Loodio 2 is a rechargeable, portable white noise device designed to mask bathroom sounds for increased privacy. It attaches magnetically to most toilet tanks, activating automatically when the lid is lifted and stopping when it's closed. Featuring adjustable volume and a sleek, minimalist design, it aims to be a discreet and convenient solution for shared bathrooms in homes, offices, or while traveling.
AutoThink is a new tool designed to improve the performance of locally-run large language models (LLMs) by incorporating adaptive reasoning. It achieves this by breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable sub-problems and dynamically adjusting the prompt based on the LLM's responses to each sub-problem. This iterative approach allows the LLM to build upon its own reasoning, leading to more accurate and comprehensive results, especially for tasks that require multi-step logic or planning. AutoThink aims to make local LLMs more competitive with their cloud-based counterparts by enhancing their ability to handle complex tasks without relying on external resources.
The Hacker News comments on AutoThink largely focus on its practical applications and potential limitations. Several commenters question the need for local LLMs, especially given the rapid advancements in cloud-based models, highlighting latency, context window size, and hardware requirements as key concerns. Some express interest in specific use cases, such as processing sensitive data offline or enhancing existing cloud LLMs, while others are skeptical about the claimed performance boost without more concrete benchmarks and comparisons to existing techniques. There's a general desire for more technical details on how AutoThink achieves adaptive reasoning and integrates with various LLM architectures. Several commenters also discuss the licensing of the underlying models and the potential challenges of using closed-source LLMs in commercial settings.
SuperUtilsPlus is a modern JavaScript utility library presented as a lightweight, tree-shakable alternative to Lodash. It aims to provide commonly used functions with a focus on modern JavaScript syntax and practices, resulting in smaller bundle sizes for projects that only need a subset of utility functions. The library is type-safe with TypeScript support and boasts improved performance compared to Lodash for specific operations. It covers areas like array manipulation, object handling, string functions, date/time utilities, and functional programming helpers.
Hacker News users generally reacted negatively to SuperUtilsPlus. Several commenters questioned the need for another utility library, especially given the maturity and wide adoption of Lodash. Some criticized the naming convention and the overall design of the library, pointing out potential performance issues and unnecessary abstractions. Others questioned the claimed benefits over Lodash, expressing skepticism about significant performance improvements or a more modern API. The usefulness of the included "enhanced" DOM manipulation functions was also debated, with some arguing that direct DOM manipulation is often preferable. A few users expressed mild interest, suggesting specific areas where the library could be improved, but overall the reception was cool.
HNRelevant is a browser extension that adds a "Related" section to Hacker News posts, displaying links to similar discussions found on the site. It uses embeddings generated from past HN comments to identify related content, aiming to surface older, potentially relevant conversations that might otherwise be missed. The extension is open-source and available on GitHub.
HN users generally praised the HNRelevant tool for its potential to surface interesting and related discussions, filling a gap in Hacker News' functionality. Several commenters suggested improvements, such as adding the ability to filter by date range, integrate it directly into the HN interface, and allow users to specify which subreddits or other sources to include in the related search. Some expressed concerns about the reliance on Reddit, questioning the quality and relevance of results pulled from certain subreddits. Others pointed out the existing "ask HN" threads as a partial solution to finding related content, though acknowledging HNRelevant's potential to be more automated and comprehensive. There was also discussion about the technical implementation, including the use of embeddings and potential performance bottlenecks.
ContextCh.at is a web app designed to enhance AI chat management. It offers features like organizing chats into projects, saving and reusing prompts, versioning chat responses, and sharing entire projects with others. The goal is to move beyond the limitations of individual chat sessions and provide a more structured and collaborative environment for working with AI, ultimately boosting productivity when generating and refining content with AI tools.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism and concerns about the proposed "ContextChat" tool. Several commenters questioned the need for yet another AI chat management tool, citing existing solutions like ChatGPT's history and browser extensions. Some found the user interface clunky and unintuitive, while others worried about the privacy implications of storing chat data on external servers. A few users highlighted the potential for prompt injection attacks and suggested improvements like local storage or open-sourcing the code. There was also a discussion about the actual productivity gains offered by ContextChat, with some arguing that the benefit was minimal compared to the potential drawbacks. Overall, the reception was lukewarm, with many commenters suggesting alternative approaches or expressing doubts about the long-term viability of the project.
