Hacker News
1Next.js is infuriating
- A developer shares their frustrating experience with implementing logging in Next.js, detailing their journey from using middleware to attempting AsyncLocalStorage, and finally considering a custom server solution. The post highlights the challenges and limitations of Next.js's logging capabilities.
Next.js criticism and alternatives
Widespread criticism of Next.js as overly complex, difficult to debug, and pushing users toward Vercel hosting. Many developers advocate for simpler alternatives like vanilla React, HTMX, or traditional server-side frameworks.Development complexity vs simplicity
Discussion around how "batteries included" frameworks like Next.js create unnecessary complexity compared to composing simpler, focused tools. Debate between monolithic frameworks vs modular approaches.Middleware implementation issues
Specific criticism of Next.js middleware implementation as confusing, poorly documented and limited compared to other frameworks. Debate over whether edge functions should be called middleware.
2Implementing a Foil Sticker Effect
- A comprehensive tutorial on creating a realistic foil sticker effect in Three.js using custom shaders. The guide explains how to simulate iridescence, metallic flakes, and peeling effects to achieve a holographic appearance similar to premium stickers and trading cards in real-time 3D graphics.
Card game foil effects
Discussion of implementing holographic/foil effects for trading cards like Magic and Pokemon, with links to impressive CSS implementations and debates about whether excessive foil effects diminish card aestheticsShader technology
Technical discussion about implementing shiny effects using shaders, reflection maps, and physics-based rendering, with recommendations for tools like Shadertoy and examples of real-world applicationsPlatform implementations
Various platforms' approaches to shiny effects, including iOS stickers using phone tilt, Instagram's Threads feature, and mobile games utilizing device orientation for realistic 3D shine effects
3Anthropic raises $13B Series F
- Anthropic raised $13 billion in Series F funding led by ICONIQ, valuing the company at $183 billion. The AI company experienced rapid growth, reaching $5 billion in run-rate revenue by August 2025, serving over 300,000 business customers. The funding will support enterprise expansion and safety research.
Compute moat and costs
Discussion of massive computational requirements and infrastructure costs for AI companies, with concerns about sustainability and market concentration as training costs reach billions per model generation.Top-down innovation debate
Debate about whether AI innovation coming from well-funded companies is problematic vs natural, with comparisons to historical tech development and discussion of open source alternatives.Investment valuation concerns
Discussion of whether $13B investment represents a bubble, with debate around business models, revenue potential, and comparisons to previous tech investment cycles.
4Patrick Winston: How to Speak (2018) [video]
Winston's teaching impact
Students recall his AI/communications seminar which blended technical papers with life advice. Former students praised his emphasis on clear communication, network building, and making complex topics accessible. His passing left a void in AI discourse.Presentation skills
Debate over slide design - minimal text for live talks vs detailed content for sharing. Consensus that slides shouldn't be read verbatim but should complement the speaker. Some advocate for separate versions for presenting vs sharing.Recorded vs live lectures
Discussion on benefits of recorded presentations: flexible viewing time, ability to rewind/review, and self-paced learning vs value of live interaction and collective experience in traditional lecture settings.
5FreeDroidWarn
- This library provides an alert dialog that warns Android app users about Google's upcoming requirement for developer identity verification starting in 2026/2027. It helps developers inform users that their apps won't work on certified Android devices after this policy change since they won't comply with Google's verification requirements.
Banking apps and certified OS
Discussion about banks requiring certified Android OS and apps, making it difficult to use alternative OS/devices. Users debate workarounds like web banking, GrapheneOS, and carrying separate devices.Library implementation criticism
Developers criticize the library as unnecessary for a simple dialog, pointing out code redundancy issues. Others defend it as making a statement and helping spread awareness through standardized warnings.Legislative solutions needed
Consensus that technological workarounds aren't enough - legislative action needed to protect user rights against Google's restrictions. Discussion of specific laws to advocate for and barriers to reform.
