1. Did you lose your AirPods?
Total comment counts : 65
Summary
The article is about a person who found a pair of AirPods and wanted to find the owner by using the serial number and the last four digits of their phone number. Instead of spamming all possible phone numbers, they narrowed down the search by assuming the owner lived in the same area and had an iPhone with iMessage turned on. By filtering the list and using a script to send iMessages, they were able to locate the owner and return the AirPods.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author accidentally left their AirPods Pro at a school sports field an hour away, and only realized the next day after heavy rain. They assumed the AirPods were lost and ordered new ones from Apple. However, a week later they received a Find My notification indicating that the AirPods had been found at the same sports field. Curious, the author drove back to the field and used the Find My feature to locate the AirPods in the tall grass. Surprisingly, the AirPods had remained intact and had barely lost any battery power despite being exposed to rain for a week.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author discusses the potential risks of sending messages to multiple numbers from a personal iMessage account. They express concern that the account could be flagged for spam, leading to the suspension of their iCloud account and blacklisting of associated hardware devices.
2. I sped up serde_json strings by 20%
Total comment counts : 7
Summary
The article discusses the author’s experience with performance optimization in the serde_json Rust framework for JSON serialization and deserialization. They found that the error path in serde_json was significantly slower than the success path due to a bottleneck in a function called “position_of_index.” To address this, they implemented an optimization using the memchr crate to improve the performance of the error path. The author submitted a pull request with this optimization, which was quickly merged. They then looked for other areas where similar optimizations could be applied. The article concludes by discussing a potential solution for finding the first non-escape character in a string during parsing.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author expresses concern about utf-8 tricks causing parser confusion and mentions witnessing numerous attacks. They prioritize correctness over speed and hope that the text was tested with invalid utf-8 strings for comprehensive testing.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the progress of the serde library and mentions the slow progress of a pull request for simd-enabled UTF8 parsing, which has been open for nearly 5 years. The article also includes a link to the specific pull request.
3. An Overview of Datalog (2010)
Total comment counts : 8
Summary
Datalog is a logical query language that combines principles of logic programming with database theory. It supports recursive queries and is implemented in Clojure. Datalog allows developers to use relational modeling for their data by providing tools for creating relational databases and defining inference rules. Queries can be made to request information from the database based on the defined rules. Datalog also supports parameterized queries and work plans, which can be optimized and run against the database for efficient retrieval of data.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author expresses the need for a standalone overview of datalog that is not tied to a specific programming language like Clojure. They provide their own attempt at creating such an overview. They believe that most people would prefer a datalog implementation that is easy to integrate into their existing setup and supports their existing data. They also emphasize the importance of having a special syntax for writing datalog queries, independent of the host programming language. The article mentions the need for an example database and provides a link to one. The author acknowledges the various approaches to integrating querying into programming languages and discusses the trade-offs involved in creating an easy-to-use yet powerful query language.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the practical application of using Datalog for creating Biscuits, which are authorization tokens with arbitrarily scoped permissions. The author tried out Biscuits for a personal project and found them to be impressive, preferring them over OAuth.
4. Hot Page – a graphical site builder
Total comment counts : 27
Summary
Hot Page is a web development platform that allows users to build websites using real HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. It offers drag-and-drop features and visual tools to help users create unique designs. Unlike other platforms, Hot Page does not use templates, allowing for total creative freedom. Users can view the source code of any page, copy and remix it, and use their own domain for free. They can also download their site and host it anywhere. Hot Page is served from a global network of servers, ensuring fast loading times. It is praised by designers, marketers, artists, and aspiring hackers for its ease of use and flexibility. Users can learn web development skills while building their sites and stay updated with the latest trends and features.
