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Automated summaries of top Hacker News stories written by a large language model.
Juice – Oberon JIT browser plugin (1996)
The web content is an article from 1996 introducing Juice, a new technology for distributing executable content on the World Wide Web. Juice is compared to Java and is said to outperform it in many applications, especially when dealing with large applets. Juice is described as a complement to Java, giving users a choice between the two. The article explains that Juice has been in development for several years and is based on the Oberon language. It highlights the advantages of Juice, such as faster execution speed and a denser distribution format. The article concludes by stating that Juice is a better technology than Java for bringing executable content to the web. (Summary based on 77% of story text.)
Bloop (YC S21) is hiring Rust engineers interested in compilers, in London
Bloop, a Y-Combinator backed startup, is hiring Rust engineers in London who are interested in compilers. Bloop's automatic code translation solution aims to automate the process of moving code between different programming languages. They are taking a novel approach to this problem, utilizing source to source compilers and LLMs (Language Model Models) that can handle large amounts of code. The hired engineers will work on designing and implementing the core engine that powers the code translation pipeline, focusing on compilers, automated testing, LLMs, and static analysis. Bloop offers a competitive package and encourages applicants from non-traditional backgrounds.
Philips hid CPAP machine problems from FDA and patients for years
The article discusses how Philips Respironics, a company that manufactures breathing machines used in homes and hospitals, hid problems with its CPAP machines from the FDA and patients for years. The company had redesigned its machines in 2010, using industrial foam that began to degrade and release potentially toxic and carcinogenic particles. Despite receiving numerous complaints, Philips withheld the majority of the warnings from the FDA and continued to sell the machines. It wasn't until June 2021 that Philips announced a recall of the machines. The article highlights the company's failure to prioritize patient safety and its attempts to protect its profits. (Summary based on 29% of story text.)
Slint GUI Toolkit
The Slint GUI Toolkit is a declarative GUI toolkit that allows developers to build native user interfaces for desktop and embedded applications using Rust, C++, or JavaScript. The project aims to provide a scalable, lightweight, intuitive, and native UI design experience. It supports cross-platform usage, requires minimal resources, and delivers a smartphone-like user experience. The GUIs built with Slint can be compiled to machine code and provide access to full operating system APIs and peripheral connections. The project is currently in active development and has support for embedded devices, with support for desktop, web, and mobile platforms in progress. The project provides documentation, examples, and tools to aid in the development process. Contributions are welcome, and the project is licensed under various licenses including a royalty-free license, GNU GPLv3, and a paid license.
We built our customer data warehouse all on Postgres
Tembo, an as-a-service provider, built their customer data warehouse entirely on Postgres using foreign data wrappers and other Postgres extensions. This allowed them to bring data from multiple sources into a single location and simplify the process of tracking and understanding customer usage and behavior. They released the tools they built as open source projects and made it easy for others to build their own data warehouse using the Tembo Data Warehouse stack. They also used pgcron, a job scheduling extension, to keep their data warehouse up to date. Additionally, they utilized partitioning with the pgpartman extension for improved performance and easy data expiry. (Summary based on 83% of story text.)
Show HN: The Missing Open Source Package Manager for Kubernetes Beyond Helm
Glasskube is an open-source package manager for Kubernetes that aims to simplify the installation and management of Kubernetes packages. It provides a user-friendly UI and a command-line interface for easy package management. Glasskube automates updates to ensure that packages and apps are always up-to-date. It also manages dependencies between packages and integrates with popular GitOps tools like ArgoCD or Flux. Glasskube has a central package repository and planned features include cluster scanning and version pinning. The project differentiates itself by providing a streamlined and simplified experience compared to traditional package managers or applying manifests directly.
Peter Yang's 10 rules for making products that customers love
Peter Yang, a product manager with experience at companies like Reddit and Twitch, shares his 10 rules for making products that customers love. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and continuously improving product sense, which involves understanding and adapting to changing customer needs. Yang also highlights the significance of empathy and treating customers like team members. He advises taking the time to diagnose customer and business problems before jumping into execution and encourages thinking big and prioritizing ideas. He discusses the trade-offs involved in maintaining quality and making difficult decisions for the success of the business. Yang also touches on the use of AI in product management and the importance of being a versatile and productive builder. He addresses the need to address weaknesses and shadows in one's career and the value of building empathy with customers. Finally, he shares tips for making great decisions asynchronously and emphasizes the importance of staying focused on building meaningful products that customers love.
