replacement income that matches the profits, which could lead to financial issues for the company.
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A Tool To Automatically Detect Memory Leaks

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 1749 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Technology Trends IT
  1. Memory leaks can cause unexpected bugs in apps, like weird behavior or actions happening twice. It's important to find and fix them to improve user experience.
  2. There's a way to automatically detect memory leaks in apps with only about 30 lines of code. This saves time and helps avoid frustrating users.
  3. While some may enjoy the challenge of finding leaks manually, using automated tools can prevent a lot of headaches and keep product managers happier.

Agents

davidj.substack • 35 implied HN points • 01 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Automation Development Data
  1. Agents can simplify processes by automating tasks that used to require complex software. Instead of building software for specific needs, you can create a simple agent that does the job quickly.
  2. Developing an agent often takes much less time than traditional software development. With the right tools, you can set up a functioning agent in just half an hour.
  3. Businesses might shift focus from selling software to providing services that include agents. Customers will prefer solutions that are easy to use, so products with complicated setups may struggle to succeed.

Apple, Design, and the Future of the Device

Big Technology • 4878 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Devices Design User Experience Software
  1. Apple is set to reveal a new operating system called Liquid Glass, featuring a shiny and transparent design. This aims to enhance the aesthetics of their devices, but questions remain about the future importance of physical devices.
  2. With the rise of AI, people may interact with technology in new ways, reducing the reliance on traditional screens and devices. AI's development may outshine the need for beautiful hardware.
  3. Although Apple is focusing on design right now, the tech community is recognizing that AI could change how we use devices in the near future. Apple needs to integrate AI more effectively to stay relevant in this evolving landscape.

Go Grok Yourself

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2777 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Gadgets Networking Computing
  1. Grok 3 is now out, and while it has many fans, there are mixed feelings about its performance compared to other AI models. Some think it's good, but others feel it still has a long way to go.
  2. Despite Elon Musk's big promises, Grok 3 didn't fully meet expectations, yet it did surprise some users with its capabilities. It shows potential but is still considered rough around the edges.
  3. Many people feel Grok 3 is catching up to competitors but lacks the clarity and polish that others like OpenAI and DeepSeek have. Users are curious to see how it will improve over time.

GPT-4.5 Feels Like a Letdown But It’s OpenAI’s Biggest Bet Yet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 605 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Machine Learning Software Innovation Data science
  1. GPT-4.5 is not as impressive as expected, but it's part of a plan for bigger advancements in the future. OpenAI is using this model to build a better foundation for what's to come.
  2. Despite being larger and more expensive, GPT-4.5 isn't leading in new capabilities compared to older models. It's more focused on creativity and communication, which might not appeal to all users.
  3. OpenAI wants to improve the basic skills of AI rather than just aiming for high scores in tests. This step back is meant to ensure future models are smarter and more capable overall.

AI & Python #29: Python Projects You Can Finish in a Weekend

Artificial Corner • 198 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Software AI Education Development
  1. Working on Python projects is important because it helps you apply what you've learned. It's a great way to connect theory to practice and improve your coding skills.
  2. The article suggests projects for both beginners and advanced users, which helps cater to different skill levels. Starting with easier projects can build confidence before tackling more complex ones.
  3. Completing projects can also boost your motivation and help you create a portfolio. This can be really useful when looking for job opportunities or trying to showcase your skills.

Literate Testing

Rethinking Software • 99 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Testing Development Documentation
  1. Literate programming is great for keeping your code and documentation together. It helps you write tests in a clear and organized way without needing extra frameworks.
  2. With literate programming, you can easily mock functions and test them directly, even in languages like C that are usually tricky to test. This makes the testing process simpler and more enjoyable.
  3. Placing tests right next to your code helps you keep everything organized and makes writing tests feel less like a chore. You start to see tests as part of your coding process rather than an extra step.

MBP's Visual COBOL

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Computing Innovation History Programming
  1. MBP, a software company, was one of the first in Europe and created the COBOL compiler in the 1960s. They made big steps in developing programming software right from the start.
  2. Visual COBOL was an improved version of their COBOL compiler released in the 1980s, featuring faster compilation and better screen management. It became popular for its efficiency and ease of use.
  3. The journey of MBP involved several ownership changes, eventually becoming part of major companies like Electronic Data Systems and Hewlett-Packard. This shows how influential MBP was in the tech world.