Astra is a new JavaScript-to-executable compiler that aims to create small, fast, and standalone executables from Node.js projects. It uses a custom bytecode format and a lightweight virtual machine written in Rust, leading to reduced overhead compared to bundling entire Node.js runtimes. Astra boasts improved performance and security compared to existing solutions, and it simplifies distribution by eliminating external dependencies. The project is open-source and under active development.
HN users discuss Astra's potential, but express skepticism due to the lack of clear advantages over existing solutions like NativeScript, Electron, or Tauri. Some question the performance claims, particularly regarding startup time, and the practicality of compiling JS directly to machine code given JavaScript's dynamic nature. Others point out the limited platform support (currently only macOS) and the difficulty of competing with well-established and mature alternatives. A few express interest in the project's approach, especially if it can deliver on its promises of performance and smaller binary sizes, but overall the sentiment leans towards cautious curiosity rather than outright excitement.
Datova.ai has launched a "semantic calculator" that performs calculations on words and concepts rather than numbers. Using word embeddings and vector arithmetic, the calculator allows users to input equations like "King - Man + Woman = ?" and receive results like "Queen," demonstrating analogical reasoning. The tool aims to explore and showcase the capabilities of semantic understanding in AI.
HN users generally found the semantic calculator a fun novelty, but questioned its practical applications. Several commenters pointed out its limitations and biases inherited from the training data, especially with more complex or nuanced prompts. Examples of nonsensical or stereotypical outputs were shared, leading to discussions about the nature of "common sense" and the difficulty of encoding it into a machine. Some suggested potential uses in creative fields like brainstorming or puzzle generation, while others were skeptical of its usefulness beyond simple analogies. The inherent problems with bias in large language models were also a recurring theme, with some expressing concern about the potential for perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
Muscle-Mem is a caching system designed to improve the efficiency of AI agents by storing the results of previous actions and reusing them when similar situations arise. Instead of repeatedly recomputing expensive actions, the agent can retrieve the cached outcome, speeding up decision-making and reducing computational costs. This "behavior cache" leverages locality of reference, recognizing that agents often encounter similar states and perform similar actions, especially in repetitive or exploration-heavy tasks. Muscle-Mem is designed to be easily integrated with existing agent frameworks and offers flexibility in defining similarity metrics for matching situations.
HN commenters generally expressed interest in Muscle Mem, praising its clever approach to caching actions based on perceptual similarity. Several pointed out the potential for reducing expensive calls to large language models (LLMs) and optimizing agent behavior in complex environments. Some raised concerns about the potential for unintended consequences or biases arising from cached actions, particularly in dynamic environments where perceptual similarity might not always indicate optimal action. The discussion also touched on potential applications beyond game playing, such as robotics and general AI agents, and explored ideas for expanding the project, including incorporating different similarity measures and exploring different caching strategies. One commenter linked a similar concept called "affordance templates," further enriching the discussion. Several users also inquired about specific implementation details and the types of environments where Muscle Mem would be most effective.
A5 is a minimal note-taking app for macOS built with SwiftUI. It focuses on simplicity and speed, featuring a distraction-free interface with markdown support, iCloud syncing, and a customizable appearance including various themes. The project is open-source and available on GitHub.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and limitations of the A5 cipher, particularly its vulnerability to known-plaintext attacks due to its short key length. Several commenters pointed out that while simple to implement and understand, its insecurity makes it unsuitable for any real-world application beyond educational purposes. The discussion also touched upon the value of learning about such ciphers for pedagogical reasons, helping to illustrate fundamental cryptographic concepts. Some users shared resources and tools for cracking A5, further emphasizing its weakness. The overall sentiment was that A5 serves as an interesting learning tool, but its historical significance outweighs its practical use in modern cryptography.
Airweave is an open-source project that allows users to create agents that can search and interact with any application using natural language. It functions by indexing the application's UI elements and providing an API for agents to query and manipulate these elements. This enables users to build agents that can automate tasks, answer questions about the application's data, or even discover new functionalities within familiar software. Essentially, Airweave bridges the gap between natural language instructions and application control, offering a novel way to interact with and automate software.