The medieval habit of 'two sleeps'
The web content discusses the forgotten medieval habit of "two sleeps," where people would sleep in two shifts, once in the evening and once in the morning. The author highlights the discovery of this habit by historian Roger Ekirch and how it was prevalent in various cultures and time periods. The content explores the reasons behind this sleeping pattern, including socializing, religious practices, and productivity during the period of wakefulness between sleeps. The author also mentions the potential evolutionary connection between biphasic sleep and the sleeping patterns of certain animals. (Summary based on 64% of story text.)
Insulin Prices Are Sharply Higher in the United States Than in Other Countries
A new report from RAND reveals that the price of insulin in the United States is significantly higher than in other high-income countries. The study found that the gross price of insulin in the US is more than nine times higher than in 33 comparison nations. Even after accounting for discounts and rebates, the price of a unit of insulin in the US remains 2.3 times higher than in other countries. The report highlights the increasing cost of insulin in the US over the past decade and calls attention to the financial burden faced by individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes. The study was sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Ask HN: Guide for Implementing Common Lisp
The author of this post on news.ycombinator.com is seeking guidance on implementing Common Lisp compilers. They express difficulty in understanding the intricacies of readtables, read macros, and normal macros, and are curious about the compilation pipeline and the implementation process. They are wondering if there is a guide available that outlines the steps and subsets involved in implementing a Common Lisp compiler.
IgG4 Antibodies Induced by Vaccine May Generate Immune Tolerance to SARS-CoV-2
The article discusses the potential role of IgG4 antibodies induced by mRNA vaccines in generating immune tolerance to SARS-CoV-2. It highlights the characteristics of IgG4 antibodies, including their unusual structure and limited effector functions. The article explores the protective and pathogenic roles of IgG4 antibodies in various contexts, such as allergy immunotherapy and IgG4-related diseases. It suggests that repeated vaccination with mRNA vaccines may lead to the establishment of a permissive state in the host, potentially favoring chronic infection and unintended consequences in susceptible individuals. The article raises questions about the level of protection offered by COVID-19 vaccines and presents conflicting information on vaccine efficacy and mortality rates. (Summary based on 24% of story text.)
FDA says 561 deaths tied to recalled Philips sleep apnea machines
The FDA has reported that 561 deaths have been linked to recalled Philips devices used to treat sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. The agency has received over 116,000 reports of foam breaking down in Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines since April 2021. Philips has recalled millions of these machines due to reports of gas and foam being blown into users' airways. The company has reached a settlement with the FDA and the Justice Department, agreeing to stop selling the machines in the U.S. and pay approximately $400 million. Users affected by the recall can now file claims for financial losses. Philips has stated that there is no conclusive data linking the devices to the reported deaths.
Ex-CIA software engineer sentenced to 40 years for giving secrets to WikiLeaks
A former CIA software engineer, Joshua Schulte, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for giving classified information to WikiLeaks. Schulte was convicted on charges of espionage, computer hacking, contempt of court, making false statements to the FBI, and child pornography. The judge did not impose a life sentence as sought by prosecutors. Schulte's actions were described as the largest data breach in the history of the CIA and one of the largest unauthorized disclosures of classified information in US history. In addition to the classified materials, prosecutors found thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse in Schulte's possession. The Vault 7 leak by WikiLeaks in 2017 exposed the CIA's techniques for hacking and raised concerns about the agency's ability to protect secret documents.
Opt Out of Hulu's New Binding Arbitration Clause
The article discusses Hulu's new subscriber agreement, which includes a binding arbitration clause that prevents users from participating in class action lawsuits. The author argues that this is a disadvantageous deal for users, as it gives Hulu the power to hire someone to settle disputes while taking away the users' ability to protect themselves as a group. However, the article also highlights that there is an option to opt out of these clauses by sending a physical letter to Hulu. The author provides a sample letter and urges readers to exercise their legal rights by opting out.
FTC - Tech Companies Can't Hide Behind 'Security' to Block Interoperability
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a warning to tech companies that they cannot use questionable claims of "security" to block interoperability. The FTC acknowledges the importance of both interoperability and security/privacy but states that it will no longer accept claims from tech companies without further substantiation. The agency will scrutinize these claims to determine if they are legitimate or simply a pretext for anticompetitive behavior. While there may be cases where privacy and security are genuinely at risk, historically, these risks have been exaggerated by companies. The FTC's approach is seen as balanced and necessary to ensure a vibrant marketplace and protect consumer privacy and security.