Slashing my ".bashrc" in half

Bite code! • 1834 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming Development Tools Open Source
  1. Using new tools like Atuin and Starship can make your terminal experience much simpler and faster. They help reduce the size of configuration files like .bashrc while still providing great features.
  2. The rise of Rust has led to better command-line tools that are efficient and user-friendly. These tools replace many old commands and plugins with minimal effort needed from users.
  3. It's okay to stop using some tools or plugins if they aren't effective for your needs. Keeping your setup clean and understandable is more important than having every possible feature.

Why This Old Python Performance Trick Doesn’t Matter Anymore

Confessions of a Code Addict • 264 implied HN points • 28 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Programming Software Optimization Python Development
  1. Performance optimization in Python has changed a lot due to improvements in the Python virtual machine. Tricks that helped in the past may not be needed anymore.
  2. Creating local aliases for functions can speed up access, but recent Python updates have made this less important. In many cases, the performance difference is small now.
  3. Not all lookups are the same—using direct local references or importing functions can still be faster than accessing them through module paths. Always consider readability vs. speed based on your code's needs.

The hard thing about building AI applications

Generating Conversation • 140 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Product Design User Experience
  1. Good AI should figure things out for you before you even ask. It should make your life easier by anticipating what you need without requiring a lot of input.
  2. Trust is key for AI systems. They should be honest about what they don't know and explain their level of confidence. This helps users rely on them more.
  3. AI should take complex information and boil it down to what's important and easy to understand. It should help you find insights quickly without overwhelming you with details.

Secret SwiftUI: A practical use of _VariadicView

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2842 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Programming App Development User Interface Innovation
  1. The \\_VariadicView feature in SwiftUI helps create custom components like flexible tab bars and lists. It's useful for developers wanting more control over their UI elements.
  2. Finding real-world examples for \\_VariadicView can be tough, but it can significantly help in building complex UIs like chat applications.
  3. A specific application of \\_VariadicView is creating a reusable 'ChatList' component that manages scroll inversion, making it easier to handle messaging apps.

What's new in Svelte: November 2024

The (Unofficial) Svelte JS Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Frameworks Development Libraries Community
  1. Svelte 5 has been released with new features making coding easier. This includes helpful additions like snippets for filling slots and new DOM properties.
  2. The Svelte community is active with a hackathon called SvelteHack 2024, encouraging developers to create new projects for prizes.
  3. There are many new libraries and tools for Svelte that help build apps more effectively. These resources can boost efficiency and creativity in projects.

AI #103: Show Me the Money

Don't Worry About the Vase • 2374 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Innovation Automation Regulation
  1. The Paris AI Anti-Safety Summit failed to build on previous successes, leading to increased concerns about nationalism and lack of clear plans for AI safety. It's making people worried and hopeless.
  2. Elon Musk's huge bid for OpenAI's assets complicates the situation, especially as another bid threatens to overshadow the original efforts to secure AI's future.
  3. OpenAI is quickly releasing new versions of their models, which brings excitement but also skepticism about their true capabilities and risks.

Did OpenAI Just Kill Glean?

Enterprise AI Trends • 253 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Data Enterprise Innovation
  1. ChatGPT can now perform 'Deep Research' using private documents from sources like Google Drive and Dropbox. This makes creating reports much easier for users.
  2. The ability to generate reports is significant because a lot of middle managers spend a lot of time on this task. It's a huge time-saver.
  3. This new feature could impact other apps that provide similar research functions, like Glean, making it a competitive landscape for AI applications.

Investigating an "evil" RJ45 dongle

lcamtuf’s thing • 10815 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Hardware Security Software Networking Malware
  1. Claims of widespread supply-chain attacks are often exaggerated. It's usually easier to steal passwords or trick people into downloading malware instead.
  2. The investigation revealed that the 'evil' RJ45 dongle was actually just a routine device with a self-extracting driver, not a malicious tool.
  3. It's good to stay cautious about hardware from unknown sources, but for most home users, this type of device is likely safe enough.

Make your social apps pop with LinkPresentation

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 874 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Apps Development User Experience Design
  1. You can easily improve your social apps by adding better link previews. This makes sharing more visually appealing and user-friendly.
  2. Building support for hyperlink features in your app can be quick and simple. Many times, you can get it done during a lunch break.
  3. If you're in a fast-paced environment, it's often easier to create a proof of concept and refine it later. Don't be afraid to just jump in and start making changes.