HN users discussed Airweave's potential, limitations, and ethical implications. Some praised its innovative approach to app interaction and automation, envisioning its use for tasks like automated testing and data extraction. Others expressed concerns about security risks, particularly regarding unintended actions by autonomous agents. The closed-source nature of the project also drew criticism, limiting community involvement and transparency. Several commenters questioned the practical applicability of Airweave, particularly its ability to generalize across diverse apps and handle complex UI elements. Finally, the ethical considerations of using AI agents to potentially bypass paywalls or scrape private data were raised. Several users compared Airweave to existing tools like SikuliX and AutoHotkey, highlighting the need for a clear differentiator.
Aberdeen is a new JavaScript framework for building reactive user interfaces with a focus on simplicity and elegance. It uses a fine-grained reactivity system based on signals, allowing for efficient updates and minimizing unnecessary re-renders. Aberdeen emphasizes intuitive code, avoiding complex abstractions and embracing a more direct, declarative style. It aims to provide a straightforward developer experience, offering a minimal API surface and clear documentation while promoting best practices like immutability. The framework is small and performant, designed to create fast and responsive web applications.
HN commenters generally expressed interest in Aberdeen, praising its elegant approach to reactive UIs and its small bundle size. Several compared it favorably to React, Svelte, and SolidJS, noting its potential for performance improvements and simpler mental model. Some questioned its use of proxies and the potential performance implications, while others raised concerns about the lack of TypeScript support and the relatively sparse documentation. A few commenters also discussed the project's novelty and the challenges of adopting a new framework. Overall, the reception was cautiously optimistic, with many expressing a desire to experiment with Aberdeen further.
A developer created "xPong," a project that uses AI to provide real-time commentary for Pong games. The system analyzes the game state, including paddle positions, ball trajectory, and score, to generate dynamic and contextually relevant commentary. It employs a combination of rule-based logic and a large language model to produce varied and engaging descriptions of the ongoing action, aiming for a natural, human-like commentary experience. The project is open-source and available on GitHub.
HN users generally expressed amusement and interest in the AI-generated Pong commentary. Several praised the creator's ingenuity and the entertaining nature of the project, finding the sometimes nonsensical yet enthusiastic commentary humorous. Some questioned the technical implementation, specifically how the AI determines what constitutes exciting gameplay and how it generates the commentary itself. A few commenters suggested potential improvements, such as adding more variety to the commentary and making the AI react to specific game events more accurately. Others expressed a desire to see the system applied to other, more complex games. The overall sentiment was positive, with many finding the project a fun and creative application of AI.
Beatsync is an open-source tool that synchronizes audio playback across multiple devices on a local network. It achieves "perfect" sync by using a shared clock and buffering audio on each client device to eliminate latency variations. This allows users to play music, podcasts, or other audio content perfectly in time across phones, tablets, and computers, creating a distributed audio system ideal for parties or synchronized listening experiences. Beatsync is written in Go and offers a simple command-line interface for starting a server and connecting clients.
HN users generally praised Beatsync for its clever approach to syncing audio across multiple devices using a beat-matching algorithm. Some expressed interest in using it for applications like synchronized music playback for workouts, multi-room audio, and even live musical performances. Several commenters questioned the robustness of the algorithm in noisy environments or with complex music, and wondered about the potential for drift over long periods. One commenter pointed out a similar project called Syncplay, which syncs video playback. Others discussed the limitations of relying solely on audio for synchronization and suggested incorporating visual cues for improved accuracy. The overall sentiment was positive, with many seeing potential for various use cases and further development.
This April 2025 "Ask HN" thread on Hacker News features developers, entrepreneurs, and hobbyists sharing their current projects. Many are focused on AI-related tools and applications, including AI-powered code generation, music creation, and data analysis. Others are working on more traditional software projects like mobile apps, SaaS products, and developer tools. Several posters mention exploring new technologies like augmented reality and decentralized systems. Personal projects, open-source contributions, and learning new programming languages are also common themes. The thread offers a snapshot of the diverse range of projects being pursued by the HN community at that time.
The Hacker News comments on the "Ask HN: What are you working on? (April 2025)" thread primarily consist of humorous and speculative future projects. Several users joke about AI taking over their jobs or becoming sentient, with one imagining an AI therapist for AIs. Others predict advancements in areas like personalized medicine, AR/VR integration with daily life, and space colonization. A few express skepticism or cynicism about technological progress, wondering if things will truly be that different in two years. There are also meta-comments about the nature of these "Ask HN" threads and how predictable the responses tend to be. A couple of users share actual projects they are working on, ranging from software development tools to sustainable agriculture.
