The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Strange and Dazzling Things Are Happening Right Now

The Honest Broker • 18484 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Media Finance Technology Entrepreneurship
  1. Elon Musk tried to buy Substack, but the CEO chose to reject the offer, showing loyalty to independent writers.
  2. Substack's subscription numbers are growing, with many creators earning significant income, but the platform still isn't profitable yet.
  3. There are concerns about some tech companies, like Nvidia, using risky accounting practices that can create a false sense of success.

Reading List 11/16/24

Construction Physics • 1043 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
💼 Business Construction Infrastructure Technology Real Estate Finance
  1. Miami tried to become a new tech hub, but it didn't get much venture capital funding, showing it hasn't really worked out.
  2. Modular construction is growing, especially for fast food restaurants, where buildings can be completed in just 24 hours.
  3. The average homebuyer in the U.S. is now 56 years old, which reflects the aging population in the country.

People prefer A.I. art because people prefer bad art

Read Max • 8825 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Technology Philosophy Literature Society
  1. People often have a hard time telling the difference between AI art and human art. This shows how good AI has become at creating images that people find appealing.
  2. Many people seem to prefer AI-generated art because it's straightforward and easy to understand. In contrast, more complex human art can be confusing or challenging.
  3. This trend suggests that people's tastes lean towards art that feels familiar and comfortable, which is why they might choose AI art over more challenging pieces.

Is There a Crisis of Seriousness?

The Honest Broker • 43884 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Media Philosophy Society Technology
  1. Seriousness in society is fading, with many things now focused on being entertaining rather than meaningful. This shift makes it hard for people to expect anything authentic.
  2. The rise of technology has made it easier to create fake experiences, from movies to online interactions. Many people struggle with knowing what is real anymore.
  3. There is a growing desire for more genuine, serious engagement in life. People are starting to reject the fake and are seeking deeper connections and authenticity.

Building a phosphorescence detector

lcamtuf’s thing • 2040 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🔬 Science Physics Engineering Research Technology Materials
  1. There isn't much information available on natural phosphorescence, so creating a detector can help explore its presence in everyday items.
  2. The device design prioritizes speed and sensitivity to detect phosphorescence briefly brought out by UV light, using specific electronics like photodiodes and amplifiers.
  3. Experimenting with common household materials showed that some items, like powdered milk and natural ruby, exhibit weak phosphorescence, although many other items didn't show any notable glow.
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Will the China Cycle Come for Airbus and Boeing?

Construction Physics • 33196 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Aerospace Manufacturing Technology Economics International Trade
  1. China has been trying to develop its own commercial aircraft industry for decades but faces many challenges. From technology theft concerns to complex manufacturing processes, it hasn't succeeded like in other industries.
  2. The C919 jet is China's latest attempt to compete with Boeing and Airbus. While it's secured a good number of orders, issues with performance and certification limits its appeal in the global market.
  3. Airbus has been more successful in China due to establishing local assembly lines. This made them more competitive compared to Boeing, which hesitated to set up operations in China.

What You Can Learn from Just Seven Pages by Hannah Arendt

The Honest Broker • 30719 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Humanism Technology Society Ethics History
  1. Hannah Arendt talks about how some people are so disconnected from reality that they want to escape earth. This shows a worrying trend in society's focus on technology over human connection.
  2. She warns that as we lean more on technology, we risk creating a world where machines control our lives. This could lead us to become helpless and slaves to our own inventions.
  3. Arendt believes that the more we focus on artificial things, the more we lose touch with meaningful, real-life experiences. This could make freedom feel empty and lead to a sense of loneliness in society.

What Big Eyes You Have

Postcards From Barsoom • 4302 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🔬 Science Astrophysics Engineering Space Exploration Exoplanets Technology
  1. A huge telescope called the 'Monster Telescope' is proposed to help us see and study exoplanets better. It's designed to be one kilometer wide, allowing us to take detailed pictures of other planets in different star systems.
  2. Even though the Monster Telescope has some limitations, like not being able to see very far or clearly, it can help scientists gather data about exoplanets much more effectively than current telescopes.
  3. There's excitement around building advanced telescopes that can operate in space, and ideas like the 'Luciola hypertelescope' suggest we could even create large arrays of flying mirrors to enhance our ability to observe the universe.