Five tube stations now have new circular tube maps
A phone company is promoting a new feature on their phones with circular tube maps at five London Underground stations. The temporary redesign showcases the Circle to Search with Google feature on the Samsung Galaxy S24 smartphone. The map includes all 11 London Underground lines and temporarily replaces the Circle line with the 'Circle to Search' line. The Elizabeth line, DLR, and London Overground are not included on the map. The Cable Car is mentioned but not shown on the map. The map will be on display at Blackfriars, King's Cross, Liverpool Street, Paddington, and Westminster stations for two weeks. Traditional tube maps will still be available.
A Compelling Portrait of Brian Eno Is Different Each Time You Watch It
"Eno," a documentary about Brian Eno, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Directed by Gary Hustwit, the film is unique in that it uses generative software to create a different version each time it is watched. The documentary primarily features Eno himself, who talks about his career and philosophy of creation. The film draws on 500 hours of footage from Eno's personal archives, showcasing his collaborations with artists like David Bowie, Talking Heads, U2, and Coldplay. While "Eno" is sleek and compelling, some viewers may have preferred a more conventional documentary with testimonials from other artists.
The Retro Web – Database, Docs, BIOS, Drivers, etc. for old PC Hardware
The Retro Web is a comprehensive online resource for all things related to old PC hardware. Created by a team of experts, including Deksor, computerguy096, and Zago, this website offers a vast database of information, including documentation, BIOS files, drivers, and more. Whether you're a collector, enthusiast, or just curious about vintage computers, The Retro Web has you covered. With a clever twist on the copyright notice, stating "All wrongs reversed," this site promises to provide a unique and surprising experience for users.
USB-C power for your Amiga 500, 600 and 1200
The PowerShark is a revolutionary power adapter for Amiga computers, specifically the A500, A600, and A1200 models. It provides clean and stable energy supply, making it perfect for extended use of even the most expanded configurations. The PowerShark can be used with any 12V-capable USB-C power supply, allowing users to choose from a wide range of affordable options. It also supports portable USB-C chargers, making battery-operated Amigas a reality. The device features advanced monitoring and protection features, ensuring the safety of the Amiga components. It is designed for safe unattended operation and prevents rapid power cycling. The PowerShark is highly efficient and eco-friendly, and its compact design and sleek appearance make it a standout product.
NTP Timelord Dies
David Mills, the inventor of Network Time Protocol (NTP), passed away at the age of 85. NTP is a crucial system that synchronizes computer clocks across different systems and networks. Mills single-handedly created and maintained this solution, which is now used on billions of devices worldwide. NTP ensures accurate timekeeping for data integrity, network security, financial transactions, and logging and monitoring network activities. Mills faced challenges in maintaining and evolving the protocol, but his work was widely recognized, and he received several awards for his contributions to network protocols and timekeeping. Mills was an emeritus professor at the University of Delaware at the time of his death.
Juno – A YouTube Client for Vision Pro
The article introduces Juno, a YouTube client specifically designed for Apple Vision Pro. The author expresses disappointment with YouTube's lack of plans to build a visionOS app and the disabling of the iPad app. Juno was created using code from the author's previous app, Apollo, which played YouTube videos submitted to Reddit. Juno utilizes YouTube's embed API to provide a native visionOS UI that interacts with the underlying YouTube player. The article highlights features such as automatic aspect ratio detection, native controls for video playback, and the ability to view recommendations and subscriptions. The author also mentions potential future features and encourages feedback from users. Juno is available on the App Store for $5.
Apple declares last MacBook Pro with an optical drive obsolete
Apple has declared the mid-2012 13-inch MacBook Pro with an optical drive obsolete, marking the end of an era. This means that any MacBook Pro with an optical drive is no longer supported by Apple. The exclusion of an optical drive in subsequent MacBook Pro models was controversial, but it seems that optical drives have become irrelevant for most users. Apple still sells an external optical drive called SuperDrive, but it hasn't been updated in ages and requires an adapter to use with modern Macs. Overall, the end of the optical drive era is not surprising, as physical media has become less popular in recent years.
So Many Problems Continue to Plague the EV Industry
The EV industry is facing numerous problems, as multiple manufacturers have decided to reduce or halt production. Ford has cut its F150 Lightning Truck series in half, and thousands of auto dealers have petitioned the Biden administration to slow down its aggressive push for EVs due to an oversupply. Hertz is selling off one third of its EV fleet, citing expensive repairs and customer demand for internal combustion engines. Severe cold weather in the Midwest has left EV owners stranded without the ability to charge their vehicles. Additionally, a cheating scandal has been uncovered, with EVs benefiting from inflated efficiency numbers that allow automakers to earn billions in credits. The author argues that the government's subsidization and manipulation of the market for EVs is unnecessary and costly for taxpayers.