Top 1 Comment Summary
Hot Page is a side project created by Tim and is being bootstrapped with the help of a few friends. The aim of Hot Page is to combine the convenience of drag-and-drop editors like Squarespace and Wix with the foundational elements of web pages, such as HTML and CSS. The use of Web Components enhances the potential of the platform. In addition to being pleasantly surprised by its appearance on the front page of Hacker News, Tim had planned to wait a few months before posting about it in order to implement more powerful features. These include enhanced visual editing of CSS properties, an inline CSS editor with support for :hover and media queries, a library of code snippets, tighter integration with web components, integration of VS code language servers for auto completion, and more. Tim appreciates thoughts and feedback, particularly regarding marketing.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The author reminisces about their student days nearly 20 years ago when they were interested in setting up websites but didn’t have money to buy domain names. They found free hosting on Geocities but were disappointed with the format of the website’s URL. Eventually, they discovered 20m.com, which offered 20 MB of free hosting space and allowed them to publish their website under a subdomain. Surprisingly, one of the websites they created back then is still functional. The author adds a disclaimer about the content, stating that they were young and naive at the time.
5. The UX of HTML (2023)
Total comment counts : 20
Summary
The author discusses the lack of understanding and implementation of semantic HTML in websites. They describe their experience teaching students who initially viewed semantics as unimportant, but became interested when they framed it as the user experience (UX) of HTML. The author demonstrates the importance of semantic HTML by showing how it enhances user interactions, accessibility, and functionality. They highlight the neglect of proper semantic HTML in the web development community, despite years of awareness and conferences promoting its importance. The author also mentions the challenges in understanding and implementing HTML5’s sectioning elements.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article describes their frustration with trying to follow semantic HTML guidelines in their personal experience building small web apps. They feel that the rules for semantic HTML are focused on static, text-based documents and don’t accommodate other formats well. They give the example of headings in component-based development, where they often don’t know or need to know the level of a heading in their reusable widget, but are forced to choose one anyway. Despite wanting to follow the rules, they find themselves using divs and h2s instead because it is easier to work with.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses several HTML elements that have limitations and are often criticized. One example is checkboxes that cannot be styled, but are necessary. To overcome this, checkboxes are hidden and replaced with pseudo elements. However, this workaround requires loading an entire font to ensure consistent rendering of the check mark. Another problematic element is the select and option elements, which are so bad that even iOS violates its own guidelines by displaying them on a separate page. The article also mentions challenges with the developer experience, such as difficulties in stopping a selection with JavaScript or hooking up an element handler for change. Despite these shortcomings, the author strives to use the “correct” elements.
6. Author-paid publication fees corrupt science and should be abandoned
Total comment counts : 22
Summary
I’m sorry, but the information you provided does not include an article or any content to summarize. If you could provide the text of the article, I would be happy to help you summarize it.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article argues that the research field, particularly in the field of medicine, is in need of urgent reform. The author believes that corrupt incentives and pressures lead to questionable research findings. They argue that researchers lack the necessary time and energy to work on important problems and improve their skills. Grant application evaluation and academic promotion rely on metrics that encourage researchers to focus on short-term, sensational ideas that are easy to publish. The author expresses sadness as solid and unquestionable science is needed now more than ever.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article argues against the overreliance on citations and h-indexes in research evaluation. It emphasizes that reading research papers is a more important and insightful approach to hiring and promotion decisions. The author criticizes the outsourcing of critical thinking to numbers and highlights the need for careful analysis of rich data within reach. Additionally, the article suggests that journals and conferences are unnecessary with the availability of platforms like arXiv and open review. The author encourages researchers to engage directly with peers who are genuinely interested in their work, while acknowledging the value of physical conferences for networking purposes.
7. How people with disabilities use the web
Total comment counts : 6
Summary
This resource discusses how disabled individuals, including those with age-related impairments, use the web and emphasizes the importance of creating accessible digital products. It aims to assist developers, designers, content creators, and others in understanding the needs of disabled users and provides strategies, standards, and resources for making the web accessible. The resource also encourages readers to share their ideas, suggestions, or comments via email or GitHub. It was last updated on June 25, 2024, and was initially posted as a draft in 1999. The resource was developed by the Education and Outreach Working Group with support from the WAI-Guide Project and WAI-AGE Project, co-funded by the European Commission.
Top 1 Comment Summary
This article shares a personal experience with the inaccessibility of an online bank’s video verification process for a deaf individual. The person was unable to complete the verification because they couldn’t understand the instructions. When they asked for help, the bank refused assistance and insisted on the individual completing the verification alone. The problem stemmed from the lack of written instructions in the application and the refusal of the bank to accept support from someone else or a professional interpreter.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article provides a comprehensive summary of concrete examples of dos and don’ts when designing for accessibility. It can be found at the given URL.