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
💼 Business Workforce Technology Management Education Economics
  1. There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
  2. We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
  3. Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

Building in public, IPO watch, and what to do about Europe

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Public Companies Investing Market Trends Technology
  1. Building in public means sharing both the successes and struggles of a startup. It's refreshing to see companies like Roam be transparent about their challenges.
  2. ServiceTitan is planning to go public soon, which could be a significant event in the IPO space. Their recent financial growth shows they are doing well, even if profits have slightly decreased.
  3. Europe's startup scene is not evolving as rapidly as expected. Despite some successful companies, the overall impact on the market has been limited.

An Urgent Call to All Scientists - We Must Reframe Scientific Priorities for the Future of America with A Unified Approach to Learning Well

Popular Rationalism • 673 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🔬 Science Research Ethics Health Technology Environment Medicine
  1. We need to focus more on basic research because it leads to major medical and technology breakthroughs. Investing in understanding our foundations can help us tackle serious health and environmental issues.
  2. Scientists, medical researchers, and environmental experts must work together to solve health problems. Our health is connected to the environment, so it's important to study how pollution and chemicals impact our bodies.
  3. Technology like machine learning can change healthcare for the better. By using these tools wisely, we can identify disease causes more accurately and provide better treatments while keeping ethics in mind.

Lost iPhone videos, actually random music, the secret history of crosswords

Both Are True • 65 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Music Literature Art Technology History
  1. Remembering lost iPhone videos can be a fun walk down memory lane, capturing moments from 2009 to 2012. It's like finding a treasure chest of forgotten memories.
  2. Discovering new music doesn't have to be hard; there are playlists that refresh daily to keep your tunes exciting. It's a great way to keep your listening experience fresh and interesting.
  3. Crosswords played a surprising role in American history, helping people during tough times. They aren't just games; they connect us and have meaning beyond just fun.

What happened in marketing: FTC working overtime, LinkedIn becoming home of AI slop and Bluesky

The Social Juice • 7 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Technology E-commerce Consumer behavior
  1. The FTC is actively investigating companies like Google and Microsoft for potential monopolistic practices in the ad tech industry. This could lead to changes in how these companies operate.
  2. LinkedIn is seeing an increase in AI-generated content, which some users find less authentic and engaging. It's becoming more common to encounter bot-generated posts.
  3. Bluesky is gaining popularity among journalists, as it's reportedly driving more referral traffic than Twitter. This shift might indicate a growing preference for alternative social media platforms.

Will Elondia Be Like Fordlandia?

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
🔬 Science Space Exploration Colonization Health Risks Technology Management
  1. Getting to Mars is much harder than reaching Fordlandia in the Amazon. Mars has extreme health risks like radiation that Fordlandia didn't face.
  2. Both places have serious health and management issues. Living conditions and isolation could lead to major problems for people on Mars, just like they did in Fordlandia.
  3. Fordlandia failed to become profitable and faced worker rebellion. Similar issues could arise in Elondia, where people's morale and management will be crucial for survival.

Links to Consider, 11/6/2024

In My Tribe • 258 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Parenting Technology Conflict History Art
  1. Artificial intelligence can help humans communicate better with computers, but using it to interact with fake people may not achieve much. We still need to be careful in how we approach these technologies.
  2. Conflicts usually have deeper issues behind them, such as need for respect or control. Understanding this can help resolve disputes more effectively.
  3. Being a 'good enough' parent is more about feeling confident and calm. It's okay to have a relaxed view of parenting rather than striving for perfection.

The Knowledge Illusion

In Bed With Social • 416 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🚌 Education Learning Knowledge Technology AI Critical Thinking
  1. AI can provide quick answers, but this doesn't lead to real understanding. It's important to engage in learning actively to truly grasp the knowledge.
  2. The value of knowledge is changing with technology. While access to information is easier now, it can lead to shallow thinking if we rely on AI too much.
  3. Learning should be about growth, not just getting answers. We should use AI to inspire deeper questions and foster our critical thinking instead.

