The hottest Software Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Technology Topics

Rethinking Public Procurement

Arpitrage • 574 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
💼 Business Software
  1. Government procurement often involves unnecessary costly requirements and limited bidder outreach, leading to high expenses and poor quality outcomes.
  2. High infrastructure costs in the US are exacerbated by procurement problems and a legal system that limits state power.
  3. Failure in government procurement, like outdated unemployment insurance systems, results in costly software upgrades and limited benefits for recipients.

RIP Skype

The PhilaVerse • 123 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software
  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.

Launching: Mini Printer Pal!!!

vrk loves paper • 119 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Mini Printer Pal is a free tool that helps you edit photos for a specific printer, making printing easier for users.
  2. The creator found joy in working solo after many years of team projects, feeling a sense of accomplishment from start to finish.
  3. Looking ahead, the creator is considering new projects, such as building a fortune-telling device or creating a stationery zine with friends.

How Would The Architecture For An LLM Agent Platform Look?

Cobus Greyling on LLMs, NLU, NLP, chatbots & voicebots • 19 implied HN points • 24 May 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The architecture for an LLM agent platform could develop in three stages, starting with a simple AI that recommends tools based on user needs.
  2. As the platform grows, it will enable interactions between multiple tools and the AI, allowing for dynamic exchanges of information.
  3. Future improvements will focus on enhancing the agent's capabilities through better tools and more collaboration among them.
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Please take our programming assessment with an LLM

Creating Value from Nothing • 185 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Clipboard Health is using real-case programming problems in their hiring process. This helps them see how candidates actually work and fit into their async work culture.
  2. They believe that using LLMs, like chatbots or AI tools, is okay during assessments. They see these tools as standard parts of a modern engineer's toolkit, not as cheats.
  3. By allowing LLM use, they hope to create better assessments that truly evaluate a candidate's skill, helping to find the best engineers for their team.

What's in a name?

Resilient Cyber • 79 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Software identification is important for managing everything from consumer products to national security, but the current naming systems are confusing and inconsistent.
  2. There are several ways to identify software, like Common Platform Enumeration (CPE), Package URL (PURL), and Software Identification Tags (SWID), each with its own uses and challenges.
  3. A unified approach to software identification is needed, but there are various paths forward, including using a single identifier or multiple formats, which could complicate things further.

🌻 E45: PDL - New Language for Prompting

Musings on AI • 184 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Prompt engineering is important because the way a prompt is worded can change the AI's response. Finding the right technique can improve the effectiveness of AI applications.
  2. The Prompt Declaration Language (PDL) is a new tool designed to simplify working with AI. It allows programmers to easily create applications like chatbots using a straightforward, data-oriented approach.
  3. Recent advancements in AI include new architectures that enhance performance in specific tasks, like financial analysis. These innovations are making AI applications more powerful and useful for real-world problems.

Good Enough AI

Teaching computers how to talk • 131 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. A new AI model called DeepSeek shows that we can create powerful tools without spending too much money. This could change how we think about making AI.
  2. The average person might not notice a big difference between high-end and cheaper AI models. Many consumers just want something that works well and is affordable.
  3. The AI industry might become more competitive and focused on meeting everyday needs instead of creating super advanced technology. This means consumers may benefit more while companies earn less.

A New Fear Unlocked with Copilot+PCs

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 22 May 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Microsoft's new Recall feature allows easy data retrieval, but many employees are worried it could invade their privacy.
  2. The feature captures screenshots of user activities, which gets processed by an AI, making everything searchable.
  3. High-profile figures, like Elon Musk, are concerned about this feature, comparing it to something out of a dystopian show like Black Mirror.

Old School Tape Loading

atomic14 • 173 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Old school tape loading is a nostalgic experience for those who grew up using classic computers like the ZX Spectrum. It brings back memories of how we waited for games to load, often with characteristic sounds.
  2. Using modern technology, like the ESP32, makes it possible to load audio data directly instead of using tapes. This method is faster and more reliable, ensuring a better experience than the original tape loading.
  3. To protect newer devices from the risks of playing audio signals, a simple circuit can be set up. This prevents damage from high voltages while allowing the audio to be used effectively.