A developer created Clever Coloring Book, a service that generates personalized coloring pages using OpenAI's DALL-E image API. Users input a text prompt describing a scene or character, and the service produces a unique, black-and-white image ready for coloring. The website offers simple prompt entry and image generation, and allows users to download their creations as PDFs. This provides a quick and easy way to create custom coloring pages tailored to individual interests.
Hacker News users generally expressed skepticism about the coloring book's value proposition and execution. Several commenters questioned the need for AI generation, suggesting traditional clip art or stock photos would be cheaper and faster. Others critiqued the image quality, citing issues with distorted figures and strange artifacts. The high cost ($20) relative to the perceived quality was also a recurring concern. While some appreciated the novelty, the overall sentiment leaned towards finding the project interesting technically but lacking practical appeal. A few suggested alternative applications of the image generation technology that could be more compelling.
Lemon Slice Live lets you video chat with a transformer model. It uses a large language model to generate responses in real-time, displayed through a customizable avatar. The project aims to explore the potential of embodied conversational AI and improve its naturalness and engagement. Users can try pre-built characters or create their own, shaping the personality and appearance of their AI conversational partner.
The Hacker News comments express skepticism and amusement towards Lemon Slice Live, a video chat application featuring a transformer model. Several commenters question the practicality and long-term engagement of such an application, comparing it to a chatbot with a face. Concerns are raised about the uncanny valley effect and the potential for generating inappropriate content. Some users find the project interesting from a technical standpoint, curious about the model's architecture and training data. Others simply make humorous remarks about the absurdity of video chatting with an AI. A few commenters express interest in trying the application, though overall the sentiment leans towards cautious curiosity rather than enthusiastic endorsement.
Stavros Korokithakis built a custom e-ink terminal using a Raspberry Pi Zero W, a Pimoroni Inky Impression 7.7" display, and a custom 3D-printed case. Motivated by a desire for a distraction-free writing environment and inspired by the now-defunct TRMNL project, he documented the entire process, from assembling the hardware and designing the case to setting up the software and optimizing power consumption. The result is a portable, low-power e-ink terminal ideal for focused writing and coding.
Commenters on Hacker News largely praised the project for its ambition, ingenuity, and clean design. Several expressed interest in purchasing a similar device, highlighting the desire for a distraction-free writing tool. Some offered constructive criticism, suggesting improvements like a larger screen, alternative keyboard layouts, and the ability to sync with cloud services. A few commenters delved into technical aspects, discussing the choice of e-ink display, the microcontroller used, and the potential for open-sourcing the project. The overall sentiment leaned towards admiration for the creator's dedication and the device's potential.
Lovable is a platform for building and deploying text-based bots and mini-apps, focusing on conversational experiences. It offers a visual interface for designing conversational flows, integrates with various messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord, and handles user authentication and data persistence. The platform aims to simplify the development process by abstracting away technical complexities and providing ready-to-use components, allowing creators to focus on building engaging and interactive experiences for their users.
HN commenters were generally positive about Lovable, praising its ease of use, clean interface, and the potential of Lua for scripting. Several expressed interest in using it for personal projects like home automation and controlling robots. Some questioned the long-term viability of relying on a closed-source platform, raising concerns about vendor lock-in and the possibility of the service disappearing. Others suggested improvements like better documentation, support for more platforms (like WebAssembly), and the ability to self-host. A few users compared it to existing tools like IFTTT and Zapier, wondering about its differentiation. The potential for abuse through spam bots was also briefly mentioned.
Logiquiz offers daily self-referential logic puzzles where the clues describe the solution grid itself. Players deduce the contents of a grid, typically numbers or symbols, based on statements about the grid's rows, columns, and other properties. Each puzzle has a unique solution, achievable through logical deduction without guessing. The website provides a new puzzle every day, along with an archive of past puzzles.
HN users generally found Logiquiz an interesting and enjoyable puzzle concept. Several appreciated the self-referential nature and the clean presentation. Some expressed concern about the limited number of puzzles currently available, while others offered suggestions like adding difficulty levels, hints, and the ability to share solutions. One commenter suggested adding the capability to generate puzzles, possibly leading to user-created content. The potential for puzzle variations, like Sudoku-style constraints, was also discussed. A few users drew comparisons to other logic puzzles, such as "Knights and Knaves" and existing grid-based logic puzzles.