The Secret Sauce of Palantir

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 138 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investments Technology Startups Market Analysis
  1. Palantir focuses on personalized data analysis for each client, using committed engineers to solve specific problems. These Forward Deployed Engineers (FDEs) learn the client's business and adapt solutions to boost productivity.
  2. The combination of FDEs and Product Development teams creates a unique feedback loop, improving software based on real experiences. This teamwork helps build a strong customer relationship that keeps clients engaged with Palantir.
  3. Palantir's success isn't about traditional AI but rather understanding and addressing client needs first. This customer-first approach leads to recurring revenue and a reputation for effective solutions.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part III. How Can the Experiences of Past Societies of Domination Be Relevant for Us?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Political Economy History Ethics Technology
  1. Past societies often operated under systems of domination, where a small elite would take resources from the majority. This made it difficult for anyone to improve their situation without facing threats or violence.
  2. Technological progress today is much faster than in earlier times. This rapid change creates new challenges that previous societies never had to deal with, making lessons from the past less applicable.
  3. Understanding the internal workings of elite groups in past societies can provide some insights today. However, we shouldn't assume we are bound by their limitations because our circumstances are very different.

Bonus: Fighters Megamix

Rings of Saturn • 130 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Entertainment Media Technology Art
  1. There's a hidden stage in Fighters Megamix that can be accessed under specific conditions. It's called the 'Oshima Stage' and players discovered it through hacking.
  2. To get to the hidden stage naturally, players must follow a process that includes battling the CPU and restricting character choices. This can unlock the special stage during gameplay.
  3. The creator of the game, Yutaka Ito, shared his regrets about the hidden stage freezing during gameplay. It seems to be a topic of nostalgia and curiosity for long-time fans.

Five tips to turn startup toys into essential tools

A Bit Gamey • 6 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Startups Innovation Technology Entrepreneurship Product Development
  1. Disruptive technologies often start off looking weak or like toys, but they can evolve into essential tools. It’s important to recognize their potential early on.
  2. Startups should design products with long-term improvements in mind and focus on how they will get better as they are used. This approach can help them meet user needs more effectively.
  3. Ignoring criticism from established companies might mean a startup is onto something important. Founders should understand the difference between sustaining and disruptive technologies to guide their strategies.

Not Unnatural

The American Peasant • 2295 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Music Art Craft Technology Creativity
  1. Using Auto-Tune in music can ruin the natural sound of a singer, making it feel fake. It's better to embrace human imperfections, like being slightly off-key, which can make music more relatable and emotional.
  2. In woodworking, some people use technology to create perfect shapes and designs, but this can take away the charm of natural, handmade pieces. Simplicity and imperfections often hold more beauty.
  3. Technology can help us do tasks more easily and still produce good results, but when it creates things that are too complex or unnatural, it loses its appeal. Authenticity and human touch are more valued.

The New Status Anxiety

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 74 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Media Journalism Literature Technology
  1. Substack is changing the way writers connect with their audience. Unlike traditional blogs, it allows writers to publish directly and even earn money.
  2. There's a growing tension between classic media and Substack writers. Established journalists are feeling insecure as newer writers find success without the usual media gatekeeping.
  3. The stigma around self-publishing is fading. Many Substack writers now gain more respect and income than bloggers did in the past, marking a shift in how we view independent writing.

Surveillance Education (w/ Nolan Higdon and Allison Butler) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 81 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🚌 Education Surveillance Privacy Technology Data Analysis
  1. Technology in schools can invade student privacy. Many tools are designed for safety but can monitor students in ways they might not agree with.
  2. Surveillance tools can discriminate against students of color and those from poor neighborhoods. They often increase the risk of negative consequences for these groups.
  3. The culture of constant monitoring can stifle curiosity and free expression in classrooms, turning them into places where students just comply rather than learn actively.

