The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Art & Illustration Topics

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #99

Creative Destruction • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture 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.

People I would hate if seated near them at a party

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 179 implied HN points • 26 Feb 21
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The post discusses the intricacies and complexities of the crypto art world, questioning the value and perception of digital art and assets.
  2. Various thought-provoking reads are recommended, covering topics like OnlyFans, Amazon labor practices, Britney Spears' media portrayal, and the evolution of advice columns.
  3. A range of intriguing tidbits is shared, from tech moguls' interest in utopias to the censorship practices of social media platforms, providing a snapshot of contemporary internet culture.

Three Pieces, May 2025

Breaking Smart • 16 implied HN points • 25 May 25
🔮 Crypto Technology
  1. Bad influences in crypto are harming the good parts of it. It's important to be aware of these negative trends, especially with how politics and finance are mixing.
  2. The political push against crypto can be troubling, especially with changing laws in the U.S. It's crucial to think about what the future of crypto really means for everyone.
  3. Creative writing about protocol technology is growing. Recent contests are showcasing fun and thought-provoking stories about how we might work and live with new tech.

Links #5

Splitting Infinity • 19 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Developing countries like Nigeria and Rwanda are adopting advanced technologies like cryptocurrency and drone networks, showcasing potential for growth.
  2. Innovative solutions like pneumatic canopies for climate control are being considered for equatorial megacities facing heatwaves due to climate change.
  3. Advancements in technology such as gondola systems for cities and improved desalination methods show promise for future urban development and sustainability.

Question and ideas for future podcast episode

TP’s Substack • 11 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎙 Podcasts Technology
  1. The podcast will cover more topics related to AI, so listener questions are welcomed. It's a chance to learn about AI in a way that connects with the audience's interests.
  2. There will be discussions about energy transition and electric vehicles (EVs) as part of the future episodes. This is a hot topic, and people are encouraged to share their thoughts.
  3. Some episodes will focus on military technology, and the hosts already have plans for those. They also want to do Q&A episodes where they answer questions directly from listeners.
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Obsolescence Pays: The Epson Printer Saga Continues

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
💼 Business Technology
  1. Printer companies like Epson use software tactics to hinder repairability and push customers to buy new products, impacting consumer choice and environmental sustainability.
  2. Companies like Epson create narratives around complexity and danger to deter customers from repairing their devices, steering them towards buying new models or using authorized repair services.
  3. Advocating for longer-lasting, repairable products and changing the incentives for companies built on waste and obsolescence can help reduce e-waste and promote sustainable consumption in the electronics industry.

Myth: Japanese Are Only Good At Incremental Innovation

Japan Economy Watch • 3 HN points • 15 Jun 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Japanese companies have a history of pioneering new technologies and products, disproving the myth that they are only good at incremental innovation.
  2. Disparaging improvements as 'merely' incremental overlooks how incremental advancements can lead to transformative breakthroughs over time, like the evolution of the lithium-ion battery.
  3. Technological innovation must be coupled with effective corporate strategy and execution to maximize economic impact, as seen in the case of Nissan and Tesla's different outcomes in the EV market.

Commentator

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 29 Aug 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  1. The way Facebook and the FBI handled the Hunter Biden laptop story raises serious concerns about media freedom and transparency. It makes you question how social media platforms can influence elections by controlling which news gets seen.
  2. AI is rapidly changing industries, and it might soon replace many jobs. Instead of fearing AI, we should rethink what it means to be human in a world where machines can outthink us.
  3. Deep brain stimulation for addiction is a controversial topic. While it may help some people, we need to be cautious about surgeries that change who we are, and explore more natural treatments like psychedelics as alternatives.

Fight to Repair Daily: Friday October 14, 2022

Fight to Repair • 39 implied HN points • 14 Oct 22
🌞 Climate & Environment Technology
  1. International E-waste Day brings attention to the impact of trashing electronics, especially in countries with high e-waste generation.
  2. The need to focus on the pre-consumer stage and the importance of using recycled materials and completing the circular economy in tech.
  3. Efforts are being made to promote repair-friendly practices, such as Framework introducing a refurbished program to reuse consumer waste.

