The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics
Permit.io’s Substack 39 implied HN points 24 Jul 24
  1. Marketing to developers is really different from regular marketing. You can’t just tell them they’re doing things wrong; you need to connect with their community and understand their challenges.
  2. At conferences, it’s important to engage with developers at different levels. Not everyone taking a sticker will become a customer, and that's okay. It's more about building relationships.
  3. Offering flexibility in your product is key. Developers have different needs, so let them use only what they want without forcing features on them.
The Map is Mostly Water 547 implied HN points 14 Mar 24
  1. Culture and new ideas can often originate and flourish in smaller spaces rather than just big cities or metropolises.
  2. Success in creating innovation and technology may not always come from larger cities; smaller, more remote locations can foster creativity and growth.
  3. Remote places can produce rare and valuable cultural specimens, and it's important to be mindful of the advantages of small spaces in fostering innovation and culture.
Health API Guy 609 implied HN points 03 Aug 23
  1. Identity in healthcare is facing challenges in the digital era, with traditional methods like access codes and knowledge-based questions showing flaws.
  2. Healthcare organizations need to modernize their identity verification processes to provide a low-friction, secure, and private user experience.
  3. Increasing digital engagement through improved identity flows can benefit both patients and healthcare providers, leading to higher satisfaction and improved access to healthcare data.
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Ulysses 239 implied HN points 06 Mar 24
  1. Software startups have unique advantages like zero-cost replication and large markets, but building unicorns is still rare.
  2. Deep tech ventures face challenges like talent scarcity and long payback periods, but success can create a science-fiction future.
  3. Different models for deep tech leverage value generation, such as software-derived value, economies of scale, high-margin consumables, and extreme capital goods durability.
The Social Juice 44 implied HN points 08 Dec 24
  1. The US appeals court has upheld the TikTok ban, making it more likely that the app will have to be sold or face further restrictions in the country.
  2. OpenAI has launched a new, pricey subscription service called ChatGPT Pro, costing $200 a month, which offers advanced features for its users.
  3. Social media platforms like Pinterest and Google are sharing their trend predictions for 2025, indicating major shifts in how users will engage with content online.
Letters from an American 20 implied HN points 02 Jan 25
  1. Twenty-five years ago, programmers worked hard to fix the Y2K bug, preventing potential chaos as the year changed to 2000. Their successful efforts showed the importance of preparation and problem-solving.
  2. Despite fears of disaster, social panic, and even scams around the new millennium, everything went smoothly because people prepared in advance. The success made many forget there was ever a real threat.
  3. As we move into a new year, one of the big questions is whether people appreciate the government's hard work in managing challenges, especially when it benefits them, like lowering drug costs for seniors.
Renewable Revolution 199 implied HN points 26 Mar 24
  1. China is currently leading the way in clean technology, especially in solar and battery manufacturing, but the US and Europe are increasing their investments quickly.
  2. Europe has a strong position in generating electricity from solar and wind, while China is ahead in electric vehicle sales with plans to grow even more.
  3. The competition between these regions is good for the world as it drives innovation and reduces costs, speeding up the move away from fossil fuels.
Field Guide to the Anthropocene 334 implied HN points 19 Jan 24
  1. All living things have a right to exist in this world according to the Endangered Species Act.
  2. Conservation efforts need more support to combat political and industry threats to environmental protections.
  3. Future of the ESA requires broader landscape-scale conservation, increased funding, and alignment with modern conservation strategies.
North Carolina Rabbit Hole 353 implied HN points 09 Jan 24
  1. Power companies find burying overhead lines too expensive compared to overhead lines.
  2. New developments in North Carolina are opting to bury power lines during construction.
  3. Historically, power companies moved lines underground to enhance urban aesthetics and meet rising electricity demands.
Deeply Nested 83 implied HN points 17 Oct 24
  1. Focus on improving your team's acceleration instead of just hitting short-term goals. This will help you achieve better long-term outcomes.