The Sequence Engineering #661: Create Your Own Deep Research Agent with DeerFlow

TheSequence • 119 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software AI Automation Research Development
  1. DeerFlow is an open-source tool that helps automate research tasks. It uses multiple agents to make research faster and easier.
  2. The framework can do many tasks, like searching the web and creating reports, with little help from people. This makes it very efficient.
  3. It's designed for developers and engineers who want to build research systems that can grow and adapt easily.

Me an' Algernon

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1745 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software Mental health Neurology Cognitive Science Programming
  1. Cognitive decline can be hard to deal with. It can affect your daily life, work, and relationships.
  2. Getting a clear diagnosis is important, even if it doesn't provide all the answers. It can help you understand your situation better.
  3. Sharing your struggles can help others who may be going through similar issues. It's okay to seek help and adapt to new challenges.

Hello, Apple Intelligence (Or Just Grammarly with a Few Extra AI Features)

Artificial Corner • 158 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software User Experience Product Review
  1. Apple Intelligence features are mostly focused on writing tools and photo editing, but many expected more advanced AI capabilities. Users may find it similar to Grammarly rather than a fully developed AI assistant.
  2. The new updates for Siri are not as transformative as anticipated. Many promised features are still missing, making it feel like users are getting a version of the old Siri rather than a revamped one.
  3. Some standout features include writing tools for proofreading and summarization, smart replies for emails and messages, and a cleanup option for photos, which enhance user experience but may not be enough for those looking for advanced AI functions.

The End of Simplification: Intel Abandons X86S

The Chip Letter • 2402 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Computing Semiconductors Software Engineering Innovation
  1. Intel has introduced APX, which includes several new features to improve its architecture. This means that Intel is aiming to enhance performance and efficiency.
  2. The company planned to simplify its architecture by removing some older features with X86S. However, they decided to abandon this simplification due to the importance of maintaining backward compatibility.
  3. Backwards compatibility is essential, as it allows older software to run on new systems. This decision shows Intel's commitment to supporting their users and legacy applications.

xAI and DeepSeek Have Shattered the AI Industry’s Golden Tenet

The Algorithmic Bridge • 297 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Industry Infrastructure
  1. AI is going through ups and downs, with some people losing trust because the hype isn't matching reality. But just like with other big inventions, these struggles are normal.
  2. There's a debate in the AI community about whether the focus should be on building more powerful models or making them work better in real life. Each approach has its supporters.
  3. Even with AI's growth, some people are still worried about its impact on their daily lives, emphasizing the need to balance development with public concerns.

What does slow AI look like?

The Sublime Newsletter • 1941 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Productivity Software Human-Computer Innovation
  1. People often feel stressed because productivity tools are designed to make us work faster, but that doesn't match how we naturally want to create things.
  2. Instead of rushing to produce more content quickly, we should focus on making fewer things but doing them better and with more care.
  3. It's okay to take time in the creative process; in fact, taking time can help us create something truly wonderful.

JailBreak Protection on iOS

Jacob’s Tech Tavern • 2624 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Mobile Security Software Development Internet
  1. Jailbreaking on iOS means exploiting security flaws to gain more control over the device. This allows users to install apps outside of Apple's approval process and customize their phones more freely.
  2. While jailbreaking can be fun, it can also make devices less secure. People can easily install tools that can read private app data, leading to security risks.
  3. Developers should consider adding jailbreak protection to their apps. This helps safeguard sensitive information and prevents unauthorized access, keeping both the app and user safer.

The state of B2B monetization in 2025

Kyle Poyar’s Growth Unhinged • 520 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
💼 Business Software Pricing Subscription SaaS AI
  1. Traditional pricing models like flat-rate and seat-based are losing popularity. Companies are now favoring hybrid pricing to better match value and costs.
  2. Hybrid pricing is becoming the go-to choice for software companies, providing flexibility and a better upselling opportunity while keeping it simple for customers.
  3. Outcome-based pricing is highly desired but rarely adopted because it's complicated. Most companies struggle with measuring and ensuring consistent results for customers.

Which way from here?

benn.substack • 1048 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Data science Analytics Software Artificial Intelligence Business Intelligence
  1. Data tools are getting more advanced, but many people still struggle with knowing how to use them effectively. This means that having the right tools isn't enough if users lack direction.
  2. The industry is shifting focus from traditional analytics towards building AI systems and infrastructure. Companies are now adapting their technologies to support AI applications instead of just analyzing data.
  3. Self-serve BI tools aren't being used as intended because people often don't know what questions to ask. Providing clearer direction and goals might help users make better use of available data.

