The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The History of The Mechanical Clock

Endless Explorations • 79 implied HN points • 12 Mar 23
💾 History Technology
  1. Mechanical clocks changed how we view and manage time. Before them, timekeeping was less precise and influenced by nature.
  2. The Black Death pandemic increased the need for time management, leading to the widespread use of clocks in towns.
  3. The escapement mechanism was a key invention that made mechanical clocks more accurate and reliable, changing daily life forever.

Introducing "Caffeinated Deep Dives"

SatPost by Trung Phan • 58 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎙 Podcasts Technology
  1. There's a new podcast called 'Caffeinated Deep Dives' where the host drinks a lot of coffee and explores various interesting topics in detail. It's all about sharing the research and insights he gathers.
  2. The first episodes focus on the iPhone and the comic strip Calvin & Hobbes, discussing their history and influence. The host admits that creating long episodes by himself is harder than he thought.
  3. Podcasts are becoming a big part of politics, as many candidates use them to reach voters and share their ideas. This includes high-profile guests like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris appearing on popular shows.

June 6, 2025

Letters from an American • 21 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. Elon Musk is trying to ease tensions with Trump because he needs government contracts to protect his businesses. He risked losing a lot of money if he didn't mend fences.
  2. Trump remains defiant amidst the conflict, downplaying Musk's influence and asserting his position as the leader of the Republican Party. Others in the party are hesitant to take sides.
  3. There have been major issues in government decisions, leading to rehiring efforts after significant cuts that harmed essential services. This has caused low morale and uncertainty within federal agencies.

From Ore to Core

Doomberg • 115 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🔬 Science Technology
  1. This post discusses the importance of nuclear energy as a baseload power source.
  2. The session with physicist James Krellenstein provides insights into the technology and its value chain.
  3. The content is exclusively available for subscribers in the Doomberg Pro plan.
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Advice for Young Coders

Amaca • 223 implied HN points • 12 Apr 23
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Seek free advice from boring people - valuable education might be a bit boring.
  2. Conformism works - traditional institutions like textbooks and universities are reliable sources of knowledge.
  3. Don't worry about AI, it's an opportunity - focus on building or learning to use AI.

Upgraded Multisig Wallets are LIVE on Ronin!

Ronin’s Newsletter • 49 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. Ronin has upgraded its multisig wallets, now powered by Safe, which is a trusted provider in the industry. This means users can create and manage safer wallets for their transactions.
  2. The integration offers a better user interface and allows users to batch multiple transactions more efficiently. This makes it easier to manage and send tokens through Ronin.
  3. Existing users don't need to do much; most will see their wallets automatically updated. However, some with pending transactions may need to complete an extra step to finalize those.

Links for Summer 2025

Telescopic Turnip • 17 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Bacteria can communicate using electrical signals, which might help us treat skin infections by gently convincing them to leave instead of killing them.
  2. A new drug that mimics the wakefulness hormone orexin shows promise for narcolepsy, and could potentially help others reduce their sleep needs.
  3. Research into mimicry and the evolution of bird songs reveals fascinating insights into how animals adapt and communicate over time.

The NFL has been testing optical tracking technology for first downs (but is that a good thing?)

Huddle Up • 40 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Technology
  1. The NFL is exploring new tracking technology to improve accuracy in measuring first downs during games. This could make it easier to determine if a play is successful or not.
  2. Fans are frustrated because they feel the NFL is slow to adopt advancements that other sports have already embraced. For example, technologies like Hawk-Eye in tennis are much faster.
  3. Some people are questioning whether this new technology is actually needed or if it complicates the game more than it helps. There are mixed feelings about its impact on the sport.

A New Chapter At FreakTakes

FreakTakes • 43 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. FreakTakes is evolving as a research platform to help people build and grow organizations focused on research and development. The main goal is to connect ambitious researchers with the resources they need.
  2. The blog will expand to include interviews and proposals aimed at fostering new R&D organizations. This expansion is meant to create more opportunities for innovative projects and collaborations.
  3. The author expresses gratitude for the supportive community around FreakTakes and looks forward to translating historical research insights into real-world action at Renaissance Philanthropy, while maintaining the core essence of the blog.

#66 Talking to machines

Design Lobster • 239 implied HN points • 03 May 21
🪑 Design Technology
  1. Interacting with technology often feels personal because our brains can't distinguish between machines and people, ascribing intentions and feelings to them.
  2. Designing interactions with software should aim to make it feel like dealing with a pleasant human, not a troublesome entity.
  3. The phenomenon of pareidolia is utilized in the automotive industry to make cars seem more desirable by intentionally creating angry faces in car designs.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 36 - ciao Italia

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. CitNOW started as a small company in the UK and grew by creating easy-to-use automotive apps. They found success by being the first to offer this kind of technology in their market.
  2. They learned the importance of focusing on their target market, which was the automotive industry. They decided to stop chasing opportunities outside this sector to stay true to their core business.
  3. When expanding internationally, they took careful steps after learning from past mistakes. They aimed to enter the Italian market by leveraging their successes and established relationships with companies like Volkswagen.