  2. Hiring more people won't solve issues caused by technical debt or poor processes. Instead, it can actually make problems worse.
  3. Identify and address real obstacles to progress, like code complexity or support issues, so you can change direction effectively and make real progress.
Alex's Personal Blog 32 implied HN points 23 Dec 24
  1. X, previously known as Twitter, is raising the price of its Premium+ subscription by 37.5%, making it more expensive than other similar services. This change is part of X's strategy to offer an ad-free experience and advanced AI features.
  2. Sriram Krishnan and Scott Kupor from venture firm a16z are taking significant roles in the new administration, focusing on AI policy and government workforce reform. Their backgrounds hint at a blend of tech and government aiming for innovation and efficiency.
  3. Defense contracting firms like Palantir and Anduril are teaming up with other tech companies to create competition for U.S. government contracts. This could disrupt the current system, which has faced criticism for inefficiency and high costs.
Internal exile 58 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  1. Many people enjoy interactive media like podcasts and livestreams because they crave connection, even though the content can feel aimless. This type of media often emphasizes feelings over facts.
  2. Podcasts and social media can make it seem like people are part of a conversation, but the conversation is often repetitive and lacks real substance. This can make followers feel engaged without meaningful interaction.
  3. There's a contrast between the spontaneity of real human conversation and the predictable nature of AI interactions. While some might prefer the speed of AI, there's still a strong value placed on the unpredictability and warmth found in human conversations.
The Counterfactual 79 implied HN points 10 Jun 24
  1. Language can change based on what we read and hear, including the influence of AI like ChatGPT. If more people use certain words from LLMs, those words might become more popular in everyday conversation.
  2. Technology, especially intelligent machines, can shape our culture by creating new ideas and behaviors. This includes changing the way we communicate and even how we think.
  3. The impact of machines on culture could lead to two different futures: one where everything becomes more similar (homogenization), and another where many unique cultures and languages emerge (diversification). Both possibilities pose interesting challenges for our future.
Maximum Progress 569 implied HN points 11 Oct 23
  1. Research investments are growing but economic growth remains constant, implying declining returns on research investment over time.
  2. The metaphor of a car's acceleration and fuel use helps explain the idea that as we discover more ideas, finding new ones becomes harder.
  3. The debate on whether ideas are getting harder to find is important, but more evidence is needed to draw a definitive conclusion.
Business Breakdowns 334 implied HN points 09 Jan 24
  1. The Trade Desk helps ad agencies spend their budgets more effectively by providing a platform for optimizing programmatic advertising.
  2. The company focuses on building strong, recurring relationships with buy-side agencies, leading to a high customer retention rate.
  3. The Trade Desk functions as a data management platform, enabling efficient real-time bidding and liquidity in the digital advertising market.
Cybernetic Forests 279 implied HN points 04 Feb 24
  1. Art can either sell systems of power or support technocracy, highlighting the importance of using art to question and challenge technology rather than serve as a tool for propping up power.
  2. Imagination is often linked with AI, but it's crucial to move beyond speculative thinking to consider the real impacts and consequences of AI on our world today.
  3. Artists, when working with and against technology, can play a role in subverting and challenging powerful systems by acting as parasites, critiquing and revealing flaws instead of just showcasing technological prowess.
The VC Corner 279 implied HN points 04 Feb 24
  1. Gulf investment is increasing in European startups, which could help boost innovation and growth in the region.
  2. Venture capitalists are looking at the secondary market for discounted investment opportunities, which can provide advantages in a tough economy.
  3. Generative AI is becoming a key focus for CEOs, who need to understand how it can benefit their businesses and improve efficiency.
Internal exile 69 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. Modern technology, like smartphones, can make us act selfishly. Ads show how we can fake caring for others by using our devices instead of putting in real effort.
  2. The idea that 'the thought doesn't count' highlights how people can use technology to avoid genuine connections. It's easier to show a fake interest than to actually engage with those around us.
  3. This trend reflects a bigger issue in society where we prioritize individual convenience over community well-being. The focus is shifting towards personal satisfaction rather than caring for others.
