Typewise, a YC S22 startup developing an AI-powered keyboard focused on text prediction and correction, is hiring a Machine Learning Engineer in Zurich, Switzerland. The ideal candidate has experience in NLP, deep learning, and large language models, and will contribute to improving the keyboard's prediction accuracy and performance. Responsibilities include developing and training new models, optimizing existing ones, and working with large datasets. Experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, or similar frameworks is desired, along with a passion for building innovative products that improve user experience.
This YouTube video showcases a Toshiba BW-2112, a Japanese typewriter from the 1980s. The video demonstrates the typewriter's various functions, including typing in Japanese using katakana and hiragana, as well as English letters and numbers. The presenter highlights the machine's unique features like the half-space key, margin settings, and correction capabilities. They also demonstrate changing the ribbon and the overall operation of the typewriter, emphasizing its compact and portable design.
HN users generally enjoyed the video showcasing the Toshiba BW-2112 typewriter, praising its design, sound, and the creator's obvious enthusiasm. Several commenters reminisced about using typewriters, highlighting the satisfying tactile experience and the focus they demanded. Some discussed the typewriter's specific features, like the unique key spacing and the half-space key. A few users expressed interest in finding a similar model, and others shared links to resources for typewriter enthusiasts. One compelling comment thread debated the practicality of using vintage typewriters today, considering factors like maintenance, ribbon availability, and the lack of editing capabilities.
Astral is a new static type checker being developed for Python that aims to be faster and more ergonomic than existing options like MyPy. It leverages a new type inference algorithm designed for performance and boasts features like auto-completion, goto-definition, and an improved developer experience. The project is still early in development but claims significant speed improvements, with a goal of being at least 5x faster than MyPy on real-world codebases. Astral also intends to offer seamless integration with existing Python tooling and provide enhanced support for popular libraries like NumPy and Pandas.
Hacker News users discuss Astral's potential, drawing parallels to MyPy but with a focus on performance. Some express skepticism about static typing in Python, questioning its necessity and impact on the language's flexibility. Others are interested in Astral's approach to gradual typing and its ability to handle complex codebases. Performance improvements over MyPy are frequently mentioned as a key benefit. Several commenters inquire about specific features, such as handling metaclasses and integration with existing tools. Overall, there's a mix of cautious optimism and interest in seeing how Astral develops.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43689801
HN commenters discuss the listed salary range (120-180k CHF) for the ML Engineer position at Typewise, with several noting it seems low for Zurich's high cost of living, especially compared to US tech salaries. Some suggest the range might be intended to attract less experienced candidates. Others express interest in the company's mission of improving typing accuracy and privacy, but question the technical challenge and long-term market viability of a swipe-based keyboard. A few commenters also mention the potential difficulty of obtaining a Swiss work permit.
The Hacker News post linking to a Typewise job posting for a Machine Learning Engineer elicited several comments, primarily focusing on the listed salary and the cost of living in Zurich.
One commenter questioned the attractiveness of the offered salary range of CHF 100,000 - 140,000, considering Zurich's high cost of living. They expressed doubt that someone with the required skills, particularly experience with large language models and transformers, would find this range competitive, especially when compared to US salaries. They speculated that the company might be targeting less experienced candidates or relying on the allure of living in Switzerland to compensate.
Another commenter agreed, stating that while Zurich is a beautiful city, the provided salary range would likely only allow for a modest lifestyle. They calculated the after-tax income and compared it to average rent prices, concluding that a significant portion of the salary would be consumed by housing costs. They also pointed out the limited upper bound of the salary range, suggesting it might not be appealing to highly skilled individuals.
Furthering the discussion on salary, a commenter who claimed to have lived in Zurich weighed in. They emphasized the high cost of housing and transportation, mentioning specific expenses like mandatory health insurance. They also noted the lower tax rates compared to other European countries, but ultimately agreed that the offered salary range isn't particularly competitive for experienced ML engineers, especially those with expertise in the currently in-demand areas like LLMs.
One commenter briefly mentioned the company's unusual keyboard layout as a potential downside.
The discussion also touched upon the hiring market, with one commenter speculating about a potential shift in the job market, where companies might be trying to hire experienced engineers at lower salaries than what was prevalent a year ago.
Finally, there's a brief exchange about the salary being denominated in Swiss Francs (CHF) and its current rough equivalence to the US dollar.