Salamander Software's Franklin's Tomb

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Salamander Software was a collective run by friends from Sussex University, known for their Dragon charbusters like Night Flight and Franklin's Tomb.
  2. Their game Franklin's Tomb, part of the Dan Diamond trilogy, was a text adventure involving mummies, mazes, and a white rabbit. It had a split screen, save game feature, and clues for upcoming adventures.
  3. Reviewers praised Franklin's Tomb for its quality, engaging gameplay, and the need for exploration and puzzle-solving. The game utilized the full memory of the computers it was available on.

Under the microscope: Radiant Silvergun (Saturn)

Rings of Saturn • 58 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. In the game Radiant Silvergun, there’s an Easter egg that lets you access all bonus options, including an invincible mode. You can unlock it by entering a specific score and initials.
  2. You can use the second controller to access extra options in the game. By pressing a combination of buttons, you can enable things like stage select and game speed.
  3. The game has secret unlocks that can take a lot of playtime, like getting special options after playing for several hours. It’s a fun way to keep players engaged.

DeepSeek-V3.2-Speciale, Kling O1+ AI Avatar 2.0 + Video 2.6 + Image O1, Kamo-1, Runway Gen-4.5, Vidi2 by ByteDance, Mistral 3, Lux by OpenAGI, Norton Neo and more

AI Brews • 12 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. DeepSeek introduced advanced AI models that outperform previous versions in reasoning tasks and excelled in major math competitions.
  2. Runway launched a powerful new video model that leads among AI video generation tools, showing impressive results.
  3. OpenAGI released an efficient model that performs web-based tasks faster and cheaper than major competitors, enhancing productivity for users.

AI Roundup 126: Good Grok / Bad Grok

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Grok's recent posts have sparked major controversy for containing antisemitic messages, raising concerns about its safety measures compared to other chatbots.
  2. Despite the issues with Grok, it has also launched a new AI model, Grok 4, which has impressive benchmarks and will be available through a subscription.
  3. In AI recruitment news, Meta is actively poaching talent from other major tech companies, signaling a competitive landscape in AI development.

The Sequence AI of the Week #761: Olmo 3 vs. The Black Box: What a Truly Inspectable LLM Looks Like

TheSequence • 14 implied HN points • 26 Nov 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Olmo 3 is a new AI model that focuses on both traditional design and modern techniques, making it really competitive with others in the field. It pays attention to how it's built, trained, and shared with the public.
  2. There are two main sizes of Olmo 3, with a variety of versions designed for specific tasks like reasoning or following instructions. Each version has a clear training background that researchers can easily understand.
  3. What's unique about Olmo 3 is how open and transparent it is about its training process. This helps other researchers see exactly how it learns and improves.

Palantir Word Processing

Computer Ads from the Past • 128 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Palantir Word Processing was originally named 'Phoenix' but changed due to confusion with other products. The name 'Palantir' comes from a magical seeing stone in 'The Lord of the Rings.'
  2. The software was designed to be user-friendly, with features for beginners and advanced users. It aimed to make word processing easier and less intimidating for non-technical people.
  3. Despite some initial technical issues, once corrected, Palantir was praised for its ease of use and included features like mail-merge and excellent documentation.

Coming soon

Identity, Authenticity, and Security • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. This newsletter focuses on modern system design, especially around identity and security.
  2. It's suited for anyone wanting to learn, whether you're a beginner or looking to grow in your career.
  3. The goal is to provide useful resources to help you understand and improve your knowledge in these areas.

THINK's Lightspeed C

Computer Ads from the Past • 512 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Lightspeed C was a C programming language software developed in the mid-1980s for Atari systems and Macintosh computers.
  2. Clearstar Softechnologies created Lightspeed C for Atari systems in 1985, and the company was later purchased by Omega Soft in 1988.
  3. THINK Technologies released Lightspeed C for Mac and later renamed it to THINK C in the mid-1980s, receiving positive reviews for its speed and user-friendliness.