Intel's First High-Volume Foveros Packaging Facility, Fab 9, Starts Operations
Intel has announced the start of production at Fab 9, its newest and most advanced chip packaging facility. Located in New Mexico, Fab 9 will be responsible for packaging chips using Intel's Foveros technology, which is used in the company's latest processors and GPUs for AI and HPC applications. The facility, which cost $3.5 billion to build, highlights Intel's commitment to advanced packaging technologies and its plans for multi-die/chiplet designs. Fab 9 will significantly increase Intel's Foveros packaging throughput, and its co-location with Fab 11x will reduce the need to import dies from other Intel fabs.
Gavin Newsom says he was at a Target and saw someone walk out without paying
In a recent tweet, California Governor Gavin Newsom shared a surprising incident he witnessed at a Target store. Newsom claimed that he saw someone walk out of the store without paying for their items. The tweet sparked controversy and debate among Twitter users, with some questioning the authenticity of the governor's claim and others expressing concern about rising crime rates. While it is unclear whether Newsom's experience was an isolated incident or indicative of a larger problem, the tweet serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by retailers in preventing theft.
The FCC wants to criminalize AI robocall spam
The FCC is pushing to criminalize AI-powered robocalls due to the rising wave of scams using voice-cloning technology. The agency believes that the use of AI voice cloning in robocall scams should be illegal under the existing Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The FCC's efforts are supported by government officials across the US, with Pennsylvania's Attorney General and 25 other attorneys general signing a letter in agreement. Lawmakers are also taking action, with House Rep Frank Pallone introducing a bill called the Do Not Disturb Act, which would require telemarketers to disclose if AI has been used in crafting a message.
A Man Who Invented VR Goggles 50 Years Too Soon
This article discusses the life and inventions of Hugo Gernsback, a man who is often credited with inventing science fiction. Gernsback was the editor and publisher of Amazing Stories, the first magazine dedicated to science fiction, and the Hugo Awards for science fiction and fantasy are named after him. In addition to his contributions to the genre, Gernsback was also an inventor. One of his most notable inventions was his television eyeglasses, which he conceived of in 1936 but was unable to create due to technological limitations. The article also mentions other futuristic ideas that Gernsback promoted, some of which have become a reality, while others are still waiting to be realized. The article highlights the unintentional humor in Gernsback's ideas and inventions.
Peter Thiel Backs Doping-Friendly Olympics Rival – The 'Enhanced Games'
Billionaire Peter Thiel has invested in the Enhanced Games, a sports contest that embraces the use of drugs and other performance enhancers. The Enhanced Games, described as a "modern reinvention of the Olympic Games," aims to push the limits of human performance and set new world records. The contest will not test athletes for drugs, arguing that it embraces the inclusion of science in sports. Critics argue that the Enhanced Games endanger athletes' health and undermine the integrity of sporting competition. Thiel is joined by other investors such as Balaji Srinivasan and Christian Angermayer. The contest plans to be the "safest international sporting event in history" by requiring full medical screens on athletes.
Khronos Releases AV1 Decode in Vulkan Video with SDK Support for H.264/H.265
The Vulkan Working Group at Khronos has released a new video format decode extension called "Decode AV1" as part of the Vulkan Video project. AV1 is a royalty-free open standard for video compression developed by the Alliance for Open Media. The Decode AV1 extension allows for cross-platform portable and performant AV1 decode in engines and applications. Vulkan drivers supporting Decode AV1 and the recently released Encode H.264/H.265 extensions are already available from NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. The open-source community has also shown support for Vulkan Video, with GStreamer, FFmpeg, and RADV/ANVs integrating decode and encode support. The Vulkan SDK now includes support for Vulkan Video extensions.
'Stupid,' 'shameful:' Tech workers on Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan's rant
Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan faced backlash from tech workers in San Francisco after his alcohol-fueled rant on social media, in which he wished a slow death upon seven progressive San Francisco supervisors. Tech workers called his behavior "shameful" and "very stupid," with some suggesting that he should step down from his position. The incident sparked a debate on Y Combinator's message board, Hacker News, with some defending Tan and others criticizing his actions. While some tech workers viewed the incident as a "manufactured crisis," others questioned Tan's judgment. The supervisors named in Tan's posts received threatening postcards at their homes, prompting an investigation by the San Francisco Police Department. Tan apologized for his post, but has yet to acknowledge the letters sent to the supervisors' homes. Despite the controversy, many tech workers agree with Tan's political views and believe he genuinely cares about the city.