Let's Eliminate General Bewilderment • Python's LEGB Rule, Scope, and Namespaces

The Python Coding Stack • by Stephen Gruppetta • 179 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Programming Python Software Development Education
  1. In Python, each function has its own scope. This means a variable defined in a function can only be used inside that function, not outside.
  2. The LEGB rule helps Python find variables: it first looks in the Local scope, then in any Enclosing scopes, next in the Global scope, and finally in Built-in scope if it can't find the variable anywhere else.
  3. Namespaces are like containers for names in Python. They store the names of variables and their corresponding values, making it clear which variables are available in which parts of your code.

10 Takeaways From Tech’s Biggest News Week of the Year

Big Technology • 3002 implied HN points • 23 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Innovation Business Networking
  1. AI models are still getting better with size, but people are also focusing on new algorithms to improve them. This means companies like NVIDIA will continue to thrive for now.
  2. There's a growing belief that algorithm improvements might be more important than just making AI bigger. This might change how we think about developing AI in the future.
  3. AI technology is rapidly evolving, especially in video generation and coding, which could lead to significant advancements and some ethical concerns as it becomes more powerful.

No More Forms to Fill Out

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Education Communication Innovation
  1. Filling out forms is a common part of life, but it often feels outdated. Instead of forms, we could use conversations with AI to make communication easier.
  2. Using AI like Claude, teachers can upload their syllabi and have an interactive conversation to turn their ideas into structured course content. This way, the process becomes more collaborative and flexible.
  3. This new method allows for ongoing adjustments and real-time feedback, leading to a stronger connection between the content and the user's needs. It's not just about filling out information, but working together to create something meaningful.

RIP Skype

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Communication Software Platforms User Experience Data Management
  1. Microsoft is shutting down Skype on May 5, 2025, after more than two decades of service. They are focusing on Teams now for communication.
  2. Users have 10 weeks to move their data from Skype to Teams or export their information. After that, user data will be kept until the end of 2025 before it is deleted.
  3. Skype had a big drop in users, going from 300 million at its peak to only 36 million daily users by 2023, which is why Microsoft made this decision.

AI Infra Companies Are Coming for Verticals

Enterprise AI Trends • 211 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Infrastructure Data Innovation
  1. AI infrastructure companies are starting to create their own products for specific industries, which could hurt existing vertical businesses. This trend is called 'infra verticalization.'
  2. These infrastructure firms have a unique advantage because they collect valuable data that helps them see what works best in the market.
  3. The relationship between vertical AI and infra companies is getting tricky as they compete for the same customers and market space.

Introducing RunLLM: The first AI Support Engineer

Generating Conversation • 163 implied HN points • 24 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Product Development Customer Support Productivity
  1. RunLLM is an AI designed to help support teams by managing technical questions and documentation, making the process easier for both support staff and customers.
  2. One challenge for support teams is that technical products often create complex questions that can overwhelm them. RunLLM helps lighten that load by providing quick and accurate answers.
  3. Instead of just answering questions, RunLLM engages with users, helping to boost their confidence in seeking help and improving overall customer satisfaction.

ioctls from Rust

Blog System/5 • 827 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Programming Systems Software Open Source Unix
  1. The 'ioctl' system call is used in Unix-like systems to communicate with the kernel in ways that go beyond normal file operations. It allows for special operations not covered by standard read/write calls.
  2. Using 'ioctl' in Rust can be tricky. It often requires unsafe code blocks since it involves direct interactions with the kernel and can affect the running process in unpredictable ways.
  3. There are multiple ways to call 'ioctl' in Rust, including using libraries like 'nix' and 'libc', or even creating custom C wrappers. Each method has its trade-offs in terms of complexity and code structure.

The End of Search, The Beginning of Research

One Useful Thing • 2047 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Research Software Innovation Automation
  1. New AI Reasoners can think better and solve tougher problems by producing thinking steps before answering. This makes them more effective than earlier chatbots.
  2. AI agents are being developed to autonomously pursue goals, but they currently face limitations when tackling complex tasks. They show promise with narrow, task-specific applications.
  3. OpenAI's Deep Research represents how specialized AI can work like a human researcher by engaging deeply with academic topics, paving the way for significant advancements in research efficiency.