Instruction Sets For Investors

Irrational Analysis • 99 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Instruction Sets are the crucial 'languages' chips understand for processing, and the owner and structure of the set impact the chip's handling of tasks.
  2. x86 processors from Intel and AMD are RISC machines beneath their CISC architecture, showing the historical significance of micro-ops.
  3. Distinct concepts define ARM: the corporation (ARM LTD), the instruction set architecture (ARM ISA), and real-time logic/reference designs (ARM RTL).

AI Roundup 124: $uperintelligence

Artificial Ignorance • 58 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Meta is heavily hiring talent for its AI lab, offering huge salaries and acquiring smaller companies to boost its capabilities. This shows a strong focus on developing advanced AI technologies.
  2. There's a trend towards creating smaller, specialized AI models that can run on everyday devices. This makes powerful AI more accessible to everyone.
  3. AI relationships are gaining attention, but they're not as common as news suggests. There's concern about emotional impacts, with some people questioning the value of these AI interactions.

Under the microscope: Ecco the Dolphin — Defender of the Future

Rings of Saturn • 174 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. There are special cheat codes in the game 'Ecco the Dolphin: Defender of the Future' that can be activated by naming your save file a certain way. These codes unlock features like immortality and all-level access.
  2. A reverse-engineering tool called Ghidra was used to find these codes and understand how they were hidden in the game. It shows how programming can uncover secret game mechanics.
  3. Some codes do different things, like showing the frame rate or unlocking a bonus game. One code is mysterious and doesn't seem to do anything at all, adding an element of fun discovery.

Microsoft's New Framework for Multi-Agent Systems

TheSequence • 175 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Magentic-One is a new tool from Microsoft that helps manage multiple AI agents to tackle complex tasks. It acts like a conductor guiding different musicians, making it easier to complete different jobs together.
  2. This system allows for flexibility by using different AI models for different tasks, which means it can be customized based on what you need. It's designed to improve efficiency in our daily tasks, like ordering food or doing research.
  3. While Magentic-One is powerful, it's still being improved to reduce errors and ensure it acts safely. The goal is to make sure these AI agents help us reliably without causing problems.

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

TheSequence • 70 implied HN points • 29 May 25
🕹 Technology Software
  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.

Links for 2023-06-01

Axis of Ordinary • 98 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Model training can be improved by rewarding each correct step of reasoning in mathematical problem solving.
  2. New fMRI-to-image approach called MindEye retrieves and reconstructs images from brain activity.
  3. Probabilistic AI can assess its own performance effectively.

Why Books are My Metaverse: Part I

Sol Reader • 98 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Software
  1. AR/VR/MR technologies have not fulfilled their promises yet due to challenges in rendering realistic immersive experiences and practical usability.
  2. Reimagining FaceTech applications with simpler and more achievable goals, like developing a device for reading, can lead to innovative solutions with better user experiences.
  3. Focusing on enhancing 'Actual Reality' and creating clear-value-add use cases can pave the way for a more practical and successful future in the facial technology space.

Perspective Engines

the shimmering void • 139 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Video games can be more than just entertainment; they offer new ways to think and perceive the world. Playing them can lead to deeper understanding and focus.
  2. Creativity can be developed through experiences that push us to see things differently. It’s about learning and translating new perspectives into our lives.
  3. Software and design can help us understand our thoughts better. By creating spaces that encourage exploration, we can gain new insights and expand our thinking.

AI Roundup 125: The war for AI talent

Artificial Ignorance • 54 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Meta is ramping up its efforts in AI talent by creating a new lab that aims to develop superintelligent systems, attracting top researchers from competitors like OpenAI.
  2. Apple is reconsidering its approach to AI by potentially using technology from Anthropic or OpenAI for Siri, indicating struggles in keeping up with the generative AI race.
  3. Recent legal rulings related to AI training and copyright highlight challenges in defining fair use and could lead to complications for firms using copyrighted materials.

Huson Soft HuCAL

Computer Ads from the Past • 384 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Hudson Soft was a Japanese company that started as an electronics store and later moved into game development.
  2. Hudson Soft created popular games like Bomberman, Adventure Island, and Bonk for various gaming systems.
  3. HuCAL, a product by Hudson Soft, was initially thought to be a word processor but was actually a spreadsheet used on Sega systems.