Mobileye's Rancid Kitchen Sink

Irrational Analysis • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Mobileye's CFO actions hinted at potential manipulations with revenue and earnings data, raising concerns of corporate mismanagement.
  2. The preliminary financial outlook for 2024 revealed a significant decline in revenue that might continue for a few quarters, hinting at wider challenges in the automotive semiconductor market.
  3. Investors are advised to diversify into safer stocks, considering the uncertainties in the auto semi industry, with Mobileye's situation being a concerning outlier.

Nanopore Fireside Chats

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Fireside chats are popular and provide a relaxed way to discuss important topics. They create a friendly space for engaging conversations.
  2. Device placements for some products may have faced challenges recently. It's worth exploring how these changes affect business and strategy.
  3. The discussion highlighted differing views on the outlook for certain technologies, showcasing the importance of diverse opinions in business discussions.

How to be an effective leader [StoryTime Saturdays]

Technology Made Simple • 59 implied HN points • 16 Oct 22
💼 Business Technology
  1. The article discusses insights from senior leaders in tech about decision-making skills and leadership abilities.
  2. It mentions the importance of learning about experiences, processes, and common motifs from successful leaders.
  3. The post is beneficial for developers aiming for career growth, managers seeking to enhance their skills, and those interested in high-level team dynamics.

Coolest Podcast Episodes of My Year (2023)

polymathematics • 19 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Technology
  1. The list includes a variety of favorite podcast episodes from different hosts without following a specific pattern. It's just a personal collection.
  2. These podcasts feature interesting conversations about invention, culture, and personal stories, showcasing a range of topics.
  3. The author thanks the hosts and guests for sharing these discussions for free, highlighting the value of accessible content.

I am a compost heap

Austin Kleon • 199 implied HN points • 15 Oct 21
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Idea composting is about mixing and combining thoughts to create new ideas.
  2. Exploring creative content, like podcasts and books, can inspire and refresh your perspective.
  3. Writing about topics like artificial intelligence can spark unexpected interests and insights.

Assorted links and comments

The Permanent Problem • 2 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Popup and startup-style communities act as labs for culture and governance, using long-term physical immersion to let new social practices and habits take root.
  2. Economics strongly shapes whether people join tight-knit communities. As wealth and basic security rise, more people can afford to choose intentional communal living over career-first lifestyles.
  3. Organizers are shifting from temporary gatherings to incubating real projects inside these communities, moving from proof-of-concept toward building lasting institutions and attracting diverse builders and tools.

Social Media is a Tapestry of Humanity

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Social media reflects the tapestry of humanity, showcasing both the good and bad aspects of human nature.
  2. Telling stories through words, art, and music is at the core of human culture, shaping our past, present, and future.
  3. As a species, we evolve by sharing experiences and stories, and social media provides a platform for weaving together the diverse narratives of human existence.

Silicon Valley’s Sociocultural System Emerges

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 26 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Silicon Valley has spearheaded technological transformations globally, enhancing human connectivity and innovation despite imperfections.
  2. As groups grow larger and activities become more complex, sociocultural systems, like the emerging one in Silicon Valley, begin to take shape over time.
  3. The sociocultural elements in Silicon Valley include unique social hierarchies, a clergy class focused on transhumanist ideologies, and an evolving economic system based on data and wealth creation.

What Next? Fifty Year Careers.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 34 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. People are living longer, which means careers need to adapt and may last 50 to 60 years. This change requires a rethink on how we approach retirement and the 'next act' in our lives.
  2. Many people struggle with retirement because they find it hard to find purpose without their work. It's important to plan for meaning in life after the 9-to-5.
  3. To stay relevant in today's fast-changing world, we need to keep learning and upgrading our skills. Relying solely on past knowledge can lead to being left behind.

We should all be Luddites now

The Future, Now and Then • 154 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The Luddite rebellion was about labor power and resistance to technology that would harm workers.
  2. Legitimate pathways for voicing resistance being limited can lead people to embrace illegitimate tactics for change.
  3. Being a modern-day Luddite means advocating for fair distribution of wealth and power in the digital future.

Rampersand Investment Notes: Hatch

Superfluid • 106 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Rampersand is backing Hatch, a company changing how the next generation finds work. Hatch uses AI to match candidates with jobs based on core values and aspirations.
  2. Hatch redefines job searching with its AI-driven platform for Gen Z professionals, saving time for both job seekers and employers.
  3. Gen Z professionals seek fulfilling roles, leading to a transformation in company cultures and employment nature. Companies like Hatch are adapting to meet the demands of this new workforce.

