John Carmack's talk at Upper Bound 2025 focused on the complexities of AGI development. He highlighted the immense challenge of bridging the gap between current AI capabilities and true general intelligence, emphasizing the need for new conceptual breakthroughs rather than just scaling existing models. Carmack expressed concern over the tendency to overestimate short-term progress while underestimating long-term challenges, advocating for a more realistic approach to AGI research. He also discussed potential risks associated with increasingly powerful AI systems.
The author envisions a future (2025 and beyond) where creating video games without a traditional game engine becomes increasingly viable. This is driven by advancements in web technologies like WebGPU, which offer native performance, and readily available libraries handling complex tasks like physics and rendering. Combined with the growing accessibility of AI tools for asset creation and potentially even gameplay logic, the barrier to entry for game development lowers significantly. This empowers smaller teams and individual developers to bring their unique game ideas to life, focusing on creativity rather than wrestling with complex engine setup and low-level programming. This shift mirrors the transition seen in web development, moving from manual HTML/CSS/JS to higher-level frameworks and tools.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and appeal of the author's approach to game development. Several commenters questioned the long-term viability of building and maintaining custom engines, citing the significant time investment and potential for reinventing the wheel. Others expressed interest in the minimalist philosophy, particularly for smaller, experimental projects where creative control is paramount. Some pointed out the existing tools like raylib and Love2D that offer a middle ground between full-blown engines and building from scratch. The discussion also touched upon the importance of understanding underlying principles, regardless of the chosen tools. Finally, some users debated the definition of a "game engine" and whether the author's approach qualifies as engine-less.
The 2025 SIGBOVIK conference proceedings showcase a collection of humorous and technically creative papers exploring unconventional and often absurd aspects of computer science. Topics range from generating Shakespearean insults with machine learning to developing a self-destructing paper airplane protocol, and analyzing the computational complexity of stacking chairs. The papers, presented with a veneer of academic rigor, embrace playful exploration of impractical ideas, highlighting the lighter side of research and the joy of creative problem-solving. While the research itself is not meant to be taken seriously, the underlying technical skills and cleverness demonstrated throughout the proceedings are genuinely impressive.
HN users generally expressed amusement and appreciation for the SIGBOVIK conference and its tradition of humorous, yet technically interesting, papers. Several commenters highlighted specific papers that caught their attention, including one about generating cooking recipes from code and another exploring the potential of AI-generated sea shanties. The absurdity of a paper analyzing the "metadata" of cave paintings also drew positive remarks. Some users reflected on the conference's history and the consistent quality of its satirical contributions to computer science. There was also a brief discussion about the challenges of discerning genuine AI-generated text from human-written parody.
Yes, it's technically still possible to write a plain C iOS app in 2025 (and beyond). While Apple pushes developers towards Swift and SwiftUI, and Objective-C is slowly fading, the underlying iOS APIs are still C-based. This means you can use C, potentially with some Objective-C bridging for UI elements or higher-level functionalities, to create a functional app. However, this approach is significantly harder and less efficient than using Swift or Objective-C, lacking modern tools, libraries, and simplified memory management. Maintaining and updating a C-based iOS app would also be a considerable challenge compared to using more modern, officially supported languages and frameworks. Therefore, while possible, it's not generally recommended for practical development.
Hacker News users discussed the practicality and challenges of writing a plain C iOS app in 2025. Several commenters pointed out that while technically possible, using only C would be incredibly difficult and time-consuming, requiring significant workarounds to interact with essential iOS frameworks (mostly written in Objective-C and Swift). Some suggested leveraging existing C libraries and frameworks like SDL or raylib for cross-platform compatibility and easier graphics handling. Others questioned the motivation behind such an endeavor, given the availability of more suitable languages and tools for iOS development. The general consensus was that while a pure C app is theoretically achievable, it's a highly impractical approach for modern iOS development. Some pointed out that Apple's increasing restrictions on low-level access make a pure C app even more challenging going forward.
