The hottest Technology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Odds and Ends #52: A right to air conditioning?

Odds and Ends of History • 335 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Issues History Technology Government Media
  1. Everyone should have the right to air conditioning, especially as it becomes more essential for comfort. It can help people stay healthy and productive in hot weather.
  2. New Zealand has found a smart way to tackle its housing crisis, which could inspire solutions in other places. Their approach focuses on making housing more accessible to everyone.
  3. There are issues with some Chinese robotaxis that raise concerns, but there’s still hope for the future of self-driving technology. It’s important to address these problems to improve safety and reliability.

What happened in marketing: RIP TikTok, Instagram's weird redesign and next social media app

The Social Juice • 36 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💼 Business Marketing Advertising Social media Technology Consumer Trends
  1. TikTok is facing a potential ban in the US, but the app is still trying to keep its users engaged. Creators are moving their audiences to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
  2. Instagram's redesign has not been well received. Many users are complaining about the new changes, particularly how it displays liked Reels.
  3. Google is facing antitrust issues and struggles with maintaining its search market share. Their new policies and updates are causing confusion among advertisers.

The Anxious Generation is Almost Here

After Babel • 2390 implied HN points • 11 Dec 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Parenting Book release Childhood Technology
  1. The book discusses the impact of overprotection in the real world and underprotection in the virtual world on children.
  2. The book suggests actions like making schools phone-free and holding social media companies accountable are needed for a healthier childhood.
  3. The book aims to empower teachers, parents, and Gen Z to understand the issues and work together to reclaim a more grounded, less digitally dependent life.

Innovation Job Market Papers 2024 (2/3)

New Things Under the Sun • 96 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
💼 Business Innovation Economics Research Investment Technology
  1. Many recent PhD papers are focused on innovation, covering a wide range of topics like technology policy and its impact on economic growth.
  2. Some studies show that environmental regulations can spur innovation among suppliers in industries like automotive, leading to more technological advancements.
  3. There is a growing recognition of how social media affects the spread of economic research, highlighting its importance in sharing knowledge.
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What Do You Do With an Idea?

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 216 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Innovation Economics Technology Investment
  1. Good ideas aren't hard to find; they just need to be used. Many solid concepts from the past are still waiting to be applied today.
  2. Ideas aren’t getting harder to discover but are harder to implement due to regulations and risk aversion. It's about making those ideas actionable.
  3. To make real progress, we need skilled people who can take old and new ideas and bring them to life, along with policies that lower the cost of innovation.

So They're Experimenting With Military Robots In Gaza Now

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1550 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Technology Ethics Global Warfare
  1. Military operations are used to test new war machinery, putting human lives at risk for the benefit of empire managers and the military-industrial complex.
  2. Gaza is being used as a testing ground for military robots and autonomous weapons systems, raising concerns about dehumanization and widespread killing.
  3. The practice of using conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Africa as testing grounds for new weapons and technology is common, allowing for improvements and profit in the global arms industry.

Flying Squad: 90 Years Since London's First Police 'Helicopters'

Londonist: Time Machine • 239 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💾 History Police London Aircraft Events Technology
  1. The concept of police helicopters has roots dating back to the 1930s in London, with the use of autogyros for aerial surveillance and traffic management.
  2. Autogyros, precursor to helicopters, were notable for their innovative design, flight capabilities, and utility for police operations.
  3. The early days of police autogyros involved significant milestones such as monitoring public gatherings, assisting in traffic control, and capturing aerial images for police work.

Comrade Musk

Diane Francis • 1179 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Governance Policy Military Technology Regulation
  1. Elon Musk has significant power due to his wealth and technology, but this has raised concerns about his influence on global events. His actions, like limiting access to his satellite service, can have serious implications for security.
  2. Musk's past decisions have created tension and controversy, especially regarding his relations with Russia and Ukraine. His choices, such as withholding satellite support, have directly affected military operations.
  3. Many believe that Musk's actions, which intertwine technology with foreign policy, should be examined by government authorities to ensure proper oversight and prevent one person from having too much control over important matters.

The Bank of Starbucks

Of All Trades • 9 implied HN points • 27 May 25
💼 Business Finance Retail Economics Marketing Technology
  1. Starbucks makes a lot of money, earning about $36 billion in revenue in 2024. This shows that their business is not just about coffee, but also a serious finance player.
  2. By allowing customers to load money onto their app for purchases, Starbucks essentially acts like a bank. They hold this money without needing to give customers cash back, making it a profitable system for them.
  3. Starbucks holds more customer deposits than about 80% of U.S. banks, even though it's primarily a coffee company. This highlights how big their banking-like system has become in the consumer market.