Brainstorm.gg is a simple web app designed for quickly capturing and organizing ideas. It features a minimalist interface that allows users to jot down thoughts, categorize them with tags, and visually arrange them on a freeform canvas. This facilitates brainstorming by enabling users to easily connect related ideas and see the bigger picture. The tool aims to reduce friction in the idea generation process and help users get their thoughts out of their heads and into a manageable format.
HN users generally praised Brainstorm.gg for its clean interface and the potential usefulness of its core feature: quickly capturing and organizing ideas. Several commenters appreciated the simplicity and speed of use, comparing it favorably to more complex note-taking apps. Some suggested potential improvements, including adding tagging, markdown support, and the ability to export data. A few expressed concerns about the closed-source nature of the project and the lack of a self-hosting option, preferring open-source alternatives. The developer engaged with the commenters, acknowledging the feedback and outlining plans for future features, including addressing some of the privacy concerns.
This project introduces a method for keeping large PyTorch models loaded in VRAM while modifying and debugging the training code. It uses a "hot-swapping" technique that dynamically reloads the training loop code without restarting the entire Python process or unloading the model. This allows for faster iteration during development by eliminating the overhead of repeatedly loading the model, which can be time-consuming, especially with large models. The provided code demonstrates how to implement this hot-swapping functionality using a separate process that monitors and reloads the training script. This enables continuous training even as code changes are made and saved.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and limitations of the hot-swapping technique presented. Several commenters pointed out potential issues with accumulated state within the model, particularly with Batch Normalization layers and optimizers, questioning whether these are truly handled correctly by the method. The overhead of copying weights and the potential disruption of training flow were also raised as concerns. Some suggested alternative approaches like using smaller batches or gradient checkpointing to manage VRAM usage, viewing hot-swapping as a more complex solution to a problem addressable by simpler means. Others expressed interest in the technique for specific use cases, such as experimenting with different model architectures or loss functions mid-training. The discussion highlighted the trade-offs between the potential benefits of hot-swapping and the complexity of its implementation and potential unforeseen consequences.
Unsure Calculator is a simple web-based calculator that handles uncertain inputs. Instead of precise numbers, users input estimated ranges (e.g., "100 to 200") or distributions (e.g., "normal(100, 10)"). The calculator then performs the requested arithmetic operations (add, subtract, multiply, divide) and displays the resulting probability distribution of possible outcomes, visualized as a histogram. This allows users to quickly see the range and likelihood of different outcomes when dealing with imprecise estimations, making it useful for back-of-the-napkin calculations involving uncertainty.
HN users generally praised the Unsure Calculator for its intuitive approach to dealing with uncertainty in calculations. Several commenters highlighted its potential usefulness in various fields, from project management and cost estimation to personal finance and everyday decision-making. Some suggested improvements, like adding support for distributions beyond normal distributions, and integration with other tools. The clean UI and ease of use were also commended, though one user pointed out a potential ambiguity in the syntax. The developer engaged with the comments, responding to suggestions and clarifying usage. A few commenters also discussed broader implications of embracing uncertainty in calculations and the importance of tools like this for better decision-making.
SignalBloom launched a free tool that analyzes SEC filings like 10-Ks and 10-Qs, extracting key information and presenting it in easily digestible reports. These reports cover various aspects of a company's financials, including revenue, expenses, risks, and key performance indicators. The tool aims to democratize access to complex financial data, making it easier for investors, researchers, and the public to understand the performance and potential of publicly traded companies.
Hacker News users discussed the potential usefulness of the SEC filing analysis tool, with some expressing excitement about its capabilities for individual investors. Several commenters questioned the long-term viability of a free model, suggesting potential monetization strategies like premium features or data licensing. Others focused on the technical aspects, inquiring about the specific models used for analysis and the handling of complex filings. The accuracy and depth of the analysis were also points of discussion, with users asking about false positives/negatives and the tool's ability to uncover subtle insights. Some users debated the tool's value compared to existing financial analysis platforms. Finally, there was discussion of the potential legal and ethical implications of using AI to interpret legal documents.
memEx is a personal knowledge base application drawing inspiration from the zettelkasten method and org-mode. It aims to provide a streamlined, keyboard-driven interface for creating, linking, and navigating interconnected notes. Built with a text-based UI using Go and Bubble Tea, memEx emphasizes speed, simplicity, and extensibility. Features include bidirectional linking, flexible queries, integration with external editors like Vim and Emacs, and the ability to export notes in various formats like Markdown and Org-mode. The project is open source and encourages community contributions.