The State of the Culture, 2024

The Honest Broker • 121016 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment Arts Technology Social Issues Addiction
  1. The entertainment industry is facing challenges like Disney in crisis, Paramount laying off employees, and a decline in TV shows, showing a shift towards a post-entertainment culture.
  2. The culture is transitioning towards a focus on distraction and addiction, with tech platforms using stimuli to create addictive cycles, impacting people's brains and happiness levels.
  3. As our culture evolves into a dopamine-driven society, it becomes essential to be mindful of our consumption habits, unplug from technology at times, and appreciate the real world around us.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #99

Creative Destruction • 34 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Economics Environmentalism Creativity Technology
  1. Being collapse aware means recognizing that the way we live might be facing serious problems. Instead of waiting for things to get better, we should think about what comes next and how to adapt.
  2. The economy is now a major force shaping our planet, affecting everything from society to the environment. We need to understand this to create positive changes and live sustainably.
  3. We should shift our focus from just being productive to being creative. It's important to use technology to enhance our creativity and make meaningful contributions instead of just doing more work.

As AI Hits E-Discovery, Lawyers Move From Biglaw To A Boutique

Original Jurisdiction • 219 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💼 Business Technology AI Applications
  1. E-discovery is becoming more complex due to the vast amount of data from various digital sources, leading lawyers to specialize more in this area.
  2. Boutique law firms like Redgrave focus only on e-discovery, allowing them to handle cases more efficiently than larger firms.
  3. Generative AI is changing e-discovery by making it faster and more effective, but it also brings challenges like ensuring document authenticity and managing privacy laws.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 27

Why is this interesting? • 120 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Art Fashion Literature Technology
  1. Nike's secretive headquarters in Oregon is giving a rare look inside its operations to celebrate 50 years of the brand.
  2. A new novel by Haruki Murakami is coming out soon, and it's expected to have a storytelling style similar to Christopher Nolan's films.
  3. Young people in China are choosing a 'low desire life' focused on personal happiness over the pressure to work hard all the time.

OSD 300: Open Source Defense Capital

Open Source Defense • 49 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
💼 Business Startups Capital Investing Technology Defense
  1. Modern tech is changing the civilian defense industry, making it more about community and content creation than just products. Companies are now focusing on building strong organizations and engaging their customers online.
  2. Founders in the civilian defense space face challenges due to a lack of resources and funding, which makes it harder for them to grow. This is different from the tech startup ecosystem, where support is abundant.
  3. To improve gun rights, it's important to create and promote high-quality gun products. Great products can help change laws and build a supportive community around them.

Moving Mental Mountains

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1369 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Economics Management Workforce
  1. Now it's easier and cheaper to explore data and insights, so we should be more curious and take the time to investigate our 'I wonder' moments.
  2. Emotional reactions often replace actual work, and we need to focus on doing the analytical tasks instead of just responding emotionally.
  3. When analyzing data, start small and make sure your findings are accurate. Sharing what you learn can help you grow and encourage collective knowledge.

Your Invited To Our Crypto Event This Week

The Pomp Letter • 339 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🔮 Crypto Investing Technology Regulations Market Trends Finance
  1. There's a big crypto event happening called Crypto Investor Day 2024. It will have many important people in the crypto space sharing their insights.
  2. You can expect discussions on cool topics like the future of bitcoin, stablecoins, and crypto regulations. It’s all about getting valuable information without any fluff.
  3. If you want to attend, make sure to sign up soon because spots are limited. It's a great chance to learn from top leaders in the industry.

How To 'See' The World Like Daredevil

Everything Is Amazing • 610 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🔬 Science Biology Research Psychology Environment Technology
  1. Some recent science suggests that it's possible for people to see the world in a unique way, similar to characters like Daredevil. It hints at untapped human abilities that we might not even know we have.
  2. There is a fascinating tree in Utah called Pando, which is actually one single tree made up of many clones. It's estimated to be between 16,000 and 80,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth.
  3. It's important to focus on positive stories and support the art and media that inspire us. Finding and sharing things we love can help create a better world.