#93 Designing virtual worlds

Design Lobster • 159 implied HN points • 08 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. Be aware of the potential misuse of your designs, like in virtual reality where hacks can physically move users without their knowledge.
  2. Consider ways to enhance the immersion of your design, like the Sensorama, one of the earliest virtual reality devices with multi-sensory experiences.
  3. Think about designing objects in the context of their surroundings, as mentioned by architect Eliel Saarinen in considering design elements in their larger context.

2025: The Year Filk Broke

The Seat of Loss • 3 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Filk began as a small, participatory folk tradition where fans rewrote and shared songs in circles, and artists like Leslie Fish embodied its DIY, outsider spirit.
  2. Fandom has shifted from a niche pastime to a mainstream cultural force that now drives popular music and media, with fan engagement and fan-made works powering hits and careers.
  3. Corporations and AI are industrializing fan creativity by licensing characters and tools, blurring the line between fanworks and official media and concentrating how fan content is created and distributed.

How The Buffalo Bills Are Utilizing Technology To Make An Outdoor Stadium Feel Like A Dome

Huddle Up • 41 implied HN points • 30 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Technology
  1. The Buffalo Bills are using technology to enhance the game experience in their outdoor stadium. This means fans can enjoy the game with a feel similar to being in a dome.
  2. Stadium architecture has become very complex as teams look for new ways to earn money. They are doing this to prepare for changes in how people watch sports, especially with the decline of cable TV.
  3. Many sports teams are investing in their stadiums to create more than just a place to watch games. They want to make these venues destinations for entertainment and socializing.

Debate with Glen Weyl, NYC, 9/4

Gray Mirror • 13 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. There's a debate happening in NYC about whether the U.S. should be governed by a CEO dictator. It's a big topic to consider.
  2. You can find some interesting foreign-policy podcasts featuring Peter Slezkine from the Stimson Center. They might give you new insights.
  3. For those into tech, there's a fun discussion about the origins of React, a popular JavaScript library. You don’t need to be a tech expert to enjoy it!

Digital Shōsha: How America Could Rebuild Its Industrial Trade Infrastructure

European Straits • 14 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. A new bank called Erebor is being created to support American manufacturing and tech sectors. It aims to fill the financing gap left by the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank.
  2. Japan's trading houses helped their economy grow after World War II by providing support in funding, logistics, and market access, which allowed manufacturers to expand smoothly.
  3. To rebuild its industry, America needs both financial support and strong trade systems. This would help companies operate better in the global market.

What machines don't know

The Ruffian • 208 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The rise of AI has made humanities more important than ever
  2. High-status individuals today are often in fields like software development and data science
  3. Iris Murdoch's argument about the importance of literature over science is relevant with the advancement of AI

The End of Solitude?

Holodoxa • 79 implied HN points • 23 Sep 22
📚 Literature Technology
  1. William Deresiewicz's collection of essays 'The End of Solitude' covers various themes like technology's impact on culture, higher education issues, and reflections on Jewish identity.
  2. Deresiewicz questions the effects of technology on solitude, argues about the problems with higher education focusing on academic elites, and suggests a reevaluation of cultural and intellectual practices.
  3. The book delves into topics often missing from mainstream discourse, highlighting the importance of the humanities and showcasing a blend of influences through essays that challenge readers.

Creatures and Machines

New World Same Humans • 114 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Technology
  1. The next great division could be between those who want to live as creatures and those who want to live as machines.
  2. The ongoing technology revolution could lead to a conflict between those embracing human-machine fusion and those wanting to remain fully human.
  3. New stories, visions, and ways of coexisting are needed to navigate the differences in attitudes towards technology and human nature.

What happened in marketing: TikTok ban, OpenAI expensive and Trends everywhere

The Social Juice • 44 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Technology
  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.

Jevons Paradox

davidj.substack • 35 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Jevons Paradox shows that when something becomes cheaper to use, people tend to use more of it, which can actually lead to higher overall consumption. This means that efficiency gains may not reduce usage as expected.
  2. When teams save money through efficiency, they're likely to spend their budgets on new projects instead of cutting costs. They want to use their saved money to create more value.
  3. Using tools that are easier and more efficient can lead to discovering new ways to use them, increasing overall spending on those tools instead of cutting back. This often justifies bigger budgets for future projects.

Face Eating Leopards

Reactionary Feminist • 13 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Lauren Southern has had a controversial online career that has shifted over time, and she is now looking to step away from the public eye.
  2. The relationship between technology and social dynamics can often lead individuals towards negative behaviors, even within groups that aim to promote order and healthy values.
  3. It's important to acknowledge the darker aspects of online life that can impact personal choices and beliefs, rather than avoiding difficult conversations about it.