3 Trends I'd Never Bet Against: Lyn Alden

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 29 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
💰 Finance Technology
  1. Energy density is crucial for modern life and continues to power our economies. It supports everything from electricity to agriculture.
  2. High energy use has allowed technology and human population to grow, especially since the discovery of oil in the late 1800s.
  3. Despite renewable energy sources like wind and solar, we still need efficient, high-density energy sources to maintain economic strength and growth.

#24: Insurance for AI: Easier Said than Done

Loeber on Substack • 40 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Insurance for AI risks is a complex topic due to the unpredictable nature of AI outputs, making it hard to find solid coverage options. Businesses want protection from costly mistakes by AI, but actual insurance products may be limited.
  2. The market for existing software error insurance is quite small, which raises questions about how large the market for AI error insurance could be. With many companies not even aware of current insurance options, it's a niche field.
  3. Insurers face challenges in accurately assessing AI risks due to information gaps and the rapid evolution of AI technology. This could lead to difficulties in creating effective insurance policies for AI applications.

AI Invasion:

Eric Harper • 3 HN points • 13 Jun 24
🎶 Music Technology
  1. AI is rapidly growing in the music industry, even capable of generating fully produced songs imitating popular singers.
  2. Creative individuals are concerned about the influence of AI on art and culture, as it may lead to generic, algorithm-driven content.
  3. While AI can enhance workflow and assist in creating music or art, maintaining the human element is crucial to preserving the essence and authenticity of creative work.

Evaluating Startups

ASeq Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Startups need to prove their technology works by showing that credible research supports their approach. If only their own team has evidence, that's a red flag.
  2. External validation is important. When a trusted partner checks and confirms that the startup's work is real, it builds investor confidence.
  3. Investors are often more focused on potential profits and selling their investment than on whether the startup is currently making money. They want to see if someone else would buy in based on the startup's promise.

Guide to using Perplexity Labs for financial analysis

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 13 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Perplexity Labs simplifies financial analysis by automating tasks. Instead of spending hours on spreadsheets, you can get dashboards and reports quickly.
  2. Templates are a huge help when using Perplexity Labs. They provide ready-made structures for various tasks like market analysis and financial reporting, saving you time.
  3. While Perplexity Labs can provide quick insights, it's important to double-check the results. It’s great for broad analysis, but detailed reviews still need a human touch.

Join the Disaffected in a private chat server

Disaffected Newsletter • 79 implied HN points • 19 Sep 22
🎙 Podcasts Technology
  1. There is a private Discord server for supporters of the Disaffected podcast. It has various chat rooms for fun conversations and memes.
  2. Joining the Discord is easy, and you can choose to use it in a web browser or by installing the app.
  3. The community is friendly, and people can express their opinions without fear of being banned for their views.

Answering our 2024 questions, and charting a bright path into the New Year

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. There are concerns about low birth rates and whether solutions will be effective. It seems like a tricky problem for many countries.
  2. New technology in artificial intelligence is expected to get stronger and cheaper, which could change many industries. This might bring big improvements in how we use technology.
  3. There's hope for a quicker switch to a zero-carbon future as more people push for it. This could help our planet a lot.

The Decades-Long View

next big thing • 120 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Successful founders and CEOs have the ability to take a decades-long view in building their businesses.
  2. Companies that want to last for decades must earn the right to serve customers and have a sustainable business model.
  3. Founders who take a decades-long view have a strong belief in their work and show an obsession-level commitment.

Unlocking the Power of Freemium

Platform Papers • 19 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Freemium apps can boost sales of their paid versions by providing a sample for users to try before committing to a purchase.
  2. The availability of a free version can improve the discoverability of a paid app, especially in categories with a smaller number of apps.
  3. When designing freemium apps, developers should carefully balance free and premium features to ensure there is a significant difference to motivate users to upgrade.