The quiet integration of 'Project Maven' and the Pentagon's cloud with 'Minotaur' maritime border surveillance

All-Source Intelligence Fusion • 590 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Surveillance Military Intelligence Technology Border control
  1. Project Maven is being integrated with the Minotaur Mission System to help border surveillance. This setup is used by the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection.
  2. The Minotaur system combines different types of surveillance data, making it easier to detect illegal activities. It links sensors, cameras, and radar into one automated system.
  3. Amazon Web Services is involved in providing cloud support for Minotaur, highlighting the role of big tech in military surveillance programs.

This New Internet Thing, Chapter 26

Life Since the Baby Boom • 461 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Literary Narrative Character development Technology
  1. Grant is back in Silicon Valley after a long time in Japan and is adjusting to his new life after divorce. It’s a big change for him, and he’s reconnecting with old friends.
  2. Len and Dan are featured on a TV show discussing investments and the Internet. They didn’t know the show would focus so much on their recent embezzling case, which surprised them.
  3. Len shares his strategy for investing in Internet-related companies, looking for those that will benefit from the tech boom. This shows he thinks ahead and tries to find new opportunities.

⤴⤵ Up Wing/Down Wing #24

Faster, Please! • 822 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Healthcare Economy Technology Environment
  1. Immigrants have helped revive industries in areas like Dalton, Georgia. This shows how immigration can boost local economies and create job opportunities.
  2. New gene-editing technologies like CRISPR are making crops and livestock better at surviving climate change. This could help ensure our food supply stays strong despite changing weather.
  3. Robots in nursing homes are improving care quality and staff retention. They take over routine tasks, allowing human workers to focus more on giving personal care.

Top Links 548 A productivity surge in the US oil industry. Taiwan's AI exports. The price of data and Joan Didion putting the boot in.

Chartbook • 371 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
💼 Business Economics Industry Technology Productivity Trade
  1. The US oil industry is experiencing a big boost in productivity, which is likely affecting the overall economy.
  2. Taiwan is making significant strides in AI exports, indicating growth in tech and innovation in the region.
  3. There are rising concerns about the value of data in today's world, reflecting how important and expensive information has become.

The Monday Media Diet with Harper Reed

Why is this interesting? • 784 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Media Art Travel Technology
  1. Harper Reed enjoys a media diet that mixes TikTok for wild recommendations and pen pals for deeper connections. This way, he finds smart content while avoiding too much noise online.
  2. He values meaningful books that reflect his life experiences, like Olga Ravn's work, which helped him think about balance as a new parent and entrepreneur.
  3. Reed is all about exploring new interests and has recently been curious about vintage cameras, old speakers, and quirky fashion like platform shoes. He enjoys diving deep into these rabbit holes when the urge strikes.

Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law

The Upheaval • 1044 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Human nature Law Technology Family
  1. New reproductive technologies may change how we think about family and personhood. Instead of being linked to parents, children could be viewed as products that the state owns.
  2. The focus on individualism in family law can weaken the importance of natural family bonds. This shift may lead to the law treating relationships as just contracts rather than meaningful connections.
  3. The idea of family could be fundamentally altered, making children feel like they belong nowhere. This change can rob them of their history and sense of belonging, leading to a troubling loss of identity.

How to Break Free from Dopamine Culture

The Honest Broker • 44184 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Technology Social media Lifestyle Mental health Community
  1. Minimize reliance on scrolling and swiping interfaces to avoid falling into addictive traps engineered by tech companies.
  2. Rediscover real-world applications like learning skills and connecting with the community, which provide personal empowerment and genuine experiences.
  3. Immerse yourself in longer, immersive experiences like listening to music or engaging in rituals to break free from the shallow stimuli of modern technology.

Every Three Hours Is A Chance To Make A New World: Notes from the Oklo Reactor

Welcome to Garbagetown • 575 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🔬 Science Nuclear Technology Education Environment History Research
  1. Learning something new can spark excitement and a desire to share that knowledge with others. It's fun to dive into unexpected topics that capture our interest.
  2. Exploring the intersection of science and storytelling can reveal the beauty and power of both. Stories can make complex scientific ideas more relatable and engaging.
  3. Taking a break from politics and focusing on other subjects can be refreshing. There's a vast world of knowledge and wonder beyond political discussions.