2026/01/28
Article: 25 min
The author recounts their experience transitioning from using Microsoft Windows for 20 years to Linux due to dissatisfaction with Microsoft's operating system updates, bugs, and lack of user consent. They detail their struggles with Windows 10 ads, non-consensual updates, and compatibility issues between Microsoft software and hardware, leading them to consider alternatives like macOS or Linux. After extensive research and testing, the author decided to switch to CachyOS, an Arch-based distribution, which they found to be a better fit for their needs as a software developer and musician.
Discussion (1336): 7 hr 5 min
The comment thread discusses personal experiences with first computers, nostalgia for older technology, and opinions on macOS compared to Windows and Linux. Users share details about their initial computing devices, express mixed feelings towards macOS regarding user experience and functionality, and discuss the perceived growth of Linux's market share.
Article: 8 min
Amazon has announced plans to cut 16,000 jobs as part of a broader restructuring effort under CEO Andy Jassy. This is the second round of layoffs in three months and represents nearly 10% of Amazon's corporate workforce. The company also confirmed it will be closing its remaining Fresh grocery stores and Go markets and discontinuing its Amazon One biometric payment system.
Discussion (869): 3 hr 0 min
The comment thread discusses the use of AI as a scapegoat for layoffs and cost-cutting measures taken by companies. There is debate about the state of the economy and its impact on job markets, with some suggesting that the economy may not be doing well due to indicators such as rising unemployment, inflation, and job insecurity. The conversation also touches on the potential for AI to increase productivity but not necessarily lead to job replacement.
Article: 8 min
The article is a satirical piece by Forest Abruzzo, published on McSweeney's Quarterly Subscriptions website, titled 'Please Don’t Say Mean Things about the AI That I Just Invested a Billion Dollars In'. It humorously addresses the concerns and justifications of an AI investor who has invested a billion dollars in a technology that is causing societal issues. The author uses irony to highlight the complexities and potential negative impacts of advanced technologies.
Discussion (258): 50 min
The comment thread discusses various opinions on AI, including its potential benefits such as enhancing productivity and creativity, while also highlighting concerns about its misuse in scams targeting vulnerable populations, the creation of explicit content without consent, and societal harm. The discussion is characterized by a mix of agreement and debate intensity, with recurring themes around AI ethics, job displacement, and public discourse on AI's role in society.
Article:
An individual spoofed ADSB signals to display the meme of JD Vance over Mar-a-Lago, potentially raising questions about age verification for ADSB systems.
Discussion (120): 17 min
The comment thread discusses an incident of spoofing ADS-B data to display a meme image on various flight tracking websites. Opinions vary on whether this is illegal and its potential impact on aviation safety.
Article: 2 hr 26 min
The article explores the physics behind airplane flight through an in-depth investigation of airflow and lift generation around airfoils. It uses visualizations to explain concepts like pressure, velocity, and flow dynamics, focusing on how these factors interact with wing shapes and angles of attack to create lift.
Discussion (51): 9 min
The comment thread discusses the potential of AI in creating explainers quickly and its impact on quality human-created content, with a focus on the capabilities and limitations of AI. There is agreement that AI can create similar content but lacks passion and quality found in human-created works.
Article: 10 min
US immigration agents are using an app developed by Palantir, which draws on health records of millions of Americans, to find and detain illegal immigrants. The tool, called Elite, maps areas for detention raids based on names, addresses, photos from health records, and generates dossiers with confidence scores.
Discussion (189): 38 min
The comment thread discusses concerns over government data collection, particularly regarding the use of private sector data by agencies like ICE. Opinions vary on the effectiveness and ethics of companies such as Palantir, with debates around historical parallels to current privacy issues. The community shows a moderate level of agreement but high debate intensity, reflecting differing views on the role of technology in government surveillance.
Article: 5 min
The UK Government's 'AI Skills Hub' website was developed by PwC for £4.1 million, but it is criticized for its poor UI design, lack of original content, and failure to meet accessibility standards. The site also contains incorrect information about AI and intellectual property laws in the UK.
Discussion (116): 26 min
The comment thread discusses the criticism of an overpriced government website project, with concerns about inefficient procurement processes favoring large companies and the perceived lack of value in ISO certifications. There is agreement on the issue but high debate intensity, indicating a strong disagreement among participants.
Article: 7 min
ASML, a leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer, plans to streamline its Technology and IT organizations by shifting from a project/matrix setup to one where engineers are dedicated to specific products and modules. This change aims to simplify processes and decision-making, focusing on engineering and innovation in critical areas. As a result, some roles at the leadership level may no longer be required, leading to a potential net reduction of around 1700 positions, mostly in the Netherlands with some in the United States.
Discussion (340): 1 hr 13 min
The discussion revolves around ASML's management restructuring aimed at focusing on engineering and innovation, with opinions divided on buybacks versus dividends for shareholder value distribution. The community acknowledges the strategic implications of these moves in response to market conditions and the potential impact on employee talent retention.
Discussion (85): 16 min
Users appreciate the directory/arcade for games discovered through HN, sharing their own creations and discussing others'. Suggestions for improvements are made, focusing on functionality and UI/UX aspects.
Article: 11 min
Apple is requiring Patreon creators to switch their billing system to the App Store's in-app purchase model by November 2026, with a 30% commission on transactions. Creators have the option to absorb the fee or increase prices within the iOS app.
Discussion (246): 55 min
The comment thread discusses the controversy surrounding Apple's 30% fee on iOS platforms, particularly in relation to Patreon. Users express dissatisfaction with the fees, view them as exploitative and anti-competitive, and call for regulation of tech giants like Apple. There is a debate around the necessity of using an app versus accessing services through a web browser or external payment processors. The thread also touches on broader issues such as monopolistic practices, user privacy, and the ethics of tech company policies.