Numlock News 550 implied HN points 26 Sep 23
  1. India is withdrawing 2,000-rupee banknotes by the end of September, affecting billions of rupees worth of currency.
  2. A dataset called Books3 contains copyrighted works used to train AI systems, leading to lawsuits from writers.
  3. Oil and gas operators have used 1.5 trillion gallons of water since 2011 for well drilling, with concerns about water shortages in fracking regions.
Off to Lunch 294 implied HN points 25 Jan 24
  1. The next UK government will face tough economic choices post-election, with challenges in public finance and investment.
  2. Private sector growth and business breakthroughs are crucial for economic development in the UK.
  3. Birmingham is experiencing challenges due to lack of public transport investment, emphasizing the importance of private sector investment for job creation.
The Rectangle 56 implied HN points 22 Nov 24
  1. YouTube is a huge part of our culture and memory, acting like a big diary of our lives. It holds countless videos that showcase many different human experiences.
  2. There is a worry that in times of economic pressure, YouTube might start deleting older or less popular videos. This could mean a lot of memories could disappear.
  3. The internet can be fragile, and our cherished sites might not last forever. Because of this, some suggest YouTube should be nationalized to ensure it remains safe and accessible for everyone.
DeFi Education 419 implied HN points 25 Nov 23
  1. The founders of major crypto exchanges like Binance and FTX are now convicted felons, highlighting the risks in the industry. It's important to be cautious when engaging with crypto platforms.
  2. Putting your crypto in third-party custody can be dangerous. It defeats the purpose of holding your assets securely on your own.
  3. DeFi education is crucial to understand the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and to navigate it safely. Staying informed helps protect your investments.
The Fintech Blueprint 530 implied HN points 04 Oct 23
  1. Sharks' decline and human growth show the power of general intelligence over specialized adaptations.
  2. Smartphones like iPhones with general intelligence capabilities outperform specialized devices like ATMs.
  3. Big tech's embrace of open banking could lead to a future where standalone bank apps become obsolete.
Kyle Chayka Industries 71 implied HN points 14 Feb 25
  1. Elon Musk is influencing government operations with AI, which raises concerns about democracy and human decision-making. Many fear that this could lead to a system dominated by technology and a few elites.
  2. The automation driven by Musk's AI initiatives is impacting vital government services, making them faster but potentially less accountable. It could mean less human oversight in areas that affect people's lives.
  3. In today's media landscape, there's a need for new ways to share and connect with audiences. Writers and readers are looking for stable platforms to engage with each other more effectively.

Q&A

DeFi Education 2318 implied HN points 11 Jun 22
  1. Crypto is always changing, even in tough markets. It's important to stay updated on what's happening.
  2. Engaging in Q&A can help clarify doubts about DeFi and crypto. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you're confused.
  3. Being part of a community helps share knowledge and gather different viewpoints about the markets. It's good to hear what others think.
benn.substack 460 implied HN points 15 Mar 24
  1. In political elections like the presidential primaries, insiders within the party can heavily influence candidate selection, impacting how votes translate into nominations.
  2. Silicon Valley, despite its reputation for meritocracy and free-market capitalism, also shows signs of elite insiders shaping success by directing funds, influencing hiring decisions, and controlling media narratives.
  3. Public perception and hype generated by influencers play a significant role in Silicon Valley, from selecting blogging platforms to predicting success of new technologies, often superseding personal experiences and independent analysis.
From the New World 59 implied HN points 08 Nov 24
  1. The internet faces ongoing censorship challenges, and these can lead to the shaping of narratives that affect elections and public opinion. People have different views on what information should be shared or censored.
  2. The tension between media influences and political outcomes is complex. Different groups have tried to control the narrative around elections, often leading to disputes over media's role in shaping results.
  3. Emerging technologies like AI and social media are becoming new battlegrounds for censorship. As efforts to regulate these platforms continue, key figures like politicians and entrepreneurs are preparing for ongoing conflicts over information sharing.