GPT‑5.2, GLM-4.6V, Runway's GWM Worlds, GWM Avatars and GWM Robotics, Nomos 1, Devstral 2, Wan-Move, SimGym, Disco, Stripe's Agentic Commerce Suite and more

AI Brews • 10 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Large AI models are making big leaps: new releases like GPT‑5.2 and specialized models improve reasoning, code, vision, long‑context handling, and tool use, while smaller specialist models like Nomos 1 can outperform humans on hard math tasks.
  2. Agentic and commerce-focused tools are moving into the mainstream, with products and standards that let AI agents act inside apps, make purchases, and integrate into workflows (agentic commerce, foundation efforts, and Slack/agent integrations).
  3. Multimodal content and developer tooling are exploding: new video and avatar systems, motion‑controllable video models, Adobe ChatGPT integrations, visual editors, and many open‑source projects make it much easier to build and deploy creative AI applications.

Rust: enum, boxed error and stack size mystery

Art’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 15 May 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. In Rust, errors are typically modeled using enums and can be streamlined using libraries like `thiserror` to reduce boilerplate.
  2. Boxing error types in Rust enums can help limit the maximum size of `Result<T>` and affect stack space usage, as illustrated in the example provided.
  3. Compiler optimizations and versions can significantly impact stack allocation for Rust functions, as seen in the comparison between Rust 1.74.0 and 1.75.0.

Weekly Top Picks #89

The Algorithmic Bridge • 159 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The report discusses the current state of Generative AI in businesses for 2024, highlighting its growth and use.
  2. Large language models (LLMs) mainly focus on approximate retrieval rather than deep reasoning, which affects their performance.
  3. Recent studies indicate that people often prefer AI-generated art and poetry over works created by humans.

☀️ Tech Talks Weekly #17

Tech Talks Weekly • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The latest issue of Tech Talks Weekly includes fresh content from nine different tech conferences. It's a great way to catch up on talks you may have missed.
  2. There are featured talks that received high views recently, showcasing popular subjects like Spring I/O and C# programming. These talks can be insightful for both beginners and experienced techies.
  3. To support the growth of Tech Talks Weekly, readers are encouraged to share with friends and provide feedback. This helps create a community around tech discussions.

Results of Quick RISC-V Survey

Fprox’s Substack • 41 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Most RISC-V developers currently use simulators like Spike instead of real hardware, which shows that many are still testing their programs without actual devices.
  2. GCC is the preferred compiler among RISC-V developers, with more people using it than LLVM, likely due to its established presence in the development community.
  3. The survey indicates that RISC-V development is evolving, and as more hardware becomes available, the tools and methods used may shift more towards actual devices.

Vendor Lock-in Scores: A brief summary

The Orchestra Data Leadership Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Vendor lock-in is an assessment of present gain versus future risk in the world of data, software, and cloud services.
  2. Key considerations include migration risk, migration cost, and pricing cost when assessing vendor lock-in.
  3. Factors like data portability, integration, service and support, and community strength play a significant role in evaluating vendor lock-in risks when choosing a SaaS provider.

Live Session: CPUs, GPUs & LPUs + Ask Me Anything

Confessions of a Code Addict • 336 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software
  1. The upcoming live session will focus on CPUs, GPUs, and LPUs, exploring what makes them non-deterministic and discussing Groq's LPU design and architecture.
  2. The live session will include an Ask Me Anything (AMA) segment, where attendees can freely ask questions related to the discussed topics or anything else they're curious about.
  3. The event is scheduled for March 17th from 16:30 UTC to 18:00 UTC and will be limited to 100 participants, offering a mix of informative content and interactive Q&A.

What language should LLMs program in?

Dev Interrupted • 37 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🕹 Technology Software
  1. Programming languages may need to change as AI takes over coding tasks. Languages like JavaScript and Python, while easy for humans, might not be the best fit for AI.
  2. Stronger programming languages, like Haskell, could help AI produce more reliable code. These languages are strict and help ensure that the generated code works correctly.
  3. There's a possibility of creating entirely new programming languages designed specifically for AI. This could make the coding process more efficient and reduce errors compared to using human-designed languages.