The HYTRADBOI 2025 conference, focused on hybrid traditional/digital back-office infrastructure, was deemed a moderate success. While attendance was lower than projected and the venue presented some A/V challenges, attendees generally found the sessions valuable and networking opportunities fruitful. The organizer highlighted successful experiments like the "hallway track" and unconference sessions, but acknowledged areas for improvement, including earlier promotion, clearer session descriptions, and a more robust A/V setup. Despite the shortcomings, positive feedback and a renewed sense of community suggest a strong foundation for future HYTRADBOI events.
HN commenters largely praised the HYTRADBOI postmortem for its humor and satirical take on tech conference culture. Several appreciated the specific details that made the satire resonate, like the obsession with "engagement," the meaningless jargon, and the over-the-top branding exercises. Some debated whether the piece was too cynical or accurately reflected current trends, while others pointed out parallels with existing events and marketing strategies. A few commenters focused on the writing style, praising its wit and clarity. One commenter suggested the fictional conference's premise—hybrid traditional boy—perfectly captured the tech industry's struggle to reconcile old and new ways of working. Others offered humorous additions to the fictional world, such as potential sponsors or session titles.
Microsoft is shutting down its classic Skype for Business Online service on May 5, 2025. The company has been encouraging users to migrate to Microsoft Teams, its newer communication and collaboration platform, for several years. While consumer Skype will remain unaffected, businesses still using the legacy Skype for Business platform are urged to complete their transition to Teams before the deadline to avoid disruption. Microsoft highlights Teams' enhanced features and integration with other Microsoft 365 services as key benefits of the switch.
Hacker News commenters largely lament the loss of Skype, focusing on its previously excellent quality and reliability, particularly for international calls. Many express frustration with Microsoft's handling of the platform, believing they intentionally let it degrade after acquisition. Some suggest Microsoft prioritized Teams integration to the detriment of Skype's core functionality. Alternatives like Zoom, Teams, and Discord are discussed, but several users feel none fully replicate Skype's specific strengths, like its robust handling of poor connections. A few commenters also reminisce about Skype's history and innovative features, noting its pioneering role in video calling and screen sharing.
Boris Spassky, the 10th World Chess Champion, has died at the age of 98. A brilliant and charismatic player known for his positional mastery and sharp tactical vision, Spassky held the world title from 1969 to 1972, famously losing it to Bobby Fischer in a match that transcended the Cold War rivalry. He later became a French citizen and continued to play competitively well into his advanced years, leaving behind a rich legacy as one of the game's most beloved figures.
Hacker News users discuss Spassky's life and legacy, focusing on his historical significance as a World Champion during the Cold War era. Some commenters highlight the political pressures surrounding the 1972 match with Fischer, while others emphasize Spassky's sportsmanship and grace, particularly in defeat. A few users share personal anecdotes of meeting or observing Spassky, painting a picture of a complex and thoughtful individual. Several commenters correct the title of the post which incorrectly listed the year of Spassky's death as 2025. Spassky is still alive.
Several key EU regulations are slated to impact startups in 2025. The Data Act will govern industrial data sharing, requiring companies to make data available to users and others upon request, potentially affecting data-driven business models. The revised Payment Services Directive (PSD3) aims to enhance payment security and foster open banking, impacting fintechs with stricter requirements. The Cyber Resilience Act mandates enhanced cybersecurity for connected devices, adding compliance burdens on hardware and software developers. Additionally, the EU's AI Act, though expected later, could still influence product development strategies throughout 2025 with its tiered risk-based approach to AI regulation. These regulations necessitate careful preparation and adaptation for startups operating within or targeting the EU market.
Hacker News users discussing the upcoming EU regulations generally express concerns about their complexity and potential negative impact on startups. Several commenters predict these regulations will disproportionately burden smaller companies due to the increased compliance costs, potentially stifling innovation and favoring larger, established players. Some highlight specific regulations, like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA), and discuss their potential consequences for platform interoperability and competition. The platform liability aspect of the DSA is also a point of contention, with some questioning its practicality and effectiveness. Others note the broad scope of these regulations, extending beyond just tech companies, and affecting sectors like manufacturing and AI. A few express skepticism about the EU's ability to effectively enforce these regulations.
The Civaux-1 nuclear reactor in France consumed more electricity than it generated during the first two months of 2025. This was due to ongoing maintenance and testing following extended outages for repairs related to stress corrosion cracking discovered in 2021. While the reactor was occasionally connected to the grid for testing, it operated at very low power levels, resulting in net electricity consumption as the plant's systems still required power to function.