Andrea Chalupa call tomorrow noon EST

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 6 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Media Government Society Culture Technology
  1. There's a live Zoom call with Andrea Chalupa tomorrow at noon EST. It's a great opportunity to hear her insights on important topics.
  2. The article discusses issues in the psychedelic therapy movement, highlighting criticisms and how it has shifted away from its original intentions. It suggests that psychedelics need to reconnect with their roots to truly bring about positive change.
  3. AI is a big topic right now, especially how it may change jobs and society. OpenAI's CEO says we need to rethink how society is structured as AI develops.

It's power laws all the way down

Alex's Personal Blog • 65 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Venture Capital Economics Technology Investment Market Trends
  1. Venture capital in the U.S. is becoming more concentrated, with a few big firms controlling most of the funds. This trend means fewer opportunities for new investors and startups.
  2. The amount of money raised by new venture capital firms has dropped significantly, reaching lows not seen since 2015. This indicates a tough environment for emerging investors.
  3. The influence of large venture firms like a16z is growing, shaping what types of startups receive funding and driving the conversation in the tech industry.

Letters to a Young Investor: Reid Hoffman on Signals and Mirages

The Generalist • 1941 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
💼 Business Investing Technology Venture Capital AI Startups
  1. Investors need to differentiate between signals and mirages in venture capital to find potential winners.
  2. The process of identifying successful investments involves filtering out flawed ideas and making bets on plausible opportunities.
  3. Successful investments are like oases in the technology landscape that investors strategically seek out.

♾ Meta: The Zuck 'Playbook'

How They Make Money • 727 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
💼 Business Technology Finance Market Analysis Earnings Report Investment
  1. Meta (META) reported strong Q4 FY23 performance with a 5X return from November 2022 lows, focusing on Metaverse investments and cash returns to shareholders.
  2. Key points from Meta's 'Playbook' include massive compute investment, open-source strategy, future-focused research on AI, data utilization, and an experimentation culture.
  3. In Q4 FY23, Meta saw growth in user metrics and revenue, with an increase in average revenue per user, surpassing competitors like Snap and Pinterest in ARPU.

Self-aware villains, tech secessionists and a theory for why everything's getting worse

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 718 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Social media Friendships Technology Internet Youth culture
  1. The Facebook party album from 2008 was a unique sociological spectacle that reflected youth relationships and friendships
  2. Social media platforms have evolved in how they enable users to navigate and express their friendships, from Facebook to Instagram Stories
  3. Modern digital signals of relational closeness, like group chats and Instagram grid posts, continue to play significant roles in mapping friendships

Why "Sharding Splits Security" Is a Mid-Curve Argument

Dan Hughes • 159 implied HN points • 27 Jun 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Security Economics Decentralization Technology
  1. Sharding can actually enhance economic security instead of weakening it. When networks split into shards, they can manage more transactions, which can lead to higher security overall.
  2. The economic activity in a network is crucial for its value and security. More transactions and smart contracts boost the token's value, which in turn helps protect the network from attacks.
  3. Unlike traditional networks, sharding allows for greater decentralization. More validators can participate, making it much harder for bad actors to take control, which helps keep the network safe.

Japan’s Technological Prowess Should Enable 2.3% Per Capita Growth, Part I

Japan Economy Watch • 299 implied HN points • 13 May 24
💼 Business Technology Economic Growth Innovation Competitiveness Research & Development
  1. Japan's technological prowess could potentially lead to 2.3% per capita growth, doubling the current rate.
  2. The challenge Japan faces is converting technological strength into economic value due to rigid financial and labor systems.
  3. While Japan excels in complexity of technology use, it lags in adapting new technologies and faces challenges in sustaining growth as demand shifts.

I wrote the coolest tree hugger in popular culture

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Technology Environment History
  1. Trees and humans have a deep connection that goes back for centuries. Many people feel a natural bond with trees, and losing them can be very emotional.
  2. As climate change continues, certain areas of the world may become more livable, while others will suffer. This could change where people live and how we survive as a species.
  3. The portrayal of tree huggers in media is often negative, but attitudes are changing. There's a growing appreciation for nature and the importance of protecting it.

Masterclass on Investing in SpaceTech Startups

Space Ambition • 219 implied HN points • 05 Jun 24
💼 Business Investing Startups Technology Finance Entrepreneurship
  1. There is an online masterclass focusing on how to invest in Space Tech startups. It's a great opportunity to learn from experts in the field.
  2. The masterclass will feature an analysis of Bessemer Venture Partners' investment in Rocket Lab, which is a key example in SpaceTech investing.
  3. The sessions are free and available at two different times on June 15, making it easy for people to join.

Not writing, but typing

Austin Kleon • 2677 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Technology Writing History
  1. Using typewriters can make writing more fun and slower, helping you pay better attention to your words. They allow you to enjoy the writing process rather than rush through it.
  2. Typing out poems or favorite excerpts can be a great way to connect with the text. It feels like you're playing the words, which can deepen your understanding and appreciation.
  3. You can share your typed poems with friends in a fun way, similar to how restaurants use check pads. It’s a creative method of sharing and enjoying writing together.