6Google can keep its Chrome browser but will be barred from exclusive contracts
- Google shares rose 8% after a court ruling in an antitrust case limited consequences from its search monopoly status. While Google must modify distribution practices and share some search data, it won't have to sell Chrome or Android. The ruling allows Google to continue paying for search preloads but prohibits exclusive contracts.
Media sources and linking
Discussion about news media's reluctance to link to primary sources like court documents, driven by concerns over ad revenue and user retention. Many note this hurts transparency and forces readers to rely on secondary reporting.Legal implications
Debate over whether the ruling is too lenient on Google, with focus on how AI competition factored into the decision and whether it justifies maintaining Google's market position. Some view it as a major victory for Google.Default search deals
Analysis of ruling's impact on Google's ability to pay for default search placement with Apple/Mozilla, confusion over what constitutes "exclusive" deals, and implications for browser competition.
7You don't want to hire "the best engineers"
- Startups often claim they want "the best engineers" but fail to realize this unrealistic expectation hinders hiring. The best engineers have many options and demand high compensation. Instead, companies should focus on hiring great engineers by being flexible with requirements and making conscious trade-offs to avoid wasting valuable time.
Best vs good engineers
Discussion around how there's no single definition of "best" engineers - different engineers excel in different areas. Companies should focus on specific skills needed rather than chasing an abstract "best" label.Hiring realities
Modern startups struggle to attract top talent due to competition from big tech, poor equity terms, and unrealistic expectations. Engineers now value cash compensation and work-life balance over startup equity promises.Toxic hiring signals
Companies that overly emphasize hiring "only the best" often foster toxic environments. These claims are usually marketing speak masking mediocre work or unrealistic expectations about talent and compensation.
8Amazon has mostly sat out the AI talent war
Strategic positioning of tech companies
Discussion of how different tech giants approach AI - Microsoft/Google being strategic with partnerships/research, Meta aggressively investing, while Amazon/Apple taking more measured approaches as AI isn't core to their businessAWS and infrastructure play
Debate about Amazon focusing on being an AI enabler through AWS infrastructure rather than an AI innovator, following the "selling pickaxes during gold rush" strategy despite some internal pressure to compete directlyMemory and lock-in effects
Discussion about how AI systems' limited contextual memory currently prevents vendor lock-in, but improved memory capabilities could lead to users becoming dependent on specific AI providers
9Israel committing genocide in Gaza, scholars group says
- Leading genocide scholars from the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) have officially declared that Israel's actions in Gaza meet the UN's definition of genocide. The resolution, supported by 86% of members, calls for an end to attacks on civilians, starvation, and forced displacement.
Destruction of Gaza landmarks
Users discuss systematic destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, universities and landmarks as evidenced through Google Earth historical imagery comparisons, with many viewing it as evidence of deliberate targetingDefinition of genocide
Debate around whether Israel's actions constitute genocide according to UN Convention definition, with discussion of intent requirements and comparisons to other conflictsPrecision targeting capabilities
Contrasts between Israel's precise strikes in Iran versus widespread destruction in Gaza raise questions about targeting intentions and military capabilities
10X(Twitter) Shadow Bans Turkish Presidential Candidate
- Turkish mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu faced diploma annulment, imprisonment, and restrictions on his social media presence. After creating a new X account, users reported limited visibility of his posts, suggesting potential shadow banning, with only 318K followers compared to his original 9.7M following.
Pre vs post-Musk Twitter compliance
Debate over how Twitter's compliance with government censorship requests changed under Musk, with data showing compliance increased from ~25% to 86% for Turkish requests despite Musk's free speech claimsShadow banning ethics
Discussion of X/Twitter's use of algorithmic suppression and shadow banning, with concerns about lack of transparency and selective application based on political views rather than consistent policyPrivate platform obligations
Debate over whether private social media platforms have any obligation to promote free speech, and if users should rely on them vs creating their own independent platforms