Paradox.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 30 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Companies today need to handle both Fragmentation and Integration to succeed. They should adapt to different types of workers and resources while ensuring everything works together smoothly.
  2. Fragmentation comes from having diverse employee types and many ways to reach customers, making it important for companies to simplify how they manage these aspects.
  3. To compete effectively, companies should create seamless services and use data smartly to combine insights, while also offering some customization without overwhelming customers.

SpaceShoring: When Offshoring Just Isn’t Far Enough

Gad’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
💼 Business Technology
  1. Manufacturing in space has unique benefits, like producing materials with special properties that can't be achieved on Earth. This is due to factors like microgravity, which can enhance things like crystallization in materials.
  2. Despite the advantages, there are huge challenges to making space manufacturing cost-effective. High startup costs and technical difficulties mean it's currently not competitive with traditional Earth-based manufacturing.
  3. The future of space manufacturing could depend on companies like SpaceX reducing launch costs even more. If prices drop significantly, it might open up new possibilities for making things in space that could eventually be profitable.

Q3 2023 Investor Update

Boxcar Joe's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 07 Nov 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Boxcar's revenue is growing by 75% in Q3 2023 compared to Q3 2022, with expected growth of 100% by the end of 2023.
  2. In Q3, Boxcar upgraded its technology with two-way SMS capabilities, leading to improved customer interaction and engagement.
  3. The company's financials show positive trends, with increasing total bookings, membership revenue, and parking business expanding.

Unprecedented Boom in Data Analytics & AI M&A

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. There has been a big increase in companies buying up data analytics and AI businesses recently. Over 25 acquisitions happened this year, which is a lot more than the 15 last year.
  2. Major companies like Accenture, IBM, and Snowflake are very active in this space. Accenture alone spent about $2.5 billion on 25 acquisitions to boost its AI and analytics services.
  3. These acquisitions help companies improve their tech capabilities, like inventory management and engineering, making them more efficient and innovative.

Under the microscope: Actua Golf & Virtual Golf

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The game 'Actua Golf' has some secret cheat codes that can change the game experience, like showing the names of the game creators.
  2. There was a plan for a follow-up disc with more golf courses for 'Actua Golf', but it never officially released.
  3. In 'Virtual Golf', players can use scrambled player names as passwords to unlock professional tournaments, making it more accessible for everyone.

There are only tradeoffs, part 2

Gordian Knot News • 95 implied HN points • 08 Dec 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. Nuclear regulators keep costs high to secure their jobs and fund their operations.
  2. Regulators are motivated to prolong application processes, resulting in slow progress.
  3. Under ALARA, technological progress is not rewarded, hindering advancements in nuclear power.

The Musk-a16z admin continues to grow

Alex's Personal Blog • 32 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Technology
  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.

#92 Spooky design

Design Lobster • 119 implied HN points • 01 Nov 21
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. Holographic technology uses illusions like Pepper's Ghost to bring back deceased celebrities for performances.
  2. Planchettes were 19th century tools for spirit communication, showing human fascination with the supernatural.
  3. Embrace action to overcome fear, as Susan Jeffers famously said: 'Feel the fear and do it anyway.'

Revisiting The Professionalization of Startups

Investing 101 • 73 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. Access to technology has dramatically increased, leading to more people being able to build and scale tech companies.
  2. There is a growing population of individuals with extensive experience in building technology companies, creating a collective knowledge base for progress.
  3. As tech fields professionalize, the risk of manipulating well-established playbooks increases, emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes and avoiding turning established practices into dogma.

James Wise: Why We Need More Entrepreneurs

Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
💼 Business Technology
  1. James Wise emphasizes the importance of having more entrepreneurs for the greater good.
  2. Balderton Capital, where James is a Partner, focuses on investing in European startups and has a strong track record.
  3. James Wise prioritizes investing in artificial intelligence, sustainability, health tech, and supports founder wellbeing in entrepreneurship.

Bicycles in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Bicycles have played a crucial role in societal changes, like enabling women's freedom and connecting communities in developing nations.
  2. Despite the rise of electric and automated vehicles, bicycles are increasingly popular worldwide, with more bicycles than cars being made annually.
  3. Bicycles offer numerous benefits such as environmental friendliness, space efficiency, and pedestrian safety, leading to a reevaluation of urban infrastructure prioritizing bikes over cars.