HN users generally praised the memEx project for its simplicity and clean interface, particularly appreciating the focus on plain text and Markdown. Some compared it favorably to other personal knowledge management tools, noting its speed and ease of use. Several commenters suggested potential features, including graph visualization, backlinking, and improved search functionality. A few expressed concern about the project's longevity and the potential lock-in of using a self-hosted solution. The developer actively engaged with the commenters, addressing questions and acknowledging suggestions for future development.
Whatsit.today is a new word guessing game where players try to decipher a hidden five-letter word by submitting guesses. Feedback is provided after each guess, revealing which letters are correct and if they are in the correct position within the word. The game offers a daily puzzle and the opportunity for unlimited practice. The creator is seeking feedback on their project.
HN users generally praised the simple, clean design and addictive gameplay of the word game. Several suggested improvements, such as a dark mode, a way to see definitions, and a larger word list. Some questioned the scoring system and offered alternative methods. A few pointed out similar existing games, and others offered encouragement for further development and monetization strategies. One commenter appreciated the creator's humility in presenting the game and mentioned their own mother's enjoyment of simple word games, creating a sense of camaraderie. The overall sentiment was positive and supportive.
C3 is a new programming language designed as a modern alternative to C. It aims to be safer and easier to use while maintaining C's performance and low-level control. Key features include optional memory safety through compile-time checks and garbage collection, improved syntax and error messages, and built-in modularity. The project is actively under development and includes a self-hosting compiler written in C3. The goal is to provide a practical language for systems programming and other performance-sensitive domains while mitigating common C pitfalls.
HN users discuss C3's goals and features, expressing both interest and skepticism. Several question the need for another C-like language, especially given the continued development of C and C++. Some appreciate the focus on safety and preventing common C errors, while others find the changes too drastic a departure from C's philosophy. There's debate about the practicality of automatic memory management in systems programming, and some concern over the runtime overhead it might introduce. The project's early stage is noted, and some express reservations about its long-term viability and community adoption. Others are more optimistic, praising the clear documentation and expressing interest in following its progress. The use of Python for the compiler is also a point of discussion.
Pets for Cursor is a simple web app that adds a small animated pet to follow your mouse cursor around the screen. Choose from a variety of animals, including a cat, dog, duck, and hamster, each with their own unique walking animation. The project is open-source and easily customizable, allowing users to add their own pets by providing a sprite sheet. It's a fun, lightweight way to personalize your browsing experience.
The Hacker News comments on "Show HN: Pets for Cursor" are generally positive and intrigued by the project. Several commenters express interest in trying it out or appreciate the novelty. Some suggest improvements like different pet options, customizable animations, and the ability to toggle the pet on/off. A few commenters raise potential downsides, such as the pet being distracting or interfering with clicking. One commenter notes the similarity to a previous project called "Cursorcerer," which was received favorably by their team. Overall, the comments indicate that while a simple idea, "Pets for Cursor" has sparked interest and discussion around its potential utility and entertainment value.
lharries has created and shared a minimal, command-line based WhatsApp server implementation written in Go. This server, dubbed "whatsapp-mcp," implements the WhatsApp Multi-Device Capability (MCP) protocol, allowing users to connect and interact with WhatsApp from their own custom client applications or potentially integrate it with other systems. The project is described as experimental and aims to provide a foundation for others to build upon or explore the inner workings of WhatsApp's multi-device architecture.
Hacker News users discussed the potential security and privacy implications of running a custom WhatsApp server. Some expressed concerns about the complexity and potential vulnerabilities introduced by deviating from the official WhatsApp infrastructure, particularly regarding end-to-end encryption. Others questioned the practicality and legality of using such a server. Several commenters were curious about the project's motivations and specific use cases, wondering if it was intended for legitimate purposes like testing or research, or for more dubious activities like bypassing WhatsApp's limitations or accessing user data. The lack of clarity on the project's goals and the potential risks involved led to a generally cautious reception.