8. Meta cancels high-end mixed reality headset after Apple Vision Pro struggles
Total comment counts : 38
Summary
Meta has canceled the development of a high-end mixed reality headset that was meant to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. The decision came after a product review meeting involving Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The headset, slated for launch in 2027, would have been equipped with high-resolution micro OLED displays, similar to Apple’s Vision Pro. However, the high cost of these displays made it impossible for Meta to sell the device for under $1,000. Instead, Meta will focus on developing the Quest 4, a successor to the Quest 3, which is expected to be released in 2026 at a price point of $500. Meta is also prioritizing software development and announced a Horizon OS platform for third-party hardware makers. In contrast, Apple has faced challenges with the consumer appeal of the Vision Pro, leading to reduced shipments and plans for a more affordable model with fewer features.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The author of the article shares their experience with the Vision Pro VR headset, particularly highlighting the sense of teleportation it provided. They mention using VR to bring their loved ones to places they couldn’t physically go and emphasize the potential value of VR in capturing and reliving important memories. While acknowledging the current limitations of VR technology, the author believes that with time, VR will become more widespread and accessible. The article concludes by suggesting that people should try VR before dismissing it.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article discusses the reasons why large companies are heavily investing in augmented reality (AR). It states that the companies are interested in obtaining egocentric data and gaining control over the human senses of vision and sound, as this data pipeline is considered highly valuable. The ultimate goal is to predict and shape human behavior using their platforms. The article mentions that Google had previously made a teaser trailer about this concept called Hyperreality. The companies aim to achieve perfect attention from users and create an interface similar to the one seen in the movie “The Matrix.” However, introducing this interface too quickly could scare people, which is why Apple rushed its AR efforts while companies like Meta (formerly Facebook) are strategically timing their releases. The ultimate objective is to create spyware that controls users’ behavior, with examples cited being the working conditions in Target, Amazon, and Walmart warehouses. The corporate goal is to have everyone within their ecosystem consistently creating, consuming, and engaging for optimal attention tuning.
9. Show HN: Omi – Open-source AI wearable for capturing conversations
Total comment counts : 26
Summary
The article discusses Omi, an open-source AI wearable device that is designed to improve how conversations are captured and managed. By connecting Omi to a mobile device, users can easily transcribe meetings, chats, and voice memos in high quality. The device is available under the MIT License. More information can be found on their homepage and documentation, and the assembled device can be purchased.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article is about a necklace called the Omni, which grants a +2 Charisma and +1 Intelligence bonus. It contains a helpful spirit that resides within a silicon crystal. This spirit grows in strength as it listens to more words. The article ends with the phrase “First you wear it, then it wears you.”
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests the idea of using a wearable white noise generator that is specifically designed to disrupt speech transcription AI.
10. JavaScript dates are about to be fixed
Total comment counts : 52
Summary
The article discusses the Temporal proposal in ECMAScript, which introduces the Temporal API. The author highlights the main advantage of the proposal, which is the availability of a native object to represent a “Zoned Date Time.” The article explains that when working with dates in JavaScript, the original semantics of the date are lost because they are represented as plain numbers. This causes issues when trying to convert a human date to a JavaScript date. The article provides an example of recording a payment moment and how it can be problematic due to time zone differences. The Temporal API addresses these issues by introducing the Temporal.ZonedDateTime object to represent dates and times with their corresponding time zone. The article also mentions the proposed extension to RFC 3339 for standardizing the serialization and deserialization of date strings. Overall, the Temporal proposal solves the problem of working with only timestamps and provides a solution for representing dates and times with time zones.
Top 1 Comment Summary
The article expresses frustration with JavaScript’s handling of dates and times. It criticizes Moment and Python’s Arrow library for conflating dates, times, and datetimes, leading to various problems. The author praises Rust’s Chrono library as generally predictable and having fewer flaws compared to other languages like Python and JavaScript.
Top 2 Comment Summary
The article suggests that using more examples of future dates would make it more convincing. The author also believes that for timestamp purposes, UTC and a location are sufficient. They argue that in the example of a bank, it is not a case of lost information but rather poor user experience, as the bank could map transactions to a local time zone if desired.