Hacker News users discuss the misleading nature of the linked chart showing French nuclear power generation in 2025. Several commenters point out that the chart displays scheduled maintenance periods, where plants are offline and consuming power for upkeep, not generating it. This maintenance is crucial for long-term reliability and explains the apparent negative power output. Some highlight the importance of distinguishing between planned downtime and operational issues. Others note the long lead times required for such maintenance, emphasizing the need for careful planning within the energy sector. A few discuss the broader context of French nuclear power and its role in their energy mix.
This satirical blog post imagines Home Assistant in 2025 as overwhelmingly complex and frustrating. The author humorously portrays a smart home overrun with convoluted automations, excessive voice control, and constant notifications, highlighting the potential downsides of over-reliance on and over-complication of smart home technology. The fictional user struggles with simple tasks like turning on lights, battling unintended consequences from interconnected systems, and dealing with the ceaseless chatter of AI assistants vying for attention. The post ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of user-friendliness and simplicity even as smart home technology advances.
Commenters on Hacker News largely expressed skepticism towards the blog post's vision of Home Assistant in 2025, finding it too focused on complex automations for marginal convenience gains. Several pointed out the inherent unreliability of such intricate systems, especially given the current state of smart home technology. The reliance on voice control was also questioned, with some highlighting the privacy implications and others simply preferring physical controls. A few commenters expressed interest in specific aspects, like the local processing and self-hosting, but the overall sentiment leaned towards practicality and simplicity over elaborate, potentially fragile automations. Some found the described setup too complex and suggested simpler solutions to achieve similar results. The lack of significant advancements beyond current Home Assistant capabilities was also a recurring theme.
After October 14, 2025, Microsoft 365 apps like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will no longer receive security updates or technical support on Windows 10. While the apps will still technically function, using them on an unsupported OS poses security risks. Microsoft encourages users to upgrade to Windows 11 to continue receiving support and maintain the security and functionality of their Microsoft 365 applications.
HN commenters largely discuss the implications of Microsoft ending support for Office apps on Windows 10. Several express frustration with Microsoft's push to upgrade to Windows 11, viewing it as a forced upgrade and an attempt to increase Microsoft 365 subscriptions. Some highlight the inconvenience this poses for users with older hardware incompatible with Windows 11. Others note the potential security risks of using unsupported software and the eventual necessity of upgrading. A few commenters point out the continuing support for Office 2019, although with limited functionality updates, and discuss the alternative of using web-based Office apps or open-source office suites like LibreOffice. Some speculate this is a move to bolster Microsoft 365 subscriptions, making offline productivity increasingly dependent on the service.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44070042
HN users discuss John Carmack's 2012 talk on "Independent Game Development." Several commenters reminisce about Carmack's influence and clear communication style. Some highlight his emphasis on optimization and low-level programming as key to achieving performance, particularly in resource-constrained environments like mobile at the time. Others note his advocacy for smaller, focused teams and "lean methodologies," contrasting it with the bloat they perceive in modern game development. A few commenters mention specific technical insights they gleaned from Carmack's talks or express disappointment that similar direct, technical presentations are less common today. One user questions whether Carmack's approach is still relevant given advancements in hardware and tools, sparking a debate about the enduring value of optimization and the trade-offs between performance and developer time.
The Hacker News post titled "John Carmack talk at Upper Bound 2025" links to a tweet announcing John Carmack's upcoming talk. The discussion on Hacker News is brief, consisting of only three comments, so a detailed analysis of compelling arguments isn't possible.
The first comment humorously points out the futuristic date of 2025 (the tweet was from 2012, predicting a 2025 talk) and how Carmack's predictions often involve extended timelines. It also jokes about how the date aligns with potential advancements in rocketry, a field Carmack is involved in.
The second comment simply expresses excitement and anticipation for the talk.
The third comment observes that the linked tweet was from 2012, making it old news. It notes that Carmack did end up speaking at the 2025 Game Developers Conference, subtly correcting the initial interpretation of the linked tweet, and shares a link to that later talk's video. This comment effectively closes the loop on the somewhat misleading title of the Hacker News post.