💡 My Quick Q&A with … data scientist Hannah Ritchie on building a sustainable planet

Faster, Please! • 1919 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
🌞 Climate & Environment Sustainability Technology Plastics Climate change Optimism
  1. The technologies needed for a sustainable planet are already available, they just need to be deployed at scale.
  2. Most of the crucial technologies like solar, wind, and batteries are already there, but some sectors still require more work.
  3. We are just at the beginning of deploying sustainable technologies, and there is room for significant progress in bending the curve down further.

❄️ 📈 Meta et Apple, une bonne idée ? La fin de Google Search ?

Snowball • 727 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💰 Finance Technology Market Analysis Company performance Investment Economic Trends
  1. Apple announces mixed quarterly results, with higher iPhone and wearables sales but lower revenues in China.
  2. ESG funds' popularity drops due to rising interest rates.
  3. Startups like Perplexity and Arc are reshaping internet search with artificial intelligence, possibly challenging Google's traditional method.

On RFK Jr., Atrazine and WiFi. Plus a puzzle for you!

An Insult to Intuition • 1454 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
🔬 Science Technology Medicine Research Biology Physics
  1. Kennedy discussed the potential effects of Atrazine on organisms like frogs and mammals, sparking a debate on environmental toxins.
  2. The story shared analogies between a hypothetical alien civilization and current human societal challenges, emphasizing the importance of humility and balance.
  3. There was a discussion on the perceived health risks of WiFi radiation, highlighting the need for thoughtful consideration and humility in scientific discourse.

Amazon spends $2.75 billion on AI startup Anthropic💸, The Founders Guide to Optimizing Your Fundraise📘, The Pulse of SaaS☁️ & more!

The VC Corner • 459 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
💼 Business Venture Capital Startups Fundraising Technology AI
  1. Amazon spent $2.75 billion to buy an AI startup called Anthropic. This shows how serious they are about investing in artificial intelligence.
  2. There is a guide available for founders on how to optimize their fundraising efforts. It can help entrepreneurs improve their chances of getting financial support.
  3. The newsletter covers trends and insights in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry. It keeps readers updated on important developments in tech businesses.

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.

Farming Opportunity

DeFi Education • 859 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
🔮 Crypto DeFi Investing Finance Technology Blockchain
  1. DeFi yield farming is making a comeback, and it's an exciting opportunity for investors. People are using different strategies to maximize their returns.
  2. The team is running a fun bet to see if their farming profits can cover the cost of a NYC apartment. This adds an interesting twist to their investment.
  3. The focus is on DeFi exchanges, highlighting their potential benefits in the financial landscape. It’s a field worth exploring for those interested in decentralized finance.

1,000 Words About A One-Liner

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Writing Comedy Technology AI Communication
  1. Even with new technology, old writing lessons are still important. It's key to understand the basics of humor for effective writing.
  2. Humor can be challenging, but learning from failed attempts can help improve skills. Just like understanding a joke, getting good at writing takes practice.
  3. Making connections between topics can inspire creativity. For example, thinking about whales and AI sparked a unique comedic idea.

Our Great Opportunity

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Sustainability Societal Change Spirituality Technology
  1. Destruction can help us see a clearer path towards fixing our problems and taking better care of our planet. Sometimes, leaving behind old ideas and systems can lead to new and better ways of doing things.
  2. Moving towards a regenerative society needs big changes in how we think and how we do things together. Everyone needs to join in to create a powerful global effort that focuses on caring for the Earth.
  3. The current crisis isn't just about technology or politics; it's a deeper issue that involves our values and beliefs. We need to change the way we understand ourselves and our connection to nature to find real solutions.

Under the microscope: Actua Golf & Virtual Golf

Rings of Saturn • 29 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming History Technology Entertainment Sports
  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.

The Fat App Thesis

Three quarks • 36 implied HN points • 31 Dec 24
🔮 Crypto Blockchain Investing Technology Economics Finance
  1. The value in the blockchain space is shifting from protocols to apps. Apps are becoming more important as they connect users and create real-world value.
  2. Historically, protocols were seen as the main drivers of value, but now apps have stronger user bases and unique offerings that can actually generate revenue.
  3. The recent success of various apps shows that the ecosystem is evolving. Users are drawn to innovative apps, which in turn makes protocols more valuable, creating a partnership rather than competition.

Transcript: America This Week, Episode 80: “A Circle of Censorious Friends”

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1243 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Discussion Technology Social Issues
  1. Walter Kirn's experience driving a Tesla highlights the challenges and dangers of relying solely on a car's computerized systems for navigation instead of traditional mirrors and manual controls.
  2. Matt Taibbi and Walter discuss the shift in technology within cars from being easily fixable by ordinary people to now requiring specialized mechanics, raising concerns about accessibility and safety.
  3. The conversation emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the driving experience through senses like sight and touch, questioning the reliability of solely depending on technology while driving.