This project presents a tiny JavaScript PubSub implementation weighing in at a mere 163 bytes. It provides basic publish and subscribe functionality, allowing developers to broadcast messages on specific topics (strings) and have subscribed functions execute when those topics are published to. The library focuses on extreme minimalism, sacrificing features like wildcard subscriptions or complex message filtering for an incredibly small footprint. This makes it suitable for resource-constrained environments or situations where a full-fledged PubSub library would be overkill.
Hacker News users discussed the minimalist JavaScript pub/sub implementation, praising its small size and cleverness. Some questioned its practicality for complex applications, suggesting larger libraries like mitt might be more suitable due to features like wildcard subscriptions and unsubscribing. Others debated the value of minimizing bundle size in modern web development, with some arguing that 163 bytes is a negligible saving. A few commenters suggested improvements or alternative implementations, including using a Map instead of an object for storing subscriptions to avoid prototype pollution issues. Overall, the reception was positive, though tinged with pragmatic considerations regarding real-world usage.
This "Ask HN" thread from March 2025 invites Hacker News users to share their current projects. People are working on a diverse range of things, from AI-powered tools for tasks like writing code documentation and debugging to hardware projects like custom keyboards and robotics. Several individuals are developing new programming languages or developer tools, while others are focused on SaaS products for specific industries or consumer apps for personal productivity and entertainment. Some posters are also exploring personal projects like creative writing or game development. Overall, the thread reveals a vibrant community engaged in a wide spectrum of innovative endeavors.
The Hacker News comments on the "Ask HN: What are you working on? (March 2025)" thread showcase a diverse range of projects. Several commenters are focused on AI-related tools, including personalized learning platforms, AI-driven code generation, and AI for scientific research. Others are working on more traditional software projects, such as developer tools, mobile apps, and SaaS products. A few commenters mention hardware projects, like custom keyboards and embedded systems. Some responses are more whimsical, discussing personal projects like creative writing or game development. A recurring theme is the integration of AI into various workflows, highlighting its increasing prevalence in the tech landscape. Several commenters also express excitement about emerging technologies like augmented reality and decentralized platforms.
Summary of Comments ( 32 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44116298
HN commenters generally expressed skepticism about the Loodio, a device designed to mask bathroom noises. Many questioned its effectiveness, citing the physics of sound and the difficulty of truly blocking low-frequency noises. Some saw it as a solution looking for a problem, arguing that existing solutions like fans or music were sufficient. Several commenters expressed concerns about the device's potential to malfunction and create embarrassing situations, like unexpectedly turning off mid-use. Others raised hygiene concerns related to its placement and cleaning. There was some interest in the idea, with a few suggesting alternative use cases like masking snoring or noisy neighbors, but the overall sentiment leaned towards practicality doubts and alternative solutions.
The Hacker News post about Loodio 2, a rechargeable bathroom privacy device, generated several comments discussing its utility, design, and potential market.
Some users questioned the necessity of such a device, arguing that existing solutions like fans or music already address the issue of bathroom noise. One commenter sarcastically suggested that the product's simplicity was its main selling point, implying it might be overpriced for its function. Another expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the device, particularly in comparison to a regular fan. This skepticism extended to the claimed sound pressure level, with a user pointing out the difficulty of achieving a truly flat frequency response.
Conversely, several commenters expressed interest in the product, particularly its rechargeable aspect and sleek design. One appreciated the improvement over the original Loodio in terms of rechargeability. Another commenter, identifying as someone with Crohn's disease, highlighted the genuine need for such a device to alleviate anxiety surrounding bathroom noise, emphasizing the significant impact it can have on quality of life. They further suggested potential improvements like alternative sounds and volume control. This comment sparked a thread of discussion about the social stigma surrounding bathroom noises and the genuine distress it can cause for individuals with digestive issues.
The discussion also touched upon the cultural differences in attitudes toward bathroom privacy. One commenter noted that such a device might be more readily accepted in some cultures than others. Another pointed out the potential benefit for apartment dwellers or those sharing living spaces.
A few comments focused on technical aspects. One user questioned the battery life and charging mechanism. Another suggested the use of directional speakers to minimize noise leakage.
Overall, the comments reflect a mixed reception to Loodio 2. While some dismissed it as an unnecessary gadget, others recognized its potential value, particularly for individuals with specific needs or living situations. The discussion highlights the varying perspectives on bathroom privacy and the importance of addressing the anxieties associated with it.