Nuclear Fusion: The State of Play

State of the Future • 34 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🔬 Science Technology
  1. Nuclear fusion has great potential for clean energy, but it still faces big challenges like cost and technical hurdles. Commercial fusion might not be realistic until around 2040, despite recent progress.
  2. Different methods of achieving fusion exist, each with their own pros and cons. For example, magnetic confinement is well-researched but expensive, while inertial confinement uses lasers but has its own limitations.
  3. Investment in fusion technology is growing, with billions already being put in by both private companies and governments. This means, even though it's a tough path, there's hope for fusion as a key player in future energy strategies.

What To Do About the Dependence of the Form Progress Takes on Power?: Quick Takes on Acemoglu & Johnson's "Power & Progress"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 76 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🚌 Education Technology
  1. The distribution of technological progress can be influenced by the balance of power in both markets and politics.
  2. Technologies can have both positive and negative impacts on society, so it's important to consider the distributional effects.
  3. Diverse perspectives and opinions are crucial in shaping better and more equitable technological trajectories.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 26 - the worst and best of times

The ZIPster • 35 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
💼 Business Technology
  1. CitNOW was founded during tough economic times but managed to grow successfully. The company started from a small kitchen table and grew into a significant player in the automotive industry.
  2. The launch of CitNOW Workshop was a game changer. By providing video inspections, they built trust with customers and improved the approval rate for repairs.
  3. Finding the right partners and aligning on vision is crucial for a startup's success. Alistair's tech enthusiasm and risk-taking nature were key in driving CitNOW forward.

A writing fellowship on scientific progress

The Works in Progress Newsletter • 25 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🔬 Science Technology
  1. There is a six-month writing fellowship where writers can create articles about scientific progress. It's a great chance for those interested in topics like biotech or the history of science.
  2. Writers in the fellowship will get help from experienced mentors and editors to improve their work. They will also receive a stipend of $1,500 per month for completing their writing.
  3. It's important for applicants to have a blog or previous writing experience. The fellowship encourages original thinking and aims to support writers looking to share their unique ideas.

Guest Post: Love in the Age of TikTok

Reactionary Feminist • 13 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. Young conservatives are still affected by modern dating culture even when they criticize it. This shows that the influence of technology and social media reaches everyone, regardless of their beliefs.
  2. The way love is viewed today is often like a marketplace, where people assess each other like commodities. This shift can make real connections harder to form and diminish the value of love.
  3. Social media, especially short-form videos, changes how we interact and think. Constant scrolling can make it tough to focus or commit, which can harm deep, lasting relationships.

What AI Education Is Missing

Technically Optimistic • 19 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
🚌 Education Technology
  1. Technological progress should not prioritize profit over social responsibility, considering historical lessons like the detrimental impact of leaded gasoline.
  2. Education plays a crucial role in navigating the impact of AI, from preparing students for the evolving job market to enhancing the skills of teachers.
  3. AI education needs to focus on equipping students with technical knowledge, social consciousness, and adaptability to ensure they benefit from technology in a fair, equal manner.

The Prompt

Cybernetic Forests • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Technology
  1. Artificial Intelligence models like DALLE and Imagen can create photorealistic outputs from text prompts based on statistical analysis of images.
  2. The act of writing a poem involves a personal emotional experience that machines, lacking emotion, cannot replicate.
  3. The interpretation of machine-generated outputs as art or poetry lies with humans, who bring their own context and response to these creations, making them art through recontextualization.

📏 How To Build A Mayan Keyboard

Reboot • 10 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Technology
  1. The Codical Mayan project aims to encode the Mayan writing system into Unicode. This will help preserve the ancient language and make it accessible on modern computers.
  2. Mayan culture is one of the most well-preserved indigenous cultures, providing a unique opportunity to explore and document its language and traditions. This work allows people to connect with their heritage.
  3. Technology can play a big role in revitalizing indigenous languages. New tools can help people create dictionaries and learning materials, making it easier for them to learn and share their languages.